Game Seasons

We often get asked about game seasons and what is available when. It’s well known that most game is only available during the autumn and winter but why and what are the dates.

The ‘closed season’ when shooting is not allowed is there to protect animals when they’re breeding and rearing their young. Animals that are seen as pests or vermin such as rabbits, pigeons and muntjac deer have no closed season and culling them enables us to control their populations. These pests also breed all year round so it is impossible to define a single breeding season.

These dates indicate the shooting season, the actual availability may vary year to year especially if the animal is migratory.

And don’t forget we freeze game so it can be available to you all year round. Our short supply chains from the field to our butchery mean that the meat is frozen very quickly to preserve its quality.

Birds

Red Grouse - 12th August  - 10th December

Partridge (grey & red-legged) - 1st September - 1st February

Pheasant - 1st October - 1st February

Pigeon - No closed season

Wild Fowl

Mallard, teal, widgeon and other ducks (inland)1st September - 31st January

Mallard, teal, widgeon and other ducks (below high water mark) - 1st September - 20th February

Snipe - 12th August - 31st January

Woodcock - 1st October - 31st January

Furred

Hare - 1st January - 31st December (England & Wales) but can only be sold between 1st August and 28th February

Rabbit - No closed season

Venison (England & Wales)

Muntjac Deer - No closed season

Roe Deer, Bucks: 1st Apr - 31st Oct / Does: 1st Nov - 31st March

Fallow Bucks, Bucks: 1st Aug - 30th April / Does: 1st Nov - 31st March

Red Deer Stags: 1st Aug - 30th Apr / Hinds: 1st Nov - 31st March