GMK Ltd, the Hampshire-based distributor of shooting sports equipment, has entered a new multiyear corporate partnership with the British Deer Society (BDS). The agreement focuses on promoting best practice in UK deer management, supporting welfare standards in the field and strengthening the link between professional kit, humane dispatch and public safety.
The partnership places GMK brands such as Tikka, Beretta, Sako, RWS, Norma, Hausken, Stable Sticks and Zamberlan directly alongside BDS training and outreach activity. Both organisations say the collaboration is driven by shared values and a commitment to responsible, ethical and evidence-based deer management.
GMK marketing manager Siân Melrose said she was impressed by the British Deer Society’s Deer Stalking Certificate 1 (DSC1) course, highlighting the quality of instruction and emphasis on safety and ethics. She described BDS as “the perfect partner” for GMK’s portfolio and said the goal is to build a long-term relationship over the next three years and beyond.
BDS head of training Nick Rout said the organisation’s instructors and recent DSC1 candidates had recently been evaluating current production rifles, including the Tikka T3x Ace Target, both on the range and in live stalking situations. He said that reliable, accurate equipment plays a key role in ensuring best practice and humane deer management, and that the partnership “is rooted in purpose”.
Under the agreement, GMK products will feature more prominently across BDS training activities, with the organisation’s training team testing rifles, moderators and field gear from GMK’s portfolio. The findings will be shared with candidates to help deer managers make informed choices about equipment suited to professional field use.
The collaboration will also extend into events, with BDS and GMK appearing together at shows such as The Stalking Show to engage with stalkers, landowners and professionals on issues surrounding welfare, carcass handling and field safety.
As part of its contribution, GMK will supply safety glasses and hearing protection to support Humane Animal Dispatch (HAD) volunteers working with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary and other police forces adopting similar schemes. These trained volunteers deal with deer injured in road collisions, ensuring swift and humane action.
BDS said GMK will also support fundraising activities including raffles and educational initiatives through its Together for Deer partner network, which connects organisations committed to responsible, informed and sustainable deer management across the UK.
For the wider trade, the agreement highlights how major distributors are increasingly engaging with training and welfare partnerships that align with modern expectations of safety, compliance and environmental responsibility.
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