Grouse Shooting Season UK: What to Wear for the Glorious Twelfth

When heading out for the grouse shooting in the UK, you may face some of the most unpredictable weather in the country. You might start the morning in bright sunshine and find yourself shivering in a heavy downpour by lunchtime. 

Whether it is your first Glorious Twelfth or you have spent years on the moors, wearing the clothing that keeps you ready for changing weather is a wise decision. 

In this guide, we will break down exactly what you need to wear during grouse shooting so you can focus entirely on your shooting and enjoy your day to the fullest.

What to Wear for Grouse Shooting - A Quick Answer

Here is the essential kit you need to pack for your grouse shoot:

• Waterproof shooting jacket
• Tweed jacket
• Gilet and waistcoat
• Breeks or shooting trousers
• Waterproof boots
• Shooting cap
• Long wool socks
• Durable gloves
• A reliable scarf 

What Is Grouse Shooting?

Grouse shooting is a traditional British field sport that involves hunting wild game birds across vast moorlands. 

As documented on Wikipedia, red grouse fly incredibly fast and low across the heather, often reaching speeds of up to 130 km/h (81 mph). 

This wild nature makes them hard to hunt and requires fast reflexes, deep focus, and clothing that allows you to move freely. 

When Does Grouse Shooting Season Start in the UK?

The grouse shooting season in the UK officially starts on the 12th of August every year. This specific date is widely known across the country as the Glorious Twelfth. 

The season runs through autumn, ending on December 10th in Great Britain and November 30th in Northern Ireland. 

In England and Wales, if 12 August falls on a Sunday, the season traditionally begins on Monday because of restrictions under the Game Act 1831. 

Must-Have Clothing for the Grouse Shooting Season in the UK

Below are your clothing options discussed to help you avoid bringing unnecessary or wrong gear on the moor.

Shooting Jackets

A shooting jacket is the most essential gear in your clothing kit when heading out for grouse shooting. When it comes to choosing the right jacket, there are two main options worth considering:

• Technical Shooting Jacket

They are light-weight and modern waterproof shooting jackets, featuring built-in membranes to let sweat escape while you move. 

• Tweed Jacket

A tweed jacket is the ultimate choice for style and heritage. Tightly woven wool naturally repels light water and resists dense moorland vegetation. However, traditional pure wool tweed can become incredibly heavy and waterlogged during a prolonged downpour.

On early-season shoots (August and September), a full tweed jacket is often far too hot and heavy, so we recommend wearing a lightweight technical jacket on the moor. You can always keep a smart tweed jacket back in the lodge or vehicle for lunch and post-shoot drinks.

Gilets and Waistcoats

For an early-season shoot on the Glorious Twelfth, a full jacket can cause you to overheat instantly. A tweed or fleece gilet keeps your chest warm against chilly winds while leaving your arms free to move quickly. Moreover, if the weather gets worse, it fits perfectly under a jacket without adding bulk.

Breeks vs. Shooting Trousers

Your choice of legwear determines how comfortable and focused you will stay when facing the changeable moorland weather. Let us clear up exactly when to wear each option:

If you are attending a formal-driven day, we recommend you pack high-quality breeks to match estate etiquette. 

If you are on an active walk-up shoot or the weather forecast looks bleak, prioritise practical performance and opt for modern technical shooting trousers to stay dry and protected.

Waterproof Boots

The ground on a grouse moor has many hidden rocks, slippery moss, and deep peat bogs. 

To keep your ankles safe and your feet dry on this kind of terrain, you have two reliable choices: 

• Premium Rubber Wellies: These are best if you are wearing breeks, as they provide total waterproof protection for your exposed lower legs when wading through wet, deep bogs.
• Sturdy Leather Boots: These are best if you are wearing waterproof shooting trousers. They offer much better ankle support and traction when you are tackling steep, rocky hillsides.

Shooting Accessories to Complete Your Outfit

The main clothing layers keep your body protected, but smaller accessories prevent cold air or blinding light from ruining your day. Some of the best accessories to include in your shooting outfit are:

• Shooting Caps and Hats

A traditional tweed flat cap or a technical waterproof hat keeps rain off your face and shields your eyes from the glare of the sun, making it way easier to spot fast-moving birds against a bright sky. 

• Shooting Socks

If you choose to wear breeks, your shooting socks are a functional necessity, not a style accessory. They are long, heavy wool socks designed to turn over just below the knee and hold your breeks securely in place.

Plus, they add much-needed cushioning inside your boots to prevent chafing and keep your feet dry during long walks.

