The Glorious Twelfth: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about The Glorious Twelfth (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. The Glorious Twelfth is celebrated on August 12th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of The Glorious Twelfth, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as cool facts you may want to know about The Glorious Twelfth.

📅 What day is The Glorious Twelfth 2024?

In 2024, The Glorious Twelfth is on Saturday, August 12th. It is the 2nd Saturday in August; in 2024, it is Monday. There are until the next observance. You also can learn all the exciting details and facts about August 12, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

The Glorious Twelfth is a yearly celebration that takes place on August 12. It marks the beginning of the red grouse hunting season and is known as one of the busiest days for hunters. Many types of wildlife are targeted and killed on this day. Red grouse birds are specifically bred for hunting purposes, leading to an artificially large population. However, these birds are also prone to disease outbreaks, which cause fluctuations in their numbers each year. If August 12 falls on a Sunday, the holiday is moved to August 13 due to a law in England that prohibits game bird hunting on Sundays. Different animals have different open seasons, with the majority starting on September 1. Woodcock and pheasant hunting seasons begin on October 1.

📜 The Glorious Twelfth History

It may be hard to believe, but the current law regarding grouse shooting in England and Wales dates back to 1831, when the Wildlife Act was passed. This replaced an earlier regulation from 1773 that prohibited shooting game between certain dates. Under the new Game Act, anyone who wants to hunt during the grouse shooting season must have a license.

In the 19th century, the construction of railways by the Victorians made it easier for people to access moors, leading to the popularity of grouse shooting. This was aided by the invention of the breech-loading shotgun, which made it more convenient for shooters to carry their equipment. These advancements have contributed to the enjoyable experience that grouse shooters have today.

Grouse shooting is also an important source of revenue for local communities. Research shows that it creates employment opportunities, supporting around 500 jobs in Scotland’s grouse estates alone. Additionally, it contributes significantly to the economy, with millions of pounds in salaries and GDP. Thus, the Christmas season and related activities have a positive impact on the economy.

While shooters view grouse shooting as a fun and challenging sport, there are animal rights groups that strongly oppose it. They argue that it is a cruel and outdated activity, harmful to grouse populations and their habitats.

✅ The Glorious Twelfth Facts

🔖 They are found in moorland
Grouse are commonly found in heather moorland habitats.

🔖 Grouse eat heather
Grouse obtain their food from the heather that grows on the moorland.

🔖 Grouse is mostly found in the U.K.
The red grouse is found exclusively in Britain and has distinct characteristics that have developed separately from its other subspecies.

👍 Why Is The Glorious Twelfth Important

The holiday motivates more individuals to participate in gaming activities. Physical activity is always beneficial for humans.

Grouse hunting has been a popular pastime for many years. People might take pleasure in educating their children and passing on their expertise.

The occasion promotes awareness of grouse and the difficulties they confront. This understanding can result in solutions that benefit the species.

🙂 How To Observe The Glorious Twelfth

⚡ Eat meat
You can participate in the festival by eating beef, regardless of whether you hunted it or not. The most important thing is that you savor the food and have a good meal.

⚡ Shoot a grouse
You have the opportunity to take part in the festival by joining in the grouse shooting tradition. If you enjoy shooting games as a form of entertainment, you will absolutely love this particular celebration.

⚡ Indulge in a game
If hunting grouse is not your preference, you have the option to hunt other legally permitted game such as woodcock or pheasant. Engaging in sport shooting is a beloved recreational activity for many individuals.

📅 When is The Glorious Twelfth?

View all 🔗 August holidays, including 🔗 Special Interest and other 🔗 Activities holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and interesting facts about The Glorious Twelfth. So be sure to check back soon.