Shooting in the UK

1
May
2009

Despite their small size, the British Isles offer an extraordinary variety of opportunity for hunters. Good shooting is accessible to those of modest means and the great tradition of hunters’ camaraderie ensures you will find a warm welcome.

In Britain 'hunting' usually refers to hunting with packs of hounds - that is stag, fox or hare hunting. Those who use guns are not hunters but 'shooters' or 'guns' - the word can apply to the person as well as the object.

One of the shooting community’s little eccentricities, like the love of tweed, is a strong feeling for tradition and the importance of giving the gamekeeper a tip at the end of the day. The British have a great love of sportsmanship, and if you are unsure about any aspect of shooting you can always ask for advice.

Shooting is generally controlled by individuals, rather than clubs or local associations - except for wildfowling, where foreshore shooting can usually only be obtained through wildfowling organisations.

Overall the representative body for country shooting in the UK is the British Association for Shooting and Conservation which is supported by 120,000 people. Its specialist departments can give advice on all subjects and you are strongly advised to join the association if you are thinking of shooting in Britain; your membership also provides automatic insurance cover.

Shooting falls into several categories and you will decide which interests you most. Rough shooting is far more active than driven shooting and is particularly appreciated by those who enjoy working dogs.

Wildfowling will take you to the remotest places in the roughest weather - this is the sport for the would-be Ernest Hemingways - and if you have a great affinity with wild places it can have an almost magical appeal.

What to wear?

British weather is notoriously unpredictable and can change very quickly in a day, so be prepared. The usual drab colours are worn and although camouflage might be perfectly acceptable for wildfowling it would be wrong to wear it for driven or rough shooting.

Certainly on a formal shoot you should wear a collar and tie but the important thing is that you are comfortable, warm and dry. If you need any guidelines, just look through any British shooting magazine and you will soon see the kind of clothes that are appropriate.