In the UK, it is legal to hunt select game birds, waterfowl, deer, and certain small mammals. However, all legal hunting is strictly regulated by specific open seasons, weapon restrictions, and landowner permissions. Bowhunting and using dogs to hunt wild mammals are illegal. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]

 

Game Birds & Waterfowl

You can only hunt these birds during designated shooting seasons. [1, 2]

 

• Pheasant: October 1 to February 1
• Partridge (Grey and Red-Legged): September 1 to February 1
• Grouse (Red and Black): August 12 to December 10
• Ducks & Geese (inland): September 1 to January 31
• Woodcock: October 1 to January 31 (Starts Sept 1 in Scotland)
• Snipe: August 12 to January 31 [1, 2, 3, 4]

 

 

Deer (Deer Stalking)

All deer species are protected. Stalking them outside of their open seasons or at night requires a special licence. [1, 2, 3]

 

• Red, Sika, and Fallow Deer: Open seasons generally run from August through to April, depending on the specific sex of the animal.
• Roe Deer: Bucks are hunted April to October, with Does hunted November to March.
• Muntjac: Can be hunted year-round in England and Wales due to no closed season for them. [1, 2, 3, 4]

 

 

Mammals

 

• Rabbits & Brown Hares: Can be hunted year-round. However, mountain hares are strictly protected in many areas, and hares generally cannot be hunted with dogs. [1, 2, 3]
• Foxes: While traditional foxhunting with a pack of hounds is generally illegal, it is lawful to shoot foxes on private land to protect livestock or prevent serious damage. [1, 2, 3]

 

 

Unprotected & Pest Birds

Under strict General Licences issued by government bodies (like Defra in England), authorised individuals can control certain pest bird species—such as crows, magpies, and wood pigeons—to prevent damage to crops or serious disease risks. [1, 2, 3, 4]

For detailed, region-specific quarry laws and dates, always check the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) or the official GOV.UK Hunting guidelines. [1, 2]