Hunting & Game Shooting

There is no single 'hunting licence' in Great Britain. Game shooting usually depends on holding the right shotgun or firearm certificate, having permission from the landowner, shooting only in the legal open seasons, and following wildlife law. Hunting wild mammals with dogs is largely banned under the Hunting Act 2004 in England and Wales.

Anyone shooting game or pest species with a shotgun or rifle needs the appropriate certificate, unless a legal exemption applies. Controlling certain wild birds is only lawful under a general or specific licence from the relevant wildlife authority, and you must meet its conditions.

Your certificate allows you to hold the gun. Landowner permission allows you to shoot on that land. Open seasons and wildlife licences decide what you may lawfully shoot and when.

1. Get the right certificate (shotgun and/or firearm) from your local police force.
2. Get permission from the landowner or the shooting rights holder.
3. Check the open seasons for the species you intend to shoot.
4. For pest birds, read and follow the conditions of the relevant general licence.
5. Consider joining a shooting organisation for training, guidance and insurance.

• A valid shotgun or firearm certificate
• Written permission from the landowner
• Third-party shooting insurance, which is strongly recommended and often needed
• Knowledge of the species, seasons and safe shooting practice

Shoot days, syndicate fees and insurance are separate. Fees can change, so check the official source.

Depends on your certificate application. See the certificate guides.

Processing times are estimates and are not guaranteed.

Certificates normally last 5 years. General licences are reviewed and reissued by the wildlife authority, so always check the current version.

• Only shoot quarry species during their legal open seasons.
• Never shoot without permission from the landowner.
• Wild birds may only be controlled under a valid licence and its conditions.
• Game shooting rules differ between England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Always apply directly with the official authority (GOV.UK: wildlife licences (Natural England / Defra)).

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