Poult release season tests even the most experienced gamekeeper. Long days, unpredictable weather and constant activity around the pens mean your kit has to work as hard as you do. Getting your gear right now sets the tone for the whole season ahead.
Why This Period Matters
The weeks around release are some of the most physically demanding on the calendar. You are up early, checking feeders, watching for predators and moving birds, often in wet grass and changeable conditions. Clothing that traps moisture or restricts movement will slow you down exactly when you need to be quickest on your feet.
What to Look for in Your Kit
Breathable, waterproof outerwear earns its keep during release season. You need protection from early morning dew and sudden downpours, but also enough breathability to stop you overheating as you move between pens. Durable trousers with reinforced knees and seats and plenty of in-built stretch matter too, given the amount of time spent crouching, kneeling and working close to the ground.
Practical Considerations for the Pens
-
Waterproofing that lasts – daily wear around wet grass and undergrowth will find any weak points fast, so look for genuinely reliable membranes, not just showerproof coatings
- In-built stretch - so your clothing moves with you as you bend, stretch, lift and carry
- Ventilation - On a warm day or when you are grafting hard, it is sometimes a relief to be able to dump heat so having some vent zips on your thighs can make life a whole lot more bearable
-
Storage you can rely on – deep pockets for feed, tools and a torch save constant trips back to the vehicle
-
Footwear built for mud – supportive, waterproof boots reduce fatigue over long days on uneven ground
- Layering options – temperatures swing through the day, so being able to add or remove a layer quickly makes a real difference
Building for the Long Haul
Release season is only the start. Whatever you choose now will carry you through poult growing, hopper rounds and eventually into the shooting season itself. Investing in gear built to withstand daily use, rather than gear that looks the part for a week or two, pays off across the whole year.
If your current kit is showing its age, now is the time to sort it before the pace picks up further. Take a look through our gamekeeping & stalking collections (we put the stalking stuff there as it has all the stretch, vents, reinforcement you need for a tough part of the day) for hardwearing pieces built for exactly this kind of season.