Early grouse days: what to wear

Wednesday, 22 March 2017
Early grouse days: what to wear

The Glorious Twelfth – is celebrated as the start of the shooting season in the United Kingdom. The historic date – 12th August, actually only applies to the start of the grouse season, with partridge and pheasant shooting starting in September and October respectively.

What makes Grouse so special?

Grouse can reach speeds of up to 80 miles an hour after just a few beats of their wings, and can change direction incredibly quickly, which means that a high level of skill is essential; they are seen as the ultimate game bird shooting challenge.

Unlike other game birds, grouse are completely wild, the moorland on which they live is managed to encourage heather growth, but the birds breed and live in a completely natural habitat, which represents some of the most breath taking scenery in Britain.

Being truly wild, there are only ever a small number of grouse each year, numbers fluctuate, and with a relatively short shooting season of just 121 days, the opportunity for the gun to test their skill is limited.

Low flying and fast: a challenging combination.

Early grouse shooting can correspond with the warmest days of the year, and as with any day on the peg (or in the butt) it is imperative that you are well kitted out to ensure you can focus your attention on the sport in hand.
Apart from the usual check list of ear defenders, glasses and cartridges, there are specific seasonal and sporting requirements that you need to take into consideration.

• Lighter weight tweed is suggested for this time of year. The 14oz House Check is ideal, team the Action Back jacket with matching plus twos for a practical and smart outfit.
• A good alternative to tweed is the Grenfell Shooting Jacket, made for us by Grenfell in sturdy cotton twill.
• A dark background shirt is essential on the moor, the birds fly at lower heights towards the guns, and you need to make sure you blend in to your surroundings, and chances are you will be shooting in shirt sleeves. Our pheasant check shirt is ideal: muted shades, roomy and with generous tails. It will keep you looking smart whilst giving you the flexibility you need in the butt.
Shooting stockings are essential with breeks, choose a Merino version for this time of year.
• If you know the day is going to be clement, a shooting waistcoat can often suffice. We have them in a range of tweeds, but again the House Check is prefect for this time of year.

Shop the complete outfit here.

Lightweight layering – essential for early grouse days
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