doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Pigeon shooting

I raised a question about "Rain Guns" a few months ago and I thank everyones response. I don't think it was a controversial subject but an interesting subject all the same. Now , let's talk about something that may be somewhat controversial (although I don't feel that way). How many of you have actually been pigeon shooting out of a box? I hear the sport is actually still practiced but kept quiet I have no problem with it particularly if you or someone else is eating the birds. From what I understand , the sport is demanding and difficult. I also know that the term "pigeon grade" originated from this sport. I would like to hear responses.

Yes I have competed at the rings but don't do that any more. It is a cruel activity, let's not try to call it a sport. Terrified birds are kept in cages and often some feathers are pulled, birds tortured, to make them fly erratically. I have NEVER been to a shoot where the birds were gathered up to be eaten. It is not fair chase by any stretch of the imagination. Those who call pigeons, rats with wings, are trying to rationalize a cruel activity. Those who claim they like the challenge of live birds have a good alternate with zz birds. You'll sleep better boys !

Nitro Express
An interesting response. I read an article regarding pigeon shooting a couple of years ago. The article discussed the rules, regulations, as well as the difficulty. The reason I am bringing the subject to light is that I would like to educate myself regarding the history of the " sport" or competition . Thank you for your reply, it seems you are certainly aware of the negative aspects of the subject. That being said, I still would like to know if the pigeon grade shotgun is actually derived from the above mentioned subject.

Yes

https://docs.google.com/document/preview?id=1I_5GfGqfidbrfhpwzMvsccjDxjCd39M6nERp99wVEBQ

https://docs.google.com/document/preview?id=1rtqfXbMHv08c0iojRUFUV5kR7jIc-7jdinPZEmI9WSc

Smith Pigeon Gun introduced in 1893



Parker AAH Pigeon Gun introduced in 1894

I have shot both box and hand thrown birds. Both are tough games that require the most of the shooter and his gun. The other requirement is big bucks and the willingness to loose them. Pidgens, ducks, quail, and even Bambi are just animals. I can't say that I give a darn if the best thing that happens to a pidgen is he is hit jolt from an automotive coil and launched into the air with a strong spring. Lets worry about people and not a dumb animal.

Bill

I'd like to try it if it works out. Years ago when I had the chance, I got cold feet at the buy in price. I've shot a bunch of birds for dog training, predators, varmints and pests with never the slightest intention of eating the game. Not for everyone, but very reasonable sport for some, with no regret.

In response to Nitro Express's post:

As an adult I've been to a few pigeon shoots & as a small child I have accompanied my grandfather when he took the old non productive laying hens from his farm to the Campbell's Soup Factory to meet their demise.

Trust me when I tell you that in my opinion the pigeons at a shoot have a much better & less stressful ending.

No animal deserves an electric shock after being terrorized, for someone's so called sport. The time for live bird shooting is long past. Dumb? Huh? By the way the spelling is pigeon not pidgen.

Bill, your attitude is exactly why legitimate hunting is under so much pressure today. Animals are not inanimate objects to be tortured for people's amusement. Cruelty to animals is a small step away from cruelty to people, and equally repugnant. Shame on you.

NE: Let me just say this; I own 9 Barnabee traps and have a pigeon ring. Used to be into the sport. And yes, the traps do give the birds a shock and as a result of the shock, they really get out of Dodge and have a better chance of survival as a result. Birds that don't get shocked really don't fly very well and are an easy target. In terms of the shock, I really don't think it is much worse than what a dog receives from an electric collar, a bark collar or an invisible fence. IMO most people don't believe these dog tools are that inhumane.