Deer Management Qualification (DMQ)

Humane Animal Dispatch (HAD) Award

The DMQ Humane Animal Dispatch (HAD) Award, delivered by Orion Wildlife, supports the vital work of voluntary Humane Animal Dispatch schemes operated by UK Police Forces. This nationally recognised qualification is commonly requested for deer managers, deer stalkers, gamekeepers, and others with relevant firearm handling and wildlife management experience.

The award focuses on real-world incidents where a deer is alive but incapacitated—most frequently following a road traffic collision. It equips participants with the skills and judgement required to respond effectively, safely, and humanely in these challenging situations.

Supporting Police and Public Safety

This qualification is frequently required as an essential prerequisite for individuals wishing to volunteer in Police-led HAD schemes. It ensures participants can work professionally alongside Police Officers to deliver rapid, humane dispatch, helping to reduce animal suffering while maintaining public safety.

The course prepares candidates to operate confidently in difficult and highly visible environments such as roadsides and urban or rural public spaces. Training places strong emphasis on scene assessment, including vehicle movements, bystanders, environmental hazards, and the condition and behaviour of the animal involved.

Professionalism, calm decision-making, and sensitive communication with the public are central to the training, recognising that HAD incidents are often distressing and high-pressure.

Why this qualification matters

• Promotes the humane treatment and welfare of injured wildlife

• Provides essential skills for those responding to emergency deer welfare incidents

• Improves safety, confidence, and effectiveness when managing wildlife in public spaces

Course Content

• Principles of Humane Animal Dispatch

• Relevant legislation and ethical responsibilities

• Call-out procedures and scene safety management

• Deer anatomy and physiology

• Approved methods of dispatch

• Equipment selection, preparation, and use

• Carcass handling and lawful disposal

Assessment

• 20 multiple-choice questions

• Pass mark: 16 correct answers

Important Information

Completion of the DMQ HAD Award does not guarantee acceptance onto a Police Humane Animal Dispatch scheme. Individual Police Forces may require additional evidence of experience or competence as part of their volunteer selection process.

Open to all, this course is ideal for those wishing to expand their professional knowledge, enhance welfare standards, or explore future involvement with Police-led HAD volunteering through Orion Wildlife.

Please note:

• Completion of this course does not imply that you will be included on any Police register or gives you the authority to carry out HAD on anywhere you do not have permission to use a firearm including the      public highway.

• You have to hold an open certificate

• You may have to have experience of deer management

You may have to undertake further Police assessment before being able to operate as a Dispatcher