Game Shooting is popular country sport in the UK. Although traditionally seen as a sport for the "privileged few", game shooting is growing in popularity, and enjoys a much wider group of participants than ever before.

There are a number of different forms of game shooting, with the main two being formal 'driven' shoots, and more relaxed 'rough' shoots. Driven shoots traditionally takes place on large, rural estates and rough shooting on small-scale shoots, moorlands and areas of woodland.

The Shooting of game birds is carried out using a shotgun, with the most popular calibre being 12 bore, although the smaller 20 bore is considered to be a more sporting 'gentlemans' calibre.

Game shoots are often managed by a Gamekeeper, often with a team of Under-Keepers on larger estates. Their responsibilities include both rearing and husbandry of the game birds themselves, as well as managing the environment in which the shoot takes place. This includes vermin control, security and maintenance of the landscape.

Gundogs are an essential part of any game shoot. Either used for flushing birds from cover, or for retrieving shot game, the role of the gundog and their handlers are vital to ensure a successful shoot. Without a team of trained gundogs there would be few birds in the air, and even fewer 'in the bag'.

The following articles will provide an introduction to game shooting, its different formats and how you can get involved in this challenging, but rewarding country sport.