Anyone with an interest in deer management is being invited to sign up to a deer stalking scheme which has been set up in Northern Ireland, exclusively for members of the UK’s largest shooting organisation, the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC).
The scheme, the first of its kind in Northern Ireland, offers high quality accompanied foot and high-seat stalking over the prestigious Baronscourt Estate in County Tyrone. The scheme is open to any BASC member holding the Deerstalking Certificate (DSC) Level 1 qualification.
The scheme is designed to provide practical follow-on experience for BASC members who have successfully completed the DSC Level 1. It will also help the Estate to manage its wild population of Sika deer.
BASC NI director Tommy Mayne said: “Access to deer stalking in Northern Ireland has always been very limited, so last year, working in partnership with Baronscourt Estate, BASC launched this scheme which is exclusively for our members. The scheme was very successful last year, despite the fact that it was only introduced in November and that it finished in February. This year, BASC members will have the opportunity to stalk deer from the beginning of August through to the end of February.
“BASC members can also take advantage of the estate’s excellent fishing and four-star self-catered accommodation, both of which will be available at a discount. This exclusive scheme is just a part of a much wider picture in terms of the benefits and opportunities on offer to BASC members.”
Matt Stuart, Agent for the Baronscourt Estate, said “We are pleased to once again welcome BASC members back to Baronscourt. The Estate has a responsibility to manage its valued deer herd to ensure numbers are maintained at a sustainable level and that animal welfare is of the highest standard. Participating members will experience first-hand the professionalism of our stalking team, developing valuable skills as a result of these stalking opportunities.”
The BASC Baronscourt Deerstalking scheme will also offer BASC members holding DSC level 1 the opportunity to complete their DSC level 2 portfolio using the Estate’s accredited witnesses. BASC members wishing to participate in the scheme can either use their own rifle or the estate rifle.
To register for the scheme please contact the BASC NI office on 028 92 60 50 50 or email nire@0ld.basc.org.uk
For details of BASC’s deer stalking schemes please visit the website www.0ld.basc.org.uk