Are You Ready For The Pheasant Shooting Season?
We hope you’re ready for the pheasant shooting season! The UK is traditionally the home of driven pheasant shooting and run from the 1st of October to the 1st of February in Great Britain, and the 1st of October to the 31st of January in Northern Ireland. Pheasants are covered by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and as well only being allowed to be hunted during specific times of the year, it is also an offence to shoot game on Sundays or Christmas Day.
The origin of the humble pheasant is debated, however they have been in the UK for over 2,000 years and have always been a popular table bird. Pheasant was particularly popular during the 14th and 15th centuries and was sold at a maximum (as decreed by law) for one shilling and four pence. It was recorded in Henry VIII’s privy purse accounts in 1532 that he even had a French priest as a “fesaunt breeder”[sic]! There are many recipes for pheasant available (in fact we posted a recipe on our social media platforms the other day - feel free to go and check it out.) so look out for an upcoming blog on alternative Christmas Dinner recipes and ideas.
Whether you’re a shooting novice or expert veteran, wearing the correct shooting attire and having the right equipment is essential if you are to enjoy your shoot days - You don’t want to be caught short and left red faced by forgetting an essential piece of kit when you go shooting. With this in mind, we have compiled a shoot day checklist for kit and clothes (who doesn’t love a good list?!) to stay on top of your game.
Shooting Kit Checklist:
- Cartridge Bag/Belt
- Cartridges (top tip - always take more than you’ll need!)
- Ear Defenders/Hearing Protection
- First Aid Kit (safety first!)
- Flask
- Gun Cleaning Kit
- Gun License
- Gun Slip
- Insurance Documents
- Money
- Seat/Shooting Stick
- Shotgun
Shooting Attire Checklist:
- Breeks
- Garters
- Gloves
- Headwear
- Jumper
- Shoes
- Shooting Jacket
- Shooting Socks
- Spare Socks
- Thermals
- Walking Boots or Wellington Boots
- Waterproof Trousers
Click here to download checklist
Other things to consider on a shoot day is punctuality, make sure you tip, familiarise yourself with the shoot rules and most importantly enjoy yourselves!
If there’s anything we’ve forgotten, please feel free to let us know. We appreciate your feedback and we look forward to hearing from you.
Until next time folks…