Known as the most technically difficult setting, "Rufford Park Poachers" opens presenting an asymmetrical melody between B-flat clarinet and piccolo followed two eighth notes later by E-flat clarinet and bass clarinet. In a second version that Grainger wrote, the melody originates in the piccolo and alto clarinet and is followed in the oboe and bassoon.This movement is noted for being extremely difficult to count among the counterpoint, unusual rhythms, and odd time signatures that shift rapidly. Grainger wrote two versions: one with a flugelhorn as soloist and one with a soprano saxophone as soloist. It is noted that Grainger preferred the version with the soprano saxophone, but only if the saxophone player was able to play the solo with much expression and definition. Most recordings utilize the soprano saxophone version to stay true to the composer's wishes.At the time of the work's premiere, this movement was not performed because the professional wind band Grainger had chosen was unable to play the movement.