With shooting season in full flow, it is vital that you are aware of the
hunting season open dates for each species of game, wildfowl and deer. Shooting certain species outside set dates is prohibited as the animals need time to breed and rear their young, ensuring that the population continues to flourish. There are also severe penalties for anyone caught shooting outside these dates, so it is important that you know the
shooting regulations in each area of the UK.
Deer
| Species |
Sex |
England, Wales & Northern Ireland |
Scotland |
| Red |
|
|
|
|
Stags |
August 1st – April 30th |
July 1st – October 20th |
|
|
|
|
|
Hinds (E&W) |
November 1st – March 31st |
October 21st – February 15th |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Fallow |
|
|
|
|
Bucks |
August 1st – April 30th |
August 1st – April 30th |
|
Does (E&W) |
November 1st – March 31st |
October 21st – February 15th |
|
|
|
|
| Sika |
|
|
|
|
Stags |
August 1st – April 30th |
July 1st – October 20th |
|
Hinds (E&W) |
November 1st – March 31st |
October 21st – February 15th |
|
|
|
|
| Roe |
England and Wales only |
|
|
|
Bucks |
April 1st – October 31st |
April 1st – October 20th |
|
Does |
November 1st – March 31st |
October 21st – March 31st |
| Red/Sika Hybrids |
|
|
|
|
Stags |
August 1st – April 30th |
July 1st – October 20th |
|
Hinds (E&W) |
November 1st – March 31st |
October 21st – February 15th |
|
|
|
|
| Chinese Water Deer |
England and Wales only |
|
|
|
Bucks |
November 1st – March 31st |
|
|
Does |
November 1st – March 31st |
|
| Muntjac |
|
All year round |
All year round |
Deer stalking is becoming increasingly popular in the UK, with the number of deer at its highest levels in over 1000 years. As deer have no natural predators, there is a need for management of the various species found across the country to prevent the spread of disease and impact on the surrounding countryside. You can find out more information on deer and deer stalking at
The British Deer Society.
If you are planning on deer stalking this season, ensure that you are prepared for the inevitable cold weather with a well insulated
jacket or coat. Many choose a
gilet for extra warmth and ease of movement when shooting, as it leaves your arms free for full range of movement and increased accuracy when handling a gun.
Game and Wildfowl
| Species |
England, Scotland and Wales |
Northern Ireland |
| Pheasant |
October 1st – February 1st |
October 1st – January 31st |
| Grey Partridge |
September 1st – February 1st |
September 1st – January 31st |
| Red Legged Partridge |
September 1st – February 1st |
September 1st – January 31st |
| Red Grouse |
August 12th – December 10th |
August 12th – November 30th |
| Black Grouse |
August 20th – December 10th |
NA |
| Ptarmigan |
August 12th – December 10th Scotland Only
|
NA |
|
|
|
| Common Snipe |
August 12th – January 31st |
September 1st – January 31st |
| Jack Snipe |
Protected at all times |
September 1st – January 31st |
| Woodcock |
October 1st – January 31st |
October 1st – January 31st |
| Woodcock (Scotland) |
September 1st – January 31st |
NA |
| Duck & Goose (inland) |
September 1st – January 31st |
September 1st – January 31st |
| Duck & Goose (below HWM of ordinary spring tides) |
September 1st – February 20th |
September 1st – January 31st |
| Coot/Moorhen |
September 1st – January 31st |
Protected at all times |
| Golden Plover |
September 1st – January 31st |
September 1st – January 31st |
| Curlew |
Protected at all times |
September 1st – January 31st |
| Brown Hare |
January 1st – December 31st |
October 1st – January 31st |
| Mountain Hare (Scotland) |
October 1st – January 31st |
NA |
| Rabbit |
All year round |
All year round |
There is a variety of species for game and wildfowl hunters, and areas of countryside across the UK are abundant with such animals. Make sure that you are familiar with
shooting open seasons for each species before you go shooting, and always ensure that you take adequate
ear protection to prevent damage to your ears.
