At Etowah Valley Sporting Clays (EVSC) in beautiful Dawsonville, Georgia, we’re passionate about creating a safe, fun, and memorable experience for every guest who visits our courses. If you’re brand-new to clay shooting or working on your competitive edge, one thing always comes first: safety.
Before the first clay target is launched, there are two essentials that every shooter (and spectator!) must have: ear protection and eye protection. These simple pieces of gear are not just recommendations. They’re the key to enjoying a worry-free day on the courses.
In this guide, we’ll break down why ear and eye protection are so important, what gear works best, and how EVSC makes it easy for you to stay safe, comfortable, and focused on the fun.
👂 Protecting Your Hearing
Shotguns used in sporting clays, skeet, trap, and 5-stand can generate noise levels of over 140 decibels. Louder than a jet engine during takeoff. Just one unprotected shot can cause permanent hearing damage, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), or hearing loss.
That’s why EVSC requires ear protection for all guests on the course, including spectators.
Choosing the Right Hearing Protection
✅ Earmuffs – Comfortable, easy to put on, and great for consistent protection. Many beginners prefer earmuffs because they’re quick to adjust and fit securely.
✅ Earplugs – Lightweight and portable, they fit directly into the ear canal and are a great choice for hot days or when wearing hats or glasses.
The most important factor? A snug, secure fit. Hearing protection should be worn properly from the moment you step on the course until your group has completed their round.
👀 Protecting Your Vision
Sporting clays is fast-paced and unpredictable. Clay fragments can fly in any direction as targets shatter mid-air. Eye protection is required at all times on EVSC property, both for shooters and guests standing nearby.
Choosing the Right Shooting Glasses
- 👓 Clear Lenses: Perfect for overcast or low-light days.
- 🌅 Yellow/Amber Lenses: Enhance contrast and help you see orange clays against a green tree line.
- ☀️ Tinted or Polarized Lenses: Reduce glare and keep your eyes comfortable on sunny North Georgia afternoons.
Good eyewear doesn’t just protect your eyes. It helps you spot targets faster, stay focused, and improve your shooting accuracy.
💡 Safety Beyond Ear & Eye Protection
Your personal protective equipment is just the start. Here’s what else you should know about staying safe and respectful on the course.
🧾 Approved Ammunition
At EVSC, we require target loads only with shot sizes 7.5, 8, or 9. These loads provide the ideal pellet spread and protect both our shooters and the course itself.
🚫 Not Allowed: Game loads or shot sizes 6 and below (designed for hunting larger game).
🔐 Firearm Policy
We proudly support responsible gun ownership, but we are a shotgun-only facility.
- ❌ No rifles or pistols are permitted on the property.
- ✅ Shotguns must meet safety standards and have a barrel length of at least 21 inches.
If you’re looking to purchase a shotgun, we offer gun sales and consignment guns at our lodge. Our staff can help you find the right fit and walk you through everything from shell pouches to shooting vests. (Note: All consignment guns are final sale.)
🌳 Respecting the Course & Community
When you step onto the grounds at Etowah Valley Sporting Clays in Dawsonville, GA, you become part of a community that values respect, safety, and sportsmanship.
Our team works hard to keep the lodge, golf carts, and courses in top shape so that every visitor has the best experience possible. Here’s how you can help us keep EVSC beautiful and welcoming for everyone:
- Wear your gear: Eye and ear protection are required at all times for both shooters and spectators.
- Handle rentals with care: Our golf carts, shotguns, and other gear are maintained to the highest standards. Please return them in the same great condition.
- Be mindful of the grounds: Take a moment to admire the property, respect the landscaping, and keep the stations tidy for the next group.
- Practice good sportsmanship: If you’re shooting with friends, family, or coworkers, celebrate each other’s wins and encourage one another after a miss.
Following these guidelines not only keeps everyone safe but helps us maintain EVSC as one of the premier sporting clays destinations in North Georgia.
📸 Add-On: Capture Your Day with Professional Photography
Why let those memories live only in your mind? EVSC offers professional photography services as an add-on to any outing, lesson, or corporate event.
Our photographer can capture:
- Group portraits before you hit the course
- Action shots of your best clays breaking mid-air
- Candid smiles, high-fives, and celebrations
- Beautiful venue images of our lodge, pavilion, and scenic property
These photos are perfect for sharing with friends and family, or posting on your company’s social media page after a team-building retreat.
(Please note: Photography services are separate and not included in original pricing. Please booked in advance to guarantee availability.)
📅 Planning Your Safe Day at EVSC
Here’s a quick pre-visit checklist to make sure you have everything you need:
- ✅ Eye & ear protection (rent or purchase on-site if needed)
- ✅ Target load ammo (sizes 7.5, 8, 9)
- ✅ Comfortable, closed-toe shoes
- ✅ Weather-appropriate clothing
- ✅ Your own shotgun or rental reservation
- ✅ Cooler with water or sports drinks
- ✅ Positive attitude, because fun is what we do best
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly Focus
At EVSC, we’re proud to be more than just a shooting facility. We’re a place where families come together. If you’re visiting for your child’s first lesson, hosting a corporate family day, or bringing multiple generations out for a weekend outing, we go above and beyond to make everyone feel welcome.
- Safety is Our Priority: Our instructors are trained to work with guests of all ages and skill levels. Kids and teens are guided through proper stance, safety rules, and confidence-building exercises in a positive, encouraging environment.
- Space for Everyone: With multiple courses, a cozy lodge, and a spacious pavilion, there’s room for spectators to relax while others shoot.
- Special Memories: From grandparents cheering on grandkids to parents and teens learning side by side, we love seeing families make memories here.
When you visit EVSC, we treat you like family, because your safety, comfort, and enjoyment matter to us.
📍 Visit Us in Dawsonville, Georgia
Located just off Highway 9, EVSC is an easy drive from Atlanta, Cumming, Dahlonega, and surrounding North Georgia communities. Our scenic setting offers plenty of fresh air, wide-open space, and a break from the everyday routine.
🏁 Final Thoughts
Safety isn’t just a rule. It’s part of what makes every visit to Etowah Valley Sporting Clays a great experience. If you’re booking your first lesson, bringing a corporate team for a retreat, or planning a weekend with friends, proper eye and ear protection ensures you’ll leave with great memories, not regrets.
🎯 Ready to plan your next visit?
- Call us at (706) 265-1611
- Email evscevents@gmail.com
- Visit us at 619 Sporting Hill Dr., Dawsonville, GA
Bring your gear, bring your group, and let’s make your next round safe, fun, and unforgettable.
