Training with Deer Tracking Services
Training with Deer Tracking Services
Training Days |
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For Every Stalker. Every Dog. Every Level.
At Deer Tracking Services, we believe that anyone with the drive and determination to learn can become a confident, capable deer tracker — and the same goes for your dog.
We offer training for men and women deer stalkers across the UK, from complete beginners right through to experienced handlers looking to push their skills further. Whether you've never tracked a deer in your life or you're ready to tackle a 24-hour-plus cold track, we have a training day built around you.
All Breeds Welcome
Although we are experienced in training them you don't need a specialist breed to get started. We train dogs of all sizes — small and large — and no prior experience is required. If your dog has drive and motivation, we firmly believe that anything is possible. From terriers to bloodhounds, spaniels to German shepherds — if your dog is keen, we'll help you unlock their potential.
Female Stalkers & Handlers
We are proud to offer a fully inclusive training environment for women in deer stalking and dog handling. If you'd prefer to train with one of our female trainers on a one-to-one basis, that is easily arranged — just let us know when you get in touch and we'll make it happen.
At Deer Tracking Services, we believe that anyone with the drive and determination to learn can become a confident, capable deer tracker — and the same goes for your dog.
We offer training for men and women deer stalkers across the UK, from complete beginners right through to experienced handlers looking to push their skills further. Whether you've never tracked a deer in your life or you're ready to tackle a 24-hour-plus cold track, we have a training day built around you.
All Breeds Welcome
Although we are experienced in training them you don't need a specialist breed to get started. We train dogs of all sizes — small and large — and no prior experience is required. If your dog has drive and motivation, we firmly believe that anything is possible. From terriers to bloodhounds, spaniels to German shepherds — if your dog is keen, we'll help you unlock their potential.
Female Stalkers & Handlers
We are proud to offer a fully inclusive training environment for women in deer stalking and dog handling. If you'd prefer to train with one of our female trainers on a one-to-one basis, that is easily arranged — just let us know when you get in touch and we'll make it happen.
Ensuring tracking shoes for training are fitted correctly
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Classroom demonstration of how blood is collected and stored for training purposes.
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Mentoring a handler following up on a track laid hours before.
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Training Formats — Choose What Works For You
We understand that everyone's situation is different, which is why we offer flexible training formats:
One-to-One Sessions The ultimate personalised experience. Work at your own pace with a dedicated trainer, entirely focused on you and your dog.
Small Group Days A friendly, supportive environment with like-minded stalkers — great for building confidence and learning from others.
Large Group Days — Societies, Organisations & Colleges We regularly run bespoke training days for deer stalking societies, countryside organisations, agricultural colleges, and professional groups. If you're looking to upskill a team or organisation, get in touch and we'll build a day around your needs.
What Can We Train You To Do?
Our training covers the full spectrum of deer tracking:
🩸 Basic follow-up tracking from a wound site 🌙 Extended tracking — 12, 24 hours and beyond 🔍 Wound assessment and shot placement reading 📡 Equipment — including Garmin® GPS tracking systems 🏅 Preparation for the DTS Bronze & Silver Competence Awards. The purpose of the awards is to demonstrate that the dog to which the certificate applies is fit for purpose. Aside from obvious practical benefits, the award may be beneficial to the stalker when applying for a syndicate place, lease or deer management position.
No Experience? No Problem.
Every expert tracker started exactly where you are now. Our trainers are patient, passionate, and completely non-judgmental. We're here to help — not to test you before you're ready. Scroll down for more details of our days.
Book a Training Day: bookwhen.com/deertrackingservices
Call or WhatsApp Us For More Information: 07775 694508
We understand that everyone's situation is different, which is why we offer flexible training formats:
One-to-One Sessions The ultimate personalised experience. Work at your own pace with a dedicated trainer, entirely focused on you and your dog.
Small Group Days A friendly, supportive environment with like-minded stalkers — great for building confidence and learning from others.
Large Group Days — Societies, Organisations & Colleges We regularly run bespoke training days for deer stalking societies, countryside organisations, agricultural colleges, and professional groups. If you're looking to upskill a team or organisation, get in touch and we'll build a day around your needs.
What Can We Train You To Do?
