New to shooting? Understanding etiquette on a game day

What is shooting etiquette?

Shooting etiquette refers to the set of unwritten rules and practices that govern behavior and conduct within the world of shooting in the UK. Shooting etiquette is a mish-mash of traditions, safety-focussed conventions, and courteous behavior, covering everything from what you wear to which birds you do (and crucially, do not) shoot, how to behave before, during and after a day’s shooting, and much more besides.

Following proper etiquette is not only a matter of courtesy but also vital for safety and a positive experience for all involved. While it can at first seem daunting, shooting etiquette is a huge part of the UK’s shooting culture and is an aspect that is admired around the world, and enjoyed by UK game shots. Ultimately, the rules are there to ensure that everyone involved has a great time, so don’t panic too much about getting everything right - enjoy the day/have fun.

Here are some general shooting etiquette guidelines:

Before you arrive:

If you are lucky enough to receive an invitation it is important to reply within a timely manner. It would also be seen as very rude to retract your reply in favor of a better invitation. So reply quickly and make sure you have the date in the diary.
Equipment: Make sure to take more cartridges than you will need, it’s a good idea to ask your host if you are unsure what is needed. Establish if there are any particular requirements such as non-toxic cartridges, double guns, loaders etc.
Dress Code: No one wants to turn up to a shoot they don’t know wearing ‘the wrong thing’. Some shoots are very formal, whereas others are less-so. In general, you will never look out of place in the traditional long socks and breeks, a tattersall shirt and a tie. Shooting gear should be comfortable, appropriate, and practical (style is optional). Don’t overthink it.
Plus ones… If you would like to bring your dog, make sure to ask. The same goes for other ‘plus ones’, if your partner would like to pick-up or join the beating line it’s also polite to double-check first.

On the morning

Don’t be late! If, God forbid, you get stuck in traffic or need to change a tire be sure to call your host and let them know. Everyone will be waiting for you to arrive before they can start.
Greet your fellow guns, the keeper, pickers-up and shoot captain upon arrival. Make sure to introduce yourself and so on.
Make sure you listen to the briefing.
- The peg draw will be explained here (NB moving up 2 or 3 pegs each drive/numbering from the right to left) TIP: write down your peg number. It can save a lot of embarrassment.
- Information on elevenses, lunch, and the number of drives will be included here. It also important to know if you need to take everything with you, or if you will be coming back to the cars.
- Quarry should also be spoken about during the briefing - NB woodcock, pigeons, ground game, etc. The host or shoot captain may say "No pigeons before the partridges", or "Today we will be shooting cocks only". As with most things, if unsure - ask!

Safety First:

Your gun should always be unloaded and in its slip between drives.
Before the start of a drive check to see if your barrels are clear of any obstructions.
Always be mindful of where the beaters, pickers-up and other guns are.
Remember to have a broken gun at all times, only closing it when the drive is underway.
When your gun is closed, loaded or unloaded, the muzzles should be pointed towards the sky.
The safety catch should also always be on safe, up until the point where you raise your gun to a bird.
If you are unclear on anything you must ask. It would be advisable to enlist the services of a loader, shooting instructor or a more experienced shooting friend to stand with you on your first few driven days.

On the drive:

Show good sportsmanship - you should know when a bird is too low, or unsporting. If in doubt leave it out.
‘Poaching’ is one of shooting’s hot topics - it refers to the practice of shooting a bird that should by right be your neighboring gun’s bird and is generally frowned upon. However, in certain circumstances, such as when shooting with very close friends, a little good-natured poaching can add to the enjoyment of a day.
Shoot within your abilities - better to let a bird fly on than to run the risk of wounding it. When you do clip a bird but it doesn’t fall, ensure that you use your second barrel to give a clean kill before addressing the next bird.
Equally, do not shoot birds that are too low (dangerous) or too close.
Treat quarry with respect.
Mark your shot birds to enable you / the pickers up to find them after the drive.
Make a mental note of how many birds you have shot and let the pickers up know.

After the drive

Collect all your shot game from around your peg. Speak to the pickers up to let them know of any wounded game that needs to be searched for. Do NOT just walk off to the gunbus for a chat.
If your neighboring gun has a dog with them, ask if they would like to work their dog(s) before you collect your shot game.
Keep count of how many birds you shot, but on no account brag about it. Congratulate your fellow guns on their shooting and accept any compliments with grace.
Collect up your empty cartridge cases before leaving your peg.
If you get the opportunity, thank the beaters for their hard work and congratulate the headkeeper on a successful drive.

Elevenses and lunch:

For some the most enjoyable part of the day, a chance to catch up with your fellow guns over a sausage roll and compare notes on how the day is shaping up.

It’s important to engage with your host (and guns if they are new company), and asking questions about the shoot, and the area you are in is always a good idea.
Don't forget about the beaters and pickers-up. Without them the day would not be happening, so it’s polite to thank them, at the very least. Don't forget the behind-the-scenes team ie, the people cooking and serving lunch. As a general rule try not to treat anyone as staff, you are often in someone's home not a restaurant.
Being modest or humble is seen as a desirable trait.
If the keeper has decided to shoot through (meaning lunch is taken at the end of the day) it would be considered ‘poor form’ to leave before the end of the meal.
Don’t get too pissed…

At the end of the day:

There is so much behind-the-scenes work that goes into a shoot day. It’s polite to thank the keeper and leave a tip.
You will be offered the opportunity to take some of the shot game home. Make sure to at least take a brace (2) home. If you shoot game you should eat game.
And last but not least if you received an invitation write a thank you letter!

Here is some further information if you wish to explore shooting etiquette more:

How to be Asked Again by Rosie Nickerson is an enjoyable, lighthearted, and informative book that explains shooting etiquette in a lot more detail than we can manage on this page!

The GunsOnPegs Podcast frequently deals with matters of shooting etiquette and is also a fun window into the shooting world.