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.

Beginners Guide Download PDF

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

The table below outlines the Gamebird and Waterfowl shooting season, according to location:

 

 
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?

 

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Written by Bethan Bithell and Cherry Tree Country Clothing staff

6th June 2017