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Clays & Feathers: A North Georgia Tradition Worth Experiencing This Season

If you’re searching for a day that perfectly blends the excitement of sporting clays with the timeless tradition of upland bird hunting, look no further than the Clays & Feathers Package at Etowah Valley Sporting Clays and Etowah Valley Game Preserve in Dawsonville, Georgia.

Running October through March, this one-of-a-kind outdoor experience captures everything great about the fall and winter seasons – cool mountain air, quality time with friends and family, and the unmatched thrill of the hunt.

If you’re planning a weekend getaway, a company team-building retreat, or a holiday tradition, the Clays & Feathers Package delivers a full-day experience. It’s filled with connection, camaraderie, and adventure in the heart of North Georgia. Here’s why you should try it with friends.

Clays and Feathers package group at Etowah Valley Sporting Clays

A North Georgia Experience Like No Other

Just minutes from downtown Dawsonville and an easy drive from Atlanta, Etowah Valley Sporting Clays offers a peaceful outdoor escape from city life. The scenic foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains provide the backdrop for an unforgettable day that combines skill, focus, and the pure enjoyment of being outdoors.

From October to March, this seasonal package gives you the best of both worlds – a morning of sporting clays followed by an afternoon of upland bird hunting at Etowah Valley Game Preserve. Each detail is designed for ease, comfort, and fun, making it one of North Georgia’s most popular outdoor traditions.

Morning: Sporting Clays at Etowah Valley Sporting Clays

Your day begins bright and early around 8 AM at Etowah Valley Sporting Clays, where your group will kick off the adventure with an exciting round of clays.

If you’re a first-time shooter or a seasoned marksman, there’s a course suited for you:

  • Courses for All Skill Levels: Choose from approachable layouts like the Green Course or test your skill on the advanced Red or White courses.
  • Gear Rentals Available: Shotguns, ammo, eye and ear protection, and shell pouches are all available to rent directly from the lodge.
  • Optional Instruction: Need a refresher or want to sharpen your technique? Our experienced instructors: Tim, Mike, Ron, and George, are on hand to guide you.

Each shooter will enjoy at least 50 targets and a clays cart to move between stations. By the time the last clay shatters, you’ll have built up both confidence and appetite for the next part of your day.

Midday: Lunch & Relaxation

Around 11 AM, you’ll break for a hearty lunch with your guide. It’s the perfect time to unwind, share a few laughs, and relive your best shots from the morning.

Lunch is included in your package, so all you have to do is relax, recharge, and get ready for the afternoon ahead. The pavilion and lodge offer plenty of seating and a warm, welcoming atmosphere — ideal for groups, families, or coworkers enjoying a mid-day reset.

Afternoon: Upland Bird Hunting at Etowah Valley Game Preserve

After lunch, your guide will escort your group to Etowah Valley Game Preserve, where the excitement continues with an afternoon upland bird hunt.

Here’s what makes this part of the day so special:

  • Perfect for All Skill Levels: If it’s your first hunt or your fiftieth, our professional guides ensure every participant has a safe and enjoyable experience.
  • Professional Bird Cleaning: After the hunt, our preserve team offers bird cleaning services so you can take home your fresh harvest.
  • Tradition Meets Camaraderie: Beyond the hunt, this experience is about creating memories, sharing stories, and celebrating the timeless tradition of upland hunting in North Georgia.

Please note: pricing does not include tax, tip, or bird cleaning.

🎯 Who Is the Clays & Feathers Package For?

The Clays & Feathers Package is ideal for groups of two or more. If you’re planning a corporate event, a weekend with friends, or a holiday celebration, it’s a perfect fit for:

  • Friends & Families: Get outdoors and make memories together.
  • Corporate Teams: Build trust, focus, and connection outside the office.
  • Bachelor/Bachelorette Parties: Celebrate with an experience you’ll never forget.
  • Outdoor Enthusiasts: If you love clay shooting or upland bird hunting, this package is made for you.

📸 Make It Unforgettable with Photography

Want to relive the highlights after the last clay is broken? Add professional photography to your Clays & Feathers day.

  • Capture action shots mid-clay or mid-hunt.
  • Take group photos by the lodge or pavilion.
  • Keep candid moments that show the laughter, excitement, and teamwork throughout the day.

Photography services are separate and must be booked in advance to guarantee coverage.

Why North Georgia Locals Love Etowah Valley

There’s no shortage of reasons why visitors from Atlanta, Gainesville, Alpharetta, and beyond return year after year for this unique experience:

🌄 Scenic North Georgia Setting

Nestled in the Dawsonville foothills, Etowah Valley offers a peaceful, natural setting that’s hard to find elsewhere. The crisp fall air, the sound of clays echoing through the trees, and the view of the Blue Ridge Mountains make it a day you won’t forget.

🎯 World-Class Sporting Clays Courses

Each course is professionally designed to suit every skill level. Beginners love the approachable Green Course, while competitive shooters appreciate the challenge of the White Course.

🦆 Premier Upland Bird Hunting

The Etowah Valley Game Preserve is one of Georgia’s top destinations for upland hunting. With experienced guides and well-managed fields, every hunt feels authentic, exciting, and rewarding.

🏠 Full-Service Lodge and Pavilion

The cozy lodge and large pavilion provide a comfortable space to gather before or after your event, perfect for lunch, award ceremonies, or simply swapping stories over coffee.

🛠️ Gear & Rentals

Everything you need is right here. No need to pack gear. From shotguns and ammo to carts and safety equipment, it’s all available for rent or purchase.

🚗 Conveniently Located

Only about an hour north of Atlanta, Etowah Valley is close enough for a day trip but feels like a true mountain retreat.

The Perfect Holiday Gift or Outing

The Clays & Feathers Package makes an incredible holiday experience. Whether you’re looking for something different to do with family during Thanksgiving, a fun Christmas outing, or a memorable New Year’s weekend adventure.

It’s also a thoughtful gift for the sportsman or outdoor enthusiast in your life. Gift certificates are available, and booking early ensures you don’t miss out, since spots fill up fast between October and March.

Please note: the Clays & Feathers package is not available during Thanksgiving week, Christmas week, or Black Friday, but regular hunts are still offered during those times.

🗓️ Plan Your Visit

What to Bring:

  • Closed-toe shoes and weather-appropriate clothing
  • A cooler for water or soft drinks
  • A great attitude and readiness for fun

Know Before You Go:

  • Alcohol is not permitted on the course or during hunts.
  • Book early! Holiday and weekend dates fill quickly.

📞 Book Your North Georgia Adventure Today

A day at Etowah Valley Sporting Clays and the Etowah Valley Game Preserve is more than an outing. It’s a tradition that celebrates friendship, skill, and the great outdoors.

Located in the heart of Dawsonville, Georgia, Etowah Valley offers a true North Georgia experience you’ll remember long after the last shot.

📍 Location: 619 Sporting Hill Dr., Dawsonville, GA 30534
📞 Contacts:

🎯 Book your Clays & Feathers adventure today – slots fill fast!

Etowah Valley Staff

Author Etowah Valley Staff

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