Proponents of the event view it as entertainment, exemplifying the state of sportsmanship in this Commonwealth. There are no restrictions on who can participate, other than a requirement that shooters be at least twelve years of age. No prior shooting or hunting experience is required. Between ten and thirteen thousand people pay approximately five dollars each to observe the shoot. For those whose appetites are stirred by watching the event, concession stands provide food, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages.
Spectators sit in rows of bleachers near the shooting areas.
They cheer and clap when the birds are killed or wounded. Each year, appellee supplies approximately five to six thousand pigeons for the shoot. The pigeons, which are obtained both inside and outside of Pennsylvania, are kept in a storage area until it is their turn to be shot. A shooter receives points for hitting a pigeon if the bird falls in the circled area, regardless of whether the bird is killed or only wounded. During a shoot, four to six thousand pigeons become the targets of gunfire.