Sporting Seasons in Scotland

Game Shooting

• Pheasant: 1 October – 1 February
• Partridge: 1 September – 1 February
• Red Grouse: 12 August – 10 December
• Black Grouse: 20 August – 10 December
• Ptarmigan: 12 August – 10 December
• Woodcock: 1 September – 31 January
• Common Snipe: 12 August – 31 January
• Jack Snipe: Protected
• Duck & Goose (Inland): 1 September – 31 January
• Duck & Goose (Below High Water Mark): 1 September – 20 February

Ground Game Seasons

• Brown Hare: October 1^st – January 31^st
• Rabbit: Jan 1 – Dec 31 moorland & unenclosed land is subject to a close season click here for further information

Stalking Seasons

From 21 October 2023, there will be no close season for male deer of any species in Scotland. Whilst the legislation has changed many Estates will stick with the historic seasonal dates (set out below). Advice should be obtained directly from the provider on this matter.

• Red Stags: 1 July – 20 October
• Red Hinds: 21 October – 15 February
• Sika Stags: 1 July – 20 October
• Sika Hinds: 21 October – 15 February
• Fallow Bucks: 1 August – 30 April
• Fallow Does: 21 October – 15 February
• Roe Bucks: 1 April – 20 October
• Roe Does: 21 October – 31 March