SUWANEE, GA – The Georgia Chapter of Safari Club International (SCI) hosted its third annual Introduction to Hunting Firearms event on Saturday, September 10, 2022, recruiting new people into hunting and the shooting sport and teaching genuine firearms safety. The full day of learning and professional instruction was held at the Beretta Shooting Grounds by High Adventure Company, a world-class shooting and hunting facility located just an hour north of Atlanta. BPI Outdoors, the parent company for Bergara and CVA firearms, also supported the event by providing instructors and suppressed demo rifles for the participants to use as part of the day’s shooting experience.

Introduction to Hunting Firearms is intended for first-time and novice shooters who are interested in becoming more familiar and proficient with hunting firearms, specifically rifles and shotguns. Participants learned about the mission of SCI and what the Georgia Chapter does to promote and protect the tradition of hunting. Attendees were educated about how hunting and the shooting sports, through the purchase of licenses, firearms, and ammunition, contribute directly to conservation and wildlife habitat.

BPI Outdoors and Georgia SCI volunteers provided an in-depth firearm safety briefing and education on the basics of shotguns and rifles. Following the conservation discussion and safety presentation, participants were split into two groups – one heading to the 5-stand shotgun course and the other to the rifle range. Rifle shooters started by shooting .22s and ultimately moved up to easy-shooting, low-recoil, suppressed CVA and Bergara rifles chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor. Each attendee received one-on-one instruction and shot steel targets ranging from 50 yards to over 400 yards.

The 5-stand shotgun shooting pavilion was used and participants were provided with 12 and 20 gauge Beretta Silver Pigeon over and under shotguns. The shotgun pavilion also allowed for one-on-one instruction, with shooters having the opportunity to choose from several different target presentations.

After two hours of shooting, attendees took a break for lunch and fellowship. Once lunch concluded, shooters went back out to the range for more fun and shooting activity.

"It’s so much fun to see the excitement of a new shooter after they hit a target over 400 yards away.” said Marc Stewart, Treasurer of the Georgia Chapter. “We are greatly appreciative of the Beretta Shooting Grounds by High Adventure Company for again allowing us to host this event, and it was even more special to have the support from longtime Georgia Chapter of SCI-supporter, BPI Outdoors, not only by providing firearms to shoot, but also participate in the instruction. Our Chapter is grateful for the partnership with BPI and the Beretta Shooting Grounds, and we are thankful for their continued support.”

With Georgia's deer firearm season just around the corner, participants were invited to join the Georgia Chapter of SCI for its annual First Timer Mentored Deer Hunt in November. At least 15 people expressed interest in wanting to go hunting for the first time. The First Timer Mentored Deer Hunt provides an opportunity for people of all ages to learn about hunting and go afield for an afternoon deer hunt under the direct supervision of a licensed mentor.

This event was made possible by Georgia SCI volunteers who generously donated their time, BPI Outdoors, the High Adventure Company, and staff at the Beretta Shooting Grounds.

About the Georgia Chapter of SCI
The Georgia Chapter of Safari Club International (SCI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, volunteer-based organization dedicated to promoting and protecting our hunting heritage through education, conservation, and humanitarian efforts. Founded in 1981, the Georgia Chapter is one of the oldest SCI chapters in the world. Visit www.GeorgiaSCI.org for more information.