Grouse Shooting Outfits

Grouse shooting in the UK dates back to 1853, gaining popularity due to improvements in railways, which made access to the moors easier. By the late Victorian era, it had become a fashionable sport among the wealthy. Today, both driven and walked-up grouse shooting are enjoyed by a broader audience, though the grouse is still celebrated as the king of game birds.

In Britain, there are four grouse species: red grouse, black grouse, capercaillie, and ptarmigan. Notably, red grouse are unique to the British Isles. Grouse presents a challenge due to their high speed—up to 130 km/h (81 mph)—and their camouflage within moorland habitats.

When is Grouse Shooting Season?

The grouse shooting season begins on August 12th, known as the Glorious Twelfth, and runs until December 10th in Great Britain. In Northern Ireland, the season extends until November 30th. If the 12th falls on a Sunday, the season is postponed to the 13th due to legal restrictions on Sunday shooting in England. The shooting season is carefully regulated to balance practical management and conservation needs.

Driven vs. Walked-Up Grouse Shooting

Driven Grouse Shooting: This involves driving large numbers of grouse toward a line of 'Guns,' which stand in hides known as butts. Beaters flush the birds towards the waiting Guns, and this method typically requires a higher number of birds.

Walked-Up Grouse Shooting: Participants walk in a line, flushing the birds as they go, usually with the help of trained dogs. This approach often involves fewer birds compared to driven shooting. Both methods follow strict codes of conduct for safety and etiquette.

Best Clothes for Grouse Shooting

Weather conditions at the start of the grouse season can vary, with warm temperatures being common. It’s crucial to dress appropriately to ensure comfort and effectiveness during the shoot. Layering is a practical choice, and dark colours are preferred to avoid detection by the birds. Always check the dress code with your host in advance.

Early Season Options: For warmer weather, consider a fleece gilet, like the Schoffel Belton Gilet in Forest Green, or a Ptarmigan Tweed Shooting Waistcoat over a Laksen or Alan Paine country shirt. For a lighter alternative, the Laksen Grouse 19 Tweed Shooting Vest offers a machine-washable, water-repellent cotton twill option. For driven shoots, which are more formal, pairing your shooting waistcoat with a Dubarry Madden Pheasant Silk Tie is recommended.