WHEN IS THE UK GAME SHOOTING SEASON?
Game shooting in the UK kicks off in the early autumn with the start of the partridge season on 1st September, with all game shooting for the season ending on 31st January or before (other than of some coastal wildfowling which ends 20th February). So you could be shooting in 20 degrees Celsius sunny, blue sky weather wearing shirt sleeves and sunglasses, or you could be shooting in -5 degrees Celsius or sometimes colder, wearing every layer you own. And of course, everything in between, including days of driving rain or sleet.
KEY UK GAME SHOOTING SEASON DATES
- Partridge: 1st September to 31st January
- Duck: 1st September to 31st January
- Goose: 1st September to 31st January
- Red Grouse: 12th August to 10th December
- Black Grouse: 20th August to 10th December (1st Sept to 10th Dec for Somerset, Devon, New Forest)
- Pheasant: 1st October to 31st January
Shooting Attire Through the Seasons
Your sporting wardrobe needs to be versatile in this way, especially if you only have one or two days shooting per year and therefor only wish to have a couple of pieces that are practical in the field. Planning your wardrobe with the seasons in mind ensures you remain comfortable and focused on the sport, whatever the weather brings.
WHAT IS UK SHOOTING ATTIRE ETIQUETTE?
One of the charms of shooting in the UK is that as guns we adhere to some unwritten rules of how to dress. Whilst shooting dress is far more relaxed now than it was in years gone by, it is still very much common practise to wear tweed in one form or another, breeks plus a shirt and tie.
At first glance this shooting season etiquette may seem a little old fashioned, and possibly even an anachronism, but when you are involved in the world of country sports you soon realise that we are proud to uphold some small traditions of the past, as a sign of respect to our quarry, our host and of course our fellow guns. On most formal shoots you will be hard pushed to find a gun that turns up to a game shoot wearing technical trousers and is missing their shirt and tie. That said, no one will think any less of you for not wearing a tie or tweeds provided what you are wearing is fit for purpose.
FARLOWS PROVIDES THE ULTIMATE BRITISH SHOOTING ATTIRE
At Farlows, we have taken the many traditions of British shooting and brought them into modern day times. We use traditional fabrics and tailoring, but employ updated tweed manufacturing practises and innovative tailoring techniques that improve fit, comfort and form, ensuring you are well equipped for whatever your day throws at you.
Furthermore, all our tweeds are milled in the UK from 100% wool and constructed by hand using only the finest British craftspeople. A sustainable British brand for the British countryside…and the British weather. The Farlows range of tweed clothing, from field coats, breeks and flat caps to waistcoats and vests, are performance products that marry heritage, style and function.
WHY IS WOOL A PERFORMANCE FABRIC?
Tweed and other 100% wool fabrics have always been regarded as technical clothing. Tweed is the original workwear fabric, developed in Scotland during the 18th century to protect outdoor workers from the elements, thanks to its durability, warmth and water resistance.
Wool is a fantastic insulator, even when wet. It dries fast and does not get waterlogged. It wicks moisture from the skin and pushes out away from the body to prevent you from getting cold. Wool is also naturally anti-microbial, which means it does not absorb bacteria in the same way that say a synthetic fibre would. In other words, the fibres do not need regular washing to stop them from becoming odorous. Wool also has natural oils within the fibre, which when woven into high quality tweed, help repel water and act as a great wind block too.
WHAT MAKES TWEED THE ORGINAL PERFORMANCE FABRIC?
- Heritage - developed in 18th century Scotland
- Durability – hardwearing and tough
- Comfort – a naturally breathable fabric
- Anti-microbial – absorbs less bacteria than synthetic fibres
- Weather resistant – warm, windproof and naturally water repellent
What Shooting Attire to Wear
Below is a breakdown of how you may wish to put together an outfit for shooting in the UK, which not only allows you to dress appropriately and respectfully but also to stay warm, dry and free moving all day.
