Getting started in rough shooting 

Finding land to shoot

Start local. Farmers and landowners are understandably cautious, so personal connections matter. If you already shoot clays or belong to a club, ask around. Many rough shooters start after a recommendation from another Gun who knows a landowner needing pest control.

Door-knocking still works, but timing is crucial. Avoid harvest and lambing seasons. Bring references, proof of insurance and a clear explanation of what you are offering. Many farmers welcome help with pigeons, corvids and rabbits, but they expect responsibility in return.

Finding land to shoot

Start local. Farmers and landowners are understandably cautious, so personal connections matter. If you already shoot clays or belong to a club, ask around. Many rough shooters start after a recommendation from another Gun who knows a landowner needing pest control.

Door-knocking still works, but timing is crucial. Avoid harvest and lambing seasons. Bring references, proof of insurance and a clear explanation of what you are offering. Many farmers welcome help with pigeons, corvids and rabbits, but they expect responsibility in return.

Proving your value

Think about what you offer beyond shooting. Can you help with fencing, clearing footpaths or repairing gates? Shooters willing to help are far more likely to keep access than those who only take.

Online forums can generate leads, but be cautious. Genuine permission is rarely granted online. Building local relationships remains the best approach.

Permission and the law

Always confirm what you are allowed to shoot. Written permission protects both you and the landowner. Keep it with you whenever you are in the field. If challenged, you must show you are legally entitled to be there.

Driven shooting versus rough shooting

Driven shooting is structured and formal. Tweeds, set pegs, etiquette and high birds define the day. Rough shooting removes the ritual. You are the beater, picker-up and Gun in one. Birds are closer, wilder and unpredictable.

A driven pheasant may soar at forty yards. A rough-shot bird may flush under your feet or vanish into cover. The rhythm is slower too. You might walk miles and shoot very little, but that is the nature of the sport.

Driven days can exceed £400 once everything is included. Rough shooting costs little more than fuel and cartridges. That affordability makes it perfect for younger Guns and those on tighter budgets.

Clothing and footwear

Your kit must work hard. Brambles, bog and British weather are all part of the day. Leave best tweeds behind and choose tough outerwear instead.

Sasta jackets suit rough shooting well. Built for forestry and hunting, they offer durability and protection. The Mehto Pro 2.0 is particularly strong.

Footwear matters just as much. Gateway1 boots are built for wet ground and uneven terrain. The Fiordland boots offer excellent support on long walks.

A cartridge belt must stay comfortable while climbing fences and hedges. Fine Shooting Accessories produce quick-release belts made for walked-up shooting. Leather looks smart but requires care. Synthetic belts are often more practical.

Guns and cartridges

Avoid expensive cartridges. Hull Cartridge produces reliable ammunition at sensible prices. For most rough shooting, a 30-gram load of No.6 does the job well. Carry No.5 if duck are likely, or No.7 early in the season.

Your gun does not need to be costly. Anglo Spanish Imports have supplied quality shotguns since 1958. AyA and Rizzini models are dependable and well suited to field use.

Dogs and legal responsibility

The law applies to all shooting, regardless of format. The Hunting Act 2004 limits dogs used when flushing wild mammals to two above ground and one below ground. These limits do not apply to retrieving or pest control with permission.

Control is everything. A single steady dog beats several unruly ones. A dog that chases livestock will rapidly lose you permission.

Why rough shooting matters

Rough shooting shifts expectations. Success is not measured in numbers. It comes from time in the countryside, improving skill and understanding wildlife.

Some days produce birds. Others bring silence. Both are part of the sport.

For beginners and veterans alike, rough shooting delivers freedom, challenge and connection to the land. Prepare properly, choose honest kit, respect the law and get out there. The sport depends on responsible newcomers.