You can hunt most game birds in the UK legally without a license. However, to ensure these birds can breed successfully and numbers are not depleted too much, hunting seasons restrict shooting during certain times of the year. To help you find the best places to hunt this season, we’ve identified the open seasons for the most common types of game across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Pheasant

Hunting Season:

• England, Wales and Scotland: Oct 1 – Feb 1
• Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man: Oct 1 – Jan 31

Head to the stunning Northern English countryside where you’ll find the largest shooting area in the UK. The North is a sporting mecca combining some grouse shooting, high partridges and pheasants! For more information and to look into accommodation take a look here!

Red Grouse

Hunting Season:

• England, Wales and Scotland: Aug 12 – Dec 10
• Northern Ireland: Aug 12 – Nov 30

The best place for a red grouse shoot is arguably at Drumlanrig Castle. Stay at the incredible 25,000-acre estate of The Duke of Buccleuch in the heart of the beautiful cross-country Dumfriesshire countryside for an unforgettable time out on the hunt.

Duck and Goose

Hunting Season:

• England and Wales inland: Sep 1 – Jan 31
• England and Wales below high water mark: Sep 1 – Feb 20
• Scotland inland: Sep 1 – Jan 31
• Scotland below high water mark: Sep 1 – Feb 20
• Northern Ireland inland: Sep 1 – Jan 31
• Northern Ireland below high water mark: Sep 1 – Jan 31

One of the best places to hunt geese in the UK is in Montrose, Scotland. Within the basin area of the Eastern coastal town of Montrose there are upwards of 65,000 geese migrating here year on year. Take a look for yourself, we’re not kidding!

Red-Legged Partridge

Hunting Season:

• England, Wales and Scotland: Sep 1 – Feb 1
• Northern Ireland: Sep 1 – Jan 31

One of the best places to find red-legged partridge on your shoot is in Monmouthshire. At Usk Castle Shoot in Monmouthshire you can find a range of partridge situated in the picturesque Welsh countryside.

Common Snipe

Hunting Season:

• England, Wales and Scotland: Sep 1 – Feb 1
• Northern Ireland: Sep 1 – Jan 31

Snipe shooting is common across the water in Ireland where there are some stunning estates to find your favoured bird. Take a look at some of the magnificent estates and plan your ideal trip.

So, now you know what to safely and legally hunt, what are you waiting for?

However, if you’re still unsure what you can hunt within the realm of the law, be sure to check out the national guide online. After all, there’s no such thing as being too safe!

Be sure to check our website before you head out for the latest products to take out on the hunt with you! Keep us updated on Facebook and Twitter!!