DMQ @DMQofficial

June can be a tricky month to manage deer, the hours are long, the weathers warm and the cover is high! That said, the deer don't take a break, its about identifying where and when to focus your efforts! What's your favourite time of year to get out into the woods?

Top Tip! I'm as guilty as the next person for no spending enough time practicing! That said, i spent a bit of time getting my thermal scope set up and shooting from different positions, such as from a vehicle bonnet, to prepare for the DMQ Deer Night Shooting Certificate.

Exciting News! @BASCnews have launched their brand new, online DSC1. This is the first online offering that includes all theory based exams and assessments entirely online! There has never been a better time for those looking to get started on their deer stalking journey!

Apologies for the break in posting, there's been a lot happening at DMQ, not least the arrival of our newest team member! His stalking skills need some polishing but we'll let him off for now! Keep an eye on our channels, lots of exciting news coming soon!

We are excited to welcome Orion Wildlife Training as an assessment and training provider. With decades of experience in wildlife management and training delivery, Orion deliver a huge range of deer management training, including the suite of DMQ courses. orionwildlife.co.uk

DSC2 Top Tip! Abnormalities in deer can appear in all manner of shapes and sizes. If you inspect enough deer, you will get a feel for what's normal. That way, the second something isn't normal it will stick out like a sore thumb and you can tackle it from there!

Being able to identify signs and tracks of deer and other animals is a key part in figuring out whats on the ground and what impact its having. Any ideas what made this monster print? *Hint* it was very large, rather "tusky" and took a telehandler to extract!

Say what you will about the snowy weather, but it certainly makes following up deer a bit easier! Even with an obvious trail, make sure to follow all the steps of a good follow up, it builds valuable experience for times when its not so easy....

Wishing you all a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year from all of us here at DMQ! If you're stalking this festive period, make sure to stay safe and we look forward to seeing you all next year!

DSC2 Top Tip! One fairly important step that a lot of people often overlook is a quick inspection of the inside of the carcass once you've removed the organs. Take this chance to check for everything from lesions indicating TB to any possible minor contamination or excess blood.

Shot Placement! Correct shot placement is vital to humane deer stalking For the DSC1, you'll learn about and be tested on shot placement. Your test will consist of your ability to chest shoot at normal deer stalking ranges, and head shoot up close to simulate a humane dispatch

Deer Management Plans! Most of us will have a management plan, some are just more detailed or effective than others! The upcoming Deer Management Certificate will help to identify all the key components of a proper plan and help to write one that ticks all the boxes.

DCS2 Top Tip! Being able to identify abnormalities in deer is absolutely crucial, not only for your DSC2 but for safety going into the food chain. Some abnormalities are fairly harmless but a shock when you find them, anyone come across these before?

DSC2 Top Tip! One of the first things your witness will check before your DSC2 stalk is that you've got the appropriate kit for your stalk. Make sure safety and hygiene are in your mind when packing your rucksack!

HAD Course Top Tip! The DMQ Humane Animal Dispatch Certificate looks at the best methods to manage and undertake a roadside humane dispatch. For those already involved, what's your preferred method?

Question! We are seeing more and more digital day/night scopes on our DSC1 courses. How many of you use one for stalking, does there need to be more taught or discussed about their use in the deer world? We are keen to hear what you think!

Wild Boar Certificate Top Tip Handling boar in the larder can be quite a bit different than when dealing with deer (believe me, this one had me struggling!) Make sure you're aware of Trichinella testing rules before looking to eat, handle or sell feral boar carcasses.

DSC2 Top Tip 2 excellent films by @BASCnews looking at the extraction and lardering of deer, a must watch for anyone looking to complete their DSC2! Have a watch here- youtube.com/@BASCfilms

Deer Management Certificate Top Tip! Identifying deer damage is essential for properly managing deer populations. Any ideas what species has started to strip the bark from this tree?

A great few days with the legendary Chris Brooks teaching and assessing the DSC1 at the @BASCnews headquarters. Visit the @BASCnews website here for details of their current courses! basc.org.uk/deer/courses/