Quick Answer
Rabbits are classified as pests in the UK and can be shot without a close season, but you must have the landowner's permission, the appropriate firearms authority, and follow safe shooting practices. A firearms certificate (FAC) or shotgun certificate (SGC) is required for rifles and shotguns. Sub-12 ft/lb air rifles do not require a certificate but still need landowner permission.
Are rabbits protected in the UK?
Rabbits are not protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Unlike many other wild mammals, they have no close season and can be controlled at any time of year. The Pests Act 1954 actually places a legal obligation on occupiers of agricultural land to take steps to prevent rabbits from damaging crops.
This does not mean rabbits can be shot without restriction. The requirement for landowner permission, firearms authority, and safe and humane shooting methods still applies at all times.
What firearms authority do you need to shoot rabbits?
The firearm you choose determines what authority you need:
- Rimfire rifle (.22LR, .17HMR, .22WMR): Requires a firearms certificate (FAC)
- Centrefire rifle (.223, .243 and others): Requires a firearms certificate (FAC)
- Shotgun: Requires a shotgun certificate (SGC)
- Air rifle (sub-12 ft/lb): No certificate required for the firearm, but landowner permission is always needed
Your FAC or SGC must include the relevant firearm. For an FAC, shooting rabbits is an accepted reason for holding a rifle, though your chief constable will consider the evidence of your need and the available land.
Do you need landowner permission to shoot rabbits?
Yes, landowner permission is always required. You must have the permission of whoever holds the shooting rights over the land before shooting rabbits there. In practice, this is usually the landowner, the farmer, or a person to whom shooting rights have been formally granted.
Many shooters obtain a written permission letter from the landowner. This is good practice and protects both parties. Some police forces ask to see evidence of your shoot when you apply for a certificate, so having documented permission is sensible from the start.
It is not sufficient to shoot on land adjacent to your own if you do not hold rights there, even if rabbits cross freely between the two areas.
Can you shoot rabbits at night in the UK?
Night shooting of rabbits, commonly known as lamping, is legal in the UK, but the rules are more restrictive than daytime shooting.
Under interpretations of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 applied alongside the Pests Act 1954, night shooting with a firearm is permitted only for the occupier of the land, or for one other person who has been authorised in writing by the occupier where the occupier has written authority from someone with the shooting rights.
In practical terms, this means you should have a clear written authority chain before lamping on someone else's land at night. A verbal agreement is not sufficient. Lamping is a common and effective method for rabbit control, but it is worth confirming your documentation before heading out after dark.
What calibres are commonly used for shooting rabbits?
The most common calibres for shooting rabbits in the UK are:
- .22LR: The classic rimfire choice, effective to 80-100 yards in calm conditions. Quiet with a moderator fitted.
- .17HMR: Flatter trajectory than .22LR, effective to around 150 yards, but can be destructive on the carcass at close range.
- .22WMR (.22 Mag): More power than .22LR, useful where longer shots are required.
- .223 and similar centrefire: Used where longer shots are taken or where the land also supports fox or other quarry. Requires an FAC with suitable conditions.
A moderator is widely used by rabbit shooters. It reduces muzzle report, is less disturbing to livestock and neighbours, and allows you to shoot multiple rabbits from the same location. A moderated .22LR is a popular all-round choice for most rabbit shooting situations.
What do you need to record when shooting rabbits?
FAC holders are required to maintain an accurate account of their ammunition. Each purchase and each round used should be recorded so that your stock is reconciled at any time. If a police officer or firearms enquiry officer asks to see your ammunition account, it should be up to date and accurate.
Beyond the legal minimum, keeping a broader shooting record is good practice. A session log might include:
- Date, location, and land permission reference
- Firearm and calibre used
- Ammunition purchased and used
- Number of rabbits taken
- Weather and wind conditions
- Any notes on land management or observed behaviour
A tool like Vectis Shooting Log makes it straightforward to keep this kind of record in one place, whether you are satisfying certificate conditions or simply keeping track of your pest control activity.
Are there any restrictions on where you can shoot rabbits?
