Game shooting

Find out everything you need to know about game shooting, from getting started to what you can shoot, right through to honing your skills.

What is game shooting?

Game shooting is enjoyed by thousands of people from all walks of life. Game shooting includes walked-up, rough and driven days taking wild quarry.

Game shooting generally refers to the shooting of hares, pheasants, partridges and grouse and brings vital income to rural communities. Most importantly, shooting provides something very special for the table. Game meat is natural, wild, healthy and delicious.

Land managed for game shooting provides huge benefits to the environment. Practices that come about due to game shooting, such as the planting of cover crops, boost biodiversity. It resource in promoting biodiversity and assisting the UK to achieve the targets set in national and local biodiversity action plans.

Where do I start?

There are various ways to get into game shooting but first things first you need to be a competent shot.

What can I shoot?

There are a number of gamebirds, waterfowl and mammals which can be shot legally.

Game shooting advice

Find out everything you need to know below. Whether you are new to game shooting, or want more practical advice we’ve got you covered.

Self-regulation

Assurance schemes provide an avenue for shoots looking to elevate their commitment to self-regulation.

Be inspired

Explore game meat recipes from Eat Game

What do I need?

Read our information on what you need, what to wear and what to expect on a shoot day.

Game handling

One of the Code of Good Shooting Practice’s five golden rules is that game is food and must always be treated as such.

Beating

You don't have to have a gun in your hand to experience a shoot day. But what does a beater actually do?

Picking-up

A good picking-up team is essential in driven shooting, ensuring that all shot birds are accounted for.

Events

Find out about game shooting- related events taking place in your area.

Courses

We run a range of courses designed to help you improve your shooting.

Uplands

Moorland habitats managed for grouse shooting deliver for conservation, biodiversity and the environment.

Investing in conservation projects

By joining BASC, you will be funding projects which are helping to save some of the UK's most threatened species.

Become a member today

The latest news from BASC

boxing day shoot

Boxing Day shoot traditions

26 December 2025

A Boxing Day shoot is a chance to enjoy the fresh air, catch up with friends and walk off the previous day’s indulgence.

countryside uk

Lack of consultation undermines animal welfare strategy

22 December 2025

BASC has criticised the government’s animal welfare strategy for England, warning that a lack of consultation with countryside organisations risks undermining both animal welfare and effective wildlife management.

petition

100,000 signatures secured. What happens now?

22 December 2025

Securing 100,000 signatures against proposals to merge shotgun and rifle licensing is a major milestone. As the petition moves to parliament, BASC explains what happens next.