Journal · Wildfowling
Wildfowling in the Outer Hebrides
22 January 2026 · 2 min read
Driven and walked-up, on the same ground
North Uist is one of very few places in Europe that offers both driven and walked-up snipe on the same ground. In a driven day, beaters and dogs move birds over standing guns; walked-up shooting has the guns cover the moor and machair themselves, flushing birds as they go. See our wildfowling page for seasons, how parties are let and a full day timeline.
When to go
Snipe and wildfowling weeks run from 1 September to 15 November, with a goose flight each morning and snipe through the day. Woodcock weeks follow, from 16 November to 31 January. Shooting is let Monday to Friday, to parties of five guns, so it’s worth booking a season ahead if you want a specific week.
What to bring, and where to stay
Guests are encouraged to bring their own working dogs. Most wildfowling parties stay at Langass Lodge or Lochmaddy Hotel, both with drying rooms and gun storage, and within easy reach of the moor and machair.
FAQs
Wildfowling in the Outer Hebrides: FAQs
Straight answers to what visitors ask us most. Open any question for the detail.
All questions about the EstateWhat can you shoot wildfowling in the Outer Hebrides?
On North Uist Estate, wildfowling is for geese, snipe, duck and woodcock across the moor and machair, with resident greylag geese the main goose quarry and both driven and walked-up shooting.
How far ahead should I book a wildfowling week?
A season ahead if you want a particular week. Days are let Monday to Friday to a single party of five guns, so a specific week, especially in October, is worth booking early.
What's the difference between driven and walked-up snipe shooting?
In driven snipe shooting, beaters and dogs move birds over standing guns. In walked-up shooting, the guns walk the moor and machair themselves and flush birds as they go. North Uist is one of very few places in Europe offering both on the same ground.
Can I bring my own dog?
Yes, and guests are encouraged to. A working dog that knows its handler suits the moor and machair, though you don't need one to shoot.
Still have a question?
The Estate Office replies within one working day. Call, or email info@northuistestate.co.uk.
Ready when you are
Plan your trip to North Uist
Got your dates, or still deciding? Tell us what you'd like to do and we'll put a trip together around the fishing, stalking, wildfowling or wildlife that suits you.
- Run by the same family since 1961
- Local guides and keepers who know the ground
- A reply within one working day