Sporting clays is all about precision, focus, and skill, but before the first target flies through the air, there’s something even more important to talk about: safety.
At Etowah Valley Sporting Clays in Dawsonville, Georgia, safety isn’t just a rule. It’s a culture. If you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned regular, your experience should always be fun, smooth, and above all, safe.
That means protecting your hearing and vision, staying alert on the course, and looking out for your fellow guests. Because when everyone follows good safety habits, the result is the same every time: a great day in the beautiful North Georgia outdoors. Here’s why it helps:
👂 Why Hearing Protection Is a Must
Let’s start with something simple but vital – hearing protection.
Gunshots can reach sound levels above 140 decibels, louder than a jet engine taking off. Even a single unprotected round can cause permanent hearing damage. That’s why ear protection is non-negotiable for everyone on the range: participants, instructors, and even spectators.
At Etowah Valley, we strongly recommend using over-the-ear muffs or foam earplugs at all times while on the course.
- Earplugs are lightweight and easy to carry. They provide great protection and are perfect for those who prefer a minimalist fit.
- Earmuffs, on the other hand, offer the best overall protection and are a great option for beginners or anyone shooting multiple rounds in a day.
You’ll find ear protection available for rent or purchase in our EVSC lodge, and our staff is always happy to help you find the right fit.
👀 Protecting Your Vision – Every Shot Counts
When you’re focusing on that next clay, your eyes are your greatest asset. But they’re also vulnerable.
Fragments from clays, flying debris, or even small particles from the environment can become hazards. That’s why we require eye protection on every course – no exceptions.
Wearing safety glasses keeps your vision sharp, focused, and safe from unexpected fragments.
We recommend bringing or renting glasses that suit your comfort and style:
- Clear lenses for general use or cloudy conditions.
- Yellow or amber lenses to improve contrast on overcast days.
- Tinted or polarized lenses to reduce glare on bright North Georgia afternoons.
It’s a simple precaution that ensures your day stays focused on fun, not accidents.
🧢 Choosing the Right Gear for a Safe Day Outdoors
Safety doesn’t stop with ear and eye protection. It extends to everything you bring and wear.
Here’s what our Etowah Valley Sporting Clays instructors recommend for every guest:
✅ Eye and ear protection (required at all times)
✅ Closed-toe shoes – you’ll be walking on gravel, grass, and uneven terrain
✅ A hat or visor – helpful for sunny days and clear visibility
✅ Weather-appropriate clothing – light layers for cool mornings, breathable shirts for afternoon rounds
✅ A shell pouch or vest – keeps your ammo secure and organized
Taking a few minutes to gear up properly ensures you can focus on what you came here for – breaking clays and making memories.
🦺 Safety Rules and Range Etiquette
At Etowah Valley Sporting Clays, we’re proud to maintain one of the safest and most respected sporting facilities in North Georgia.
Our safety guidelines are simple but important:
1️⃣ Always keep your barrel pointed in a safe direction.Whether loaded or unloaded, treat every firearm with respect. Your barrel should never point toward another person, vehicle, or area outside your shooting station.
2️⃣ Load only when ready to shoot.
Your firearm should remain open and unloaded until you’re in position and it’s your turn to shoot.
3️⃣ Follow instructor and range staff direction.
Our team is here to keep everyone safe and ensure your day goes smoothly. Listen carefully, ask questions, and follow guidance on proper course flow and procedures.
4️⃣ Stay aware of your surroundings.
Before calling “Pull,” always ensure everyone nearby is in a safe position and ready. Awareness prevents accidents.
5️⃣ Respect others and the environment.
Sporting clays is built on sportsmanship, respect your fellow participants and help us maintain the beauty of our Dawsonville property. Pick up shells, dispose of trash properly, and leave the course better than you found it.
For a full list of our policies, visit our official Rules & Safety page.
👀 “If You See Something, Say Something”
Safety is everyone’s responsibility, and that means being alert not only for your own wellbeing but for those around you.
If you ever notice unsafe behavior, such as someone:
- Aiming or discharging near a vehicle or truck that’s part of a station,
- Acting recklessly or negligently,
- Failing to follow posted safety rules,
please speak up immediately.
Notify an Etowah Valley staff member or range safety officer right away. Our team will address the situation quickly and professionally.
This simple “see something, say something” rule helps us maintain a secure, positive environment for every guest. We’re proud of our reputation for being one of the safest and most enjoyable sporting destinations in Dawsonville and North Georgia, and that’s because our
guests care as much as we do.
Together, we keep Etowah Valley a place where everyone: families, friends, and first-timers can enjoy the sport with confidence.
🤝 Safety + Fun = The Etowah Valley Experience
At Etowah Valley Sporting Clays, safety isn’t the opposite of fun. It’s what makes fun possible. When you know you’re protected, aware, and surrounded by others who share the same respect for the sport, you can relax, focus, and truly enjoy the experience.
Our goal is simple:
✅ Keep every guest safe.
✅ Make every experience memorable.
✅ Treat everyone like family.
From your first visit to your hundredth, you’ll find the same friendly faces, well-kept courses, and welcoming atmosphere that make Etowah Valley a trusted name across North Georgia.
📍 Plan Your Visit
Come see why so many visitors call Etowah Valley their favorite destination for sporting clays in Dawsonville, GA.
📍 Address: 619 Sporting Hill Dr., Dawsonville, GA 30534
📞 Phone: (706) 265-1611
🌐 Website: etowahvalleysportingclays.com
📧 Email: evscevents@gmail.com
We’re here to make your experience safe, fun, and unforgettable, because at Etowah Valley, safety and enjoyment go hand in hand.
💥 Gear up, stay alert, and we’ll see you on the course!
