Clay pigeon clays

studdlymurphy

Hi all,
Im looking at getting a clay pigeon trap for using at home but I dont want the land to get covered in clays. What are my options if any? Can I get clays that break down into the soil and dont leave the place in a mess or has anybody else got any ways around this.
Thanks for the help.

Cass

Most clays are made from a pitch (resin) and crushed limestone mixture. There are environmentally friendly options, but these could cost more and may or may not be more available throughout Ireland.

They will sit visible for some time, and will be slow to breakdown, but it will happen.

studdlymurphy

How long would it take normal clays to break down and would it be quicker if they were ploughed into the ground?

Cass

Normal clay pigeons may not fully breakdown simply because of the coating around them to ensure they stay whole as they are thrown. They may sit for years, fade in clour, but the breakdown of them will be very slow.

Crushing any larger pieces will help, but not by much it just means smaller pieces and the rate of breakdown will remian the same. Biodegradable clays as mentioned are a better option but still take years.


The other thing to remember is due to the pitch and limestone content of the clays if alot, and i mean alot, of clays were continuously thrown over the same area they could have a negative effect on the PH level of the land, stunting crop growth and "may" cause some damage to livestock if they ingest them. Now there has never been a proven case as most high usage of clays happens on a range and the occassional shooter using say 50 -100 per month would not cause significant or long term damage. Ploughing them into the land would prevent any possible livestock damage, but as asaid the land could require stabilisational help in years due to the clays.

Again this is all based on best guess and long term usage. I know from the range i shoot on the grass hardly grows. This could be a combination of the lead shot and the clays, but this is a range throwing thousands of clays every week over 15+ years.

Be sure of one thing before you start. Ask permission if the land is not yours. Pick up and either bring home or re-throw unbroken clays and then crush up larger pieces before leaving. Don't forget your empty shells also.

bikerboy77

If you use black clays instead of orange you will find that they wont be seen near as much.