When is partridge shooting season in the UK?

As we head into the autumn months, we approach the start of the shooting season for several British game birds, including the partridge. In this blog, we’ll cover the key dates for partridge shooting season in the UK, why we have it, the best places to go, and some of our top shooting tips.

 

 

When is partridge shooting season?

The dates for partridge shooting season are very similar for different regions in the UK. Partridge shooting season runs from 1st September to 1st February for England, Scotland, and Wales. However, if you’re based in Northern Ireland, the season ends on 31st January. If you live on the Isle of Man, the grey partridge is a protected species, but you can still shoot red-legged partridge from 13th September to 31st January.

 

Why do we have a partridge shooting season?

Partridge shooting has an off-season so the birds can breed to replenish their population. There are still other shooting activities that you can try in the off-season, such as clay pigeon shooting, to keep you busy until partridge shooting season comes back around.

 

What partridge breeds do we have in the UK?

The UK has two different breeds of partridge: the grey and the red-legged partridge (also known as the French partridge). Take a look below for some further information on their history and shooting guidance.

 

 

Grey Partridge

The grey partridge is a UK-native breed and has called the British Isles home for thousands of years. Frequently found in groups called coveys, the grey partridge can be identified by its grey body and uniquely orange face.

Despite their once flourishing populations, the grey partridge has become very uncommon across the UK due to overhunting and loss of habitat. According to Countryfile, there are now thought to be less than 70,000 pairs of grey partridges in the UK (80% less than populations recorded in 1990).

As a result, the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) advises not to shoot grey partridges if:

• the population in the area you’re shooting in is less than 20 birds per 250 acres
• it’s the start of the new year which is their breeding season
• they’re flying in pairs (grey partridges pair for life).

For more information on how you can help protect a healthy population of grey partridge in the UK, take a look at the GWCT Grey Partridge Guide.

 

 

Red-legged partridge

You can spot a red-legged partridge from its tan, grey, and chestnut body, strikingly white face, and red legs—hence the name. Having been successfully introduced to East Anglia from France in the 18th century, their population is now thought to be around 90,000 to 250,000 pairs across Britain.

Larger than the grey partridge, red-legged partridges are often found in open scrub and farmland areas. As a ground-dwelling bird, red-legged partridges will usually run instead of fly when spooked, although they will fly a short distance if needed.

 

What’s the best cartridge for partridge shooting?

You can get cartridges made specifically for partridge shooting, such as Hull’s The Partridge Cartridge. Otherwise, it’s recommended to use 28 grams, or 30 grams of No.6 shot. For high bird partridges, you may need No.5 shot for them to be effective. For cartridge sizes, the number of grams refers to the weight of the shotgun bullet and the shot size (No.6 for example) refers to the diameter of the individual pellet inside the shotgun shell. This means the larger the shot size, the fewer pellets held inside the shell, which will give you longer range and more knockdown power.

Related: What cartridges to use? Grouse, pheasant, partridge, ducks and geese

 

Where are the best partridge shoots?

The UK is well known for its breadth of picturesque countryside, so it’s no surprise that there are many estates across the UK offering the perfect day out for partridge shooting. We’ve picked out the top five estates for you to try across the UK below.

1.      Belvoir Castle, Leicestershire

The Belvoir estate offers more than 75 drives across 17,000 acres of Leicestershire countryside. You can choose to shoot from the castle grounds overlooking the Vale of Belvoir, the history of which dates all the way back to the 11th century. As part of the shooting experience, you’ll have refreshments offered throughout the day and the opportunity to stay overnight inside the castle.

2.      Bowmont Valley, Roxburghshire

Believed to be among the best high bird shoots in the UK, Bowmont Valley offers several challenging partridge drives to enjoy across the estate. The Duke of Roxburghe owns the valley, with the Schloss Roxburghe Hotel only a short drive away for an overnight stay. If you stay at the Schloss Roxburghe, you could also take advantage of the other on-site activities, such as fishing and archery.

3.      Drumlanrig Castle, Dumfriesshire

With 20 drives on offer throughout the Queensbury Estate, Drumlanrig Castle is one of the best partridge shoots in the world. During your visit, you can also make the most of the river and loch fishing, renowned for its salmon and sea trout. Sometimes referred to as the ‘Pink Palace’ thanks to its pale red stone walls, the castle itself was built in the 17th century and sits just a few hundred yards from the remains of a Roman fort.

4.      Gurston Down, Wiltshire

Nestled within the Chalke Valley, you’ll find Cranborne Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, home to Gurston Down Shoot. The Wiltshire Downs make the perfect backdrop for a day of partridge shooting, with Gurston Down once advertised as the highest pheasant and partridge shoot in England.

5.      Ragley Hall, Warwickshire

Surrounded by the stunning Warwickshire countryside, this 17^th century Palladian stately home offers a brilliant backdrop to a day of shooting. Ran from the Weethley Farmhouse, just a short drive from Ragley Hall, partridge shooting across this estate includes two drives and ends with a three-course meal at the lodge.

 

 

 

Our top tips for partridge shooting in the UK

To ensure you get the most out of your days spent partridge shooting, take a look at our top tips below:

Stay quiet

Partridges identify oncoming predators and danger through their hearing, so staying as quiet as possible ensures you can get an easier shot from a closer range.

Keep your focus

Maintain your line-of-flight by keeping your eye and the point of your gun parallel to the line of the bird. Make sure once you make your shot that you hold your position and your focus for a time to finish your shot.

Survey your surroundings

Try to foresee where the birds will be coming from and where they’ll fly to once they’re in the air by surveying your surroundings before you shoot.

Be prepared

Before the shoot starts, run a few practice mounts and practice your footwork so you're ready to shoot as soon as the moment arises. You can also keep your gun in your lead hand to shoot at a moment's notice.

Shoot early

As long as it's safe for you to do so, take your chance to shoot the birds at the front.

 

 

Specialist shooting insurance through Ripe

Whenever you’re on a shoot, it's worth knowing you have protection should the worst happen. With specialist shooting insurance, you can ensure you’d be covered if you were to cause an injury to someone or damage third-party property while on a shoot.

Learn more about specialist shooting insurance through Ripe or get an instant online quote today.