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Shooting Seasons - UK

UK Wild Game Seasons

Wild game can only be shot during certain times of the year, and for many species there is a close season during which it is illegal to shoot them. This ensures that species continue to flourish and are not hunted to extinction. Below are the official dates for game and deer seasons within the United Kingdom.

Game Birds

SpeciesRegionSeason Dates
CootUK1 Sep – 31 Jan
CurlewNorthern Ireland1 Sep – 31 Jan
Duck & GooseInland – England, Scotland, Wales1 Sep – 31 Jan
Duck & GooseForeshore – England, Scotland, Wales1 Sep – 20 Feb
Duck & GooseInland/Foreshore – Northern Ireland1 Sep – 31 Jan
Golden PloverUK1 Sep – 31 Jan
GrouseEngland, Scotland, Wales12 Aug – 10 Dec
GrouseNorthern Ireland12 Aug – 30 Nov
Jack SnipeNorthern Ireland only1 Sep – 31 Jan
MoorhenUK1 Sep – 31 Jan
PartridgeUK1 Sep – 1 Feb
PheasantEngland, Scotland, Wales1 Oct – 1 Feb
PheasantNorthern Ireland (cocks only)1 Oct – 31 Jan
PtarmiganScotland only12 Aug – 10 Dec
QuailUKAll year
Snipe (common)England, Scotland, Wales12 Aug – 31 Jan
Snipe (common)Northern Ireland1 Sep – 31 Jan
WoodcockEngland, Wales, Northern Ireland1 Oct – 31 Jan
WoodcockScotland1 Sep – 31 Jan
RabbitUKAll year

Deer

Fallow, Red and Roe are all species of deer.

SpeciesRegionSeason Dates
Fallow buckUK1 Aug – 30 Apr
Fallow doeEngland, Wales, Northern Ireland1 Nov – 28 Feb
Fallow doeScotland21 Oct – 15 Feb
Red deer stagsEngland, Wales, Northern Ireland1 Aug – 30 Apr
Red deer stagsScotland1 Jul – 20 Oct
Red deer hindsEngland, Wales, Northern Ireland1 Nov – 28 Feb
Red deer hindsScotland21 Oct – 15 Feb
Roe buckEngland, Wales1 Apr – 31 Oct
Roe buckScotland1 Apr – 20 Oct
Roe doeEngland, Wales1 Nov – 28 Feb
Roe doeScotland21 Oct – 31 Mar

Always verify local game laws and regional restrictions before shooting.
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