If you’re new to sporting clays, one of the first questions you might have is: “What should I wear?”
The good news: you don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars on special gear to enjoy a day at Etowah Valley Sporting Clays in Dawsonville, GA. If you’re joining us for a first-time visit, a corporate outing, a family get-together, or a bachelor/bachelorette party, we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you feel prepared, comfortable, and confident from the moment you step onto the course.
👕 1. Dress for Comfort, Safety, and the Weather
You’ll be spending most of your day outdoors on gravel, grass, and wooded paths, so comfort is key.
Tops
- In warm weather, choose a t-shirt, polo, or moisture-wicking long sleeve to stay cool.
- During fall and winter in North Georgia, layer with a light jacket, hoodie, or shooting vest to stay warm. Bonus: vests have pockets for shells, which makes reloading easier.
Bottoms
- Jeans, cargo pants, or durable shorts work best. You’ll be bending, standing, and walking, so avoid tight or delicate fabrics that restrict movement.
Shoes
This is a big one, Closed-toe shoes are required on all of our courses.
- Sneakers, hiking boots, or sturdy walking shoes are ideal.
- Avoid sandals or open-toed shoes for safety reasons.
💡 Pro Tip: North Georgia weather can shift quickly. Layer up so you can adjust as the day goes on.
🥽 2. Safety First: Eye & Ear Protection
Sporting clays is fun, but safety is always our #1 priority.
- Eye Protection: Safety glasses or tinted shooting glasses protect against clay fragments and debris.
- Ear Protection: Foam earplugs or over-the-ear muffs protect your hearing from loud shots (often 140+ decibels).
If you don’t have your own gear, don’t worry. EVSC’s Pro Shop offers both rental and purchase options so you’re never without proper protection.
🎒 3. Optional Accessories to Make Your Day Easier
- Hat or Cap: Helps reduce glare and keeps the sun off your face.
- Sunscreen & Bug Spray: Georgia weather can be sunny and buggy. Keep these handy.
- Shooting Gloves: Many shooters like padded gloves for grip, comfort, and warmth in colder months.
- Shell Pouch or Belt: Makes carrying ammo more convenient.
🔫 4. Gear & Rentals Available at EVSC
One of the best parts about visiting Etowah Valley Sporting Clays is that you don’t have to own anything to get started. We offer:
- Shotgun Rentals – High-quality, well-maintained firearms for beginners and seasoned shooters.
- Ammo for Purchase – Target loads only (7.5, 8, or 9 shot).
- Eye & Ear Protection – Available for rent or purchase.
- Golf Carts – Make navigating our four courses easy and fun.
This means you can show up with nothing but closed-toe shoes, a valid ID (for rentals), and your group, and have an amazing day.
📝 5. Your Clay Shooting Checklist
Taking a few minutes to review this checklist before arriving can save time, reduce stress, and let you focus on what matters most – having fun, learning new skills, and spending time outdoors. Our team is always ready to help if you forget something, but arriving prepared helps you get straight to the fun part: breaking clays on our Green, Blue, Red, or White courses.
✅ What to Wear
- Comfortable, Weather-Appropriate Clothing: Dress in breathable layers for warm days and add a lightweight jacket or vest in cooler months.
- Closed-Toe Shoes: Required for safety. Choose sneakers or hiking boots to handle gravel, grass, and light walking.
✅ Safety Gear
- Eye & Ear Protection: Non-negotiable for everyone on the course. If you don’t have your own, rent or purchase from our Pro Shop when you arrive.
✅ Gear & Accessories
- Ammo (Target Loads): Sizes 7.5, 8, or 9 only – also available for purchase on-site.
- Shotgun: Bring your own or rent one from our lodge.
- Hat or Cap: Keep glare out of your eyes while shooting.
- Water & Sunscreen: Stay hydrated and protected during sunny days in North Georgia.
✅ Paperwork
- Valid ID: Required for firearm rentals and new shooter waivers.
- Signed Waiver: Save time by filling this out ahead of time through our website or in the lodge when you arrive.
📸 Photography & Memories: Capture Your Day
One of the best ways to make your visit unforgettable is by adding professional photography services to your outing. If you’re here for a corporate retreat, a family reunion, or your very first time breaking clays, having a photographer on-site ensures you can stay in the moment while someone else documents it.
Our EVSC photographer can capture:
- Group Portraits: Perfect for team-building events, bachelor/bachelorette parties, and fundraisers.
- Action Shots: That first perfect clay break, the excitement on the kids’ faces, and candid high-fives between friends.
- Venue Highlights: Scenic shots of our lodge, pavilion, and beautiful North Georgia landscape, great for corporate newsletters or social media posts.
📌 Tip: Photography services are separate from lodge and pavilion rentals, so book early to guarantee availability. This is an excellent add-on if you want keepsakes from your day or marketing material for your business.
🌳 6. Why EVSC is Perfect for Beginners
Located in the heart of Dawsonville, Georgia, just an hour north of Atlanta, EVSC is one of the most beginner-friendly sporting clays ranges in North Georgia.
- We offer four courses, including the Green Course, which is designed specifically for new shooters.
- Our professional instructors (ask for Tim, Mike, Ron, or George) provide private lessons that cover stance, mount, tracking, and etiquette.
- Our friendly staff ensures every first-timer feels welcome and safe.
If you’re visiting solo, with family, or with a corporate group, EVSC makes it easy to get started and have fun right away.
❓ 7. FAQs: Your Gear & Clothing Questions Answered
Q: Do I need special clay shooting clothes?
No! Start with comfortable, breathable clothes you can move in. Over time, many shooters add a vest for convenience, but it’s completely optional.
Q: Can I bring my own shotgun and ammo?
Absolutely! As long as your shotgun meets safety requirements (minimum barrel length 21”, no visible hammers) and you bring target loads.
Q: What if I forget something?
Our Pro Shop is fully stocked with ammo, safety gear, and shooting accessories so you’re never unprepared.
👨👩👧👦 8. Perfect for Any Occasion
Clay shooting isn’t just for solo practice. It’s a great way to celebrate milestones or bring people together.
- Family Outings: Spend a day outdoors together and create lasting memories.
- Corporate Events: Boost teamwork and morale with a fun, active day outside the office.
- Bachelor/Bachelorette Parties: Skip the typical plans and try something truly memorable.
- Fundraisers & Tournaments: Host a tournament to bring the community together and raise funds for a great cause.
🏆 Final Thoughts: Your Next Step
Clay shooting is meant to be fun, accessible, and welcoming, and we make it that way at EVSC. With the right outfit, a little preparation, and our on-site rentals and instructors, you’ll be breaking clays like a pro in no time.
📍 Location: 619 Sporting Hill Dr., Dawsonville, GA
📅 Hours: Thursday–Sunday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
📞 Call: (706) 265-1611
📧 Email: evscevents@gmail.com
🌐 Website: etowahvalleysportingclays.com
🎯 Ready to plan your first visit? Book a lesson with one of our instructors, grab your gear, and experience the best sporting clays range in North Georgia.
