Walked Up Shooting

What is Walked Up Shooting?

Walked-up shooting is a type of hunting that involves walking through an area and shooting game as it is flushed out. This method of hunting is typically more commercialized than others, and usually requires a team of 4-8 hunters, accompanied by the gamekeeper and a few beaters with dogs. Unlike driven shooting, which involves a line of shooters positioned to shoot birds that are driven towards them, walked-up shooting requires hunters to actively search for and flush out birds on foot.

In addition to walking through hedgerows, small woods, and rough ground, the team will often walk through game crops that have been specifically planted to give cover to the game in managed areas. So rather than standing on a peg, you could shoot from multiple terrains in one outing.

Walked-up shooting is an excellent way to flush out the game and get some practice in before the main hunting season begins. It is also considered a more challenging and traditional form of hunting, requiring hunters to actively seek out their prey rather than waiting for birds to come to them. It also requires a certain level of physical fitness, as hunters may need to walk long distances in varying weather conditions.

Discover the Perfect Membership for You!

Passionate about shooting? Whether you’re drawn to the camaraderie of rough shooting or the challenge of syndicate hunting, we have membership options that cater to your interests. With ShootingSH, you’ll be joining a community that values tradition, respect for the land, and the thrill of the sport.

Our memberships offer exclusive access to shooting opportunities, events, and valuable resources tailored to your passion. Both options connect you with like-minded individuals, provide expert guidance, and unlock unique experiences you won’t find anywhere else.

Explore our memberships to find the one that best fits your needs, and take your place in the field with ShootingSH!

Walked-up shooting is an incredibly popular form of shooting, and there are many different ways to approach it. Traditional walked-up shooting involves a team of guns walking in a parallel line and shooting game as it flushes from cover in front of the line. This can be an exciting and challenging way to hunt, as it requires quick reflexes and good aim. Another option is to shoot over dogs.

This involves the team of guns walking the ground with the dog, which causes the game to flush. This can be a great option for those who want to have a little more control over the hunt, as it allows you to direct the dog to where you think the game is most likely to flush. No matter what your shooting style, walked-up shooting is a great way to challenge yourself and enjoy the outdoors.

Walked-up shooting is a fantastic way to spend a day outdoors. Not only do you get to enjoy the fresh air and beautiful scenery, but you also have the opportunity to bag a variety of different game. Mixed species days are particularly popular, as they offer the challenge of shooting a specific number of different animals in different habitats.

This can be a great test of your shooting skills, as you will need to be able to adapt to a variety of different situations. If you are looking for a truly rewarding experience, then a walked-up shooting is definitely for you.

Benefits of Walked-Up Shooting

Here are some of the many benefits that you get from walked-up shooting;

  • Experience the thrill of the hunt

  • Good physical exercise

  • Enjoy the outdoors and nature

  • De-stress yourself from business or personal life
  • Meet new people and socialise

  • Experience attending a sporting event and being part of a group

  • Feel the satisfcation of providing food for your table

  • Adventure in the outdoors

The Challenges of Walked-up Shooting

Walked-up shooting can be a challenging form of hunting, as it requires a unique set of skills and presents its own set of obstacles. As you will not be stationary game can fly out at any angle and in any direction. You will certainly challenge your instinct, speed and technique with a day-out rough shooting in the UK. Here are some of the main challenges of walked-up shooting:

Physically Demanding

Walked up shooting can be physically demanding, as it requires hunters to walk long distances over uneven terrain in varying weather conditions. Hunters need to be physically fit to endure these demands and you should also be prepared for the possibility of encountering obstacles such as fences, ditches, or thick vegetation.

Flushing Birds

Walked-up shooting requires hunters to flush out birds on foot, which can be difficult and unpredictable. It requires patience and skill to locate birds and flush them out without scaring them off or causing them to fly out of range. Many hunters use dogs to help locate and flush out birds, but it can be a challenge to keep them under control and prevent them from flushing out birds prematurely or running ahead of the hunters. Training and good communication between the hunter and the dog are essential.

Timing and Accuracy

Once birds are flushed out, hunters need to be quick and accurate in their shooting. The birds may be moving quickly or may only be visible for a short period of time, requiring hunters to have good timing and accuracy to make a successful shot. As with any form of hunting, safety is paramount. Walked-up shooting can present additional safety challenges, such as being aware of other hunters and obstacles while walking through fields and flushing out birds. Hunters need to be vigilant and communicate clearly with each other to avoid accidents.

Walked-up shooting is a rewarding and enjoyable form of hunting that uniquely connects you to the natural environment and the birds being hunted. With practice and experience, hunters can develop the skills and knowledge needed to overcome these challenges and make the most of their walked-up shooting experiences.

Join Our Walked Up and Driven Shooting Syndicate

We are one of the best value rough shooting syndicates based in the UK. With access to multiple rough shooting locations all over the country and a huge team, you will be spoilt for choice on where to go rough shooting.

Our prices are also remarkably low, To join our rough shooting syndicate for one year costs only £650 and you gain access to driven, walked-up, rough shooting and pigeon shooting.

For this price, you get access to over 210’000 acres of land and will surely create some unforgettable experiences and big catches from pheasant, woodcock, rabbits and snipe.

Walked Up Shooting UK

This year’s animal hunting seasons are finally here! After much anticipation, hunters all across the country can now head out into the great outdoors and pursue their favourite game. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a new hunter, make sure to brush up on the rules and regulations for your state before hitting the trails. Plan ahead with us and be safe out there! Further details of the below hunting seasons can be found on the BASC website.

