FAQ's

Below are some of the questions we are most often asked about game shooting in Shropshire with David Morris Sporting at Hopton Court Estate. If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us.

About the Shoot

What type of shooting do you offer?

David Morris Sporting offers traditional driven pheasant, partridge and duck shooting on the Hopton Court Estate near Cleobury Mortimer in South Shropshire.

Outside the main game shooting season we also run simulated game days, usually during the spring months.

Where is the shoot located?

The shoot is located on and around the Hopton Court Estate near Cleobury Mortimer in South Shropshire.

Although set in beautiful countryside, we are still within easy travelling distance of Birmingham, the West Midlands and the Welsh Borders, making it a convenient location for teams looking to enjoy a traditional shoot day without a long journey.

Where can you go pheasant shooting near Birmingham?

David Morris Sporting offers traditional driven pheasant shooting at Hopton Court Estate in South Shropshire, within easy travelling distance of Birmingham and the West Midlands.

Our varied drives across parkland, woodland and arable ground provide enjoyable sport in beautiful countryside.

What birds are shot?

Our shoot produces sporting pheasant, partridge and duck throughout the shooting season, with bag sizes ranging from 200-500

What months does the shooting season run?

The game shooting season in England runs from October through to the end of January for pheasant, with partridge shooting starting earlier in the autumn and duck shooting from 1st September.

Our shoot days take place throughout the season at Hopton Court Estate.

Outside the main game season we also run simulated game shooting days from March until the end of June, which are a great way to enjoy a shoot day experience during the spring and summer months.

The Shoot Day

What is a typical shoot day like?

A typical shoot day begins with the guns meeting in the morning before heading out to the first drive.

The day usually consists of around four drives across different parts of the estate, offering a variety of shooting across parkland, arable land and woodland settings.

The exact number of drives can vary depending on the team, the bag and the conditions on the day.

How many guns are there on a shoot day?

Most driven shoot days are arranged for teams of around eight guns, although this can vary from six to ten guns depending on the type of day being organised.

Simulated game days are for teams of between 14 to 22 guns, and indivudual guns or smaller teams are welcome to join up with other teams.

If you would like to discuss booking a full team or joining an available day, please feel free to contact us.

Do you provide shoot day catering?

There are a variety of catering options available through our local caterer.

Some teams enjoy a traditional shoot lunch during the day, while others prefer to shoot through and dine afterwards. The organiser of the day will usually choose the menu for the whole team, although the caterer can accommodate dietary requirements.

Many guests also enjoy finishing the day at the nearby Hopton Crown, a well-known local shooting pub close to the estate.

Can we shoot through and eat at the end of the day?

Yes. Teams may choose to have lunch during the shoot day or after the shooting has finished.

Some prefer a short lunch, longer lunch or to shoot through and dine afterwards. We are happy to be flexible depending on your preference and the conditions on the day.

Experience Level and Guests

Do you welcome visiting guns?

Yes. While many of our guns return year after year, we are always pleased to welcome new teams or individual guns who are interested in shooting at Hopton Court Estate.

Is the shoot suitable for less experienced guns?

Yes. Our days are designed to provide enjoyable sport for a range of experience levels in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

We work closely with qualified shooting instructors who can be booked to accompany a gun for the day if guidance is required.

For complete novices, a simulated game day can be an excellent introduction, providing plenty of clays to practise on before progressing to a driven shoot day.

Can non-shooting guests attend?

Yes, non-shooting guests -family, friends, drivers, are very welcome to join the day socially and enjoy the countryside and atmosphere of a traditional shoot day.

Are corporate shooting days available?

Yes. Corporate shooting days and private group bookings can be arranged.

A shoot day can be an excellent way to spend time with colleagues or clients, combining countryside sport with team building and hospitality.

Equipment and Practical Questions

Can I bring my dog to the shoot?

Yes, well-behaved dogs are welcome on our shoot days. Many guns enjoy bringing their dogs along, provided they remain under control and do not interfere with the shooting.

Can I use my own vehicle on a shoot day?

Yes, you are welcome to use your own 4-wheel-drive vehicle during the day if you prefer. Alternatively, transport between drives can be provided by the shoot.

Do I need to bring my own cartridges?

You are welcome to bring your own cartridges, but cartridges are also available to purchase on site.

If you require unusual loads or specific cartridges, please contact Dave in advance so that these can be ordered ahead of your day.

Do you allow lead shot?

Yes, lead cartridges are currently permitted on our driven shoot days (2026). As with all shoots, we will of course follow the future changes in legislation regarding the use of lead shot.

Am I able to borrow a gun for the day?

It may be possible to borrow or hire a shotgun for a shoot day. Please contact Dave in advance to discuss availability and the most suitable option.

What is the dress code for a game shooting day?

On traditional driven game days, most teams wear classic shooting attire such as breeks, shirts, ties and shooting jackets.

Boots are usually suitable in the early, drier months, while wellies are recommended later in the season when conditions are wetter.

For simulated game days, the dress code is generally more relaxed, with many guests wearing shirts with jeans or chinos. We recommend long sleeves and a hat to protect against broken or falling clays.

Travel and Accomodation

Where do people stay?

Many guests choose to stay locally when shooting with us, particularly when traveling from further afield.

The nearby Hopton Crown, just a short distance from the estate, is a well-known shooting pub and a popular place for guns to gather for a drink at the end of the day.

Another excellent option is The Elms Hotel & Spa at Abberley, a beautiful country house hotel offering comfortable accommodation, a well-regarded restaurant and spa facilities.

Guests also enjoy staying at The Charlton Arms in the picturesque market town of Ludlow, overlooking the River Teme and Ludlow Castle. Ludlow is a wonderful town to explore, making it an ideal base for family members who may wish to accompany the trip but spend the day exploring rather than joining the shoot.

There is also an appartment with 2 double rooms and one twin available at Hopton Court itself.

Booking and Administration

Is shooting insurance required?

All guns participating in a driven game shoot should hold appropriate shooting insurance and a valid shotgun certificate.

Do you take card payments?

At present we do not have facilities for card payments. Our preferred method of payment is bank transfer.

When a shoot day is booked we will send an invoice requesting a 50% deposit, with the balance due on or shortly after the day.

We are able to accept cash on the day, however we no longer accept cheques.

How do I enquire about booking a shooting day?

If you would like to enquire about driven game shooting or simulated game days at Hopton Court Estate, please contact Dave or Helen using the contact details on our website. We are always happy to discuss availability and answer any questions you may have.