Hunting Seasons in the UK: A Complete Calendar
Planning your shooting calendar for the year? Here is a straightforward overview of the key dates for game, deer and wildfowl seasons in the UK.
The Game Season
The British shooting season traditionally runs from August to February, with the most intense period from October to January. The famous "Glorious Twelfth" — 12 August — marks the opening of the grouse season and is a celebrated date in the British sporting calendar.
Key Dates at a Glance
| Species | Season opens | Season closes |
|---|---|---|
| Grouse | 12 August | 10 December |
| Partridge | 1 September | 1 February |
| Pheasant | 1 October | 1 February |
| Woodcock | 1 October | 31 January |
| Snipe | 12 August | 31 January |
| Wildfowl (inland) | 1 September | 31 January |
| Wildfowl (foreshore) | 1 September | 20 February |
Deer Seasons
Deer seasons are managed separately under the Deer Acts to protect breeding periods. See our guide to legal quarry species for a full breakdown by species and sex.
Regional Variations
Scotland operates under different legislation and has some variations in seasons, particularly for grouse and deer. Always check the specific rules for the region where you are shooting.
Why Seasons Matter
Closed seasons protect animals during breeding periods, ensuring sustainable populations for future generations. Shooting outside the legal season is a serious offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act.
Photo: Phasianus colchicus, Didier Descouens, via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
