At Corinium, we have established ourselves as one of the UK’s leading providers of professional training for deer stalking and driven boar shooting.
Whether you are completely new to the sport or an experienced shooter looking to develop your skills, we can provide a tailored training package to suit your individual requirements and level of experience.
We are proud to be one of a select number of BASC-approved Trainers and Assessors, and our standards are regularly assessed by BASC to ensure that we continue to deliver training of the highest possible standard.
Please select from the options below for further information…
This is not a formal course, but an ideal introduction to rifle shooting for complete beginners and those considering applying for a Firearms Certificate (FAC).
During this one-hour session, you’ll have the opportunity to get hands-on experience with larger-calibre rifles, learning the fundamentals of target acquisition and shot placement under professional supervision.
It’s also a great choice for anyone looking for something a little different. Whether as a birthday or Christmas gift, this experience offers a memorable introduction to the world of rifle shooting and can be purchased as a gift voucher.
Weekdays £170, Weekends £180, Inc rifle hire and 25 rounds of ammunition, per person, 1 hour.
Please contact us for details, email here, or call 07970 752275.
Practice is an essential part of preparing for the DSC Level 1 and BASC Wild Boar Course shooting tests.
We use the correct DMQ silhouette targets and provide expert coaching in the various shooting positions required during the assessment. This focused practice allows candidates to become familiar with the test format, refine their shooting technique, and build confidence in each of the required positions.
For many candidates, this preparation can make a significant difference on the day, helping them approach the practical shooting assessment with greater confidence and a clear understanding of what is required to achieve a pass.
Members - Weekdays £100, Weekends £110, per person, 1 hour plus ammunition (see below).
Non-members - Weekdays £110, Weekends £120, per person, 1 hour plus rifle hire and ammunition (see below).
Please contact us for details, email here, or call 07970 752275.
Professional Training. Expert Instruction. The Right Preparation.
At Corinium, we believe that achieving your Deer Stalking Certificate Level 1 (DSC1) should be about more than simply passing an examination. Our three-day course is designed to give you the knowledge, practical skills, and confidence required to become a safe, competent, and responsible deer stalker.
As one of a select number of BASC-approved Trainers and Assessors, we pride ourselves on maintaining the highest standards of training and assessment.
Our courses are delivered in a friendly and relaxed environment at The Royal Agricultural University in Cirencester, just six miles from our private shooting range. We combine professional instruction with a straightforward, no-nonsense approach — and, of course, a healthy amount of humour along the way.
A Course Designed Around You
The first two days are classroom-based, covering the essential knowledge required for the qualification. Rather than simply working through a syllabus, we aim to make the subject interesting, practical, and relevant to real-world deer management. On the third day, we complete any remaining presentations before candidates undertake the three written examinations: Deer Identification, General, Game Meat Hygiene. We then move to our own private range for the practical Shooting and Safety assessments.
The practical assessments are conducted in small groups, creating a relaxed environment where candidates can concentrate on their shooting without the pressure of a large group.
Thorough Preparation
Your course materials are supplied when you register and contain everything you need to prepare for the written examinations. Home study is essential, and we recommend allowing 8–12 weeks for preparation. The amount of time required will vary from person to person, but we firmly believe that the better prepared you are, the more enjoyable and rewarding the course will be.
What’s Included
£350 per person - Three full days. Your course fee includes:
- Comprehensive BASC DSC1 course manual
- Revision notes
- DVD covering deer ecology and recognition
- Three days of professional tuition
- Three written assessments, and the practical shooting and safety assessments.
A downloadable digital manual is also available directly from BASC. Please contact BASC on 01244 573018 for further information.
Added Value
When you book your DSC1 course with Corinium, you also receive member rates for our Shooting Test Tuition and Mock Tests, providing an excellent opportunity to prepare specifically for the practical assessment.
We also understand that examinations don’t always go to plan. Should you fail an individual module, we offer up to two individual module resits free of charge, when taken on one of our scheduled test days — a saving of £25.
Estate Rifle Available
If you do not have a suitable rifle, an estate rifle can be provided free of charge for the practical assessment. Ammunition is charged separately at £2.00 per round, with a minimum of 6 rounds and maximum of 12 rounds normally required for the test, plus a small number of rounds for practice.
Accommodation
For candidates travelling to attend the course, we can provide advice on local hotels and accommodation to help make your stay as straightforward as possible.
Assessment Only
For experienced candidates who already have the necessary knowledge and practical skills, an Assessment Only option is available. This allows you to undertake the DSC1 assessments without attending the three-day training course. While this option is available, we would only recommend it to candidates who are already fully prepared and confident in their ability to meet the required standard. Please contact us for further information and pricing.
Upcoming Course Dates
27th–29th November 2026 FULLY BOOKED – cancellation places only. Please enquire.
