British shooters are lucky in that they can hunt all year round, with most shoots taking place over the autumn and winter months. However, officially the hunting season does not begin until May, meaning there is just over a month until the year formally commences.
On May 1st, this is traditionally when mastership and staff changes occur, with hunting employees shuffled around at this time of the year, Horse & Hound reported.
After this, the summer becomes busy with puppy shows, hound events, hunts and July’s Festival of Hunting in Peterborough.
Before September, when many people really start getting underway with their hunts, much of the countryside is replenished and improved, including access to rural areas.
Autumn is when hunting season is really in full swing, with many opening meets occurring around the beginning of November and continuing until the end of winter in many areas.
When it comes to game shooting, the season depends on the type of animal you are aiming for. Shooters can hunt rabbit and pigeon all year round, while hunting is restricted for a few species during some months of the year, including game or deer.
For instance, hunters who have just bought shotguns for sale in Gloucestershire can only target red grouse between August 12th and December 10th.
Pheasants can only be killed between October 1st and February 1st, and ducks and geese can only be shot at between September 1st and January 31st inland, according to ShootingUK.