The Grouse Season So Far
Each year, we do our best to anticipate how the forthcoming Grouse season might compare with those that have gone before. As Mr Osborne acknowledged in our pre-season Grouse Prospects article, making predictions while late broods are still hatching is always something of a hostage to fortune. Now, with the first week of the season behind us and our team having been out on Moors from the North York Moors to southern Scotland, we are beginning to get a much clearer picture.
Trying to assess the density of a wild bird across such vast and varied landscapes is never straightforward. Pair counts in the spring provide the first indication of what might lie ahead, while brood counts in mid to late July give a considerably better idea. In reality, however, it is not until Grouse are driven in suitable conditions that you get a true feel for the strength of a Moor.
And suitable conditions really do matter.
This has been particularly evident over the last few seasons. In very warm weather, Grouse naturally want to travel as little as possible and can become extremely ‘sticky’, particularly young birds hatched that summer. Wind direction is equally important, although perhaps more easily overlooked by Guns. A Moor can be holding an excellent stock of Grouse, but with the wrong wind it can be extremely difficult for the keepering team to show those birds properly through the line of Guns.
Cooler temperatures and a favourable wind are therefore essential before drawing too many conclusions about what a Moor is really holding.
During the opening week, much of the country enjoyed the preferred south-westerly winds, but unfortunately the temperatures did not play ball. Some areas recorded temperatures in excess of 35°C, and a number of Estates brought proceedings to an early close as the heat continued to build.
Thankfully, the last four days have brought much more favourable conditions and, with them, a considerably clearer picture.
At the time of writing, there have been seven shooting days since the Glorious Twelfth and, across our team, we have already had the privilege of hosting more than 15 days from the North York Moors through to southern Scotland. Broadly speaking, Estates are now seeing what their summer counts suggested they might.
Our pre-season prediction was that 2026 would, overall, be considerably better than 2025, albeit with substantial regional and even local variation. We also suggested that those Moors which carried a reasonable spring stock had particularly encouraging prospects. So far, that assessment appears to have been reasonably accurate.
Southern England has generally been much poorer than Northern England, while some encouraging bags have already been recorded in southern Scotland. The Pennines appear to have the best of it, with the larger Moors through this area looking set to enjoy a good number of days.
After several quieter seasons, that is a very welcome return.
It is, of course, still early days. As ever with Grouse, there will be considerable variation from Moor to Moor and even from one part of an Estate to another. The opening week has nevertheless given us good reason for optimism.
For anyone considering shooting this season, opportunities can arise at relatively short notice as Estates assess their stocks and confirm additional days. If you would be interested in shooting with William Powell Sporting, please do register your interest with the team. We would be delighted to be in touch should anything suitable become available.
To register your interest or discuss days this season, contact Ollie Severn on +44 (0) 7540 899059 or oliver@williampowellsporting.co.uk.
September update now available – click here to read the latest article from Mr Osborne.
