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Game Licences

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Last revised: 7 August 2008

Legislation

The Game Act 1831, states that a licence is required to take or kill game and to deal in game.

This page deals with the killing of game, for Game Dealers Licences, see link on right

There are four types of Game Licence. Each one covers different periods of the year as well as the open seasons for various game birds. They are colour coded and can all be purchased from the Post Office.

RED LICENCE

  • Cost :       £6.00

  • Duration : 12 months

  • Expiry :    31st July annually
    this covers all open seasons for game birds and shooting of hares where not exempt.

GREEN LICENCE

  • Cost :       £4

  • Duration :  3 months (Valid from 31st July)

  • Expiry :     31st October
    Popular for grouse shooters.

BLUE LICENCE

  • Cost :       £6.00

  • Duration :  12 months

  • Expiry :     31st July annually
    Popular for pheasant shoooters

BLACK LICENCE

  • Cost :       £2.00

  • Duration :  14 days

  • Expiry :     after 14 days (any time of year)
    this license is popular where game is perhaps shot only once during the year.

Gamekeeper's Licence

A gamekeeper's employer may obtain an annual gamekeepers licence (at a lower cost of £4.00) than the normal twelve month license). This permits the gamekeeper to take or kill game on land where his employer has the right to game. The licence is transferable should a new gamekeeper be employed while it is still valid, and only covers a person while they are employed as a gamekeeper.  If a gamekeeper wishes to shoot game on land where his/her employer does not have right to game, then he/she must obtain a license in their own name.

Contact

Any queries should be directed either :  the Post Office or

Environmental Health & Protection Services
Tel : 01380 724 911  Please follow here to email : Licensing

This page only provides a brief overview of licensing requirements, so we recommend you consult the legislation which you can get from Her Majesty's Stationary Office (External link) or seek advice if you need to know the law in more detail.