A Beginner’s Guide to Driven Game Shooting in the UK

Posted by Francis Lovel on 27 January 2025

Driven game shooting is a cherished tradition in the UK, steeped in history, camaraderie, and respect for the countryside. For newcomers, it can seem a bit daunting, but with the right preparation and knowledge, it’s an incredibly rewarding experience. This guide covers the essentials to help you approach your first day of driven shooting with confidence.

Understanding Driven Shooting

Driven shooting involves a team of beaters driving game birds such as pheasants, partridges, or grouse towards a line of standing guns (shooters). The thrill lies in the challenge of shooting birds in flight, often at high speeds. This form of shooting emphasizes skill, sportsmanship, and the shared enjoyment of the countryside.

Preparation and Planning

Research the Shoot: Before attending, understand the nature of the day. Will it focus on pheasants, partridges, or another game species? Each bird behaves differently, influencing the shooting technique required.

• Licensing: Ensure you hold a valid shotgun certificate, which is a legal requirement in the UK.

• Practice: Visit a clay shooting ground to hone your skills. Simulated game targets can mimic real shooting conditions.

What to Wear:

Driven shooting often requires a specific dress code that balances practicality and tradition:

• Tweed: Tweed jackets and breeks (knee-length trousers) are classic and practical, offering durability and camouflage.

• Shirt and Tie: A collared shirt with a tie adds a touch of formality.

• Gilet or Waistcoat: Useful for layering and added warmth.

• Waterproofs: British weather can be unpredictable, so pack a waterproof jacket and overtrousers.

• Boots: Sturdy, waterproof boots or wellingtons are essential for navigating fields and muddy terrain.

• Headwear and Gloves: A flat cap or trilby is traditional, and gloves can keep your hands warm.

Etiquette on the Day

Good manners are as important as good shooting:

• Arrive on Time: Punctuality is key. Aim to arrive early for the briefing.

• Listen to the Shoot Captain: They will explain the day’s schedule, safety rules, and peg rotation.

• Respect Fellow Guns and Staff: Be courteous to your host, the beaters, pickers-up, and other participants.

• Mark and Retrieve: Watch where your birds fall, so the pickers-up can locate them efficiently.

• Avoid Sky-Shooting: Only take shots within a safe and ethical range.

Safety First

Safety is paramount in driven shooting:

• Keep Your Gun Broken: Unless in your shooting position, your shotgun should always be open and unloaded.

• Muzzle Awareness: Always point your gun in a safe direction.

• Follow Instructions: Obey the shoot captain and stick to your allocated peg.

• Ear Protection: Use earplugs or earmuffs to protect your hearing.

The Flow of the Day

A typical day consists of several drives, with breaks in between:

1. Morning Meet: Gather for introductions, a safety briefing, and refreshments.

2. Drives: Head to your peg for the first drive. Peg numbers often rotate after each drive to ensure fairness.

3. Elevenses: A mid-morning snack and drink break.

4. Lunch: A hearty meal, often served in a shooting lodge or marquee.

5. Afternoon Drives: Typically, there are one or two more drives.

6. End of the Day: The bag (total game shot) is tallied, and participants may have the opportunity to take home game birds.

Terminology Explained

• Bag: The total number of game birds shot during the day. It’s often a target set by the host and reflects the day’s success.

• Overage: When the number of birds shot exceeds the agreed-upon bag. This may incur an additional fee, so it’s important to be mindful during shooting.

• Peg: The designated position where each shooter stands during a drive. Pegs are rotated after each drive to ensure fairness.

Tipping and Traditions

Tipping is customary in driven shooting as a gesture of appreciation for the hard work of the team:

• Beaters and Pickers-Up: It’s traditional to tip the beaters and pickers-up. Your host or shoot captain can advise on the appropriate amount, which usually ranges between £10-£20 per person.

• Gamekeeper: A separate tip for the gamekeeper is often expected. This can range from £50-£200 depending on the scale and prestige of the shoot.

Other traditions include:

• Celebrating the Bag: At the end of the day, the bag is counted, and participants often gather to admire the game laid out in a traditional display.

• Taking Home Game: Participants may be offered birds to take home, promoting the use of game in cooking and reducing waste.

European Nuances

While the principles are similar across Europe, there are regional variations:

• France: Driven boar shooting is popular, requiring a different set of skills and firearms.

• Spain: Partridge shooting (Ojeos) is renowned for its fast and challenging birds.

• Eastern Europe: Expect larger shoots with varied game, including deer and wild boar.

Final Thoughts

Driven shooting is about much more than shooting; it’s about tradition, respect for nature, and forging connections. By preparing appropriately, respecting etiquette, and embracing the experience, you’ll find driven shooting to be a memorable and fulfilling pursuit. For further advice or to book your first shoot, visit  Francis Lovel