Animal protection groups have criticised a live pigeon shooting competition held by the Erdman Sportsmen’s Association in Lykens, Pennsylvania, US. Humane World for Animals condemned the activity, in which pigeons were released and then shot by participants as part of a competition. In these events, live pigeons are used as targets, instead of clay targets.
Humane World for Animals said the pigeons used in these shoots are often illegally captured in neighbouring states and transported into Pennsylvania. The organisation added that, after each round, the wounded pigeons are collected, and some of them are allegedly killed by being slammed, having their necks broken, or having their heads removed.
The birds are then thrown into barrels or piles alongside others who are already dead or dying. Some of the wounded pigeons may be left suffering for hours or even days before they die.
Heidi Prescott, vice president at Humane World for Animals, said, “For far too long, live pigeon shoots have tarnished Pennsylvania’s reputation. We have been documenting these depraved spectacles and advocating for an end to this indefensible practice for more than 30 years, and there is simply no justification for it. Much like dogfighting, cockfighting and wildlife killing contests, pigeon shoots are often conducted out of public view and under the radar, with gambling frequently part of the spectacle. This is not responsible hunting, and it is certainly not sport—it is cruelty for entertainment. After decades of delay, lawmakers must finally put an end to this reprehensible practice.”
A poll commissioned by Humane World for Animals in June 2026 found that 78% of Pennsylvania voters opposed live pigeon shoots, while 10% supported them. The same poll found that 82% of voters backed the use of clay targets instead of live birds.
Pennsylvania remains the only US state where live pigeon shoots are still regularly held. Lawmakers are seeking to ban the practice. Senator Lisa Boscola and Senator Jay Costa introduced Senate Bill 1159 in February 2026, while Representative Perry Warren is backing House Bill 1097. Both bills would prohibit the use of live pigeons as targets, but they remain under consideration.
