Dr. Montgomery Johns Discusses the History of Skeet Shooting

Also known as clay shooting, skeet shooting traces its origins to England in the mid-19th century. While shooting at pheasants, birds, and other small creatures had been an entertainment of the wealthy for years prior, it took until the 1860s for a contraption that could launch targets into the air to be invented.

A glass ball filled with feathers served as the original target of skeet shooting. This creation allowed more people to participate in leisure shooting, as people unable to afford hunting weekends could fire guns at these inexpensive items. Moreover, even the Victorian elite found skeet shooting to be good practice before they went on to hunt live animals.

By the end of the 19th century, flat discs made of clay became another target option. Fans of skeet shooting gave it the name “sporting,” and the first British Open Championship for sporting occurred in 1927. Later advancements in the tossing mechanism enabled clay pigeons to mimic the flight patterns of birds.

About the AuthorThe Medical Director at the Center for Advanced Women's Medicine in Fredericksburg, Virginia, Dr. Montgomery Johns specializes in gynecology and laparoscopic surgery. During his spare time, Dr. Johns enjoys skeet shooting.