Seadog1408 Posted March 1, 2019 Report Share Posted March 1, 2019 Hi i would like to try stalking and put some meat in the freezer alongside the birds, now I have a dsc1 booked for September, and am happy to book some stalking but in which order is best?, do I do the dsc1 first then apply for FAC and then book stalking or do I apply for FAC first then DSC and book stalking, advice would be appreciated as I don't want to balls up an application. mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lord v Posted March 1, 2019 Report Share Posted March 1, 2019 Dsc isn't a requirement for a fac, despite what some forces say. Dsc alone wouldn't be good reason so you will need something else before applying. Paid stalking satisfies the good reason. I would book and complete one, make other bookings {get receipts!} then submit the application. The fact you have already booked your Dsc won't hurt. Remember moderators count as a separate slot and must be applied for. What you going for? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scobydog Posted March 1, 2019 Report Share Posted March 1, 2019 Book a stalk or 2, get written confirmation then apply for a Fac for a suitable calibre, keep receipts from stalk as proof for the Feo just in case. Dsc 1 is up to you when you take it. Good luck and enjoy the stalking. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spandit Posted March 1, 2019 Report Share Posted March 1, 2019 I'd say do the Dsc1 first then book some stalking to put the theory into practice. It's a good course and a recognised qualification that will help your FAC application. No harm in applying beforehand, you might find your FEO gives you some good advice. Mine added a moderator slot as a matter of course - I have never heard of them quibbling over mods Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluesj Posted March 1, 2019 Report Share Posted March 1, 2019 Apply for your fac book some stalks then do your dsc. Your fac will probably take the longest to get, you can do acompanied stalks as use their rifle and then do your dsc when you have a bit of expiriance Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zetter Posted March 1, 2019 Report Share Posted March 1, 2019 Virtually all paid stalkers have an estate rifle you can use either as part of the stalk or for a small extra payment. I would get a few stalks booked with an experienced guide (plenty over on stalking directory) pay your deposit and get a receipt/ put in for your FAC on that basis. Depending on the area FAC could take a while so put in for it worst that can happen is they ask for you to do a couple of stalks first before they grant. and you have lost nothing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pushandpull Posted March 1, 2019 Report Share Posted March 1, 2019 If you are a complete novice, get a couple of trips with a pro first. This will give you an idea of what it is all about and you can then decide whether to proceed. Later on, good DSC1 courses will include background discussion and anecdotes and there may be very experienced candidates. A little practical experience will allow you get a lot more out of the course. Back in the day I was involved with winter "theory" courses for sailing qualifications. One or two folk with the ambition of buying a small boat signed up but had absolutely no practical experience at all and found it trying. As above, a couple of afternoons in a dinghy or a small cruiser would have made it so much more rewarding. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Heron Posted March 1, 2019 Report Share Posted March 1, 2019 40 minutes ago, Pushandpull said: If you are a complete novice, get a couple of trips with a pro first. This will give you an idea of what it is all about and you can then decide whether to proceed. Later on, good DSC1 courses will include background discussion and anecdotes and there may be very experienced candidates. A little practical experience will allow you get a lot more out of the course. Back in the day I was involved with winter "theory" courses for sailing qualifications. One or two folk with the ambition of buying a small boat signed up but had absolutely no practical experience at all and found it trying. As above, a couple of afternoons in a dinghy or a small cruiser would have made it so much more rewarding. Yes I would agree nothing beats experience I have DSC1 and 2 but both were achieved after I had been out with a pro stalker quite a few times. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Walker570 Posted March 1, 2019 Report Share Posted March 1, 2019 Yes, get a few paid days under your belt first off, using the 'estate' rifle, keeping a record not only of paying for the day but a diary of what success, advice etc., then put in for your FAC. I am of the belief you will learn as much spending the money on paid days with a good guide than you will on DSC1s etc which are really just money spinners for the organisers. How much are these courses these days, three ..four hundred pounds. I see an advert on here for stalking at Woburn for £150 plus what you shoot and that looked a top end operation. That decision is up to you but it isn't essential for your FAC application Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seadog1408 Posted March 1, 2019 Author Report Share Posted March 1, 2019 Thank you all for the prompt responses, I have just had a look at the stalking directory and joined up, I will book a few days as suggested and then apply. regards mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
labstaff Posted March 2, 2019 Report Share Posted March 2, 2019 I had a few paid days but in the end all I needed was a receipt to say I had a stalk booked and sent it in with my variation for. 243. My force (Derbyshire) don't need any more than that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShootingEgg Posted March 3, 2019 Report Share Posted March 3, 2019 21 hours ago, labstaff said: I had a few paid days but in the end all I needed was a receipt to say I had a stalk booked and sent it in with my variation for. 243. My force (Derbyshire) don't need any more than that. You shouldn't even need this. There are no rules or guidance on needing any thing like this to aquire the 243. Its all dependant on the force and what rules thry make up. I was asked to take a firearm ls awareness course. Some I know asked to do dsc or dont get the calibre. If you're keen to get into it, id do the paid stalks anyway, for experience, and try and find some land that you could get the stalking on yourself. You will learn more in the field than in a classroom. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dekers Posted March 3, 2019 Report Share Posted March 3, 2019 As already mentioned forces seem to make it up as they go. You don't need a DSC or paid stalks, Firearms awareness courses or mentors etc., but you do need some sort of valid reason. Who knows what floats their boat in your region! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.