Grouse season — the Glorious Twelfth
The grouse shooting season opens on 12 August every year.
Countdown
32
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Next date
Wednesday, 12 August 2026
2026 season opens
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Upcoming dates
| Event | Date | Countdown | Region / notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 season opens | Wednesday, 12 August 2026 | In 1 month | UK |
| 2026 season closes | Thursday, 10 December 2026 | In 5 months | UK |
| 2027 season opens | Thursday, 12 August 2027 | In 1 year 1 month | UK |
| 2027 season closes | Friday, 10 December 2027 | In 1 year 5 months | UK |
The red grouse season opens on 12 August — the Glorious Twelfth — and runs until 10 December each year. These dates are fixed by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. The season traditionally begins on moorland estates across northern England and Scotland. If 12 August falls on a Sunday, shooting typically begins on the 13th out of respect for the Sabbath, though the legal season still opens on the 12th.
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Verified 8 May 2026
Questions
When is the Glorious Twelfth in 2026?
It falls on 12 August 2026.
When does grouse season end?
The red grouse season closes on 10 December.
What if the 12th is a Sunday?
Shooting traditionally begins on the 13th, though the legal season opens on the 12th.
Where does grouse shooting take place?
Primarily on managed moorland in northern England and Scotland.