Abstract: A target pigeon has a hub centered on a pigeon axis and formed at this axis with a bore. A plurality of wings extend radially from the hub and each wing is tilted relative to the axis propeller-fashion so that when spun about the axis the pigeon will displace itself axially through the air. A launching apparatus has a base on which a support is pivotal about an upright axis. A launch head on the support is rotatable about an axis inclined upwardly to the horizontal and is formed with a tip receivable in the bore of the pigeon hub. A drive continuously rotates the head and the pigeon about the inclined axis and oscillates the entire support back and forth about the upright axis. A remotely controlled catch normally holds the pigeon on the launch head, but operation of this catch can release the pigeon which will fly off for shooting practice.