19th–21st March 2027 PLACES AVAILABLE
11th–13th June 2027 PLACES AVAILABLE
13th–15th August 2027 PLACES AVAILABLE
26th–28th November 2027 PLACES AVAILABLE
Secure Your Place
Deposit: £175 per person. The balance is payable one month before the course.
If you’re looking for a professional, relaxed, and supportive route to achieving your DSC1, we’d be delighted to welcome you to Corinium
To book please email here, or call 07970 752275.
Testimonial from James, Devon. 08/04/24:
"Just finished my course here on Sunday. Fantastic course with a trainer who has a wealth of experience providing an education beyond the textbook. Sallyann makes sure everything runs smoothly and is full of help and knowledge. Kim who took me for my safety test was another fount of knowledge. The information is provided honestly and in a friendly informative way. I would have no hesitation in recommending Corinium. I travelled up from Devon to take the course and it was well worth the journey. The course is professionally run and I took advantage of some shooting training the day before with Paul. Expert and beginner stalkers would benefit."
Cancellation, Rescheduling and Reallocation Policy
Should there be insufficient bookings, we reserve the right to cancel, or where possible reschedule, the course. In the interests of fairness we will aim to notify candidates of cancellation/rescheduling as soon as possible before the advertised start date. In the event of a candidate being unable to make the rescheduled date a full refund may be given, less the cost of the training pack. We strongly recommend that any accommodation you book is on a refundable basis, as we will not be responsible for any losses incurred in the event of the course being cancelled. If for any reason you cancel your place on the course then the following charges will apply:- Reallocation to another course more than 3 calendar months before the course start date £25. Cancellation more than 3 calendar months before the course start date £50. Reallocation less than 3 calendar months £100. Cancellation less than 3 calendar months but more than 6 calendar weeks £175. Cancellation less than 6 calendar weeks before the course start date £200. Please note that there will be a non-returnable charge of £60 for the training pack in the event of cancellation. Reallocation must be scheduled within a calendar year of the original course date for the above charges to apply. Other scenarios or exceptional circumstances considered.
TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED WHILE VENISON MARKETS IMPROVE
From Gralloch to Food Chain
This relatively new but increasingly popular course has been developed in response to demand from clients who, having achieved their DSC Level 1, want to develop their practical knowledge of carcass handling.
For many experienced stalkers, carcass preparation is second nature. For those new to deer management, however, learning how to correctly handle, extract, gralloch, inspect, and prepare a carcass can be a daunting part of the process.
Our one-day course provides a comprehensive, hands-on introduction to the correct and ethical handling of a deer carcass, from the initial gralloch and inspection through to producing a carcass suitable for entry into the human food chain.
Practical Skills & DSC2 Preparation
Held in small, professionally managed deer parks, the course provides valuable practical experience in:
- Carcass extraction and handling
- Correct gralloching techniques
- Carcass inspection
- Hygienic carcass preparation
- Preparing a carcass for the human food chain
- Understanding the standards and techniques expected when progressing to DSC Level 2
The practical experience gained can provide an excellent foundation for those intending to progress to DSC2.
A Certificate of Attendance will be provided on completion of the course and can be included within a DSC2 portfolio as evidence of relevant training and experience.
Small Groups. Ethical Management. Practical Experience.
To ensure a quality learning experience, courses are conducted in small groups within carefully managed and ethical deer parks. Course dates and venues are dependent upon each park’s management and cull programme. As a result, dates cannot always be scheduled far in advance. Once suitable dates become available, they will be offered to those who have registered their interest.
Course Details
Cost: £250 per person
Duration: 1 day
A £150 deposit is required to secure your place, with the remaining balance payable one month before the course.
A light breakfast will be provided. Please bring a packed lunch.
Full joining instructions and course details will be provided once your place has been confirmed.
Carcasses Available - Full carcasses can also be purchased at dealer rates, providing an opportunity for those wishing to further develop their carcass-handling skills at home.
Private, Focused Resit Sessions
As well as providing the full DSC1 course, we can offer private one-to-one resit sessions for candidates who have been unsuccessful in one or more DSC1 modules. As Paul is a qualified and registered DSC1 Assessor, you can return to us and undertake the relevant assessment in a private, relaxed environment. A one-to-one session at our range allows you to concentrate fully on your resit without the added pressure of being assessed alongside other candidates or watched by classmates. Our aim is to provide a calm and supportive environment in which you can approach your resit with confidence.
We require approximately three weeks’ notice to obtain the necessary paperwork from DMQ.
Resit Fees
We can collect the official resit fee on behalf of BASC and DMQ, currently £25 for 1 or 2 modules, and £50 - 3 or more modules.
Please remember to bring your Referral Paper with you. This is the document issued by DMQ showing which modules you have already passed and which remain outstanding.
