Why Is It Called Clay Pigeon Shooting?

The name clay pigeon shooting dates back to the early days of the sport, when live pigeons were released as targets during shooting competitions. As attitudes towards animal welfare changed, reusable artificial targets were developed to replicate the speed and unpredictable flight of birds without using live animals. Although the equipment has changed dramatically, the original name has remained.

Today, clay pigeon shooting uses biodegradable clay targets launched by mechanical traps in a wide variety of directions and speeds to simulate different sporting scenarios. Modern disciplines have evolved into a challenging target sport enjoyed by beginners, recreational shooters and elite competitors alike, with safety, skill and consistency at the heart of every round.