[twekd1]

What are the laws on having and shooting guns on boats at clay pigeons?

[bass1388]

I'm not entirely sure what the laws would be exactly but based on what I know about duck hunting regulations I'll give it a shot.
1) you would have to be anchored
2) you would need to be shooting steel shot, as that is the requirement over water for duck hunting. (pretty sure about that in the case of target shooting)
3) Guns would have to be cased and unloaded while unanchored
4) be at least 100 yards from a house, but if you're out in Lake Michigan there's no reason to be close to shore, lol

This is the basic outline of rules to follow as far as I can think of. My best advice would be to contact the DNR and local sheriff's office to find out overall legality

[aftershock]

I don't think they would like the clays in the water

[bass1388]

Those clays are theoretically biodegradable so there shouldn't be an issue with pollution. That would be another topic to consider though, good point

[quail hunter]

Many years ago there was a premier trap club on Lake Shore drive in Chicago. It was known as the Lincoln Park Trap Club. It was shut down amid a storm of accusations in 1991. The storm had been brewing for nearly five years. There were multiple complaints concerning pollution.

These included:
1. ) Lead shot
2.) Broken Clays
3.) Plastic shotgun wads

You can read about it's history and demise here:
http://ephemera.typepad.com/ephemera/20 ... ntur.htmll

Here is a picture of the club as it appeared in 1948. I remember multiple trap houses that came later.
http://www.life.com/image/50517629

I can not imagine any municipality or county in Illinois sitting idly by in today's charged political climate, but you can never tell. Certainly the state and the EPA would take a close look. Even if everyone sits back and lets it happen, you still have to get insurance for a club. ( Assuming you let "friends shoot" on your boat, )

I know you are not talking about starting a club, but you should be aware there is a history...

Pete