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Open and closed season for hunting, what you can use and the wildlife you can hunt

• Overview

  You must follow the rules for hunting and shooting wildlife including:…

• Birds

  You can shoot certain species of game birds, quarry birds and waterfowl…

• Mammals

  There are different rules for foxes, deer and other mammals. Foxes It’s…

How to license a firearm, manage weapons for a shooting club or get a museum licence.

• Updated: 28 January 2026

Find out when transactions involving land and buildings are exempt from VAT.

• Updated: 31 December 2020

How to solve a pest problem with foxes, moles and mink using traps, snares and other methods.

• Updated: 19 April 2023

Information on embargoes on West African States and how to apply for an export licence.

• Updated: 8 September 2025

Information for employers who pay casual employees working outdoors harvesting perishable crops, or as casual beaters for a shoot.

• Updated: 18 May 2015

Clarify range safety or construction issues not directly effecting range safety.

• Updated: 23 November 2016

The laws on selling, buying and carrying a knife or weapon depend on the type of knife or weapon, your age and your circumstances.

Apply for a licence to shoot deer during the closed season or at night and find out how to report your actions.

This guidance summarises the requirements, controls and sanctions that Border Force applies to firearms and offensive weapons when they are imported into the UK.

• Updated: 27 February 2025