UK SHOOTING ATTIRE ESSENTIALS
- A warm, waterproof fieldcoat or shooting jacket
- A shirt and tie if attending a formal shoot
- A jumper, fleece or gilet
- Tweed breeks or technical trousers
- Warm socks
- Wellington boots or waterproof hiking boots
- A flat cap, trilby or deerstalker
- A gunslip and cartridge bag or belt
- Ear defenders to protect your hearing
Coats & Top Layers
Whilst the traditional style of shooting jacketis still commonplace on the shooting field, gone are many of the stiff and heavy tweed examples and in are newer lightweight tweeds which feature modern technical fabrics and breathable membranes. These new style jackets are superb and really enable you to move freely when shooting and, most importantly, keep you dry and comfortable all day long.
Farlows jackets are the cornerstone of any shooting wardrobe, combining classic country style with modern performance. Designed to withstand the demands of the field, they offer durability, weather protection and timeless appeal. Alongside Farlows, brands such as Schoffel and Laksen are also highly regarded for their waterproof, breathable and lightweight shooting jackets and suits.
Under your jacket, a smart tattersall shirt and tie remain the standard, complemented by a jumper, fleece or gilet to suit the weather conditions.
The Importance of Layering
A thoughtful layering system is the key to staying warm and dry in the field. Start with a technical base layer that wicks away moisture, add a mid-layer such as a fleece or fine knit for insulation, and finish with a waterproof outer jacket to guard against wind and rain. This approach not only provides adaptability as conditions change but also avoids unnecessary bulk, giving you the freedom of movement essential for a successful day’s shooting.
Trousers & Socks
Traditionally, shooting breeks (also referred to as breeches or 'plus twos' and 'plus fours' depending upon the leg length) have been worn and this tradition is still very much in practice today, not only because of the tradition of dress, but also as they are a fantastically technical option of legwear for the modern day shooter.
The breek is designed to fit with extra fabric to allow for movement when out shooting, and for the hem of the breek to fasten close to the leg just below the knee and therefor on the top of the wellington boot. Breeks are cut so that there is a fold in the fabric on or just below the knee area. The purpose of this fold of fabric is not only to allow for active leg movement but also acts as a barrier to rain and allows for water to run off the fold directly onto the boot or ground.
Generally, the breeks stop just below the knee and your long shooting socks are then pulled up and over the bottom of the garment before being secured with garters, and the fold of fabric covering the top of the sock for water runoff.
Although at first glance breeks might seem a little odd, they are very commonplace in the shooting field and are exceptionally comfortable and practical.
Hats & Caps
Generally people wear traditional flat caps when shooting and tweed is still very much the norm. However, you might also see trilbies and deer stalkers amongst the other guns. Not only do hats keep you warm and your head dry, they also reduce glare from the sun allowing you better vision.
Choosing & Caring for Shooting Footwear
Footwear is another important item of kit, and the right pair of boots or wellingtons can make or break a day in the field. From long walks across stubble and heather to standing for hours on damp ground, comfort and durability are essential.
Therefore, we do recommend wearing wellington boots or waterproof hiking boots. At Farlows we have an excellent selection of footwear brands, from traditional Le Chameau and Aigle wellingtons, to GORE-TEX® lined leather Dubarry boots, and Meindl walking boots.
Investing in quality footwear is only the first step - regular care ensures it performs season after season. After each outing, allow boots to dry naturally (never near direct heat), clean off mud with a damp cloth, and apply suitable treatments to maintain leather or rubber. Storing them correctly in a dry, cool place with no direct sunlight also helps prevent cracking and fatigue. Well-maintained footwear not only lasts longer but also guarantees the support and grip you need for safe, enjoyable shooting days.
Bags and Gunslips
Carrying your personal items, guns and cartridges to your peg is also a consideration. A traditional satchel-style bag is ideal for carrying extra items of clothing, ear defenders and so on.
Specialist cartridge bags provide quick and easy access to your shotgun cartridges and also ensures they are kept dry and clean ready to be used. A high-quality gun slip will ensure that your guns are carried with you safely and securely, also ensuring they are protected. Leather options will last longer, but canvas options work just as well and look just as good.
Discover the Right Kit for the Season
The right clothing and footwear ensure you’re ready for every shoot, from the mild bright days of early Autumn to the frosty and cold depths of winter. Why not visit our Farlows London store and speak to our team of experts who can guide you through our collection of shooting jackets, breeks, boots and accessories to help you prepare for the season ahead with confidence and style.
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