Breed
Open Season
Hunt Locations
October 1st 2024 – February 1st 2025
Multiple Locations England
Northern Ireland
Wales
Scotland
Isle of Man
Grey Partridge
Learn about Partridge Hunting
September 1st 2024 – February 1st 2025
Multiple Locations England
Northern Ireland
Wales
Scotland
Isle of Man
Red-legged Partridge
September 1st 2024 – February 1st 2025
Multiple Locations England
Northern Ireland
Wales
Scotland
Isle of Man
Red Grouse
August 12th 2024 – December 10th 2025
Multiple Locations England
Northern Ireland
Wales
Scotland
Isle of Man
Black Grouse
Learn about Black Grouse Hunting
August 20th 2024 – December 10th 2025
Multiple Locations England
Ptarmigan
Learn about Shooting Ptarmigan
August 12th 2024 – December 10th 2025
Scotland
Duck & Goose (inland)
Learn about Duck Shooting
September 1st 2024 – January 31st 2025
Multiple Locations England
Northern Ireland
Wales
Scotland
Isle of Man
Ducks – July 1 – Mar 31 – Geese**
(**Geese can only be shot under general licence under the Wildlife Act 1990. See the Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry)
Duck & Goose (below HWM)
September 1st 2024 – February 20th 2025
Multiple Locations England
Northern Ireland
Wales
Scotland
Isle of Man
HWM – High Water Mark of ordinary spring tides England, Wales and Scotland: Any area below the high-water mark of ordinary spring tides Isle of Man: ** Geese can only be shot under general licence under the Wildlife Act 1990. See the Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF).
Common Snipe
Learn about the Common Snipe
August 12th 2024 – January 31st 2025
Multiple Locations England
Northern Ireland
Wales
Scotland
Isle of Man
Jack Snipe
Learn about Hunting the Jack Snipe
September 1st 2024 – January 31st 2025
Northern Ireland
Woodcock
Learn about Woodcock Sniping
October 1st 2024 – January 31st 2025
Scotland
England
Wales
Golden Plover
Learn about Hunting Golden Plover
September 1st 2024 – January 31st 2025
Isle of Man
Coot/Moorhen
Learn about Moorhen Hunting
September 1st 2024 – January 31st 2025
Northern Ireland
Isle of Man
Brown Hare
January 1st 2024 – December 31st 2025
Scotland – Open season Oct 1 – Jan 31
Northern Ireland – Aug 12 – Jan 31*
Isle of Man – Brown or common hare – Oct 1 – Jan 31

* The Special Protection Order previously issued to give Irish hare additional protection is no longer in place and therefore the Irish Hare is now subject to an open season as above.
In England and Wales under the Ground Game Act 1880 occupiers of land have an inalienable right to kill and take ground game concurrent with any other person holding such a right. Occupiers or a person authorised by them, acting under the authority of this act may only kill or take ground game on moorland between 1 September and 31 March inclusive. Further under Section 1 (3) and Ground Game Amendment Act 1906 Section 2) Firearms may only be used for such purposes between 11 December and 31 March.
In Scotland, the occupier of the land or persons authorised by them may kill rabbit throughout the year on moorland and unenclosed land (not being arable) by all legal means but only by means of firearms during the period from 1 July to 31 March inclusive (Section 1 (3) of the Ground Game Act 1880 as modified by the Agriculture (Scotland) Act 1948). Hares are subject to a close season (Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011) (see above).

Moorland and unenclosed land does not include arable land or detached portions of land less than 25 acres which adjoins arable land.
Rabbit
Learn about Rabbit Shooting
January 1st 2024 – December 31st 2025
Scotland – Jan 1 – Dec 31 – No close season however certain restrictions can apply, see below.
Northern Ireland – Rabbit is classed as a pest and therefore not subject to a close season.

* The Special Protection Order previously issued to give Irish hare additional protection is no longer in place and therefore the Irish Hare is now subject to an open season as above. In England and Wales under the Ground Game Act 1880 occupiers of land have an inalienable right to kill and take ground game concurrent with any other person holding such a right. Occupiers or a person authorised by them, acting under the authority of this act may only kill or take ground game on moorland between 1 September and 31 March inclusive. Further under Section 1 (3) and Ground Game Amendment Act 1906 Section 2) Firearms may only be used for such purposes between 11 December and 31 March. In Scotland, the occupier of the land or persons authorised by them may kill rabbit throughout the year on moorland and unenclosed land (not being arable) by all legal means but only by means of firearms during the period from 1 July to 31 March inclusive (Section 1 (3) of the Ground Game Act 1880 as modified by the Agriculture (Scotland) Act 1948). Hares are subject to a close season (Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011) (see above)..

Moorland and unenclosed land does not include arable land or detached portions of land less than 25 acres which adjoins arable land.

Join Our Walked Up and Driven Shooting Syndicate

We are one of the best value rough shooting syndicates based in the UK. With access to multiple rough shooting locations all over the country and a huge team, you will be spoilt for choice on where to go rough shooting.

Our prices are also remarkably low, To join our rough shooting syndicate for one year costs only £650 and you gain access to driven, walked-up, rough shooting and pigeon shooting.

For this price, you get access to over 210’000 acres of land and will surely create some unforgettable experiences and big catches from pheasant, woodcock, rabbits and snipe.