Our training covers the full spectrum of deer tracking:
🩸 Basic follow-up tracking from a wound site 🌙 Extended tracking — 12, 24 hours and beyond 🔍 Wound assessment and shot placement reading 📡 Equipment — including Garmin® GPS tracking systems 🏅 Preparation for the DTS Bronze & Silver Competence Awards. The purpose of the awards is to demonstrate that the dog to which the certificate applies is fit for purpose. Aside from obvious practical benefits, the award may be beneficial to the stalker when applying for a syndicate place, lease or deer management position.
No Experience? No Problem.
Every expert tracker started exactly where you are now. Our trainers are patient, passionate, and completely non-judgmental. We're here to help — not to test you before you're ready. Scroll down for more details of our days.
Book a Training Day: bookwhen.com/deertrackingservices
Call or WhatsApp Us For More Information: 07775 694508
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Just some of the items covered on the days are:
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Training Days Available
Foundation Day Course.
This session provides individuals and their canine companions with a comprehensive initiation into training dogs for tracking wounded deer. If you do not already have a dog, one of ours will be made available to you. This course or one of our previous older formats must be completed before you proceed with any of our other training days . This comprehensive introductory session aims to equip you with the foundational knowledge and practical skills necessary to begin training your dog to track wounded deer. On this course, you will be part of a small group, with a maximum of three participants. The desired result being that both you and your dog will become motivated and inspired to progress further with your training, and maybe even choose to join us for a regular training programme. To get a clearer schedule of available days please go to our events & booking page prior to booking: https://bookwhen.com/deertrackingservices £175.00 |
Continuous Development Group Training Day
Our continuous development training days are designed for small groups of up to 4 handler/dog teams and offer ongoing improvement of your training and tracking abilities. Participation in these sessions requires prior completion of our Foundation Day Course to ensure a foundational understanding of the training processes. On this day, you will be part of a small group and the day includes the activity of working together to lay more advanced and complex tracks for fellow participants. The benefits of group training days are that you gain valuable insights and practical experience by training and learning with other participants in an environment conducive to enhancing your tracking capabilities. Additionally, participants have the option to progress towards our bronze or silver certification tests, should they wish to pursue them. It is essential to note that as ever the primary consideration during these sessions is to avoid any exhaustion for your dog, whether physical or mental. Depending on everyone’s personal requirements you would expect to complete one or two tracks throughout the day. To get a clearer schedule of available days please go to our events and booking page prior to booking: https://bookwhen.com/deertrackingservices If you cannot find a suitable date please contact us to see if we can arrange something for you. £119.00 |
Continuous Development Training Day 1:1
Our individual sessions follow a format similar to our small group training days but are tailored to a one-to-one basis. Participation in these sessions requires prior completion of our Foundation Day Course to ensure a foundational understanding of the training processes. These sessions are conducted with a professional yet enjoyable and informal approach. As a participant, you and your dog will engage in personalised training with one of our skilled trainers. It is essential to note that as ever the primary consideration during these sessions is to avoid any exhaustion for your dog, whether physical or mental. Typically, the agenda involves completing two tracking sessions, and there may be additional focus on other aspects of tracking or preparation for tests depending on your requirements. Please note that most of our training days are in the Thetford Forest area. However we are now able to offer some 1:1 days during the week and these will be based in North Essex, which may be relevant especially if you are planning to book accommodation. Please feel free to enquire if you wish to book a day at this location. To get a clearer schedule of available days please go to our events and booking page prior to booking: https://bookwhen.com/deertrackingservices If you cannot find a suitable date please contact us to see if we can arrange something for you. £149.00 |
Overnight Tracking and Follow-up Day
Candidates participating in our Overnight Tracking and Follow-up Day will experience a tailored track based on your specific requirements. The day before your scheduled training day, one or more members of our skilled team lays down a track, either blind or marked, covering a distance that varies between 500m to 1200m, or potentially more, depending on the expertise and requirements of the candidates and their dogs. Please note participation in these days requires prior completion of our Foundation Day Course and have progressed further by attending either of our Continuous Development Training Days to ensure a foundational understanding of the training processes in following up a long aged cold track. Upon arrival, you will have access to refreshments, and an informal discussion will be conducted to provide insights into the day's training agenda. Following this, you will embark on your designated track, followed by a debriefing session to analyse your performance. This program is particularly beneficial for those aiming to enhance their tracking abilities and progress towards our more advanced tests. The duration of these training days is generally shorter, given that only one track is pursued during the session. Please note that most of our training days are in the Thetford Forest area which may be relevant especially if you are planning to book accommodation. To get a clearer schedule of available days please go to our events and booking page prior to booking: https://bookwhen.com/deertrackingservices If you cannot find a suitable date please contact us to see if we can arrange something for you. £175.00 |
