Suitable qualification criteria for licence to kill deer at night by shooting (CL55)
Published 23 February 2026
Applies to England
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/deer-licence-to-kill-deer-at-night-by-shooting-cl55/suitable-qualification-criteria-for-licence-to-kill-deer-at-night-by-shooting-cl55
To apply to be a registered person of the deer night shooting class licence CL55, you must meet one of the 4 registered person categories. Some of the categories have a qualification requirement.
There are 3 levels of deer stalking qualifications. Find out which qualifications Natural England currently accepts for each level.
Basic level deer stalking qualification
A basic level deer stalking qualification must cover the following topic areas:
- deer identification and biology
- relevant legislation
- firearms (suitable calibres or ammunition, handling and safety)
- humane culling of deer
- carcass handling
- written assessment to show your understanding
The training can be delivered by classroom or through online content.
It must also include practical training and assessment of:
- firearms handling and safety
- daytime shooting test focused on two-dimensional targets
Basic deer stalking qualifications accepted by Natural England
Natural England currently accepts the following basic deer stalking qualifications:
- Deer Stalking Certificate (DSC1) – DMQ qualification
- Proficient Deer Stalking (PDS1) - provided by Shooting & Hunting Academy
Night shooting qualification
A deer night shooting qualification must meet all the requirements for a basic level deer stalking qualification, either as a prerequisite qualification or as part of the night shooting course.
In addition, it must also cover the following topic areas:
- deer identification at night
- shooting deer safely and humanely at night
- understanding the legal framework that permits the shooting of deer at night
- understanding the different methods and associated equipment use in night shooting
- written assessment to show your understanding
The training can be delivered by classroom or online content.
It must also include practical training and assessment of field-based night-time shooting, including an assessment using night-shooting aids you would intend to use in the field (for example, a night-vision riflescope, thermal imaging riflescope or lamp). This is alongside training and assessment of firearms handling and safety.
Night shooting deer qualifications accepted by Natural England
Natural England currently accepts the following night shooting qualifications:
- Deer Night Shooting Certificate (DNSC) - DMQ qualification
- Night Shooting Certificate (NSC) - provided by Shooting & Hunting Academy
Advanced level deer stalking qualification
An advanced level deer stalking qualification must cover:
- all the requirements for a basic level deer stalking qualification, either as a prerequisite qualification or as part of the course.
- evidence of knowledge and experience of deer management through keeping a record of activities
- practical culling of deer in the field and carcass handling under observation during daylight hours
Advanced deer stalking qualifications accepted by Natural England
Natural England currently accepts the following advanced deer stalking qualifications:
- Deer Stalking Certificate (DSC2) – DMQ qualification
- Proficient Deer Stalking (PDS2) - provided by Shooting & Hunting Academy
- St Hubert Club Qualified Stalker – provided by the St. Hubert Club
Updating the list of qualifications
This list of qualifications is kept under review. New qualifications may be added or existing ones removed if they are judged unsuitable, considering compliance or enforcement activity.
Other qualifications might be accepted if the course is similar in content and format to those approved by Natural England. Contact the licensing team if you are unsure.
If you believe your course should also be listed, or you’re setting up a new course, contact the licensing team.
Contact the licensing team by email at wildlife@naturalengland.org.uk