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. We also shoot simulated game from march to the end of June.

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.

What bag sizes do you offer?

We offer a range of bag sizes typically 200-400 depending on the team and the type of day being organised. The aim is always to provide enjoyable, sporting shooting rather than simply focusing on numbers. Please contact us to discuss the options available for your team.

Do you charge for overage?

We only charge overage if it has been pre-agreed with the team that they would like to shoot more.

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.

Is game shooting suitable for beginners?

Yes, game shooting can certainly be enjoyed by beginners. We work closely with a number of qualified shooting instructors who can accompany a gun for the day, offering guidance and helping ensure the experience is both safe and enjoyable. It is also sometimes possible to hire a suitable shotgun for the day if required.

For those who are completely new to shooting, we often recommend starting with one of our simulated game days. These days recreate the atmosphere and format of a traditional shoot day using clay targets rather than live birds, and provide a relaxed and sociable environment with plenty of opportunities to practise and build confidence before progressing to a driven game 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.

Can shooting instructors be arranged for the day?

Yes. We work closely with a number of qualified shooting instructors who can accompany a gun during the day if required. This can be particularly helpful for those new to game shooting or anyone wishing to improve their technique while enjoying the day.

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.

Where can I go pheasant shooting near Birmingham or the West Midlands?

David Morris Sporting offers traditional driven pheasant, partridge and duck shooting at Hopton Court Estate near Cleobury Mortimer in South Shropshire. The shoot is 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 day’s shooting in the countryside without a long journey.

How far is the shoot from Birmingham and the West Midlands?

Hopton Court Estate in South Shropshire is approximately 1–1.5 hours’ drive from Birmingham, depending on traffic and starting point. Its location near Cleobury Mortimer makes it easily accessible for teams travelling from the West Midlands, Worcestershire, Herefordshire and the Welsh Borders.

Do visiting guns travel from far to shoot at Hopton?

Yes. While many of our teams come from the West Midlands and surrounding counties, we also welcome visiting guns from across the UK and every year we have guns who have travelled internationally to shoot with us. Many guests choose to stay locally and enjoy a shooting weekend exploring the surrounding countryside and the nearby town of Ludlow.

Can I arrive in a helicopter?

Yes, you can travel to us by helicopter and land on the Hopton Court Estate.

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.

How much does a driven game shoot day cost?

The cost of a shoot day can vary depending on the bag size, catering arrangements and the type of day being organised. We are always happy to discuss options with the organiser to create a day that suits the team. Please contact us to enquire about availability and pricing.

Do you organise corporate shoot days or group events?

Yes, corporate shoot days and private group bookings can be arranged. These days are ideal for client entertainment, team building or staff reward events, offering a memorable experience combining sport, hospitality and the countryside.

Can individual guns shoot at Hopton?

Yes. While most of our shoot days are organised for full teams, we do occasionally have spaces available for individual guns or smaller groups wishing to join an existing team.

These opportunities arise from time to time throughout the season and can be a great way to experience a day’s shooting at Hopton Court Estate, meet other like-minded guns and enjoy the atmosphere of a traditional shoot day.

If you would like to hear about individual availability, please contact us to be added to our mailing list, and we will be happy to let you know when spaces become available.

Enjoyment

Would I enjoy game shooting?

If you have ever wondered 'Is game shooting enjoyable?' or 'What is it like to go game shooting?' then read on...

There is something quite special about a day’s shooting that’s hard to explain until you’ve experienced it.

It begins with being out in the countryside, in the fresh air and the elements. Standing on your peg, there’s a quiet anticipation as you wait for the drive to begin. Then, somewhere down the line, you hear the first shot before you even see a bird — and suddenly your senses sharpen. Your focus narrows. You’re alert, present, ready.

A bird appears. You take your shot… and miss. Perhaps more than once. But when you connect — when everything comes together — the feeling is incredibly satisfying. You’ve judged it, held your nerve, and taken a clean shot. It’s a moment of real achievement.

But the day is about far more than just the shooting.

After each drive there are smiles and stories — talk of “left and rights”, near misses, and the bird that got away (or the one a neighbour claimed!). There’s laughter, good-natured banter, and a shared sense of being completely in the moment, away from the distractions of everyday life.

It’s also about connection — spending time with friends, family, colleagues or meeting like-minded people. Many of our guns return year after year, and over time those relationships become just as important as the sport itself.

Then there’s the contrast at the end of the day — stepping out of the fresh air and into the warmth of the gun room or the pub. Boots off, a drink in hand, good food on the table, and stories flowing from the day and seasons gone by.

And finally, there is something deeply grounding about taking home game from the day — wild, natural food that connects you back to the land and the experience in a very real way.

So, would you enjoy game shooting?

If something in this sparks an interest — the countryside, the challenge, the camaraderie, the food, the feeling of being fully present — then the answer is very likely yes.