Georgia SCI Hits The Target With Introduction To Hunting Firearms Event

As part of its commitment to recruiting new people into hunting and the shooting sports, the Georgia Chapter of Safari Club International (SCI) held its inaugural “Introduction to Hunting Firearms” event on Saturday, Sept. 19. The event was hosted at the Beretta Shooting Grounds by High Adventure Company, a world-class shooting and hunting facility located just an hour north of Atlanta.

SCI Ambassador and volunteer Anna Van Nostrand looks on as Lindsay Sellers works on breaking clays.

The learn-to-shoot event was intended for new shooters who were interested in learning more about hunting firearms, specifically rifles and shotguns. Participants’ ages ranged from six years old to over 70 years old. The morning started off with brief presentations about SCI and the Georgia Chapter, as well as a presentation from Georgia’s R3 (Recruitment, Retention, Reactivation) Coordinator about how hunting and the shooting sports contribute directly to wildlife conservation. Prior to going to the shooting range, staff from the Beretta Shooting Grounds provided a firearm safety briefing.

Following the presentations and firearm safety talk, participants made their way to the rifle range or the shotgun clay shooting facility for hands-on education and time behind the trigger. Participants were provided with the use of Tikka and Sako rifles chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor, topped with Swarovski optics, and powered by Hornady Ammunition. Each person was given one-on-one instruction and started by shooting steel targets at 100 yards, with many of the beginners ultimately shooting targets at over 300 yards.

The 5-stand shotgun shooting pavilion was used and the shotguns provided were 20 gauge Beretta Silver Pigeons. The 5-stand pavilion allowed for one-on-one instruction, with shooters having the opportunity to choose from seven different target presentations.

SCI Members and volunteers, Lester Richardson, JC Cole and John Crowley enjoying some fellowship prior to the day’s activities.

“As we continue to see more new people purchasing firearms, we feel it is crucial to provide an opportunity for people to learn how to shoot in a safe and welcoming environment,” said Louis P. Cole, president of the Georgia Chapter of SCI. “We are extremely appreciative of the support from the Beretta Shooting Grounds by High Adventure Company, and their willingness to host our event at their spectacular venue.”

Spencer Graves from 94.9 The Bull radio volunteers as an instructor at the 5-stand shotgun pavilion to help a young shooter.

Georgia SCI Treasurer, Marc Stewart, provides instruction to new shooter Kimberly Ellis.

With Georgia’s deer season kicking off, participants were invited to join Georgia SCI for another chapter first, a mentored deer hunt to be held in December.

“We’re proud to be a partner of Safari Club International and the Georgia Chapter of SCI,” said Drew Burrell of the High Adventure Company. “There’s nothing more important than getting new and youth shooters involved in the shooting sports and we were glad to team up with Georgia SCI for this event.”

This event would not have been possible without the numerous SCI members who volunteered their time, and especially, Drew Burrell and the staff at the Beretta Shooting Grounds by High Adventure Company.

Dustin Thomas and son Dalton are all smiles on the rifle range after Dalton rang a steel target at 380 yards.