The BASC/Forestry Commission Deer Management scheme is open to all BASC members and the scheme is designed to provide practical experience for stalkers of all levels of experience and ability. The new “estate rifle” facility provides the opportunity for complete novices and beginners to go out on their first stalks under the supervision of an experienced deer manager. The “estate rifle” is now a moderated .308 and can be used for all species of deer. For those who are considering or have completed the Deer Stalking Certificate Level 1, the scheme offers the chance to gain more experience under expert tutelage, and for those working towards DSC Level two, it offers the chance to make witnessed stalks for assessment.  The scheme also gives an opportunity for more experienced members to stalk different species of deer in different habitats. All stalking activities are accompanied by a supervising stalker and take place from Monday to Friday.

Before stalkers are taken out by the supervisor they will be required to demonstrate that their rifle is zeroed by putting 3 shots into a 4" group at 100 metres.  Stalkers should ensure that their rifle is zeroed before coming on the scheme as those who cannot achieve the 4” group will not be permitted to stalk live quarry. Members using the “estate rifle” will have the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the rifle before taking the shooting test. To gain the most advantage from the scheme, members should have a basic knowledge of deer and stalking and be confident in using a rifle in field conditions. Potential stalkers should take the time to practice live firing from the sitting, standing and kneeling positions using a stick or other support.

A permit normally entitles members to one outing of 3 hours, though this can be extended (if deer numbers allow) up to four outings, with the prior agreement of the BASC Deer Management Department. This will allow individuals travelling long distances to spend a couple of days in the stalking area, thus increasing the chance of a successful stalk. Because of the requirement to shoot a test group before stalking commences, we do not accept bookings for a single morning outing, as this drastically reduces time on the ground.

King’s Forest - Thetford

An area of 500 hectares of King's Forest on the Suffolk/Norfolk border is licensed exclusively to BASC permit holders. The area consists of a mosaic of mature and newly planted blocks of conifer and is extremely flat. As a consequence, most of the deer culling is done from high seats. The forest holds a resident population of Roe and Muntjac deer with the occasional Fallow and Red passing through.  The stalking permits are only available for Roe deer and Muntjac and are available throughout the relevant seasons, which are: bucks 1 April to 31 October, does 1 November to 31st March. There is no close season for Muntjac.

A 'one-off' fee of £115 is charged for each initial permit outing and £102.50 for subsequent outings regardless of the number of animals culled. This fee is not refundable if no deer are shot.  The penalty charges however do apply.

There are no trophy fees for either Roe or Muntjac, which makes the charges for the scheme very competitive.

Penalty Fees

Miss or Wound  £75 (per incident)
A PENALTY MAY BE CHARGED FOR ZEROING YOUR RIFLE

Stalkers are expected to arrive with their rifles zeroed. A check group will be required but if further time is needed on the range, an hourly fee of £12 will apply. The supervisor may impose an ADDITIONAL on the spot penalty fee for time spent searching for and despatching injured beasts if deemed appropriate.

There will be an option to buy venison from the Forestry Commission at the current market price.

General Conditions

A permit authorises the holder to shoot specified deer over a part of a particular forest on a certain date. Stalking will be by agreement with and at times convenient to the Supervising stalker or his delegated representative. The permit will only be valid for the season booked and will be forfeited if not exercised within that period.  Only factory ammunition will be accepted, no home loads are to be used.

The Permit Holder will be required to:

a) give at least 14 days notice when booking permit

b) give at least 14 days notice to the BASC Deer Management Department when cancelling arrangements

c) be accompanied by and act under the direction of the supervising stalker

d) use a rifle of a calibre not less than .240 inches and soft or hollow-nosed bullets with a published muzzle energy of not less than 1,700 foot pounds for Roe deer

e) use a rifle of a calibre of not less than .220 inches and soft-nosed or hollow-nosed bullets weighing not less than 50 grains with a published muzzle energy of not less than 1000 foot pounds for Muntjac

f) fire on request, a group of sighting shots, at a range and accuracy to the satisfaction of the supervising stalker or other authorised person

g) produce, for inspection on request by the FC Head Ranger or other authorised person – a valid Firearms Certificate (unless using the “Estate” rifle facility) and proof of current membership of BASC (which gives third party insurance cover with an indemnity limit of £10,000,000 legal liability)

h) indemnify BASC against any loss, injury or damage

i) note that shooting from any moving vehicle or by artificial light is prohibited

j) if an injured deer is encountered, it will be shot.  If the outing is spoilt as a result, the stalking fee may be waived or the permit holder offered another opportunity.

k) if the deer is wounded, stalking will stop until it has been despatched or otherwise accounted for

l) note that the carcass is the property of the Forestry Commission.  Weight and other measurements of interest will be recorded officially. The permit holder may purchase the venison at the current private sales rate and make suitable arrangements for its removal

m) the fees as set out on the attached advisory paper are to be paid to BASC

n) while all arrangements for a satisfactory outing will be made in good faith, BASC can give no guarantees

o) BASC reserve the right to suspend or withdraw a Permit at any time and its decision in any matters arising from the granting of a Permit will be final

p) BASC reserves the right to vary these conditions and charges without notice

q) comply with the Deer Stalking Code of Practice at all times.

Please return form to:

Deer Management Department
The British Association for Shooting & Conservation
Marford Mill
Rossett
Wrexham
LL12 0HL
Tel: 01244 573047  Fax: 01244 573013
email

Document title	Document date
King's Forest information and application form