One of Northern Ireland’s leading politicians has qualified for his deer stalking certificate thanks to the UK’s largest shooting organisation, The British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) and Baronscourt Estate.
Patsy McGlone MLA successfully passed the Deer Stalking Certificate level 1 course for which candidates must demonstrate a knowledge of deer biology and ecology, firearms and wildlife legislation and game meat hygiene. Candidates must also be able to handle firearms safely and shoot accurately and consistently.
Patsy who is a BASC member, is also a member of the Northern Ireland Assembly’s Committee for Justice and chair of the Assembly’s All-Party Group on Country Sports.
Speaking after the course, BASC NI director Tommy Mayne said “Over the past number of years, Patsy has worked tirelessly at Stormont representing the interests of sporting shooting and we have no doubt that he will put the knowledge gained on the course to good use whilst promoting and defending shooting interests in the NI Assembly”.
Patsy said; “I am delighted to have passed the DSC 1 course and I would take this opportunity to thank BASC and Baronscourt Estate for providing the opportunity. The course is intense, however I learnt a lot not only about deer management, but also about firearms and wildlife law and the wider work that BASC does on behalf its members. Baronscourt Estate is a fantastic venue for the course and I am very much looking forward to my first accompanied stalk under the BASC Baronscourt Deerstalking Scheme.”