Gloucestershire Hunting Seasons: Dates, Licenses, Rules & Best Game Spots

Gloucestershire, with its picturesque countryside and rich biodiversity, offers excellent opportunities for both seasoned and novice hunters. However, enjoying a successful and legal hunting experience requires a clear understanding of local regulations, seasonal restrictions, and licensing requirements. This guide outlines all the essentials for hunting in Gloucestershire. Hunting Seasons and Regional Regulations in Gloucestershire Understanding when and what you can hunt is essential to comply with the law and support sustainable wildlife management in Gloucestershire. The county follows England’s national hunting guidelines, with specific seasons set for each species to ensure ethical game management. Gloucestershire hunting season dates: Roe deer (stags): April 1 – October 31 Roe deer (does): November 1 – March 31 Red deer (stags): August 1 – April 30 Red deer (hinds): November 1 – March 31 Fallow deer (bucks): August 1 – April 30 Fallow deer (does): November 1 – March 31 Pheasant: October 1 – February 1 Partridge: September 1 – February 1 Duck & goose: September 1 – January 31 Small game (rabbits, hares): Year-round (with permission) Seasonal Patterns and Game Activity Knowing when game is most active helps maximize hunting success. Autumn, from October to December, is excellent for pheasant and partridge shooting. Winter months, January and February, are ideal for duck and goose hunting. In spring, particularly April and May, roe deer stags are most active and provide prime stalking opportunities. Gloucestershire hosts events such as the Gloucestershire Game Fair in September, celebrating rural traditions and field sports, and the Cotswold Clay Shoot, a popular seasonal competition for bird hunters. Gloucestershire hosts several notable hunting-related events that celebrate the region’s rich shooting traditions. The Gloucestershire Game Fair, held every September, is a highlight for hunters, featuring clay shooting competitions, gundog trials, and exhibitions on hunting gear and wildlife conservation. Another key event is the Cotswold Clay Shoot, which attracts enthusiasts during peak bird-hunting season, offering challenging courses and camaraderie among shooters. These gatherings not only provide entertainment but also promote ethical hunting practices and sustainable game management. Additionally, local hunting clubs and estates often organize driven pheasant shoots during the autumn months, where participants can experience traditional English hunting culture. Many of these events support conservation efforts, with proceeds going toward habitat preservation. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or a newcomer, these festivals offer a great way to connect with the hunting community while respecting Gloucestershire’s wildlife laws. Restrictions and Protected Species in Gloucestershire Respecting protected species and seasonal bans is vital to avoid harming vulnerable wildlife and to remain within legal boundaries. Badgers, otters, and barn owls are fully protected in Gloucestershire. Hares have restricted hunting during their breeding season from February to July. Temporary bans include no hunting of hinds or does during the fawning period from April to June, and no shooting of birds during the nesting season from March to August. How to Obtain a Hunting License in the Region Legal hunting requires proper documentation and permissions. Hunters must hold a Firearm Certificate for rifles and shotguns, obtain written permission from landowners, and it is recommended to have BASC membership for liability insurance and support. Key organizations include BASC, which offers licensing support and courses; the National Gamekeepers’ Organisation (NGO), which promotes responsible hunting; and the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust, which provides advice on conservation areas. Penalties for Violating Hunting Periods in Gloucestershire Breaking hunting laws can have serious consequences. Illegal hunting may result in fines up to £5,000 or imprisonment. Hunting protected species carries severe fines and criminal charges under the Wildlife and Countryside Act. Gloucestershire has been noted as a hotspot for suspected illegal hunting, with local authorities actively monitoring and prosecuting offenders. Tips for Timing, Gear, and Hunting Strategies Proper gear and planning greatly improve hunting success. The Forest of Dean is excellent for deer stalking, while the Cotswold Water Park is a top site for waterfowl hunting. Recommended firearms include a .243 rifle for deer and a 12-gauge shotgun for birds. Clothing should be camouflage matched to the season, with brown tones in autumn and green in spring. Effective tactics include stalking deer during early mornings and participating in driven shoots for pheasants, especially from October to November.