Knowing when you can and can’t shoot certain quarry is part and parcel of being a responsible shooter. Failure to abide by the set dates and seasons by which game can be hunted can see you landed with a large fine.
Different quarry, whether it is game birds, wildfowl or ground game such as rabbit or deer, commands different rules. The game shooting season can also vary from country to country, so it’s always best advised to check before you shoot.
So what can you shoot and when? Our game shooting calendar outlines the dates you should know.
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Game birds and waterfowl
Red Grouse
England, Scotland and Wales: August 12 – December 10
Northern Ireland: August 12 – November 30
Black Grouse
England (except counties below), Scotland and Wales: August 20 – December 10
Somerset, Devon and New Forest: September 1 – December 10
Ptarmigan
Scotland: August 12 – December 10
Common Snipe
England, Scotland and Wales: August 12 – January 31
Northern Ireland: September 1 – January 31
Coot, Moorhen, Duck & Goose (inland), Golden Plover
All UK: September 1 – January 31 (except Coot & Moorhen in Northern Ireland as they are protected)
Jack Snipe
England, Scotland and Wales: Protected
Northern Ireland: September 1 – January 31
Grey Partridge & Red-legged Partridge
England, Scotland and Wales: September 1 – February 1
Northern Ireland: September 1 – January 31
Duck & Goose (below high water mark)
England, Scotland and Wales: September 1 – February 20
Northern Ireland: September 1 – January 31
Pheasant
England, Scotland and Wales: October 1 – February 1
Northern Ireland: October 1 – January 31
Woodcock
England, Wales & Northern Ireland: October 1 – January 31
Scotland: September 1 – January 31
Things to remember
Remember that shooting of pheasant, partridge, and red or black grouse on a Sunday or on Christmas Day is prohibited in England and Wales (and Christmas Day in Northern Ireland). It is also forbidden to shoot game birds or wildfowl between the times of one hour after sunset and one hour before sunrise.
Ground Game
Brown Hare
England and Wales: January 1 – December 31*
Scotland: October 1 – January 31
Northern Ireland: August 12 – January 31
Mountain Hare
Scotland: August 1 – February 28 (or 29)
Rabbit
All UK: January 1 – December 31*
This does not include arable land or detached portions of land that adjoin arable land which measures less than 25 acres.
Deer
Red & Sika
England, Wales and Northern Ireland: Males; August 1 – April 30, Females; November 1 – March 31
Scotland: Males; July 1 – October 20, Females; October 21 – February 15
Fallow
England, Wales and Northern Ireland: Males; August 1 – April 30, Females; November 1 – March 31
Scotland: Males; August 1 – April 30, Females; October 21 – February 15
Roe
England, Wales and Northern Ireland: Males; April 1 – October 31, Females; November 1 – March 31
Scotland: Males; April 1 – October 20, Females; October 21 – March 31
Chinese Water Deer
England, Wales and Northern Ireland: November 1 – March 31
Muntjacs
All UK: Year-round
As with game birds and waterfowl, deer may not be shot between one hour after sunset and one hour before sunrise.
Our game shooting calendar is designed to help you understand when you can shoot certain quarry. Legislation can change at any time, so it is advised to check the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust website if you are unsure as to any restrictions you may face.
Before you head out on a shoot, consider whether you are fully covered if things to go wrong. What would happen if you damaged your gun, or injured a fellow shot? With full Shooting Insurance in place you can ensure that any legal expenses and replacement costs are fully taken care of.