Welcome to the DMQ Website

Deer Management Qualifications (DMQ) exists to promote high standards in the humane management of wild deer. This objective is supported by the deer sector and is achieved by a system which gives candidates the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and skills to a level of competence by means of a number of assessed criteria. These include; ecology, biology, marksmanship, law, safely and humanely culling deer, and dealing with carcasses hygienically through the Deer Stalking Certificates: DSC1 and DSC2.

In addition to DSC1 and 2 and in recognition of the increase of feral wild boar in the UK and the need for their management Deer Management Qualifications (DMQ) also delivers a Wild Boar qualification. The assessment standards of the qualification recognise the need for wild boar to be managed effectively and humanely in the interests of both their welfare and our natural habitat.

This site is designed:
• To provide initial information to potential candidates for DSC1 and DSC2
• To inform current holders of DSC1 and DSC2 of changes to the standard, best practice, and other news
• To notify and update DMQ Approved Witnesses with relevant information, and
• To provide a downloadable resource for all users.

About Us

Deer Management Qualifications (DMQ) is a not for profit company, limited by guarantee, which maintains the Deer Stalking Certificate (DSC) standard, quality assures the assessment process, and administers the awards.

The aim of the standard and related assessments is to enable candidates to demonstrate their understanding of basic deer management principles. DMQ’s role is to develop and maintain a progressive approach to deer management standards and assessment, linked to recognised current National Standards. DMQ is supported in this by a number of organisations listed separately on this website.

Our Working Group maintains and updates the DSC1 and DSC2 standards and assessment procedures, and assures, through external verification, the consistency and validity of assessment and internal verification processes.

Administration support for DMQ is provided by the British Association of Shooting and Conservation (BASC) at Marford Mill – see Contact Us.