FAC for a occassional stalker

[Richie10]

Hi,

I have a shotgun, but my thing is Deer stalking.

 

I had the FAO over the other day checking the cabinet and I told him about wanting to apply and he said I had all the kit to have a rifle.

He suggested that I went in for the DSC 1 to show that I would be willing to put time, effort and money into the new hobby.

That is great reasoning and fair enough.

The thing is, I don't see this as a compulsory also it is very expensive, you should be able to apply without such a qualification as generations before have done so.

I can speak to all 4 guides I have stalked with to provide a letter proving that I have been and shown responsible usage of the rifle and taken only safe shots.

Would this be adequate? I feel that my shooting would be improved by having my own rifle rather than using the estate rifle each time.

 

Thanks for any help.

 

Rich

[Vipa]

Hi,

I have a shotgun, but my thing is Deer stalking.

 

I had the FAO over the other day checking the cabinet and I told him about wanting to apply and he said I had all the kit to have a rifle.

He suggested that I went in for the DSC 1 to show that I would be willing to put time, effort and money into the new hobby.

That is great reasoning and fair enough.

The thing is, I don't see this as a compulsory also it is very expensive, you should be able to apply without such a qualification as generations before have done so.

I can speak to all 4 guides I have stalked with to provide a letter proving that I have been and shown responsible usage of the rifle and taken only safe shots.

Would this be adequate? I feel that my shooting would be improved by having my own rifle rather than using the estate rifle each time.

 

Thanks for any help.

 

Rich

 

It isn't compulsory but a lot of forces like to see you have DSC. You could argue with them and get the weight of a shooting organisation behind you if you are a member but at the end of the day we are at the mercy of what the Chief Constable of your particular force wants for you to be able to justify ownership. Remember you don't have to do the course, you could do your own study (more than happy to lend you the DSC 1 training manual) and then take the exams, that will come in at something like £100 rather than the £300 for the course. DSC alone won't cut it anyway, they will also want invoices or invitations proving the stalking you have done or are going to do.

 

My suggestion would be to also join a local rifle club too as that in itself gives you back up justification.

 

At the end of the day it depends how much you want to persue your chosen sport and own your own equipment, you can fight tooth and nail and quote the letter of the law to the feo and hope he doesn't get awkward or you can do what he requests and let everything go through smoothly.... Remember, unlike a shotgun, you do not have a right to own a rifle.

[SSS]

To own a rifle, you have to show good reason for having one. Very good answer from Vipa above.

 

I can't see why you wouldn't be allowed your own. At the end of the day, stalking is good reason to own one.

Good luck :blink:

[Redgum]

It isn't compulsory but a lot of forces like to see you have DSC. You could argue with them and get the weight of a shooting organisation behind you if you are a member but at the end of the day we are at the mercy of what the Chief Constable of your particular force wants for you to be able to justify ownership. Remember you don't have to do the course, you could do your own study (more than happy to lend you the DSC 1 training manual) and then take the exams, that will come in at something like £100 rather than the £300 for the course. DSC alone won't cut it anyway, they will also want invoices or invitations proving the stalking you have done or are going to do.

 

My suggestion would be to also join a local rifle club too as that in itself gives you back up justification.

 

At the end of the day it depends how much you want to persue your chosen sport and own your own equipment, you can fight tooth and nail and quote the letter of the law to the feo and hope he doesn't get awkward or you can do what he requests and let everything go through smoothly.... Remember, unlike a shotgun, you do not have a right to own a rifle.

 

To do the DSC1 on your own back firstly you will need a manual like David Strettons or the BDS manual to study from which will cost around £30, registration will cost a further £80 and then doing the five modules will cost you £50. If you use the assessors gun there may or may not be a fee but you will pay for ammo that you use. With fuel etc you will not have much change out of £200. Even if you pay to do the course you will be expected to do some revision yourself.

[Richie10]

I have no problem with the revision etc, that sounds a much better way of doing it.

 

Thanks for all the help.

 

Rich

[njc110381]

If you've already been out then letters from your stalkers should do the job. In my opinion experience is better than any exam anyway! I'm not sure if just being safe with a rifle is enough for some forces? They sometimes take it upon themselves to see that you have the correct knowledge to deal with the carcass too, safe gralloch methods etc, so it may be worth getting your stalkers to add that to their references. I should think with that kind of backup you should be fine but then it's really down to what force you're under? I got my Deer rifle with a mentor which was great for me, he taught me a great deal and I thought it was a very good way to get started.

 

Whichever way you decide to go, good luck. Don't take my advice as sounding against the DSC because I know a few shooters who have done it and say it's very worthwhile and informative. It's just not the only way and experience is very useful too.