Start with your qualification
This revision collection covers species, safety, biosecurity, deer welfare and assessment preparation. It is independent study support, not a complete syllabus, an official question bank or an accredited course. A quiz score does not establish field competence.
DSC 1: build your foundations Start with species recall, then the practice quiz. DSC 1 includes knowledge, safety and shooting assessment. Use your course materials for the full syllabus, including meat hygiene, and arrange practical instruction with your provider. Read DMQ’s DSC 1 requirements .
DSC 2: prepare for witnessed assessment Use the preparation questions and checklist to identify what to discuss before an outing. DSC 2 is a practical, evidence-based award involving an Approved Witness and an Assessor. Check registration arrangements and current requirements with your assessment centre. Read DMQ’s DSC 2 guidance .
PDS 1 and PDS 2: follow your provider’s pathway The species activities support shared background knowledge. For PDS 1, follow the provider’s course and assessment requirements. For PDS 2, plan for both taught learning and practical assessment with an Approved Verifier. These are separate awards from DSC; do not assume automatic equivalence or acceptance for a particular purpose. Read the PDS provider’s guidance .
Practice quiz
Practise with 30 original questions, or choose a topic for a shorter session. Check your answers to see exactly what was correct and what to revise. There is no pass mark or time limit.
Choose a topic
All questions
Species (9)
Assessment preparation (6)
Safety (4)
Biosecurity (4)
Field preparation (4)
Deer welfare (3)
New questions draw on BASC and National Gamekeepers’ Organisation guidance. These are our own revision questions, not official assessment questions or an endorsement by either organisation.
Which pair of deer species is native to the UK?
Red and fallow Red and roe Roe and sika Correct answer and explanation Correct answer: Red and roe
Red and roe are native. Fallow, sika, muntjac and Chinese water deer were introduced.
Source: British Deer Society . Checked 01 November 2026.
What is a young roe deer called?
Calf Fawn Kid Correct answer and explanation Correct answer: Kid
Roe young are called kids. Red and sika have calves; fallow, muntjac and Chinese water deer have fawns.
Source: British Deer Society . Checked 01 November 2026.
Which UK deer species has no antlers, even in adult males?
Chinese water deer Muntjac Roe Correct answer and explanation Correct answer: Chinese water deer
Chinese water deer do not grow antlers. A lack of antlers alone is not enough to identify a deer: consider sex, age and season too.
Source: British Deer Society . Checked 01 November 2026.
Which species is associated with broad, palmated antlers in mature males?
Sika Red Fallow Correct answer and explanation Correct answer: Fallow
Mature fallow bucks develop flattened, palmated antlers. Use several features together rather than relying on a single characteristic.
Source: British Deer Society . Checked 01 November 2026.
Which pair uses the names stag, hind and calf?
Red and sika Roe and fallow Muntjac and Chinese water deer Correct answer and explanation Correct answer: Red and sika
Red and sika share this terminology. The other four species use buck and doe.
Source: British Deer Society . Checked 01 November 2026.
How many species of wild deer live in the UK?
Four Six Eight Correct answer and explanation Correct answer: Six
The six are red, roe, fallow, sika, muntjac and Chinese water deer. Practise naming all six before opening the species guide.
Source: British Deer Society . Checked 01 November 2026.
Which description best fits DSC 1?
An online quiz alone A knowledge-based qualification with safety and shooting assessment A witnessed field portfolio only Correct answer and explanation Correct answer: A knowledge-based qualification with safety and shooting assessment
DSC 1 assesses knowledge as well as safety and shooting at simulated targets. Online revision supports only part of your preparation.
Source: DMQ qualification guidance . Checked 01 November 2026.
How is practical competence demonstrated for DSC 2?
By a high revision quiz score By completing a personal checklist In the field, observed by an Approved Witness Correct answer and explanation Correct answer: In the field, observed by an Approved Witness
DSC 2 requires practical evidence. Use this checklist to plan preparation; your assessment centre and Approved Witness guide the formal process.
Source: DMQ qualification guidance . Checked 01 November 2026.
What should a PDS 2 candidate plan for?
Taught learning and observed practical assessment Only species flashcards Only an informal account of previous outings Correct answer and explanation Correct answer: Taught learning and observed practical assessment
PDS 2 combines taught learning with practical demonstration observed by an Approved Verifier. Check the provider’s current requirements.
