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As October gets ever closer, for many of our customers and members, anticipation is building ahead of one of the most exciting dates in the diary: the start of the pheasant season on the first of October. Whether you’re an experienced driven game gun or looking forward to your first day in the field, a little preparation makes all the difference. In this month’s blog we’re sharing top tips from our team to make sure you arrive in the field confident, safe and ready to enjoy every moment. From getting your paperwork in order to getting your eye in, let’s take a look…

Check the essentials

Before anything else, make sure your shotgun certificate is up to date, your insurance cover in place and your gun is in safe working order. Remember, you can get your shotgun serviced or, if it needs it, fixed here at Thimbleby Shooting Ground with our on-site gunsmith James Reynolds. Booking is essential, so check out his website and contact him here.

Your gun and ammunition need attention too. The UK has begun a formal transition away from lead shot. In July 2025, the government confirmed a UK REACH restriction on lead ammunition that will see a phased ban beginning in 2026, with only limited exemptions. Although the full ban is not yet in force, the writing is on the wall: this season is an excellent opportunity to get comfortable with non-lead alternatives such as steel or bismuth. If you are shooting over wetlands, remember that lead shot is already prohibited.

Switching to steel can feel like a challenge, but it needn’t be:

• Check your proof marks. Guns bearing the CIP “fleur-de-lis” proof mark are suitable for High-Performance (HP) steel. Other modern shotguns can generally use standard steel loads safely but always follow your gunmaker’s advice.
• Chokes matter. Most instructors recommend no tighter than half choke with steel.
• Pattern your gun. Steel and bismuth can behave a little differently from lead, so it’s worth testing a few cartridges on our pattern plate. That way, you’ll know exactly how your chosen load performs in your own gun.

Tune up with time on the ground

After a long break since the end of the last pheasant season, even seasoned guns can feel a bit rusty. If you haven’t been regularly shooting during the spring and summer a trip to Thimbleby Shooting Ground is ideal for getting your eye in. Our English Sporting layouts are designed to help you with virtually every on the wing pheasant scenario you will encounter in the field, from high birds and fast crossers to quartering and rising birds. A session or two before the season starts will build the reactions, timing and consistency that translate directly to success on live quarry.

Sharpen your skills with a lesson

For those wanting a deeper dive, we have several tailored options to help you get the most from your game days:

• 1-hour all-inclusive lesson – from £96
  A focused session with one of our experienced instructors, perfect for fine-tuning gun mount, footwork and shot selection.
• The Game Changer – £320
  A comprehensive half-day game shooting lesson with Senior Instructor Philip Thompson. Tailored to your specific needs, you’ll spend the day shooting a variety of drives around the stunning Thimbleby Estate, with a light lunch and refreshments included.
• Instructor in the field – £350 + travelling expenses
  For those who want to make sure they get the very best out of their game day, you can book one of our instructors as a discreet game loader/coach. Calm, expert guidance throughout the day will help you get the most from every drive.

Fieldcraft and etiquette

Safety and etiquette underpin every day in the field and while every shoot has its traditions and expectations, some points are universal:

• Respect your neighbours on the next peg’s arcs of fire.
• Don’t take low birds. Not only is it unsafe, but it undermines the sporting nature of the day.
• Mind your manners. Thank the keeper, loaders and beaters, arrive on time and follow the briefing carefully.
• Dogs in the field: If you’re bringing a dog, ensure it is steady to shot and under control.
• Always break your shotgun when you’re on the move – a good rule of thumb is to break your gun and take cartridges out the moment the drive ends.

Make the most of your day

With your gun serviced, cartridges patterned and skills sharpened on the clays, you’ll be ready to step into the field with confidence. We recommend making a list of everything you’ll need, including tips for the keeper and beaters, as a quick once-over of your shooting kit can save a lot of stress on the morning of a big day:

• Clothing: Layer up for variable weather, with waterproof outerwear and sturdy boots for muddy cover crops.
• Protection: Good quality hearing protection and shooting glasses are essential for safety and comfort.
• Accessories: Game carrier, gun slip, cartridge bag and gloves all earn their place in the bag.
• Gun check: Make sure your shotgun is clean, well-oiled and in good working order.

Ready to prepare for the 1st of October? Book your lesson at Thimbleby today and step into the new pheasant season brimming with confidence!