Clays and Live Pigeon Shooting

[petemo]

That's how clay pigeon got it's name

My dad when he was alive and a young man belonged to a sportsmen's club in Pa. It was located in a coal mining town called Smock. They had live pigeon shoots there quite often. He said the birds were kept under a box, one or 2 singles doubles and the box raised guy shoots at the birds. Most of the birds became somebody's dinner. Some of the men would raise them or sometimes they would trap wild birds under bridges.
I would guess that was in the 20's. My dad said they stopped using live birds because of flack from pigeon lovers. Animal rights people would have a field day with that

 

[williamd]

Was a live bird ring not too far from where I live until a couple of yeas ago. Tried to get in but it was essentially a closed, invitation only affair. But, I could hear them shoot! A trap shooting friend told me, honestly, that I could not afford it anyway. He has single guns that cost more than my collection. I think he was right.

 

[oneounceload]

money is a BIG part of pigeon shooting - some of the folks I know shoot Fabbris.....100K for the gun, built for one thing - pigeons. Of course, there are many more sane choices, but those Fabbris do have some gorgeous engraving....

 

[63chuck]

Trapper ready?......................................................PULL!!!!
Great fun , big, big bets. Always always use both shots even on down birds. Chuck

 

[zippy13]

Ditto on 1911 Shooter's description with an emphasis on bring plenty of cash.

For a very exciting variety of live bird shooting, there is a version with hand tossed birds. Anyone want a summer job as a bird thrower?

 

[oneounceload]

Zippy - there are some you tubes about Columbaires. Look at their throwing arm - seems much bigger than their other one - like a Popeye arm compared to a runway model... . Of course they pluck a few feathers out and do their best to throw it in a manner to make you miss........

And as mentioned above, use BOTH shots, and if, after your second shot, the bird is heading out of the ring, waving a 20 to the bird boy will quickly result in him getting it before it escapes.....