Shooting Rules and Regulations

Firearms regulations

In accordance with UK law, all visiting hunters must be in possession of a current licence and be over the age of 18. For visitors from the UK and all other EU Member States, this normally means a European Firearms Licence. For visitors from non-EU countries, including the US and Canada, an equivalent national or state licence or a letter of good character from a local Sheriff or judge, is appropriate.

Whether you intend to shoot with your own gun or one that is borrowed or hired, you will need a UK Visitor’s Permit. A UK Shotgun Permit allows you to use most types of shotgun, including side-by-side and over-and-under shotguns as well as semi-automatic shotguns with a magazine capacity of two or less.

In order to secure a UK Visitor Permit, the application must be made to the police by a person resident in the area where you will be shooting, on behalf of you, the visitor. This is normally done by River & Green, as your sporting agent. If you intend to borrow or hire a gun in the UK you must provide us with a photocopy of your current licence at least 45 days before the first day of shooting. If you plan to use your own gun in the UK, you must provide us with your original licence at least 55 days before your date of travel. We charge a fee of £85 per application.

All airlines have different rules with regards to travelling with your gun – some airlines impose additional restrictions and charges, you should check directly with the airline before making your booking.

Bringing dogs into the UK

Dogs may be brought into the UK from EU states which participate in the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS), without the need for quarantine, provided that all DEFRA procedures have been followed. The dogs must have been microchipped, vaccinated against rabies, blood tested and treated for ticks and tapeworm. In addition, the animals must have a valid EU pet passport and enter the UK travelling with an approved transport company on an authorised route. If you have any further question regarding Scottish shooting rules and regulations more details can be found by clicking here.

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