Live pigeon shooting used to be a big-time sport. Back in the late 19th and early 20th century, shoots were held throughout the US and in Europe. In 1900, live pigeon shooting was even an event at the Paris Olympics.
Newspapers reported on these shoots and the top competitors attracted hundred of spectators, were sponsored by gunmakers and took home thousands of dollars if when they won an event.
San Remo, Italy, was one of the stops on the European live pigeon circuit. This video was shot there in 1937, and it’s a rare look at how popular and prestigious this sport used to be.
