There are two reasons why I am excited this month. The first is quite simply that with March comes Spring. The second is down to the increasing success of the Proficient Deer Stalking Certificate (PDS1) and a new recommendation process that will reward readers and ensure even more people get involved with our beloved field sport.
First things first, in the Northern Hemisphere Spring officially starts on Sunday 20th March, by which time most people are more than ready for a little warmth and sunshine. Personally, I can’t tell you how much I am looking forward to it. March is, in fact, one of my favourite months to be hunting.
Why? Well, there are several reasons, firstly dawn and dusk outings remain fairly sociable. By the 20th March it will be getting light in the morning by about 5.30am and dark by around 6.45pm. Secondly, everything except for Roebuck remain in season and thirdly, the deer appear to be everywhere. More than at any other time of year, deer are at their most visible.
Due to a lack of leaf and ground cover, sight lines are open and clear, and deer can often be observed at greater distances, even in woodland. They are also under nutritional pressure, with the available browse in the woodlands exhausted and with the first buds of growth appearing first in areas where sunlight can penetrate, deer are encouraged into the open to browse and bathe in the first rays of warming spring sunshine.
A word of caution however, most females are heavily pregnant, so by all means observe, and indeed take the opportunity to select a few animals, however, be sympathetic to their plight and do not be tempted to over stress or exhaust already winter weary, pregnant animals.
Now the second reason I am excited, and I am going to try and instantly grab your attention here, because this is worthy of a read.
We want the PDS1 to become the UK’s deer stalking course of choice and we want you, our readers, to help, so we are going to give you something back.
We recognise that in the UK, it is excellent people on the ground like you, that are the lifeblood of deer management, and that it is often people like you that are responsible for introducing beginners to the sport. So we have launched the following simple recommendation scheme that is designed to reward you for recommending the PDS1.
The process couldn’t be simpler.
If you know someone that is interested in taking up deer stalking, simply tell them about the Proficient Deer Stalker Certificate (PDS1) and when they enrol, we’ll give you £100.00 as a Thank You. What’s more, we'll also donate £10.00 to charity.
The only thing you need to do, is give us the name of the individual that you have recommended, so that we know who made the recommendation and who to pay. It really is that simple.
The PDS1 is a nationally recognised deer stalking course that has been running for over a decade and is accredited by both the UK’s leading, land-based awarding bodies - LANTRA and UK Rural Skills. LANTRA itself is overseen by both the British Standards Institute and Ofqual, so you have every reason to be confident in making a recommendation, safe in the knowledge that your friend or client will be undertaking a nationally approved and accredited course.
If you know someone that wants to get into deer stalking, give it a try. Mention the PDS1 to them, send a quick email to
In one swoop you will have introduced someone to deer stalking, made a contribution to charity and have earned £100.00 to boot!
Find out more about the Proficient Deer Stalker Course HERE.
Or alternatively, if you’d like to speak with us, call 020 3981 0159 and we’ll be happy to help.
*NB. This offer is only for those that take up the PDS1 online. Rates of remuneration are subject to change with 30 days notice. Remuneration is paid only to the first person notifying County Deer Stalking of a recommendee.
IN Season in England & Wales: Roe Doe, Fallow Doe & Fallow Buck, Sika Stag & Sika Hind, Red Stag & Red Hind, CWD Buck & CWD Doe, Muntjac Buck & Muntjac Doe.
Off Season in England & Wales: Roebuck.
In Season in Scotland: Roe Doe, Fallow Buck.
Off Season in Scotland: Red Stag & Red Hind, Sika Stag & Sika Hind, Roebuck and Fallow Doe.
(Peter Jones - Editor)