Range Fees
Members and candidates who completed their DSC1 with us:
Non-members and candidates who completed their DSC1 elsewhere:
All range fees are plus ammunition used and the applicable BASC/DMQ resit fee.
Estate Rifle & Ammunition
Estate rifle hire is £10, with ammunition at £2.00 per round. A minimum of 6 rounds and a maximum of 12 rounds, plus a small number of rounds for practice, will normally be required.
To Book
If you need to resit one or more DSC1 modules, contact us to discuss your requirements and arrange a suitable date - please email here, or call 07970 752275.
Widely regarded as the pinnacle of deer stalking qualifications, DSC Level 2 is designed to demonstrate a candidate’s practical competence and experience in the field.
The qualification requires a witnessed stalk, during which the candidate must demonstrate their ability to safely and competently undertake all aspects of the stalking process, including:
- Deer identification and selection
- Safe and accurate shooting
- Carcass handling, inspection, and preparation
- An understanding of deer law, management, and ecology
Building on the knowledge gained through DSC Level 1, candidates should first develop sufficient practical experience and confidence, typically through 20–30 successful culls, before undertaking their witnessed stalk.
As Paul is both an Approved Witness and Assessor for DSC2, we can arrange a witnessed stalk, preferably on the candidtes own ground, however we may also be able to accomodate candidates on our own ground from time to time.
Please contact us for details, email here, or call 07970 752275.
With a compulsory shooting proficiency certificate now required in certain German federal states, the SNW provides the recognised proof of competency required to participate in driven hunts for hoofed game.
If you have a driven hunt booked in Germany, we strongly recommend checking the requirements for the relevant federal state several months before travelling, as the SNW may be a mandatory requirement.
Completing your SNW with us gives you the opportunity to practise beforehand and become familiar with the recognised target and scoring systembefore undertaking the assessment. The test is conducted in a relaxed and supportive environment, allowing you to demonstrate your shooting ability with confidence and obtain the certification required for your hunt.
An SNW certificate is valid for 12 months from the date of issue.
Members - Weekdays £140, Weekends £150, 1 hour plus ammunition if required, (see below).
Non-members - Weekdays £150, Weekends £160, 1 hour plus rifle hire and ammunition if required, (see below).
Please contact us for details, email here, or call 07970 752275..
Travel, tourism, and work in the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions are becoming increasingly popular. In some Arctic territories, regulations require or strongly recommend that those travelling into polar bear country carry appropriate means of protection against a potential bear encounter.
The deliberate shooting of a polar bear is prohibited. However, in circumstances where a bear presents an immediate and escalating threat to human life, the use of a firearm may be permitted as an absolute last resort, subject to the laws and regulations of the relevant territory.
Preparation for Arctic Travel
If you are planning an Arctic expedition, ice trek, remote-work assignment, or similar trip and are unfamiliar with firearms — or simply require a refresher — our course provides practical firearms familiarisation in a controlled and fully supervised environment.
Using our estate rifles, candidates will receive hands-on instruction and supervised live-fire practice, including the use of reactive steel targets and a purpose-designed polar bear target. The training is intended to build familiarity and confidence with the equipment while introducing the principles of bear anatomy, behaviour, and appropriate shot placement from a variety of realistic positions.
Course Content
The course covers:
- Firearms safety and awareness - Safe handling, loading and unloading - Safety catch operation - General firearms competence - Understanding polar bear behaviour and awareness - Basic polar bear anatomy - Principles of shot placement - Shooting from realistic field positions - Follow-up considerations and procedures
The emphasis throughout is on safety, awareness, responsible firearms handling, and preparedness for remote environments.
Certification
On successful completion of the course, candidates will receive an approved certificate, valid for the specified period and recognised by the relevant authorities in Northern Europe, subject to the requirements of the individual territory.
Candidates should always check the current legal and firearms requirements of their destination well in advance of travel, as regulations can vary between countries and territories.
Weekdays £360, Weekends £390, inc rifle hire, per person, per 3 hours. Ammunition is additional, please see below.
Please contact us for details, email here, or call 07970 752275.
This fully supervised, private one-to-one session provides access to all the necessary equipment, together with expert advice and guidance. You will be introduced to the fundamentals of ammunition reloading, including the principles of load development, problem-solving, and creating bespoke loads to suit your specific requirements.
Half day - 3 hours Members - Weekdays £300, Weekends £330, plus the cost of components used.
Non-members - Weekdays £330, Weekends £360, plus the cost of components used.
Please contact us for details, email here, or call 07970 752275
The purpose of this certificate is to demonstrate that deer managers have the knowledge and practical skills required to cull deer and boar safely, humanely, and legally at night. The course is aimed at experienced deer managers operating in areas where night licences,(CL55), are increasingly being issued to assist with the effective management and control of local deer populations.