Source: PDS provider guidance . Checked 01 November 2026.
Who reviews a completed DSC 2 portfolio?
Any study partner The allocated Assessor This website Correct answer and explanation Correct answer: The allocated Assessor
Your assessment centre allocates an Assessor. The Approved Witness observes field performance; the Assessor reviews the portfolio.
Source: DMQ qualification guidance . Checked 01 November 2026.
You cannot confirm a safe backstop. What should you do?
Take the shot quickly Do not shoot Rely on the deer to stop the bullet Correct answer and explanation Correct answer: Do not shoot
An uncertain backstop means an unsafe shot. Wait until safety is established.
Source: BASC / BDS — Deer stalking code of practice . Checked 01 November 2026.
Before climbing into a high seat, the rifle should be…
Loaded with the safety applied Carried by its sling only Unloaded Correct answer and explanation Correct answer: Unloaded
BASC requires unloading before climbing either into or out of a high seat.
Source: BASC / BDS — Deer stalking code of practice . Checked 01 November 2026.
Which is appropriate for identifying quarry?
Binoculars A rifle aiming device A heat signature alone Correct answer and explanation Correct answer: Binoculars
Use observation optics for identification. A thermal indication alone is insufficient.
Source: BASC / BDS — Deer stalking code of practice . Checked 01 November 2026.
A deer disappears after an apparent miss. What is required?
Assume it escaped unharmed Follow up the shot End the search if no deer is visible Correct answer and explanation Correct answer: Follow up the shot
Every shot needs follow-up to avoid leaving a wounded animal.
Source: BASC / BDS — Deer stalking code of practice . Checked 01 November 2026.
Which UK deer species has the greatest coat-colour variation?
Roe Fallow Chinese water deer Correct answer and explanation Correct answer: Fallow
Fallow can range from white to very dark forms. Coat colour alone is unreliable for identification.
Source: BASC — What can I shoot? . Checked 01 November 2026.
Which species typically has three antler points on each side in mature males?
Roe Fallow Sika Correct answer and explanation Correct answer: Roe
This is a typical mature roe feature, not a universal rule for every individual.
Source: BASC — What can I shoot? . Checked 01 November 2026.
Which feature helps distinguish sika?
Palmated antlers A visible long tail A conspicuous white gland on the lower rear leg Correct answer and explanation Correct answer: A conspicuous white gland on the lower rear leg
BASC highlights this sika feature. Combine it with body shape and other markings.
Source: BASC — What can I shoot? . Checked 01 November 2026.
Before sharing land with farm operations, what should you establish?
Only the parking location The other land users’ biosecurity requirements Whether your boots look clean Correct answer and explanation Correct answer: The other land users’ biosecurity requirements
Discuss local precautions with the farmer, gamekeeper or forester before the outing.
Source: BASC — Biosecurity guidance for deer managers . Checked 01 November 2026.
After visiting a known disease-risk property, what matters before another site?
Cleaning and disinfection Changing only your coat Waiting until the next morning Correct answer and explanation Correct answer: Cleaning and disinfection
Contaminated equipment and vehicles can carry infection between properties.
Source: BASC — Biosecurity guidance for deer managers . Checked 01 November 2026.
Which approach best protects carcasses during transport?
Use the same tray without cleaning Cover dirty surfaces with vegetation Keep transport trays and vehicles clean Correct answer and explanation Correct answer: Keep transport trays and vehicles clean
Clean transport equipment helps prevent contamination of meat.
Source: BASC — Biosecurity guidance for deer managers . Checked 01 November 2026.
After stalking or handling deer, what personal check does BASC recommend?
Check yourself for attached ticks Only check the rifle sling Wait for symptoms before checking Correct answer and explanation Correct answer: Check yourself for attached ticks
Ticks occur on deer and in their habitat. Follow current health guidance if bitten or unwell.
Source: BASC — Disease risks to deer . Checked 01 November 2026.
Before planning a solo outing, what is the best starting point?
Assume experience removes the risks Assess the risks of working alone Plan only the route Correct answer and explanation Correct answer: Assess the risks of working alone
The NGO article puts risk assessment first. Some tasks need another person.
