What to Wear
The shooting season in the UK spans the beginning of autumn through to the middle of winter. So whilst there are many glorious sunny days to be had when shirt sleeves are in order, there are also those which are wet and wild! Temperatures can therefore vary between 25 degrees down to freezing and slightly beyond in a particularly cold snap. Therefore if pays to be prepared for all eventualities.
However, all our lodges have good drying rooms so should you be caught out in the rain, rest assured you jackets will be dry the next morning.
In days gone by it was a necessity to turn out in full tweed regalia to be accepted on a shoot. These days things are significantly more relaxed, but there are still some traditions upheld. We therefore suggest the following as a guide;
On Top
Whilst the traditional style of jacket is still commonplace on the shooting field, gone are many of the heavy tweed examples and in are the new light weight fabrics. These new style jackets are superb and really enable you to move freely when shooting and most importantly keep you dry. The best on the market are from Schoffel but many others form Barbour and Le Chamue are also available.
Under the jacket most people wear a shirt, tie and perhaps a pullover depending upon the weather.
Trousers & Socks
Traditionally Breeches (also know as Plus Twos and Plus Fours depending upon the leg length) have been worn and this tradition is still very much in practice today. However, some of the heavier tweeds (as with the jackets) have been replaced with new, light weight materials.
Generally the Breeches finish just below the knee and your long shooting socks are then pulled up and over the bottom of the garment so keeping you warm. Garters are frequently used to keep the socks in place.
Although at first though Breeches might seem a little odd they are very commonplace in shooting field and actually exceptionally comfortable.
However, if the thought really turns you off, then feel free to wear normal outdoor trousers – preferably in green or brown!
Hat
Generally people wear traditional flat caps when shooting and tweeds are still very much the norm. However, trilbies and deer stalker are also often worn.
Footwear
Whilst every effort is made to locate gun stands on hard and firm ground, getting there might be slightly different! Many of the stands are adjacent to rivers or brooks and some time, particularly after prolonged periods of rain it can become a little soggy. Therefore we do recommend wellie boots or walking boots when out in the field. The best on the market are from Le Chaumea who seem to have sold pairs to all shooting enthusiasts!
Click here for Farlows, a one-stop store for all your shooting needs.
