Pheasant shooting season: Your complete guide

To make the most of the shooting season, it helps to know the rules around game bird shooting to ensure you are following best practices and respecting the law.

This blog will go through the rules that need to be followed whilst pheasant shooting, provide some tips on making the most of your shoot, and answer some of the most frequently asked questions.

When is pheasant shooting season?

The pheasant shooting season runs from 1 October to 1 February in England, Scotland, and Wales. If you live in Northern Ireland, the season ends on 31 January.

Pheasant shooting rules

Following the UK laws regarding shooting game birds is vital to helping preserve wildlife and protecting the safety of yourself and the environment. Here are the laws you need to be aware of:

   1.  Get a gun certificate

By law in the UK, you must have a certificate to own and use a firearm or shotgun. You can obtain an application for a firearm or shotgun certificate from your local police force. The process will then involve:

• Completing the application
• Providing a passport photograph and up to two referees
• Paying the fee set out by the police

This step must be completed for both your safety and the safety of others.

   2.  Only hunt on land with the landowner’s permission

Before you go out on your first shoot, you must have written permission from the landowner to shoot on their property. This is why many of those participating in pheasant shooting season will go to organised shoots. There are various organised shooting locations across the UK.

   3.  If you’re using lead ammunition, check that you’re using it in an area where this is permitted

Due to its toxicity, lead ammunition is banned in certain areas of the UK and cannot be used to kill certain types of birds. It's a good idea to research the regulations on lead ammunition before using it on your first shoot.

   4.  Ensure your gun follows UK Government regulations

According to the law set out by the UK Government, the firearm you use to shoot birds cannot hold more than two rounds of ammunition, have artificial lighting, or a sighting device for lighting up targets at night.

   5.  Don’t shoot pheasants at night, on Christmas Day, or on Sundays

These restrictions may vary slightly depending on where you are in the UK and are set out in The Game Act 1831.

Whether you're a beginner at shooting or a seasoned professional, it's always worth reading up on the rules and regulations. The full law affecting pheasant shooting can be found in the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

5 top tips for pheasant shooting

As soon as the off-season ends, you'll want to put your best foot forward to get the most out of the shooting season. We've put together some tips below to ensure you'll get off to a good start.

   1.  Start with lighter ammo

Pheasants are well known for becoming harder to hit clean as the season goes on, so you may as well start off light. We recommend around 30gm up until Christmas, then swap to a heavier 32gm after that.

   2.  Take the bird early

With certain other birds, you want to take them as they're passing you for the best chance of a hit. With the pheasant, though, unless they're extremely high – hit them early. You’re more likely to hit if you aim for the bird at the 45-65-degree mark. However, you’ll get a second chance before it passes if not.

   3.  Work out where the wind is

It's best to work out where the wind is as quickly as possible, even when you first get to your peg. If there's a backwind, crosswind or any other type, it can massively affect both your shot and the bird's flight. If you can adjust for the breeze, it will mean you hit far more than you miss.

In addition, make sure you check again every now and then. Naturally, wind can shift at any time, so it's best to stay abreast of any movements.

   4.  Keep your feet moving

Pheasant shooting is all about balance, and your feet influence your balance during a shoot. Shift your feet depending on where the birds are coming from, then mount the gun. Finally, shift your weight so it's on your back foot and then hold it there. Hopefully, by that point, there'll be a pheasant in your line of sight, giving you the best chance of hitting it.

   5.  Keep your gun moving

While moving your feet is the most important thing, moving your gun is almost as important. Follow the line of the bird from its tail up through the body before firing. If you stop the gun moving, there's a good chance you'll shoot behind it.

Frequently asked questions about pheasant shooting

Is shooting pheasants legal?

Yes, shooting pheasants is legal as long as it is during the pheasant shooting season and you are following the regulations set out by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

Can you shoot pheasants on a Sunday?

No. In the UK, you cannot shoot pheasants on Sunday, Christmas Day, or at night.

Can you shoot a pheasant in your garden?

You can shoot a pheasant in your own garden as long as it is during the pheasant shooting season and you follow the law regarding the firearm you use.

How much does it cost to go on a pheasant shoot?

The cost of a pheasant shoot can vary widely depending on where you are in the UK and the prices set by the shoot owner. Factors that affect the cost of a shoot can include:

• Your bag size (how many birds you've shot)
• The cost per bird
• The number of guns with you

Specialist shooting insurance through Ripe

Before you head out on your first pheasant 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 shooting.

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