Game Shooting Season

Chapter 2: GAME SHOOTING SEASON IN THE UK

If you are looking for the Game Shooting Season dates and locations for the UK, then look no further!

This guide also outlines when it is okay, legally, to shoot pheasant, partridge and other game in Wales, England, Scotland,Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man.

First of all, something to be aware of. According to the Game Act 1831, any person who shall kill or take any game (including hare, pheasants, partridge, grouse) or use any dogs, gun, net or any other instrument to kill game on a Sunday or Christmas Day will be convicted under the Criminal Law Act 1977.

It is also a criminal offence under the Criminal Justice Act 1982 to pursue any game outside of their shooting season. If you are seen shooting game outside of the season, you will be convicted and, as part of your punishment, you will have to pay a sum of money for every head of game killed.

The Game Shooting Season

Species	England and Wales	Scotland	Northern Ireland	Isle of Man
Pheasant	Oct 1 – Feb 1	Oct 1 – Feb 1	Oct 1 – Jan 31	Oct 1 – Jan 31
Grey Partridge	Sep 1 – Feb 1	Sep 1 – Feb 1	Sep 1- Jan 31	Protected (ban in force)
Red-legged Partridge	Sep 1 – Feb 1	Sep 1 – Feb 1	Sep 1- Jan 31	Sep 13 – Jan 31
Red Grouse	Aug 12 – Dec 10	Aug 12 – Dec 10	Aug 12 – Nov 30	Aug 25 – Oct 31 *
Black Grouse	Aug 20 – Dec 10 (Somerset, Devon and New Forest: Sep 1 – Dec 10)	Aug 20 – Dec 10	—	—
Ptarmigan	—	Aug 12 – Dec 10	—	—
Duck & Goose inland	Sep 1 – Jan 31	Sep 1 – Jan 31	Sep 1 – Jan 31	Sep 1 – Jan 31 – Ducks July 1 – Mar 31 – Geese**
Duck & Goose below HWM (see below)	Sep 1 – Feb 20	Sep 1 – Feb 20	Sep 1 – Jan 31	Sep 1 – Jan 31- Ducks July 1 – Mar 31 – Geese **
Common Snipe	Aug 12 – Jan 31	Aug 12 – Jan 31	Sep 1 – Jan 31	Sep 1 – Jan 31
Jack Snipe	Protected	Protected	Sep 1 – Jan 31	Protected
Woodcock	Oct 1 – Jan 31	Sep 1 – Jan 31	Oct 1 – Jan 31	Oct 1 – Jan 31
Golden Plover	Sep 1 – Jan 31	Sep 1 – Jan 31	Sep 1 – Jan 31	Protected
Coot/Moorhen	Sep 1 – Jan 31	Sep 1 – Jan 31	Protected	Protected

* MHW-Mean high water

You should note too, that there are restrictions on shooting in the Channel Islands. For more information please visit the BASC shooting season website.

Destroying or Injuring Game

The law states that any person found to have used poison or a poisonous ingredient on the ground, where game can usually be seen, will be convicted under the Criminal Justice Act 1982 and will pay a sum of money for every head of game killed.

Above are (hopefully) some useful pointers but it's always worth asking or checking out anything that you may be unsure of. Best to be safe rather than sorry!

You can now move on to your next chapter!

Next chapter - Game Shooting Laws >

Chapters:

Chapter 1: Game Shooting in the UK - Pheasant, Partridge or Grouse	Chapter 2: Game Shooting Season in the UK
Chapter 3: Game Shooting Laws	Chapter 4: Shooting Etiquette - What should I wear?

Written by Bethan Bithell and Cherry Tree Country Clothing staff

6th June 2017

Game Shooting Season in the UK

Chapter 2: GAME SHOOTING SEASON IN THE UK

Destroying or Injuring Game

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