Shooting Season Dates

British Shooting Seasons – Game Birds

Seasons vary by species and location. Always ensure compliance with local regulations.

Pheasant

England, Scotland & Wales: 1 October – 1 February
Northern Ireland: 1 October – 1 January

Partridge

England, Scotland & Wales: 1 September – 1 February
Northern Ireland: 1 October – 31 January

Grouse

England, Scotland & Wales: 12 August – 10 December
Northern Ireland: 12 August – 30 November

Ptarmigan

England, Scotland & Wales: 12 August – 10 December
Northern Ireland: Not applicable

Black Grouse

England, Scotland & Wales: 20 August – 10 December
Northern Ireland: Not applicable

Snipe

England, Scotland & Wales: 12 August – 31 January
Northern Ireland: 1 September – 31 January

Jack Snipe

England, Scotland & Wales: Protected
Northern Ireland: 1 September – 31 January

Woodcock

England, Scotland & Wales: 1 October – 31 January
Northern Ireland: 1 October – 31 January

Woodcock (Scotland)

Scotland only: 1 September – 31 January

Duck & Goose (Inland)

England, Scotland & Wales: 1 September – 31 January
Northern Ireland: 1 September – 31 January

Duck & Goose (Below High Water Mark)

England, Scotland & Wales: 1 September – 20 February
Northern Ireland: 1 September – 31 January

Coot / Moorhen

England, Scotland & Wales: 1 September – 31 January
Northern Ireland: Protected

Golden Plover

England, Scotland & Wales: 1 September – 31 January
Northern Ireland: 1 September – 31 January

Curlew

England, Scotland & Wales: Protected
Northern Ireland: 1 September – 31 January

Hare

England, Scotland & Wales: Cannot be sold March – July
Northern Ireland: 12 August – 31 January

British Deer Stalking Seasons

Red Deer

Stags
England, Wales & Northern Ireland: 1 August – 30 April
Scotland: 1 July – 20 October

Hinds
England, Wales & Northern Ireland: 1 November – 31 March
Scotland: 21 October – 15 February

Fallow Deer

Bucks
England, Wales & Northern Ireland: 1 August – 30 April
Scotland: 1 August – 30 April

Does
England, Wales & Northern Ireland: 1 November – 31 March
Scotland: 21 October – 15 February

Sika Deer