Game shooting - a beginner’s guide

A traditional introduction to the great British field sport

1. What Is Game Shooting?

Game shooting is a time-honoured country sport where birds such as pheasants, partridge, and grouse are shot for the table during their legal seasons. It blends sport, countryside tradition, and conservation.

2. Types of Game Shooting

• Driven Shooting: Birds are driven over the Guns by beaters on formal shoots.
• Walked-Up Shooting: A line of Guns walk and flush birds as they go.
• Rough Shooting: Informal walk-up shooting, often with a dog and varied quarry.

3. Licensing and Legalities

• Shotgun Certificate: Apply via your local police force.
• Insurance: Highly recommended. BASC membership includes it.
• Land Permission: Always shoot with permission from the landowner.
• Respect Seasons: Only shoot during legal times.

4. Essential Kit

• Shotgun: 12 or 20 bore, side-by-side or over-and-under.
• Cartridges: Typically No. 5 or 6 shot for pheasant.
• Clothing: Tweeds, shirt and tie, waterproof coat, flat cap.
• Boots: Waterproof walking boots or wellingtons.
• Ear & Eye Protection: Vital for safety.
• Game Bag / Cartridge Pouch

5. Etiquette: The Unwritten Rules

• Always point your gun in a safe direction – safety is paramount.
• Follow the keeper’s instructions at all times.
• Only shoot safe and sporting birds — no low ones.
• No "skybusting" — don’t shoot out of range.
• Pick up your cartridges and respect the land.
• Dress traditionally and smartly – it’s part of the day.

6. A Typical Day

1. Morning Briefing: Safety talk, peg draw, tea and bacon rolls.
2. Drives: 3–5 per day, with elevenses between.
3. Elevenses: Sloe gin, sausage rolls, and good cheer.
4. Lunch: Varies in formality from shoot lodge to pub pie.
5. End of Day: Bag is counted and birds shared.
6. Tip the Keeper: £20–£40 is customary.

7. What Happens to the Game?

All game should be respected and used. It may be:

• Taken home by Guns
• Given to beaters or pickers-up
• Sold to game dealers
• Cooked on-site

“If you shoot it, you should be prepared to eat it.”

8. Getting Started

• Take lessons at a clay shooting ground.
• Join BASC or CPSA for training and support.
• Volunteer as a beater to learn the ropes.
• Speak to a local shoot about novice-friendly days.

9. Glossary of Terms

• Gun: A person shooting.
• Drive: A segment of the shoot where birds are flushed.
• Peg: Numbered position where a Gun stands.
• Beater: Drives birds toward the Guns.
• Picker-up: Retrieves shot birds with a dog.
• Bag: The total birds shot on the day.