Due to the additional skills and considerations involved in shooting deer at night, candidates must have a sound understanding of deer behaviour, ecology, and firearms safety. DSC1 is a mandatory prerequisite. On successful completion of the certificate, candidates will be able to:
- Safely and humanely identify and shoot deer and wild boar at night.
- Understand the legal requirements relating to the shooting of deer and wild boar at night.
- Understand the different methods, technologies, and equipment used for night shooting.
- Identify commonly encountered deer species in low-light and night-time conditions.
- Demonstrate safe firearm handling in a range of night-shooting situations.
- Identify and manage the additional risks and hazards associated with shooting at night.
- Safely, humanely, and accurately engage appropriate targets in low-light conditions.
Course Content
The course will develop the knowledge and practical skills required to correctly identify and safely engage targets at night. Particular emphasis will be placed on the key factors used to determine species and sex in low-light conditions, together with reinforcing the principles of firearms safety and highlighting the additional risks associated with night shooting. Candidates will also develop an understanding of the equipment and techniques used for effective and responsible night shooting.
Candidates must:
- Hold a valid Firearms Certificate (FAC) authorising the use of a deer-legal rifle.
- Hold DSC1 as a minimum prerequisite.
- Provide their own suitable rifle.
- Have the rifle fitted with either a thermal scope, night-vision scope, or a suitable day scope used in conjunction with white light.
- Arrive with the rifle correctly zeroed to that scope.
A three-shot proof of zero must be demonstrated in daylight before the course commences. If a candidate is unable to demonstrate that their rifle is correctly zeroed, the rifle will be deemed unsuitable/unsafe for the course and the candidate will not be able to complete the practical assessment.
Please note: An estate rifle will not be available for this course, and there will be no provision for rifle practice or zeroing on the day. Candidates should therefore ensure that their rifle and equipment are fully prepared before arrival. The course certificate will reflect the scope used on the test only. If more than one type of scope is required on the certificate then more than one test will have to be taken but this can be accomplished on the same day and is subject to additional charges.
Course Details:
Date: Saturday 14th November 2026 or Satirday 9th January 2027
Duration: 1 day
Cost: £380 per person for one scope type.
Full course details and joining instructions will be provided once your place has been confirmed.
To register your interest please email here, or call 07970 752275.
Whilst we wholeheartedly recommend attending a full, three-day, face-to-face DSC1 course, as this provides a more comprehensive and rounded learning experience, we can offer an alternative for those completing the BASC Online DSC1 Course. You can attend our range on a one-to-one basis to complete the practical Shooting and Safety assessments required to complete your DSC1 qualification.
A private assessment session offers several benefits:
- Peace and quiet – complete your assessments without the distractions of a group.
- Less pressure – there are no classmates watching while you undertake your tests.
- Greater flexibility – you can complete your practical assessments without having to wait for a scheduled assessment day.
The assessment session lasts 90 minutes and is roughly structured as follows:
- Up to 30 minutes – shooting practice and rifle zero check
- 30 minutes – practical shooting assessment
- 30 minutes – safety assessment
This should provide ample time to complete the practical elements required for your BASC Online DSC1 Course.
Please note: Rifle instruction is not included in this session, although it can be added if required, and we require approximately three weeks’ notice to obtain the necessary paperwork from DMQ.
Members - Weekdays £128, Weekends £143, per person, 90 minutes, plus ammunition used.
Non-members - Weekdays £158, Weekends £173, per person, 90 minutes, plus rifle hire and ammunition used.
Estate Rifle hire is £10, and the ammunition used at £2.00 per round in 6.5creedmoor.
To book please email here, or call 07970 752275.
Use of the Estate Rifle (not available for the DNS Course)
£10 per session, free to members
Ammunition
Target ammunition may be purchased for practice in .223 at £1.50 per round, .270 at £2.50 per round, 6.5cm & .308 at £2.00 per round, and 30-06 at £2.10 per round. Please enquire for other calibres.
Age Restrictions:
In line with current UK law, no one under the age of 14 may use a firearm. Those under 17 years old are not permitted to shoot with us, unless they are a current FAC holder, or a member of a Home Office-approved Club and are accompanied by their parent or legal guardian whose FAC contains the same firearm.
If you cancel more than a week ahead of the booking we will refund you or you may reschedule. If you cancel within 2-7 days of the booking we will endeavour to re-sell your slot, and if we are successful we will refund you or you may reschedule. If you cancel with less than 48hrs notice the fees are forfeit and a new booking will be chargeable.
More than a week ahead of the booking you may cancel or reschedule without charge. If you cancel within 2-7 days of the appointment the range fees applicable to that appointment will be charged. We will endeavour to re-sell your slot, and if we are successful we will refund you. If you cancel with less than 48hrs notice the range fees are chargeable.