Following a high number of people receiving air rifles and pistols such as the 22 air rifle for Christmas and looking to get into shooting, today we are here to provide some assistance to all, providing some information in regard to the 2019 game shooting seasons, informing everyone what they can and can’t shoot this year, and when.
If you want to go out shooting this year but do not want to end up on the wrong side of the law, please abide by the below information.
Remember you have to get permission from the owners of the land that wish to shoot on also, so ensure you get appropriate access before shooting anything.
Open season – You can shoot rabbits and pigeons all year round, this is known as the open seasons.
Unlike rabbits and pigeons however, for other species, you can only shoot during certain times. This is to allow populations of animals to flourish breed and move around. Here is a list of other species you can shoot and when (These dates are for 2019 only; dates can differ from year to year):
Red Grouse – England, Wales and Scotland Aug 12th – Dec 10th, Northern Ireland Aug 12th – Nov 30th
Common Snipe – England, Wales and Scotland Aug 12th – Jan 31st, Northern Ireland Sep 1st – Jan 31st
Grey Partridge and Red Legged Partridge – England, Wales and Scotland Sep 1st – Feb 1st, Northern Ireland Sep 1st – Jan 31st
Duck and Goose – England, Wales and Scotland inland Sep 1st – Jan 31st, England, Wales and Scotland below high water mark Sep 1st – Feb 20th, Northern Ireland inland Sep 1st – Jan 31st, Northern Ireland below high water mark Sep 1st – Jan 31st
Woodcock – England and Wales Oct 1st – Jan 31st, Scotland Sep 1st –Jan 31st, Northern island Oct 1st – Jan 31st
Pheasant – England, wales and Scotland Oct 1st – Feb 1st, Northern Island Oct 1st 0 Jan 31st
Coot/Moorhen – England, Wales and Scotland Sep 1st – Jan 31st
Golden Plover – England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland Sep 1st – Jan 31st
For more information regarding the law, you can visit the government website today.