Quick Answer
Around 35-40 million game birds are shot each year in the UK. The vast majority of these are pheasants and red-legged partridges. Shooting of game birds is a major industry in the UK, providing recreation for hundreds of thousands of people as well as business for gamekeepers, shoot managers, and related services.
Overview of Game Bird Shooting in the UK
Game bird shooting has been a popular field sport in Britain for centuries. The primary game birds shot in the UK are:
- Pheasant
- Red-legged partridge
- Grey partridge
- Grouse
- Duck
- Geese
Pheasants and red-legged partridges make up the bulk of UK game bird shooting. Pheasant shooting accounts for around 75% of game bird shooting. Red-legged partridges make up most of the remainder.
The shooting season runs from September 1st to February 1st, although the busiest months are October to December. Thousands of shooting events are held across the UK during these months.
The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust estimates that around 35 million pheasants and red-legged partridges are shot annually in the UK. When numbers of other game birds are added, the total is likely 35-40 million birds per year.
Pheasant Shooting
Pheasant shooting is by far the most common type of game bird shooting in the UK. An estimated 25-30 million pheasants are shot each year.
Pheasants are not native to the UK. They were introduced from Asia as an exotic game species. Pheasant shoots rely on raised and released birds. Around 35 million pheasant poults are hatched and reared each year on game farms. From August onwards, pheasants are released into the countryside to supplement wild populations.
Shoots pay significant sums of money to buy and release pheasants. A typical commercial shoot may release 3,000-5,000 birds at £5-£25 per bird. Many country estates and farms offer paid-for pheasant shooting days.
Pheasant Shooting Statistics
- 25-30 million pheasants shot per year in the UK
- 35 million pheasant poults raised on game farms annually
- 75% of UK game bird shooting is pheasants
- Over 2,000 pheasant shoots held in the UK each year
- £125 million – Estimated amount spent on pheasant shooting per year
Red-Legged Partridge Shooting
Red-legged partridges are the second most numerous game bird. An estimated 4-5 million red-legs are shot annually in the UK.
Like pheasants, most red-legged partridges shot are reared and released birds. Around 5 million partridge chicks are hatched each year on game farms.
Partridge shoots release fewer birds than pheasant shoots, but the birds are more expensive at £8-£15 each. The total spend on partridges is over £35 million a year.
Red-Legged Partridge Shooting Facts
- 4-5 million red-legged partridges shot annually
- 5 million partridge chicks reared on game farms
- £8-£15 – Average price per red-legged partridge
- £35 million – Estimated annual spending on partridges
Other Game Birds
Several other game bird species are shot in lesser numbers in the UK each year:
Grey partridges – Once the main lowland game bird, grey partridge numbers crashed in the late 20th century. There has been a concerted effort to restore their population. Approximately 150,000-350,000 are shot annually.
Grouse – Red grouse are indigenous game birds shot in the uplands of Scotland, northern England and Wales. Around 500,000 are shot annually.
Ducks and geese – Wildfowl like mallard, teal and pink-footed geese can be shot during their migration seasons. Approximately 1 million wildfowl are shot per year.
Woodcock – These small wading birds are shot on a small scale during winter when migrating to the UK. About 75,000 woodcock are shot annually.
The Scale of Game Bird Shooting
Game bird shooting in the UK involves:
- Over 3,000 registered shoots holding events during the season
- Around 100,000 people participating in game shooting as a sport
- Thousands of gamekeepers managing shoots across the countryside
- Hundreds of game farm businesses rearing millions of birds
- Significant economic value from direct spending and rural tourism
The shooting industry estimates that game shooting contributes £2 billion per year to the UK economy and creates full-time employment for around 70,000 people.
Animal Welfare Concerns
While popular as a traditional field sport, game bird shooting does raise animal welfare issues. Concerns include:
- Large numbers of birds bred in captivity solely to be shot
- Potential stress and mortality during rearing and releases
- Injuries and suffering from poor shooting practices
- Environmental impacts of non-native, farmed birds
Shooting organisations say self-regulation ensures high animal welfare standards. However, campaigners argue shooting live animals for sport is inherently cruel. There are ongoing ethical debates around game bird shooting and how it is regulated.
Conclusion
Game bird shooting is a major traditional country sport in the UK. Approximately 35-40 million birds – mostly pheasants and red-legged partridges – are shot annually. The shooting of reared, released game birds provides significant economic value. However, the practice also raises ethical questions regarding the welfare of the birds involved. Better regulation and the use of alternative clay targets may mitigate some concerns. But a conflict remains between shooting enthusiasts and those opposed to killing live quarry.