- Categories:
- Special Interest
- Tags:
- ActivitiesWildlife
- Where:
- United Kingdom
- Date change rule:
- Every August 12
- Holiday emoji:
- 🇬🇧
Glorious Twelfth arrives every August 12, signaling the official start of the red grouse shooting season in the United Kingdom. This traditional day draws enthusiasts to the moors, marking a significant event in the country sports calendar. Embrace the heritage, learn about responsible game management, and explore the unique culture surrounding this annual observance.
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Expected Glorious Twelfth Deals
While official 2027 promotions are still being finalized, the Glorious Twelfth historically sees a surge in demand for outdoor apparel, shooting equipment, and country sports experiences. Expect retailers like Purdey, Holland & Holland, and Harkila to offer special deals on high-quality gear. Sporting estates often announce early bird bookings for future seasons, while local pubs and hotels in rural areas prepare special menus featuring game. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as August 12 approaches.
Platform Guide for Glorious Twelfth
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #GloriousTwelfth. Share stunning photos of the British countryside, traditional attire, and responsible outdoor activities.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #GloriousTwelfth. Engage in discussions about game conservation, rural traditions, and the economic impact of the shooting season.
YouTube
Subscribe to @NationalToday for holiday video content. Create vlogs showcasing ethical hunting practices, game recipes, or the history behind the Glorious Twelfth.
Glorious Twelfth Hero
Sir Ralph Payne-Gallwey
History of Glorious Twelfth
Glorious Twelfth is observed in the United Kingdom every year on the 12th day of August. It is one of the busiest days in the shooting season as it marks the beginning of the shooting season for red grouse. It is dubbed by some to be the ‘New Year’s Day of Hunting’ because it is the start of a 121-day shooting season of red grouse.
As unreal as it may sound, the day was established in England and Wales under the Game Act in 1831 by the current legislation after overthrowing a previous law established in 1773 that forbids the hunting of game between August 12 and December 10. The new Game Act however makes it compulsory for any participant in this hunting season to have a license.
In the mid-19th century, the Victorians built railways that made it easier to get up onto the moors. This was what helped establish the grouse shooting. People were able to travel more easily with all their equipment and luckily it was around the same time that the breech-loading shotgun was invented. It was a shotgun that had a prepared cartridge. These combined advancements are the factors that led to the fun time grouse shooters have come to know and enjoy today.
The holiday can be considered to be a valuable source of local revenue. Research by the G.W.C.T has shown that grouse shooting supports job creation. It is estimated that grouse shooting on 140 “core” grouse estates in Scotland support about 500 jobs. Additionally, it is discovered that it contributes to the economy with about £6.7 million worth of wages and £10.7 million to G.D.P. The holiday and activities, in general, are beneficial to the economy at large.
The Glorious Twelfth is enjoyed by shooters as a fun and challenging sport. It is not quite as fun for the red grouse. Shooting grouse as an activity has been met with a lot of controversy from animal rights activists. Some people consider it to be an unnecessary and antiquated pastime. It is believed that the activity is damaging to the grouse as a species and their surrounding environments.
Glorious Twelfth timeline
The Game Act of 1773 set the shooting law to put restrictions on when animals could and couldn’t be shot.
Game shooting begins in Scotland, becoming a lucrative aspect of the tourist industry.
The construction of railways by the Victorians brings ease to grouse shooting as it was easier to get up onto the moors.
Licenses are required before a game can be killed by the new Game Act.
Grouse shooting becomes popular in the 1850s during the Victorian era.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Glorious Twelfth
Rural businesses, particularly those in the hospitality and retail sectors, can significantly benefit from the Glorious Twelfth. Country hotels and pubs can offer special menus featuring local game, while outfitters can showcase their latest shooting apparel and equipment. Local tourism boards might promote guided tours of moorlands or educational events on game conservation. Emphasize the economic contribution of country sports to local economies and encourage responsible engagement.
Glorious Twelfth FAQs
When is Glorious Twelfth?
Glorious Twelfth 2026 falls on a Wednesday, August 12, marking the traditional start of the red grouse shooting season in the UK. It’s a key date for country sports enthusiasts.
What is red grouse?
The red grouse (Lagopus lagopus scotica) is a medium-sized game bird native to the British Isles, known for its distinctive reddish-brown plumage. It thrives on heather moorlands, and its population is carefully managed, often through shooting, to maintain ecological balance and prevent disease outbreaks.
Why is it called the Glorious Twelfth?
The term ‘Glorious Twelfth’ refers to the excitement and anticipation surrounding the opening day of the red grouse shooting season. It’s considered a prestigious and highly anticipated event in the British country sports calendar, symbolizing tradition and the start of a new season.
Is game bird shooting allowed on Sundays in the UK?
No, English law prohibits the shooting of game birds on Sundays. If August 12 falls on a Sunday, as it occasionally does, the start of the season is postponed to August 13. This regulation ensures a day of rest from shooting activities.
Glorious Twelfth Activities
Shoot a grouse
You can take part in the holiday by joining the tradition of shooting grouse. If shooting games for sport is something you enjoy, you’ll love this particular holiday.
Indulge in a game
You can shoot other legal animals such as woodcock or pheasant if you’re not particular about Grouse. Shooting for sport is a fun tradition that is practiced by many.
Eat meat
You can celebrate the holiday by eating meat. It doesn’t matter if you shot it yourself, you can just enjoy the meal.
5 Amazing Facts About Red Grouse
Grouse is mostly found in the U.K.
Red grouse is endemic to the British soil having developed in isolation from its other sub-species.
They are found in moorland
Grouse are known to be found in heather moorland.
Grouse eat heather
The heather on the moorland provides nutrition to grouse.
Grouse have predators
Grouse can be attacked by predators such as foxes, crows, and stoats.
Grouse management creates jobs
In England, grouse moor management creates over 1,500 full-time jobs.
Why We Love Glorious Twelfth
It encourages sport
The holiday encourages more people to take part in gaming activities. It is always good for people to engage in physical activities.
It is traditional
Grouse hunting is an activity that has been around for many years. People can enjoy teaching their children and passing down the knowledge.
It creates awareness
The holiday helps to spread information about grouse and the issues they face. This awareness can lead to solutions that help the species.
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