The Sika Deer Unit

The Sika Deer Unit has over five years' experience of running their successful Shoot and Gralloch course, with over 200 people having attended to date.

The one-day course is held in the controlled environment of a deer farm and is limited to eight people. This ensures that each is able to gain the maximum amount of practical "hands-on" experience, individual attention and tuition.

Course Content

The course will assemble at the deer farm at 9am and on completion of paperwork, coffee and introductions, commences at about 9.30am. 

Taking The Shot

Following test zeroing two course members will be accompanied by a member of the Sika Deer Unit staff to separate high seat positions where they will have the opportunity to shoot a deer that has been previously selected for culling as part of the farm venison production quota. It should be noted that the deer are in a secure enclosure and therefore the shot beast cannot be counted as one of the three that must be correctly despatched towards the award of the DSC level 2 certificate. Should a course member prefer not to take the shot him/herself  it will be taken by a member of the Sika Deer Unit staff. 

Post Shot Reaction

Course members will be instructed on reaction to shot and the correct method of approach to the dead beast. The course will then move out into the field, the deer will be approached correctly and confirmation of death will be made.  The course will also be briefed on the correct method of dispatch of a wounded beast.

Carcass Inspection

Instruction will then be given on what to look for regarding signs of illness, injury and parasitic burden, with all course members being involved in the inspection of the carcass.  This is followed by an explanation of the field gralloch which will include aspects of health and safety legislation, game meat handling regulations, the recognition of notifiable diseases and the procedure to be followed in the event of a suspected case.  Having first bled the carcasses, the first two course members will field dress the deer under the guidance of  Sika Deer Unit staff, prior to returning to the larder.

In The Larder (The Gralloch)

The carcasses are hung and the deer are larder dressed by the two course members so that they are ready for presentation to the game dealer. Throughout the process expert guidance and instruction will be given with due regard paid to all relevant legal requirements and legislation. Identification and inspection of the internal organs is covered together with guidance on disease recognition and inspection of  lymph nodes. Sika Deer Unit staff are happy to answer any questions raised by course members, or to expand on points made at any stage during the day.  Once the deer have been hung in the storage area the course will move to the classroom area.

The Classroom

As it is not possible to show actual examples of the diseases most commonly found in deer, a good selection of projected images will be displayed with an explanation of the signs and symptoms that may be encountered in the field.      

The next two course members will then move to the high seat positions accompanied by Sika Deer Unit staff members and the process will be repeated, less the classroom disease recognition.  All course members will  assist each other throughout the day and each member will shoot a beast (optional) as well as complete a "cycle" of the follow-up, field gralloch and larder dressing of a carcass prior to completion of the course.  Experience has shown that in this way the maximum amount of "hands-on" experience is gained by each course member.    

Lunch (included in the course fee) is taken at an appropriate time and once all  members have shot and gralloched a deer the course will move to the classroom.

Short lectures will then be given covering aspects of Firearms law and ballistics which will be followed by a revision of the day's course contents and a question and answer session.  Following a break for coffee course members sit the Sika Deer Unit Shoot & Gralloch course test with certificates being awarded to those who achieve a score of 60% or above.  

In Summary

The course covers the correct methods, legal requirements and legislation to be observed in the preparation of deer for entry to the food chain.  

DSC Level 2

The course is particularly beneficial to those seeking to obtain the DSC level 2 certificate as it equips candidates with the knowledge required for the successful completion of part two of the individual cull records.  Should a course member wish to carryout the post shot aspects of an individual cull record during the course, this can be arranged as accredited witnesses will be on hand from the Sika Deer Unit staff.  Obviously, in these circumstances the candidate must clearly state his/her intention prior to commencement as assistance cannot be given during an assessment.

For details of course dates, availability and fees contact the Sika Deer Unit.  

Accompanied stalking for the DSC Level 2 certificate is also available, contact the Sika Deer Unit for details.