Karolien van der Vorm has become the first person - and first woman - to complete the Deer Management Certificate level 3
Following a growing swell of candidates enrolling on the Deer Management Certificate Level 3 (DMC3) and amid increasing scrutiny of deer management across the UK, including the Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill reforms, Karolien van der Vorm has become the first person - and the first woman - to complete the DMC3, the highest professional deer management qualification available in the UK.
The DMC3 Certificate was formally presented at the British Shooting Show by Peter S Jones, CEO of the Shooting and Hunting Academy, alongside Niall Rowantree, recipient of the Outstanding Contribution to Conservation 2026 award.
The DMC3 represents the pinnacle of deer management training in the United Kingdom and is a top-tier, vocational UK qualification for experienced deer managers, that focuses on Knowledge, Skill and Strategy in advanced deer management.
Above: Peter S Jones guest speaker at the British Shooting Show discussing Deer Management Training and the DMC Level 3 Qualification.
With regulatory bodies such as NatureScot and the Forestry Commission placing increased emphasis on competence and sustainable practice, this achievement highlights the importance of formal professional standards in the sector.
Karolien’s accomplishment is a historic milestone, setting a benchmark for future practitioners and demonstrating what it means to reach the highest level of professional deer management in the UK.
For those aiming to elevate their skills and achieve the DMC3, enrolments are now open via the Shooting & Hunting Academy, follow this link to find out more: Deer Management Certificate Level 3 DMC3
