First Time Game Shooting: What to Expect, How to Prepare & Shooting Etiquette Explained

First Time Game Shooting: What to Expect, How to Prepare & Shooting Etiquette Explained

There’s nothing quite like your first game shooting day. The early morning chill, the quiet anticipation as everyone gathers for the briefing, the dogs trembling with excitement, and that unmistakable sense of tradition that surrounds the whole occasion.

But stepping onto a peg for the first time can feel daunting. Game shooting is rich in unwritten rules and long-standing etiquette, and much of it is learned through experience rather than instruction. Whether you’re joining a small walk-up day or a full driven shoot, this guide will walk you through what to expect, how to prepare properly, and the etiquette every new gun should understand, so you can enjoy the day with confidence.

Preparing for Your First Game Shooting Day

Good preparation sets the tone for the entire day. Turning up relaxed, organised, and ready shows respect for the shoot and makes the experience far more enjoyable.

When to Arrive

Plan to arrive 30–45 minutes before the start time. This gives you space to:

• Enjoy a cup of tea or a bacon roll

• Introduce yourself to the host and fellow guns

• Familiarise yourself with the setting before the formalities begin

Arriving early is never frowned upon; arriving late often is.

What to Wear for a Game Shooting Day

You don’t need to look like you’ve stepped out of a catalogue, but practical, countryside-appropriate clothing is important. Focus on comfort, weather protection, and safety.

Key considerations:

• Weatherproof outer layers for rain, wind, or cold

• Neutral colours that suit the countryside setting

• Good boots you can stand and walk in all day

• Ear and eye protection

You’ll also want a cartridge bag and gun slip that are comfortable to carry between drives. A well-made leather cartridge bag not only performs brilliantly in the field but looks entirely at home in a traditional shooting environment.

The Morning Briefing and Essential Shooting Etiquette

Every shoot begins with a safety briefing. Even if you’ve attended shoots before, it’s worth listening closely; no two estates run days in the same way. The briefing will usually cover your peg number and how you’ll move between drives, the signals used to start and finish (whether that’s a whistle, horn, or a call), and any estate-specific rules you need to follow, for example, restrictions on certain quarry or guidelines around what can and can’t be shot.

If anything isn’t clear, don’t be embarrassed to ask. If you’d rather not speak up in front of everyone, have a quiet word with the keeper or host afterwards. When safety is involved, there are no silly questions.

Heading to the Peg: What Happens Before the First Drive

Once pegs have been assigned, sometimes with a card, counter, or even a small dram, you’ll head to the first drive.

The gamekeeper will usually call peg numbers out in order. Listen closely and move promptly to your peg; beaters and pickers-up will already be in position and ready to start.

Top tip:
Have your cartridges easily accessible before the drive begins. Fiddling at the last moment adds unnecessary stress, which is why many new guns opt for a structured leather cartridge bag or pouch that keeps everything exactly where it should be.

While You’re Waiting on the Peg

The moments before a drive starts are part of the experience. Stay calm, observant, and ready.

While waiting:

• Stand still and keep noise to a minimum

Keep your gun broken and safe

• Watch and listen for signals

Please take a moment to enjoy the build-up; it’s one of the quieter pleasures of a shooting day.

Game Shooting Safety Rules Every New Gun Must Follow

When birds begin to appear, everything can feel fast-paced. The golden rule is simple: never compromise safety for a shot.

Always remember:

• Shoot only within safe angles

• Never shoot low or towards beaters, dogs, or other guns

• Load only when the correct signal is given

• Be constantly aware of where other guns are positioned

Keep your shotgun broken when not in use

No one expects you to shoot every bird. Safe, clean shots matter far more than numbers.

What to Bring on a Game Shooting Day

New guns are often surprised by how much movement there is between drives and how much kit ends up being carried.

Essentials typically include:

CartridgesCartridge bag, and gun slip

• Eye and ear protection

• A hat and gloves

• An extra waterproof or warm layer

Traditional leather kit remains a staple on shoots for good reason. Leather bags, slips, and pouches are durable, weather-resistant, and age beautifully with use. A well-made piece from a small British maker like Howes & Wayko doesn’t just function well; it becomes part of your shooting story over time.

Between Drives: The Social Side of Game Shooting

Game shooting is famously sociable. Between drives, you’ll chat with fellow guns, share stories from the morning, reload your bag, and enjoy a welcome refreshment stop.

Elevenses are often a highlight, frequently featuring excellent homemade food and game fare. Be polite, friendly, and appreciative; shoots are generally very welcoming to newcomers.

Picking Up, Game Handling and Respect for the Quarry

After each drive, keep your gun broken and safe while the dogs and handlers sweep the ground, collecting birds. As a gun, the best approach is to leave birds where they fall unless you’re specifically asked to help, and to give the dogs space to work without distraction. Pickers-up train all year for these moments, and watching a good team work is one of the real pleasures of a shooting day.

Game shooting is built on tradition, conservation, and ethical practice, and the simplest way to show you understand that is by respecting the quarry, the people running the day, and the dogs doing the job they were trained for.

End of the Day: Etiquette, Thanks and Final Traditions

At the end of the final drive, take a moment to thank your host, the beaters, the pickers-up, and the gamekeepers; they’re the reason the day runs smoothly. It’s also the right time to sort any traditions and practicalities that apply to that shoot, whether that’s leaving the keeper’s tip, paying your loader if you have one, and contributing to the cook or helpers if a collection is passed around. Before you head off, do a quick check that you’ve gathered all your kit so nothing gets left behind in the rush.

Many shoots will offer a brace of birds to take home. Accept them gratefully if you’ll use them, or politely decline if you truly can’t. A small game bag or traditional carrier is especially handy here and fits naturally into the rhythm and heritage of the day.

Final Thoughts: Confidence Comes With Experience

Your first game shooting day may feel overwhelming at times; everyone has been there. Handle your gun safely, follow etiquette, and show appreciation to those running the day, and you’ll quickly feel at home.

High-quality, dependable kit, especially handcrafted leather pieces, helps you stay organised, prepared, and confident. Over time, those pieces become marked by weather, stories, and memories of days well spent.