Several restrictions apply to where shooting can take place:
- Land boundaries: You must not allow shots or pellets to cross onto land where you do not have permission
- Public access land: Shooting on public access land including rights of way and open access land is not permitted
- Near roads and buildings: You must not shoot in a way that endangers people, property, or traffic. The Firearms Act 1968 prohibits firing within 50 feet of a road in a way that causes annoyance
- Noise and disturbance: Local bylaws and planning conditions may affect some areas. A moderator is strongly advisable
Always check the safe backstop before any shot. Even a .22LR can travel well beyond the intended target, and the shooter is responsible for where every round goes.
Do the rules differ across England, Scotland, and Wales?
The core framework under the Firearms Act 1968, the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the Pests Act 1954 applies across Great Britain. However, some differences exist.
In Scotland, the Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 has strengthened protection for some species and added licensing requirements for certain control activities. Rabbit control itself remains lawful, but it is worth checking NatureScot guidance if operating in Scotland, particularly regarding any habitat sensitivities on the land.
In Wales, Natural Resources Wales issues guidance on pest control and some upland areas have additional environmental considerations. For most shooters in England, the key legislation is the Firearms Act 1968, the Pests Act 1954, the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
What are the humane killing requirements?
The Animal Welfare Act 2006 requires that animals are killed humanely if they are killed at all. For rabbit shooting, this means selecting a calibre and shot placement that results in a quick and clean kill, avoiding wounding where possible.
Head shots and heart and lung shots are the standard approach. Rabbits shot cleanly die quickly. A wounded rabbit that escapes into a burrow and is not recovered presents both a welfare issue and a practical problem for pest control. If you wound a rabbit, you should make every reasonable effort to dispatch it quickly. Carrying a suitable tool for humane dispatch is standard practice for most pest control shooters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a firearms certificate to shoot rabbits in the UK?
You need a firearms certificate (FAC) to shoot rabbits with a rifle and a shotgun certificate (SGC) to use a shotgun. A sub-12 ft/lb air rifle does not require a certificate but you must still have landowner permission and comply with safe shooting requirements.
Can you shoot rabbits without a close season in the UK?
Yes. Rabbits are not protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and there is no close season. They can be legally controlled at any time of year, subject to having the appropriate firearm authority and landowner permission.
Can you lamp rabbits at night in the UK?
Night shooting of rabbits is legal in the UK. For shooting with a firearm at night, more restrictive rules apply: only the occupier or one other person authorised in writing by someone with the shooting rights may shoot at night. Written authority is essential before lamping on someone else's land.
What is the best rifle calibre for shooting rabbits?
The .22LR is the most widely used calibre for rabbit shooting in the UK. It is effective within sensible ranges, quiet when moderated, and the ammunition is affordable. The .17HMR is a good option where longer shots are needed but can be destructive at close range.
Do you need to record ammunition used when shooting rabbits?
FAC holders are legally required to keep an accurate ammunition account. This means recording every purchase and round used so that your stock can be reconciled at any time. Keeping a broader shooting diary is also good practice for land management and certificate renewal.
Do you need a written permission letter to shoot rabbits?
Written permission is strongly advisable. Some police forces ask for evidence of your shoot when you apply for a certificate, and written permission protects both the shooter and the landowner. A verbal agreement is not sufficient for night shooting.
Can you use a shotgun to shoot rabbits?
Yes. A shotgun is effective for walked-up rabbit shooting and bolted rabbits from ferrets. You need a shotgun certificate (SGC) to use a shotgun for this purpose. A 12-bore or 20-bore loaded with No. 5 or No. 6 shot is the most common approach.
Can you shoot rabbits on your allotment or garden?
Shooting in an urban or suburban garden is unlikely to be lawful or safe due to proximity of other people, buildings, and roads. Even where you occupy the land, you must not endanger anyone or discharge a firearm in a way that causes alarm. Any such situation requires very careful consideration of safety and local rules.
Are there any rabbit shooting restrictions in Scotland?
The core rules are similar to England and Wales. Scotland's Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 has strengthened some wildlife protections and it is worth checking NatureScot guidance if shooting on land with environmental designations. Rabbit control itself remains lawful subject to the usual requirements.