Karolien van der Vorm Becomes First Recipient of the Deer Management Certificate Level 3 (DMC3). The achievement also represents a breakthrough moment for women in a traditionally male-dominated field.
Karolien van der Vorm has become the first person in the United Kingdom — and the first woman — to be awarded the prestigious Deer Management Certificate Level 3 (DMC3), the highest professional accreditation available in UK deer management.
A professional deer stalker and Founder and Owner of 360 Wildlife Control Ltd, Karolien also serves as a Board and Wildlife Committee Member of the British Pest Control Association (BPCA). Her achievement marks a significant milestone for the deer management sector and sets a new benchmark for professional standards within the industry.
Karolien was formally presented with the DMC3 certificate at the 2026 British Shooting Show by Peter S Jones, CEO of the Shooting and Hunting Academy, alongside Niall Rowantree, DMC3 Ambassador and recipient of the 2026 Outstanding Contribution to Conservation Award.
The Level 3 Deer Management Certificate (DMC3) is an advanced vocational qualification designed for experienced deer stalkers and managers seeking to demonstrate the highest level of professional competence. Building on qualifications such as PDS2 or DSC2, the DMC3 requires structured coursework, verified field experience, and submission of a comprehensive Deer Management Plan. Candidates must evidence practical competence through documented culls across multiple deer species, ensuring both depth and breadth of field expertise.
The qualification provides landowners, conservation organisations, and employers with a clear and reliable benchmark of advanced professional capability beyond Level 2 standards.
Commenting on her achievement, Karolien said:
“With the increasing level of professionalism demanded by clients, I am delighted to have achieved this certification — particularly as the first recipient. I strongly encourage others to undertake the course and hope this milestone inspires more women within the stalking community to pursue the highest professional standards.”
