Interesting post, I'll add a little footnote about Starlings in competition shooting. Years before my time shooting in Europe, (1979 first trip) the Italian pigeon shooting clubs had regular program matches for starlings released from the boxes. Boxes had inserts to account for size, the birds were shot with shells specifically loaded for, and advertised as, "Starno" loads. 36 gr. loads of shot marked as number 12. I have a couple of Starno shells somewhere around here. It was pretty well done before my time , but was contested at selected clubs or "stands" as pigeon clubs were referred to, into the 60's and early 70's.
Those Italians will shoot into extinction, anything that flies. I have seen photos of the shoots, and recall their shooting being covered in Italian pigeon shooting books published in the 30's.
Merry Christmas to all you Good Sports here.
