Brief Guide to Popular UK Hunting Seasons
With shooting seasons in full flow we thought it would be a good idea to give you a quick guide to some of the season open and close dates along with some useful links and advice.
Game Birds
Species |
England, Wales & Scotland |
Northern Ireland |
Red Grouse |
Aug 12th – Dec 10th |
Aug 12th – Nov 30th |
Black Grouse |
Aug 20th – Dec 10th |
- |
Ptarmigan |
Aug 12th – Dec 10th |
- |
Grey Partridge |
Sep 1st – Feb 1st |
Sep 1st – Jan 31st |
Red-Legged Partridge |
Sep 1st – Feb 1st |
Sep 1st – Jan 31st |
Pheasant |
Oct 1st – Feb 1st |
Oct 1st – Jan 31st |
Here are a couple of websites worth visiting –
Deer Stalking
Species |
England, Wales & Northern Ireland |
Scotland |
||
Males |
Females |
Males |
Females |
|
Roe |
Apr 1st –Oct 31st |
Nov 1st – Mar 31st |
Apr 1st – Oct 20th |
Oct 21st – Mar 31st |
Red |
Aug 1st – Apr 30th |
Nov 1st – Mar 31st |
Jul 1st – Oct 20th |
Oct 21st – Feb 15th |
Fallow |
Aug 1st – Apr 30th |
Nov 1st – Mar 31st |
Aug 1st – Apr 30th |
Oct 21st – Feb 15th |
Sika |
Aug 1st – Apr 30th |
Nov 1st – Mar 31st |
Jul 1st – Oct 20th |
Oct 21st – Feb 15th |
Chinese Water Deer |
Nov 1st Mar 31st |
Nov 1st – Mar 31st |
- |
- |
Muntjac |
No close season |
No close season |
Deer stalking is becoming more and more popular and with the number of deer in the UK being at its highest rate for the last 1000 years, there is a greater need for management of the various species found across the country. Deer have no natural predators in the UK so although in some areas some species are still protected, in other areas numbers still have to be managed to prevent the spread of diseases and impact on the surrounding countryside.
There are a number of organisations and Estates across the UK that offer opportunities to experience deer stalking of which details can be found on the internet, such as –
Before heading out on your planned shoot or stalking event, it is important to make sure you are properly prepared. With the majority of shooting done in autumn and winter time it is well worth investing in a well insulated, waterproof jacket that still offers great comfort and manoeuvrability that is vital when handling a gun. Our latest collection of shooting jackets includes the Barbour Sporting Featherweight Climate Jacket which is ideal for colder weather with its fleece lining and excellent freedom of movement in the shoulders.
For the slightly warmer days we have the popular Barbour Highmoor Wax Sporting Gilet with its large cartridge pockets and softee leather shoulder patches, another well designed item of clothing from the Barbour Sporting Range developed by Lord James Percy one of the best shots in the country.