As the shooting season gets underway, it’s essential to be well-prepared for the day ahead. From the right gear to those often-overlooked extras, packing the perfect shooting bag ensures you’re ready for any situation.

Whether it’s your first time out or you’re a seasoned shot, we are here to help you prepare, so you can focus on making the most of your day.

Below are five items that should be in every shooting bag this season, including a couple of must-have tips that are often forgotten.

 1. Cash for the Keeper’s Tip

While it’s easy to focus on the practical gear, if it's your first time in the field, you must remember cash for the keeper’s tip. Tipping the gamekeeper is a customary part of a day’s shoot, showing your appreciation for their hard work in preparing the shoot and ensuring everything runs smoothly. The amount varies depending on the day and location, but it’s good etiquette to carry some cash with you—anywhere from £20 to £70 is typical, depending on the size and success of the day.

If you're unsure what to tip, ask your fellow guns for their thoughts.

2. Shooting Glasses and Hearing Protection

As we know, safety first, always! Often overlooked, but make sure you have your hearing protection and shooting glasses (if you have them), packed ready for the day. Whether you prefer foam earplugs or more advanced electronic ear defenders, you’ll want something that filters out harmful sounds while allowing you to hear what’s going on around you.

It's personal choice with glasses. Consider safety glasses or coloured lenses if that feels good for you, but also if it's a bright day, a pair of sunglasses can make all the difference.

3. A Waterproof Shooting Jacket

A sudden change in weather is common during the season. Ensuring you have the right clothing in your bag can make or break your day. A high-quality, waterproof shooting jacket is essential to keep you dry, warm, and comfortable. Look for a jacket that’s not only weatherproof but also provides freedom of movement for when you're aiming and shooting. Got a gorgeous tweed jacket? Make sure it's teflon coated.

4. A Bottle of Water and a Snack!

Dependant on the shoot, if you're fully catered for and it's all laid on, or if it's a smaller, walked up shoot, you can always benefit from some extra hydration and keeping your energy levels up. Even if it's a small bottle of water and a bar that stays in the shoot bus, or in your cartridge bag, you'll be thankful!

5. Lip Balm and Hand Cream

While not the first item that comes to mind, lip balm is a small but mighty addition to your shooting bag. Cold, windy days in the field can quickly lead to dry, cracked lips, which can be an irritating distraction. A quality lip balm helps keep your lips protected throughout the day. Similarly, packing hand cream can be a game-changer, especially in colder weather when your hands may become dry or chapped.

Preparing your shooting bag with these essentials, including the all-important cash for tipping your keeper, ensures a smooth, enjoyable day in the field. As a luxury British manufacturer, Howes & Wayko offers the finest in cartridge bags, gun slips, and shooting attire, and don't forget to cover your head with one of our traditional Tweed Caps, all designed to help you shoot in style and comfort.

Make sure you have everything you need for this season, and enjoy the tradition with confidence and class.

Step into the season with confidence. Our handcrafted leather cartridge bags are made to last, combining timeless style with practical design. Every detail is crafted to keep your gear organised and within easy reach, so you can focus on the day ahead. Explore our collection here and bring a touch of elegance to your next shoot.