🎃 Safety So Good, It’s Scary.
At Etowah Valley Sporting Clays (EVSC) in Dawsonville, Georgia, we love a good scare on Halloween, but not when it comes to safety. If you’re brand-new to clay shooting or working on sharpening your competitive edge, our goal is to make sure every visit is fun, memorable, and safe.
This Halloween, before the first clay goes flying, let’s talk about the two “costumes” you should always wear on the course: ear protection and eye protection. They may not be as flashy as your favorite mask or cape, but they’re the real heroes of the day, keeping every shooter and spectator protected from any frightful surprises. Here’s how:
👂 Don’t Let the Boos Become Permanent – Protect Your Hearing
Shotguns pack a punch. Literally and sonically. The blast of each round can be over 140 decibels (louder than a jet engine at takeoff). Without hearing protection, even one unguarded shot could cause ringing ears (tinnitus) or permanent hearing damage.
Your best defenses against the scary sounds of the course:
- ✅ Earmuffs – Great for beginners, easy to slip on and off, and provide reliable, full-coverage protection.
- ✅ Earplugs – Small, lightweight, and comfortable for longer rounds or hot autumn afternoons.
Just like your favorite Halloween costume, a perfect fit matters. Make sure your ear protection is snug and secure before the first “pull!”
👀 Keep the Frights in Sight – Protect Those Eyes
Nothing’s scarier than flying clay fragments. When clays shatter mid-air, pieces can fly in any direction. That’s why eye protection is required for all shooters and spectators at EVSC.
🎭 Choose the right lenses for the day:
- 👓 Clear lenses – Great for overcast or evening rounds.
- 🌅 Yellow/amber lenses – Perfect for spotting clays against a fall-colored treeline.
- ☀️ Tinted or polarized lenses – Keep the glare from playing tricks on your aim during sunny afternoons.
Not only do shooting glasses shield your eyes, they help you see better, react faster, and improve accuracy. Think of them as your “superpower” goggles for the day.
🧾 Ammunition & Firearm Policy: No Tricks, Just Rules
To keep everyone safe and the course in great shape, EVSC follows strict guidelines:
- 🎯 Target loads only: Shot sizes 7.5, 8, or 9 are required.
- 🚫 No game loads or lower-numbered shot sizes (6 or below), as these are designed for hunting larger game.
And remember:
- ❌ No rifles or pistols on the property. EVSC is a shotgun-only facility.
- ✅ Shotguns must meet safety standards with a barrel length of at least 21 inches.
Looking for a new shotgun this season? Visit our lodge for gun sales and consignment options. Our knowledgeable staff can help you find the perfect fit. Plus gear like shell pouches, shooting vests, and more. (All consignment sales are final.)
🌳 Respect the Course & Community” Section (Halloween Edition)
When you visit Etowah Valley Sporting Clays this Halloween, you’re stepping into more than just a clays course. You’re joining a community. We work hard to keep our lodge, golf carts, and courses looking beautiful so everyone, from first-time visitors to longtime members, can enjoy their day to the fullest.
Here’s how you can help keep EVSC spook-free and spectacular:
- Wear Your Safety Gear Like a Costume You Can’t Forget 👓🎧
Just like a superhero never forgets their mask, shooters should never forget their eye and ear protection. It’s the easiest way to stay safe while you enjoy the day. - Treat Our Gear With Care – No Tricks 🎃
Our golf carts, rental shotguns, and course equipment are here to make your experience seamless. Return everything in the same condition you received it so the next group can have just as much fun. - Keep the Grounds Boo-tiful 👻
Our courses and lodge are a big part of what makes EVSC one of the most scenic spots in Dawsonville. Be mindful of where you park carts, place gear, and leave shells, respecting the property helps us keep it safe and inviting for everyone. - Share the Spirit 🧡
Whether you’re here in your favorite ugly sweater, Halloween-themed gear, or just rocking your sporting clays vest, spread positivity. Encourage others, laugh together after a missed clay, and celebrate every well-earned hit.
By following these simple guidelines, you’re helping us maintain EVSC as North Georgia’s go-to destination for sporting clays and seasonal fun.
📸 Capture the Magic with Professional Photography
Halloween isn’t the only time to make memories. Add photography services to your outing and let us document every highlight:
- 📷 Group portraits (bonus points if your group wears matching “costumes” or ugly sweaters!)
- 💥 Action shots of your best clay breaks
- 😂 Candid moments of laughter and high-fives
- 🌄 Scenic shots of our North Georgia lodge, pavilion, and courses
Photography services are not included in original pricing, and must be booked in advance to ensure availability.
🧙 Planning Your (Fright-Free) Day
Before you head out for a day of clay-breaking fun, run through this quick checklist:
- ✅ Eye & ear protection (rent or purchase on-site if needed)
- ✅ Target load ammo (7.5, 8, 9 only)
- ✅ Closed-toe shoes and weather-appropriate clothing
- ✅ Your shotgun or rental reservation
- ✅ Water & snacks to stay fueled
- ✅ Positive attitude — after all, the only thing scary here is missing your target 😉
👨👩👧👦 Welcoming Families and Friends
EVSC is proud to be a family-friendly destination where kids, parents, and grandparents can share the fun. Our instructors are trained to teach younger shooters proper stance, safe gun handling, and course etiquette, building confidence one clay at a time.
And if you’re celebrating a special occasion like a fall birthday or family reunion, consider booking our lodge or pavilion for a post-round lunch. Add a photographer to capture the day, and you’ve got a memory worth framing.
🎯 Final Thoughts: Safety is the Real Treat
Halloween may be about thrills and chills, but at EVSC, safety isn’t scary. It’s empowering. Eye and ear protection keep you focused on the fun, protect what matters most, and ensure you leave with smiles instead of spooks.
So grab your crew, bring your gear (or rent ours), and join us in Dawsonville for a fall day of fresh air, friendly competition, and maybe even a little candy at the lodge.
📍 Location: 619 Sporting Hill Dr., Dawsonville, GA
📞 Call: (706) 265-1611
📧 Email: evscevents@gmail.com
🌐 Website: etowahvalleysportingclays.com
Because nothing’s scarier than missing out on a good time. 🎃
