Stan, I have shot more than a few at Sporting Clays. One target was zipping by at about 10-12 yards away over water. Never saw a stray pellet hit the water at some spot that would suggest a real problem. Perhaps it is an old wives tale and perhaps it is just a dog owner not wanting to take chances. I know more than a few dog owners who will not use them but I do not know if any of them ever had a real problem.