The pheasant season runs from 1 October to 1 February in England, Wales and Scotland. Other quarry have their own dates, from the Glorious Twelfth for red grouse on 12 August to the wildfowl season, which can run to 20 February on the foreshore. This guide gathers the main UK game shooting season dates for 2026/27 in one place.
UK game shooting season dates
| Quarry | England & Wales | Scotland |
|---|---|---|
| Pheasant | 1 Oct to 1 Feb | 1 Oct to 1 Feb |
| Partridge (red-legged and grey) | 1 Sep to 1 Feb | 1 Sep to 1 Feb |
| Red grouse | 12 Aug to 10 Dec | 12 Aug to 10 Dec |
| Woodcock | 1 Oct to 31 Jan | 1 Sep to 31 Jan |
| Common snipe | 12 Aug to 31 Jan | 12 Aug to 31 Jan |
| Duck and geese (inland) | 1 Sep to 31 Jan | 1 Sep to 31 Jan |
| Duck and geese (below high water mark) | 1 Sep to 20 Feb | 1 Sep to 20 Feb |
Dates are inclusive and apply to Great Britain. Northern Ireland has different seasons, and some species have additional protections or local restrictions, so always confirm with BASC or the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust before you plan a day.
Pheasant season: 1 October to 1 February
Pheasants are the backbone of UK driven and walked-up shooting. Most formal shoot days run from November to January, when the birds are strong on the wing and the cover has dropped. Partridge opens a month earlier, on 1 September, so early season days often start with partridge on the stubbles.
Sundays and Christmas Day
In England and Wales, game birds such as pheasant, partridge and grouse cannot be shot on Sundays or Christmas Day. Wildfowling is also banned on Sundays in a number of counties. Rules differ in Scotland and Northern Ireland, so check locally.
Plan your season
- Licence: you need a certificate to own a shotgun. See our guide to getting a shotgun licence.
- Clothing: from the Glorious Twelfth in August to the last duck flight in February, the weather changes a lot. Browse shooting and country clothing, waterproof clothing and shooting boots.
- Cooking: bring the bag home. Try our roast pheasant, pheasant pie and roast partridge recipes.
FAQs
When does the pheasant shooting season start?
On 1 October each year and it ends on 1 February, in England, Wales and Scotland.
When does the partridge season start?
On 1 September, and it also ends on 1 February.
When is the Glorious Twelfth?
12 August, the opening day of the red grouse season. It runs until 10 December.
When does the duck season end?
Inland on 31 January, and on 20 February below the high water mark.
Can you shoot on Sundays?
Not game birds in England and Wales. Some counties also restrict Sunday wildfowling. Check the rules for your area before you go.
Related reading
- How to get a shotgun licence in the UK
- How to wash, clean and reproof a waterproof or wax jacket
- Game Pie Recipe: Pheasant, Venison & Bacon
- Roast Wild Duck Recipe: Mallard with Orange & Thyme
- More game and country recipes
- The Field Guide: country clothing and countryside know-how
Dates are correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of writing and are general guidance only. Always check the current legal position with BASC or the relevant authority.