Group/Society intro to Deer Tracking Training Day
An introduction for your group into how to train themselves and their dogs to track wounded deer. Set outside in a wonderful forest environment, each candidate will discover the equipment required and the methods used to start training their dog. This is an ideal choice for Colleges, Organisations and larger groups. Maximum number of candidates is limited to 14 with one dog each. Please contact us for more details and availability. |
Competence Award - Bronze
This award is designed specifically for deer-stalkers who have their own dog (all breeds welcome) and wish to enhance their skill-set to demonstrate that both dog, and handler have achieved a level of competence which reflects their ability and confidence in tracking a wounded deer within an acceptable time-frame of the shot. The purpose of the award is to demonstrate that the dog to which the certificate applies is fit for purpose. Aside from obvious practical benefits, the award may be beneficial to the stalker when applying for a syndicate place, lease or deer management position. |
Competence Award - Silver
This award is to be considered a higher standard than our entry level Bronze Award (which must have been successfully completed beforehand). At Deer Tracking Services we take our training very seriously. To achieve the award, both handler and dog will need to have completed the necessary training and be able to demonstrate sound knowledge and practical skills. To maintain the integrity of our training, our assessors adhere to stringent guidelines and criteria whilst observing the candidate’s performance on the test day. With this in mind, we strongly advise that you attend a short course of training days with us, during which time we can assess your progress and give any recommendations for supplementary training if required. This award is designed specifically for deer-stalkers who have their own dog and wish to enhance their skill-set to demonstrate that both dog, and handler have achieved a high level of competence which reflects their ability and confidence in tracking a wounded deer outside the normal follow up time-frame of the shot and in an environment that would possibly replicate a real scenario. |
Prices start from £119.00 per person. Please contact us for more information or check our list of available training days on our Events & Booking page, or click on the button below to view and book.
PLEASE NOTE: If you cannot book your choice of day it maybe fully booked already, and cut off time is 7 days prior to any event. In addition to this should you have to cancel a training day we regret that booking fees cannot be refunded, but we will make sure to offer you a convenient alternative date.
PLEASE NOTE: If you cannot book your choice of day it maybe fully booked already, and cut off time is 7 days prior to any event. In addition to this should you have to cancel a training day we regret that booking fees cannot be refunded, but we will make sure to offer you a convenient alternative date.
Testimonials (Click here for more testimonials and reviews)
"We attended your excellent course on Saturday. I was impressed by the professional delivery and also by the courses - the second of which was well above what I was expecting my dog to cope with. As a tribute to the course - on Sunday morning I was out on roe and shot a nice buck. It was a clean hit but he ran a good 60yds through high cover to a tree belt. I was unable to find him. I went home and got the dog in a "nothing ventured nothing gained" frame of mind and took her to the ground. The cover is waist high and the ground "lumpy". I set her off in the general area of the shot site (the actual site I was unable to find nor any blood). She quickly picked up a trail but to my mind was going in the wrong direction. She followed the trail for 80yds into the tree belt - again away from where I thought the deer went. She refused to come to the call out of the trees and on investigation I found her sitting on a dead lung shot roe - clearly "trust your dog". On the strength of this display I have booked another day"
"I went stalking with Callie this morning, took a CWD buck at 145 using copper.
It Ran, 43 yards along the hedge, turned left and followed the wood for 30 ish yards, turned right into the wood, over a water filled ditch and disappeared from our view.
Set Callie up at the strike site and she followed it perfectly until a point we didn’t know where it went, followed a big arc round inside the wood for almost 50 yards and found it lying dead, she didn’t miss a beat."
It Ran, 43 yards along the hedge, turned left and followed the wood for 30 ish yards, turned right into the wood, over a water filled ditch and disappeared from our view.
Set Callie up at the strike site and she followed it perfectly until a point we didn’t know where it went, followed a big arc round inside the wood for almost 50 yards and found it lying dead, she didn’t miss a beat."
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Our main training location. Please click to enlarge.
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