Source: NGO — Safety while working alone (Spring 2012, PDF) . Checked 01 November 2026.
A carcass is too heavy for one person to handle safely. What should your plan allow?
Lift it faster Ignore the problem until after the outing Assistance or suitable handling equipment Correct answer and explanation Correct answer: Assistance or suitable handling equipment
Consider handling limits before starting. The NGO flags oversized loads as a lone-working risk.
Source: NGO — Safety while working alone (Spring 2012, PDF) . Checked 01 November 2026.
Which events belong in a lone-working risk assessment?
Routine work and foreseeable emergencies Only incidents that have happened before Only weather changes Correct answer and explanation Correct answer: Routine work and foreseeable emergencies
Plan for problems such as equipment failure, illness and accidents.
Source: NGO — Safety while working alone (Spring 2012, PDF) . Checked 01 November 2026.
A trainee faces an unfamiliar task alone. What should be considered?
Whether they can finish quickly Their competence and need for support Only their enthusiasm Correct answer and explanation Correct answer: Their competence and need for support
Experience and training affect risk. Additional instruction or supervision may be needed.
Source: NGO — Safety while working alone (Spring 2012, PDF) . Checked 01 November 2026.
Why can concentrating deer around supplementary feed be a concern?
It prevents all parasite transmission It removes the need for monitoring It can increase disease and parasite transmission Correct answer and explanation Correct answer: It can increase disease and parasite transmission
The NGO article describes risks from deer gathering around feeding sites.
Source: NGO — Feeding wild deer (Autumn 2012, PDF) . Checked 01 November 2026.
Does supplementary feeding always reduce woodland damage?
No; outcomes can vary Yes, regardless of deer numbers Yes, provided the feed is supplied in winter Correct answer and explanation Correct answer: No; outcomes can vary
The NGO review describes mixed findings. Feeding can also support higher deer densities.
Source: NGO — Feeding wild deer (Autumn 2012, PDF) . Checked 01 November 2026.
What problem can arise when deer rely on feeding stations?
Their natural food requirements disappear Withdrawal of feed can cause difficulties They become immune to disease Correct answer and explanation Correct answer: Withdrawal of feed can cause difficulties
Dependence is one reason to assess welfare and environmental consequences before feeding.
Source: NGO — Feeding wild deer (Autumn 2012, PDF) . Checked 01 November 2026.
Why continue learning after gaining a qualification?
The qualification replaces practical experience Only to collect more certificates To keep up with guidance, law and working methods Correct answer and explanation Correct answer: To keep up with guidance, law and working methods
The NGO promotes continuing professional development throughout a working career.
Source: NGO — Training guidance . Checked 01 November 2026.
The NGO Game Meat Hygiene course covers which groups?
Large and small game Deer only Gamebirds only Correct answer and explanation Correct answer: Large and small game
Its course covers both groups from field to larder. Check the scope of any hygiene training you choose.
Source: NGO — Training guidance . Checked 01 November 2026.
Check answers
Retry missed questions
Start again
Choose your answers, then open each explanation to check your work. Automatic scoring needs JavaScript.
Species recall
For each species, say the names of the male, female and young before revealing the answer. Then name an identification feature and check it in the illustrated species guide .
Red — reveal recall notes Stag · hind · calf. One of the two native species.
Roe — reveal recall notes Buck · doe · kid. The other native species.
Fallow — reveal recall notes Buck · doe · fawn. Mature males have palmated antlers.
Sika — reveal recall notes Stag · hind · calf. An introduced species.
Muntjac — reveal recall notes Buck · doe · fawn. An introduced species.
Chinese water deer — reveal recall notes Buck · doe · fawn. Neither sex grows antlers.
Terminology: British Deer Society species guide . These prompts are not a photographic identification assessment.
Choose your next study session
Missed a species question? Read the six-species guide , then try the species quiz again.
Revising seasonal patterns? Use the deer cheat sheet alongside current guidance for the country you will be in.
Preparing to explain management decisions? Read why deer are managed and the deer damage guide .
Preparing for assessment? Return to your provider’s learning materials and agree a practical preparation plan.
These questions cover selected principles, not the full safety, legislation or meat hygiene syllabus. Use current official guidance and practical instruction. Older NGO articles are dated at the source link and used for general principles, not current legal requirements.