Stalking Certification runs DSC1 and DSC2 deer stalking assessments at the Berkenhorst facility in the Netherlands, delivered under the British Association for Shooting and Conservation. DSC1 is awarded by Deer Management Qualifications and is the same certificate issued in the United Kingdom. The assessment runs over an evening and the following day, in English.
Welcome
My name is Adrian van Well. Together with BASC I organise DSC assessments in The Netherlands, an ideal solution for hunters from continental Europe wishing to acquire their deer stalking qualifications without needing to travel to the UK.
The art of stalking
Many continental deerstalkers hunt roe and red deer in their home country. Most of the time they hunt from a high seat and sometimes on a driven hunt. But being able to successfully approach deer, select the right animal and cull it correctly and safely from a shooting stick, is for many hunters a new and challenging experience. This art of stalking is both active and exciting. By using all the elements like wind, terrain and the knowledge gained during the Deer Stalking Certificate study, this culling of deer will surely become an unforgettable experience.
The next assessment
DSC1 · 16–17 March 2027 · Berkenhorst
Places are limited and are offered in the order enquiries arrive.
Why here
Delivered under BASC
The assessment day is overseen by the Head of the BASC Deer Assessment Centre, acting as Senior Internal Verifier. The certificate comes from Deer Management Qualifications, the awarding body, exactly as it would in Britain.
Two days, not a week
You arrive at 1800h the evening before for dinner, the briefing and visual training, and are assessed the following day from 0900. Most candidates are home that night.
All five modules in one visit
Written, game meat hygiene, visual, safety and shooting are all assessed at Berkenhorst, which has the range, the classroom and the ground used for the safety walk.
A gunsmith on site
Bring your own rifle, zeroed, of .243 calibre or higher. A gunsmith is on site for serious rifle or optic faults, which is the difference between a bad morning and a wasted trip.
Why the UK asks for it
In the UK you find an extremely good, sustainable population of deer. Almost all landowners, both private and government, demand that all hunters who cull deer on their properties are trained hunters. Therefore possession of both DSC1 and DSC2 ensures that deer are managed to a high welfare standard. This gives the owner a guarantee of optimal safety, a high standard of handling, hygiene and presentation of all carcases from shooting to collection. When you are, as a continental European hunter, in possession of DSC1 and DSC2 there are many hunting opportunities available for you — especially through BASC and The Forestry Commission.
Last reviewed .