Hunting in the U.K,Is it easy for the every day guy

Question

How easy is it for the average everyday blue collar guy to go hunting in the U.K,I have heard stories that in the U.K its a rich mans sport and very hard for the everyday joe to afford hunting expenses and also get around all of the complicated rules and regulations.I just wanted to hear from guys that actually have experience hunting there,the everyday guys like me because its hard for me to think that it could be that complicated,thanks for your answers

Answer 1

As far as I know it can be quite difficult. You could always try pigeon shooting. Clay pigeon shooting is great, not too expensive and there are mostly everyday people there. I know I didn't answer your question. You'd have to ask someone else about the game...

Answer 2

Hunting is not a rich man's sport in the UK.  I admit that everything costs more in the UK, but they have a higher cost of living.

Firearms cost about twice to triple what I would expect here, and a case of 12 ga (with the fibre wad) will set you back $360.  Due to the high cost of land, it would be very rare that you could hunt your own propery but hunt clubs are scattered throughout England.  

Quail hunting is a little more of a social activity there.  Here in Indiana, my dog scares them, and I shoot 'um.  We had to hire 5 'beaters'  to scare them out for us to shoot in England.  If you are interested in deer, you will have to meet with a gamekeeper - i have never hunted deer in the UK.  

I hope that helps.

Answer 3

I'm from a working back ground myself. It depends on what type of shooting your after. A days Pheasant shooting from the peg may set you back around £1000. A duck flight will be around £70. A days pigeon shooting with a guide £100-£125 per day.

The cheapest shooting is the free sort from a friendly farmer. Vermin clearance (Rabbit, pigeon, crow and fox) Should the farmer agree may be a bit of rough shooting for Pheasant, Duck & Partridge during the season.

I've done a few hands on syndicates over the years paying £400 - £500 for about 8 days Pheasant and as much pigeon in the close season.

Deer stalking for Roe and munjac is pretty cheap at around £100 per stalk.