Enquire about a visit Open seasons for pheasant, partridge, snipe, woodcock and brown hare. Wildfowl dates also depend on the ground.
The live status shows calendar dates only. Check the current rules and your permission to use the ground before making plans.
| Species | Open season | Calendar dates today | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pheasant | 1 October – 1 February | Checking statutory dates… | Scotland open season; local sporting arrangements and availability must still be confirmed. |
| Grey and red-legged partridge | 1 September – 1 February | Checking statutory dates… | Scotland open season; local sporting arrangements and availability must still be confirmed. |
| Common snipe | 12 August – 31 January | Checking statutory dates… | Current statutory dates shown. Sustainable management and local availability are separate questions. |
| Woodcock | 1 September – 31 January | Checking statutory dates… | Current statutory dates shown. Sustainable management and local availability are separate questions. |
| Brown hare | 1 October – 31 January | Checking statutory dates… | Scotland open season; local sporting arrangements and availability must still be confirmed. |
These two calendar ranges apply to the Scottish Schedule 2 quarry ducks and geese only: Canada, greylag and pink-footed goose; mallard, teal, wigeon, gadwall, goldeneye, tufted duck, pintail, shoveler and pochard. They do not cover every duck or goose.
| Species | Open season | Calendar dates today | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listed Schedule 2 ducks and geese · inland | 1 September – 31 January | Checking statutory dates… | Applies only to the listed Scottish quarry species, not every duck or goose. See the species list and Sunday/Christmas note below. |
| Listed Schedule 2 ducks and geese · below high-water mark | 1 September – 20 February | Checking statutory dates… | Applies only to the listed Scottish quarry species, not every duck or goose. See the species list and Sunday/Christmas note below. |
The ducks and geese covered by these rows are Canada, greylag and pink-footed goose; mallard, teal, wigeon, gadwall, goldeneye, tufted duck, pintail, shoveler and pochard. Other species can have different protections. Confirm the exact species and ground before any activity.
In Scotland, the Wildlife and Countryside Act Sunday and Christmas Day restriction applies to Schedule 2 Part I birds also listed in Part IA. That includes the listed wildfowl above, common snipe and woodcock. Other legal conditions, licences and local restrictions still apply.
Rabbit has no statutory close season, but lawful rights and methods still apply. Wood pigeon has no general recreational season; authorised control must meet the relevant licence purpose and conditions.
Mountain hares are fully protected in Scotland and do not have a general open season.
NatureScot’s 2026 Schedule 2 review makes recommendations; a recommendation does not change the law by itself. These dates follow legislation currently in force. Check for later enacted changes and confirm the exact species, ground, lawful authority and any licence before travel.
Dates are inclusive. Confirm the current rules, relevant licences and lawful access before travelling.