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slang used to describe clay targets

Posted: Sat Mar 06, 2021 3:22 pm
by 44whiskey
is there a resource to understand the slang terms of clay targets presentation as in unicorn, rainbows and so forth? thanks in advance all the best 44whiskey

Re: slang used to describe clay targets

Posted: Sun Mar 07, 2021 8:05 am
by Silvers
I've been shooting sporting for >25 years and haven't heard those clays terms which may be localized as are Willy, Rafael, bumblebee, cupcake and some others I can think of. I'm not aware of a reference for slang sporting terms and the best bet imo is to join up with friendly groups to listen and learn. frank

Re: slang used to describe clay targets

Posted: Sun Mar 07, 2021 8:42 am
by 44whiskey
Frank, thank you for responding. i believe you are correct. ouerheard two gents at LGS speaking about difficult presentations and and it almost sounded as though they were speaking in codes. their enthusiasm was almost contagious. i searched you tube instructional videos and could not find anyone using slang. again thank you. all the best 44whiskey

Re: slang used to describe clay targets

Posted: Sun Mar 07, 2021 8:44 am
by Maggiemollie
A "Milwaukee" is one I have heard to describe a missed pair.

Re: slang used to describe clay targets

Posted: Sun Mar 07, 2021 7:09 pm
by Stan Hillis
One term used down here is "load 'em". If one of your squad members uses that term after you finish shooting a station it means that you just missed every bird on that station.

It comes from a term used in the pigeon rings. When a shooter finishes shooting at five birds, and has killed 4 of the five inside the ring, the trapper hollers out to the bird boys to "Load five, pick up four!". This is adjusted for the number of birds killed in the ring. If all five birds are missed the trapper simply hollers out "Load 'em".

Pretty embarrassing for the shooter, whichever venue it happens in.

Re: slang used to describe clay targets

Posted: Sun Mar 07, 2021 7:41 pm
by 44whiskey
thank you for that reply. i would have liked to have attended one of those shoots back in the day. all the best 44whiskey

Re: slang used to describe clay targets

Posted: Sun Mar 07, 2021 7:48 pm
by 44whiskey
Maggiemollie any idea how Milwaukee term came to be moniker for missed targets thanks all the best 44whiskey

Re: slang used to describe clay targets

Posted: Sun Mar 07, 2021 8:06 pm
by Stan Hillis
44whiskey wrote:thank you for that reply. i would have liked to have attended one of those shoots back in the day. all the best 44whiskey
They're still going on.

Re: slang used to describe clay targets

Posted: Mon Mar 08, 2021 7:50 am
by Maggiemollie
44whiskey wrote:Maggiemollie any idea how Milwaukee term came to be moniker for missed targets thanks all the best 44whiskey

I really don't know. The first time I heard it was probably 35 years ago on skeet and traps fields. It was used by old timers who had been shooting since the 40/50's. This was in the RI/MA/CT area. When sporting clays started, it transitioned over to that as well. Its not used as much today, since all of those original old timers are gone, and it's only a handful of folks who grew up shooting with the old timers that still use the term.

Re: slang used to describe clay targets

Posted: Mon Mar 08, 2021 3:59 pm
by 44whiskey
STAN you were right. I looked on you tube and indeed there are some pidgeon shoots still being held. As with fox hunting across the pond I think the PETA disruption would detract from the experience. I expect the pidgeon load would work on drones also in a pinch. all the best 44whiskey

Re: slang used to describe clay targets

Posted: Mon Mar 08, 2021 6:37 pm
by Stan Hillis
44whiskey wrote:STAN you were right. I looked on you tube and indeed there are some pidgeon shoots still being held. As with fox hunting across the pond I think the PETA disruption would distract from the experience. I expect the pidgeon load would work on drones also in a pinch. all the best 44whiskey
At a flyer shoot, fairly close to me, a few years ago a drone was indeed shot down by patrons, at the bidding of the landowner. PETA was parked by the highway nearby and flying a drone with a camera over the pigeon rings. Hasn't happened since.

Another time, and earlier, a helicopter with a cameraman was flying low over the rings filming. One call from the landowner and the helicopter was ordered to "cease and desist".