Shooting is a year round event and there are a number of birds, mammals and wildfowl, which can be shot legally. There are, however, restrictions which prohibit the shooting of certain creatures at certain times. This is to ensure that the species have time to breed and raise their young undisturbed.
The following highlights the dates when it is permissible to shoot the various different types of animal in the British Isles and some of the things you should bear in mind when doing so:
Game & Wildfowl
| Species |
England, Scotland and Wales |
Northern Ireland |
| Pheasant |
October 1st - February 1st |
October 1st - January 31st |
| Partridge |
September 1st - February 1st |
September 1st - January 31st |
| Grouse |
August 12th - December 10th |
August 12th - November 30th |
| Ptarmigan (only in Scotland) |
August 12th - December 10th |
NA |
| Blackgame (not in NI) |
August 20th - December 10th |
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 |
| Hare |
January 1st - December 31st |
August 12th - January 31st |
Deer
The shooting of dear is permitted all year round, with no statutory closed season for this species. However, it is recommended that hunters should avoid immature or heavily pregnant does in order to avoid leaving dependant young.
| 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 |
|
(NI) |
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 |
|
(NI) |
November 1st - February 28th |
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 |
|
(NI) |
November 1st - February 28th |
October 21st - February 15th |
| Roe |
|
|
|
|
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 |
|
(NI) |
November 1st - February 28th |
October 21st - February 15th |
| Chinese Water Deer |
|
|
|
|
Bucks |
November 1st - March 31st |
NA |
|
Does |
November 1st - March 31st |
NA |
| Muntjac |
|
All year round |
|
Ducks & Geese
The following species of ducks and geese can be shot in England, Scotland and Wales during open season:
- Gadwall
- Goldeneye
- Pintail
- Pochard
- Shoveler
- Wigeon
- Tufted Duck
- Mallard
- Teal
- Canada
- Greylag
- Pink-footed
- White-fronted geese (England and Wales only.)
Northern Ireland – Shooting of any wild bird is prohibited at night time. Species which can be shot are during the day, however, are:
- Gadwall
- Goldeneye
- Pintail
- Pochard
- Scaup
- Shoveler
- Wigeon
- Tufted Duck
- Mallard
- Canada
- Teal
- Greylag
- Pink-footed
Methods of killing or taking wildlife
There are certain methods for killing wildlife. The following are means which are prohibited and could be subject to prosecution:
- The use of an automatic or semi-automatic weapon against any bird, with the exception of birds which are classed as pests.
- The use of artificial lighting, such as a mirror or other dazzling device,
- The use of illuminating devices to illuminate a target.
- The use of any vehicle in immediate pursuit of wildlife for the purpose of killing or taking.
- The use of self-locking snares.
- The use of a bow, crossbow or explosive, other than ammunition for a firearm.
- The use of any live animal, bird or sound recording as a decoy.
- The use of shotgun, with a barrel diameter, at the muzzle, of more than 1¾ inches.
Sale of wild birds
In England, Wales and Scotland the sale of the following birds is prohibited from September 1st - February 28th.
- Shoveler
- Pochard
- Coot
Tufted Duck
- Mallard
- Teal
- Pintail
- Golden Plover
- Woodcock
- Common Snipe
- Wigeon
In Northern Ireland the sale of all species of wild bird is prohibited, with the exception of the feral pigeon and the woodpigeon
Birds which are classed as pests
The woodpigeon and crows are 2 birds which are classed as pests. The control of these animals must comply with the licenses issued by local Government, and it is important that these rules are abided by at all times.
Mammals classed as Pests
The following can be controlled all year round by legally approved methods:
Fox
- Brown Rat
- Mice (excluding dormice)
- Rabbit
- Grey Squirrel
- Mink
- Weasel
- Stoat
- Feral Cat
Game licenses
Although they have been scrapped in England and Wales, game licenses are still required in Scotland and Northern Ireland. These can be obtained from your local post office, or directly from the BASC. (British Association for Shooting and Conservation)