• Gloves and Scarves

Cold fingers cannot operate a trigger accurately or safely. Choose slim, high-grip shooting gloves that give you a firm hold on your gun without adding too much bulk.

A lightweight wool scarf or neck warmer is also a good choice, as it stops cold wind from blowing down the collar of your jacket while you stand in the elements.

What Colours Should You Wear for the Glorious Twelfth?

When it comes to grouse shooting, your colour palette matters a lot. Grouse have incredible eyesight, and wearing the wrong shades can ruin a shoot before it even begins.

Stick strictly to muted, natural earth tones that blend into the natural moorland landscape, such as:

• Dark greens and olives
• Rich browns
• Dark khakis
• Heather and muted purples

It is better to avoid bright whites, light creams, or neon colours, as these flash like warning beacons to wild birds.

What to Wear for Different Types of Grouse Shooting

The style of your outfit depends heavily on the specific type of shoot you are attending. A formal shooting day requires a very different approach than a long day walking miles across rough ground.

Before looking at the specific outfits, here is how the two main styles of shooting compare:

Driven Grouse Shooting Outfit

Driven shoots are formal events with deep-rooted traditions where looking smart is part of showing respect to your host. Because you’ll spend most of your day standing still out on the open moor, your biggest challenge is simply staying warm against a biting wind.

Here is how we suggest you dress for formal shoots:

• Tweed Jacket: Choose a smart tweed that blends into the moorland background.
• Shirt and Tie: Wear a classic check shirt paired with a silk tie.
• Waistcoat/Gilet: A matching tweed waistcoat adds an extra layer of warmth when the jacket is open.
• Breeks and Socks: Traditional wool breeks paired with high-quality shooting socks.
• Country Boots: Sturdy, waterproof leather boots that keep your feet warm on cold turf.

Walk-Up Grouse Shooting Outfit

Walk-up shooting is physically demanding because you are constantly moving through thick heather to flush out the birds yourself. Your clothing needs to focus entirely on breathability, moisture management, and lightweight comfort.

Here is the best way to dress up for the challenge:

• Lightweight Jacket: Swap heavy tweed for a highly breathable, lightweight technical jacket.
• Flexible Trousers: Choose tough shooting trousers with built-in stretch for easy climbing.
• Waterproof Boots: High-performance walking boots that offer excellent ankle support on uneven ground.
• Breathable Layers: Use synthetic or merino wool base layers that dry quickly when you exert yourself.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Grouse Shooting Clothing

From the stories our customers share with us, we know how easily the wrong gear can cut a great day short. To help you get it right the first time, here are the most common mistakes to avoid:

Choosing Style Over Practicality

It is easy to focus on style and forget about performance. A beautiful jacket is useless if it restricts your arms or lets the rain soak through. 

Wearing Poor-Quality Footwear

Cheap boots or old wellies without proper grip are dangerous on wet, rocky hillsides. A twisted ankle or soaked feet will quickly make your day uncomfortable and can cause serious safety risks when you are carrying a gun.

Ignoring Weather Conditions

Never assume that a clear morning sky means a dry afternoon on the moors. Always pack your waterproof jacket and a warm mid-layer in your kit bag, even if the weather looks perfect when you leave the lodge.

Buying Cheap Gear That Does Not Last

Field sports expose your clothing to thick briars, heavy mud, and constant friction. Investing in proper, purpose-built shooting gear prevents you from having to replace torn or damaged items after just one or two trips out.

Conclusion

Now you are all set for the grouse shooting season in the UK. By focusing on durable waterproofing and dressing according to the style of your shoot, you can stay perfectly comfortable on the moors.

If you are looking for the perfect kit for your next outing, explore our weather-tested outdoor clothing range at Game Clothing. We offer free UK shipping on all orders over £49, so you can head out this season with complete confidence.

FAQs

Do I need waterproof clothing for grouse shooting?

Yes, you should always wear or carry waterproof clothing when shooting in the UK. Moorland weather changes incredibly fast, and a heavy downpour can happen without warning, even in August.

Can I wear regular outdoor clothing for grouse season in the UK?

You can wear standard hiking gear for casual or walked-up shoots, provided the colors are muted earth tones like green or brown. But formal-driven shoots will always require traditional tweed attire.

What should I do if my tweed jacket gets completely waterlogged during a shoot?

Never put a wet tweed jacket near a direct heat source, such as a radiator or a wood burner, as it will shrink the wool and ruin the fit. Instead, shake off any excess water, gently wipe away loose mud, and hang it up to air dry naturally on a sturdy hanger in a well-ventilated room.