Scotland offers plenty of opportunities for shooting breaks for beginners and expert marksmen alike. Going afield with gun in hand has never been so popular. Historically, shooting breaks have been considered a gentleman’s sport but that’s no longer the case.

Pistol and rifle shooters have large numbers of private and public shooting clubs to choose from. Many of the clubs are upscale with specialized shooting and private membership required. Other clubs are more generalized in nature and provide numerous opportunities for anyone wishing to participate.

Competition is part of the enjoyment in shooting breaks. Contests of skill are always on the board and have a great following, both among participant shooters and spectators. Prizes are dependant on the contest but there’s always a lot of pride involved for the winning shooter.

Hunting breaks are equally as popular and perhaps even more so.

Game birds and animals include an abundance of wild game that make shooting breaks in Scotland very popular. The eminent place that hunting occupies in Scotland is due in large part to the natural hunter that resides in most men and the elevated view Scottish men and women have of the environment. There is a venerable history of sportsmanship and shooting skills in Scotland and the sport has carved a niche out of both history and the present.

Grouse are among the most popular game birds and provide excellent and challenging shooting for shotgunners. Pheasants, geese and partridges aren’t far behind in popularity and create pleasant diversions afield for friends and family. Whether hunting individually or in a group, hunters can spend many enjoyable hours on shooting breaks and take home plenty of birds for the pot.
Whitetail deer are the largest game animal in Scotland and have a dedicated following. Fox, rabbits and vermin attract their share of shooters as well and create challenging hunts of their own. Scottish gamekeepers do an excellent job of controlling the hunt and managing game populations at the same time. Whether moors, manors or club woodlands, the conservation ideal is held high and hunting is viewed as a sustainable natural resource.

Guides are available in some areas that can lend a hand in making a successful hunt. Guides for hire often specialize in a particular bird or two but many are quite capable of providing an excellent multi-species hunt, depending on the season and location.