Meet the Instructors at Etowah Valley Sporting Clays
👋 Meet the EVSC Instructors
Tim: The Technician
- Certified in both Skeet and Sporting Clays, a rare dual certification in North Georgia.
- Calm, methodical, and detail-oriented.
- Perfect for shooters preparing for tournaments or refining technical mastery.
Tim focuses on precision and long-term skill-building. His teaching style helps you not only correct your form but understand why it works.
Mike: The Encourager
- Decades of coaching experience with a passion for simplifying complex skills.
- Known for making beginners feel comfortable and confident.
- Especially great with families, groups, and youth participants.
Mike’s relaxed and encouraging approach takes the pressure out of learning. Guests often say they leave his lessons both smiling and hitting more targets than they expected.
Ron: The Strategist
- Specializes in shot placement, choke selection, and course navigation.
- Ideal for upland bird hunters or those moving toward competition.
- Tactical, problem-solving style that helps you grow without starting over.
Ron is the go-to for those who want practical strategies that translate to hunting or sport.
George: The Foundation Builder
- Focused on safety, stance, and rebuilding confidence.
- Best for recreational shooters, adult beginners, or those returning after a break.
- Known for his hands-on, approachable teaching style.
George helps guests lay the groundwork for success, whether it’s their first time or their first time back.
Why Train with an Instructor at EVSC?
At Etowah Valley Sporting Clays (EVSC) in Dawsonville, GA, we believe that good instruction is the foundation of a great shooting experience. If you’re stepping onto the range for the first time or preparing for a tournament, working with a professional instructor can take your skills to the next level.
Lessons aren’t just about hitting more clays. They’re about building confidence, technique, and safety habits that last a lifetime. Our team of instructors have decades of combined experience in skeet, trap, and sporting clays, and they bring a passion for teaching that makes every lesson approachable and enjoyable.
Here’s why guests choose EVSC for coaching:
- Experience You Can Trust: Every instructor has hands-on expertise across clay disciplines.
- Personalized Coaching: Lessons are customized to fit your goals, skill level, and pace.
- Beginner-Friendly Learning: Nervous? No problem. We welcome first-timers with patience and encouragement.
- Competitive Edge: Our coaches work with competitive athletes, youth shooters, and corporate groups.
What You’ll Learn in a Lesson
A lesson at EVSC is designed to make you safer, more confident, and more consistent on the course. Typical instruction covers:
- Proper shotgun mounting and stance
- Footwork, balance, and timing
- Target tracking and focus techniques
- Shot patterning and choke basics
- Safety protocols for eye and ear protection
By the end, most guests say they walk away with stronger fundamentals and a noticeable boost in confidence.
Lessons for All Skill Levels
Our guests choose to book lessons for many reasons. Some of what we’ve heard consists of:
- “I’ve never held a shotgun before.”
- “I want to prepare for hunting season.”
- “I keep missing clays and want real progress.”
- “I want my teenager to learn gun safety.”
- “Our company outing needs a structured activity.”
What’s great is that there is something here for everyone:
- First-Timers: Learn safe handling, etiquette, and confidence.
- Intermediate Shooters: Improve consistency and refine technique.
- Competitive Athletes: Fine-tune accuracy and prepare mentally for tournaments.
- Corporate Groups: Turn your team outing into a skill-building experience.
- Youth Programs: Structured, safe lessons that prepare young athletes for clay sports.
What to Bring to Your Lesson
To make the most of your experience, bring:
- Eye and ear protection (available for rent or purchase)
- Target load ammunition (sizes 7.5, 8, or 9, also available for purchase)
- Comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes (we have shirts, vests, and hats available for purchase in our lodge)
- Your own shotgun (or rent one of ours)
We’ll provide everything else you need.
Booking Your Lesson
📍 Address: 619 Sporting Hill Dr., Dawsonville, GA
📞 Phone: (706) 265-1611
🌐 Website: etowahvalleysportingclays.com
We recommend booking 1–2 weeks in advance, especially during fall and spring when courses are busiest. Lessons are available for individuals, families, youth, and corporate groups.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Do I need my own shotgun?
- A: No, you can rent one from us, or bring your own if it meets safety requirements (barrel length at least 21 inches, no visible hammers).
- Q: How long is a lesson?
- A: Most sessions run 60–90 minutes depending on your goals and group size.
- Q: Can kids participate?
- A: Yes, with adult supervision. Our instructors work with youth athletes as young as 4th grade through the Etowah Valley Mambas program.
- Q: What if I’ve never shot before?
- A: That’s what we’re here for! Beginner lessons are one of our specialties.
- Q: Do you offer group lessons?
- A: Absolutely. Families, corporate groups, and friends are welcome to book private group sessions.
Final Thoughts: The EVSC Advantage
Working with a skilled instructor at Etowah Valley Sporting Clays is about more than hitting targets. It’s about building confidence, learning safe habits, and creating memorable experiences in the great outdoors.
Doesn’t matter if you choose Tim, Mike, Ron, or George, you’ll be in good hands. Each brings their own expertise and personality to the range, ensuring every guest finds the right fit for their goals.
Another reason our lessons stand out? They’re versatile. Our instructors adapt seamlessly to solo flyers who want one-on-one focus, families and friends looking for a memorable outing, or corporate groups who want a structured, team-building experience. The ability to personalize coaching for individuals and groups alike is what makes EVSC a trusted destination for both learning and leisure.
Guests who arrive on their own often discover the thrill of progression at their own pace, while families walk away with shared memories (and some friendly competition). For corporate groups, instruction adds a layer of professionalism and fun, giving teams a mix of structure, safety, and skill-building they can carry back to the office.
At the end of the day, EVSC lessons are about more than the sport. They’re about connection, growth, and enjoyment. From the first-time guest to the competitive athlete, and from small groups to large-scale company outings, our instructors are ready to guide you through a day you’ll never forget.
So why wait? Book your lesson today and see how great instruction makes all the difference.
