added info
Shooting Seasons
Quarry
There are a number of birds, wildfowl (ducks and geese) and mammals which can be shot legally. For many species there is a close season during which time it is illegal to shoot them.
The provision of this undisturbed period ensures that they are able to breed and disperse and young are able to grow. The species and seasons for England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are shown below.
Game & Wildfowl - Open Seasons (dates inclusive)
|
Species |
England, Scotland and Wales |
Northern Ireland |
|
Pheasant |
Oct 1 - Feb 1 |
Oct 1 - Jan 31 |
|
Partridge |
Sept 1 - Feb 1 |
Sept 1- Jan 31 |
|
Grouse |
Aug 12 - Dec 10 |
Aug 12 - Nov 30 |
|
Ptarmigan (only found in Scotland) |
Aug 12 - Dec 10 |
-- |
|
Blackgame (not currently found in NI) |
Aug 20 - Dec 10 |
-- |
|
Common Snipe |
Aug 12 - Jan 31 |
Sept 1 - Jan 31 |
|
Jack Snipe |
Protected at all times |
Sept 1 - Jan 31 |
|
Woodcock |
Oct 1- Jan 31 |
Oct 1 - Jan 31 |
|
Woodcock - Scotland |
Sept 1 - Jan 31 |
-- |
|
Duck & Goose - inland |
Sept 1 - Jan 31 |
Sept 1 - Jan 31 |
|
Duck & Goose - below HWM of ordinary spring tides |
Sept 1 - Feb 20 |
Sept 1 - Jan 31 |
|
Coot/Moorhen |
Sept 1 - Jan 31 |
Protected at all times |
|
Golden Plover |
Sept 1 - Jan 31 |
Sept 1 - Jan 31 |
|
Curlew |
Protected at all times |
Sept 1 - Jan 31 |
|
Hare* |
Jan 1 - Dec 31 |
Aug 12 - Jan 31 |