What to Wear for the Start of the Shooting Season

The Glorious Twelfth traditionally marks the beginning of a new shooting season, but the weeks that follow can bring some of the year’s most unpredictable conditions.

An early start might feel distinctly autumnal, while the middle of the day can still be surprisingly warm. Add wet grass, muddy ground, sudden showers and long periods spent outdoors, and choosing the right clothing becomes a matter of comfort and practicality—not simply tradition.

Whether you are shooting, beating, picking up or helping behind the scenes, a flexible outfit will keep you comfortable as the weather and your activity level change.

Here is our guide to dressing for the early part of the shooting season.

Begin with a dependable country shirt

A traditional country shirt provides a smart and comfortable foundation without adding unnecessary bulk.

New Forest Premium Tattersall Shirts are particularly versatile at this time of year. They can be worn on their own during milder weather, beneath a gilet for additional warmth or as part of a complete layered shooting outfit.

A good shirt should allow comfortable movement through the shoulders and arms, especially when worn beneath an outer layer. Look for a fit that feels relaxed enough for a full day outdoors but remains smart when the jacket comes off.

Tattersall patterns also coordinate naturally with earthy greens, browns and traditional tweeds, making them easy to combine with the rest of your country wardrobe.

Add warmth without restricting movement

The beginning of the shooting season does not always call for a heavy winter coat. A fleece, gilet or waistcoat may provide all the additional warmth you need during mild and settled conditions.

A gilet is especially useful for active days. It keeps your core warm while leaving your arms free, making it a practical choice for beating, dog handling and other activities involving plenty of movement.

On cooler mornings, a fleece can provide greater coverage and still be removed easily if the temperature rises.

The key is to choose layers that work independently. Rather than wearing one exceptionally warm garment, build an outfit that can be adjusted throughout the day.

Choose outerwear for the conditions and your role

The right shooting jacket will depend on the weather, the terrain and how you will spend the day.

Someone walking through thick cover has very different requirements from someone standing on an exposed peg. One may prioritise tough fabric and ventilation, while the other may need greater warmth and weather protection.

New Forest Country Sport

The New Forest Country Sport range is a versatile choice for early-season days when you need dependable protection without the weight of heavy winter clothing.

Its clean country styling makes it suitable for the field, while the practical construction is designed for outdoor movement and changing conditions. Pairing the jacket or smock with the matching trousers creates coordinated protection when the forecast is unsettled.

Wear it over a Tattersall shirt during milder weather or add a fleece or gilet as the season progresses.

New Forest Hawthorn

For demanding days through rough cover, the New Forest Hawthorn range offers a more rugged option.

The Hawthorn Jacket is made with heavyweight ripstop fabric and reinforced in the areas most exposed to wear. Practical features include articulated elbows, underarm ventilation, generous cartridge pockets, handwarmer pockets and a large rear game pocket.

Pair it with the Hawthorn Trousers for coordinated protection from the shoulders down. This makes the range particularly well suited to beating, fieldwork and days when your clothing is likely to meet brambles, undergrowth and challenging terrain.

The jacket’s ventilation also helps manage heat when the pace increases—an important consideration during the milder opening weeks of the season.

Select trousers for movement and protection

Your trousers need to provide comfortable movement while coping with wet vegetation, uneven ground and regular outdoor wear.

For early-season conditions, consider:

• The terrain you will be crossing
• How much walking you expect to do
• Whether rain or wet vegetation is likely
• The level of protection required from brambles
• Whether you need matching weather protection from jacket to ankle

Country Sport trousers can complete a lightweight, coordinated field outfit, while Hawthorn Trousers provide a tougher option for rougher conditions.

Whichever style you choose, make sure it allows unrestricted movement when stepping over obstacles, climbing banks or walking across uneven ground.

Don’t overlook your footwear

Footwear can make or break a long day outdoors.

For wet grass, mud and softer ground, a dependable pair of wellington boots is often the most practical choice. A supportive outdoor or country boot may be preferable on firmer ground, particularly when the day involves substantial walking.

Look for:

• Reliable grip
• An appropriate level of waterproof protection
• Enough room for suitable socks
• An established, comfortable fit
• Support for the terrain you will encounter

Avoid wearing brand-new boots for a full day in the field without testing them first. A shorter walk beforehand will help you identify any pressure points and confirm which socks work best.

Remember the smaller essentials

The right accessories can make a significant difference as conditions change.

Useful additions include:

• A cap or hat for shade and light weather protection
• A waterproof hat for unsettled days
• A neck gaiter for colder starts
• Gloves for later in the season
• Spare socks
• A lightweight waterproof layer
• A small bag for removed layers

It is often better to carry one additional lightweight layer than to begin the day wearing everything at once.

Match your outfit to your activity level

A common mistake is dressing only for the temperature shown on the forecast.

Beating, handling dogs and walking between drives can generate considerable body heat. Standing still for longer periods is likely to feel much colder, even on the same day.

If you expect to be active, begin with lighter layers and keep something warmer close at hand. Open zips or remove a layer before you begin to overheat rather than waiting until your clothes feel damp and uncomfortable.

For quieter periods, put your insulating layer back on before you become cold.

A practical early-season outfit

For a typical early-season day, a versatile combination could include:

1. New Forest Premium Tattersall Shirt
   A comfortable and traditional starting layer.
2. Fleece or gilet
   Removable insulation for cooler periods.
3. Country Sport or Hawthorn outerwear
   Choose according to the weather, terrain and intensity of the day.
4. Coordinating field trousers
   For movement, protection and a complete outfit.
5. Wellington or outdoor boots
   Selected to suit the ground conditions.

This approach gives you enough flexibility to adapt without carrying an unnecessarily heavy wardrobe.

Layer Up for Autumn: Pick Any 3 and Get 30% Off the RRP

If you are preparing your wardrobe for the new shooting season, our Layer Up for Autumn offer makes it easier to build a coordinated outfit.

PICK ANY 3 AND GET 30% OFF THE RRP

Mix and match qualifying products from across nearly everything New Forest, including:

• Coats and jackets
• Country shirts
• Trousers
• Fleeces and gilets
• Plus much more

You could combine a Tattersall shirt, fleece and field jacket, select matching outerwear and trousers with an additional layer, or simply choose three practical pieces that suit your usual days outdoors.

The offer applies to qualifying products and is available for a limited time while stocks last.

Prepare now for the season ahead

Early-season shooting clothing needs to balance tradition with practicality. Start with a comfortable country shirt, add removable warmth and choose outerwear suited to the weather, terrain and your role in the field.

A flexible outfit will carry you through mild afternoons, wet mornings and the colder conditions still to come—without leaving you too warm when the day becomes more active.

Pick any three qualifying New Forest products and get 30% off the RRP during our Layer Up for Autumn event.

Order today while stocks last.

Shop 3 for 30% off at newforestclothing.co.uk/3-for-30