Game Shooting

Most of the days include two drives prior to elevenses, followed by two drives before returning to the main house or shooting lodge for lunch. There are often two more drives in the afternoon to complete the day’s shooting.

You are offered birds that are suitable for all shooting abilities. We can provide hire guns as well as cartridges on the day. We will also arrange estate loaders on request, and supply in-field shooting instructors if you would like to improve your skills on the day.

Many of our guests enjoy learning a little about the history of the estate that they're visiting too and a little about the stories behind shooting etiquette - all of this will be sent to you to enhance your enjoyment.

Across England, Scotland and Wales, the game shooting seasons vary from game bird to game bird, although traditionally seasons run through the autumn to late winter.

Red Grouse - 12^th August (known as ‘The Glorious Twelfth’) to 10^th December
Black Grouse - 20^th August to 10^th December
Duck and Goose - (inland) 1^st September to 31^st January
Grey Partridge - 1^st September - 1^st February
Red-legged Partridge - 1^st September to 1^st February
Pheasant - 1^st October to 1^st February

Observing the traditions and etiquette of game shooting is part of the enjoyment of the day, and many of the estates make the following recommendations about the dress code for the day:

• Tweed cap
• Shirt and tie
• Tweed shoot vest
• Light wool jumper
• Tweed jacket or water-resistant jacket (green/khaki colour)
• Possibly shoot gloves in thin leather for the colder months
• Breeks - mostly tweed, but can be moleskin or corduroy (you can also wear normal brown/green/beige trousers in moleskin or corduroy and pull the long socks over the trousers to look like breeks
• Long socks and gaiters
• Comfortable and waterproof hiking boots, ankle boots or wellies
• Lightweight shoes, in case you have lunch in the house where wellies/boots will not be allowed

The sport is a fabulously social activity encouraging competition among friends - giving you an experience fit for the English aristocracy.