Who Invented Skeet Shooting?

Skeet Shooting was invented by Charles Davis and William Harnden Foster.

These passionate hunters sought to improve their shooting skills.

Throughout years, Skeet Shooting evolved into a competitive sport with an international presence.

For a detailed exploration of this fascinating history, check out our Skeet Shooting History article!

Table of Contents

Skeet Shooting Invention Timeline

1915: Charles Davis and William Harnden Foster create “Clock Shooting,” the precursor to Skeet Shooting.
1926: Foster simplifies the game, reduces shooting stations and trap machines, and renames it “Skeet.”
1931: Foster writes the official rulebook for Skeet shooting, standardizing the sport.
1935: National Skeet Shooting Association (NSSA) is founded to govern and promote the sport.
1968: Olympic Skeet is introduced in the Olympic Games, further popularizing the sport.
1980s: Technological advancements, such as computerized scoring systems, improve Skeet competitions.
1990s: Increased focus on youth development and involvement in Skeet Shooting.
2001: Kim Rhode becomes first woman to win a gold medal in Olympic Double Trap event.
2020s: Continued global growth and popularity of Skeet Shooting in international competitions.

Inventors’ Purpose: Charles Davis and William Harnden Foster created Skeet shooting to improve bird hunting skills.
Evolution: “Clock Shooting,” the early version of Skeet, was simplified and modified to become modern Skeet shooting.
Official Rulebook: Foster wrote the first official rulebook in 1931, standardizing the sport’s rules and regulations.
NSSA’s Role: The National Skeet Shooting Association, founded in 1935, significantly promoted and governed Skeet.
Olympic Debut: Skeet Shooting gained global recognition when introduced in the 1968 Olympic Games.