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 !