Planning your first round of sporting clays, or bringing a group out from the city? Good news: there’s no fancy dress code for clay shooting. What you wear should keep you comfortable, protected and focused on the next target, not on wet socks or a sunburned neck.
Cherokee Rose sits on 124 acres of rolling Georgia terrain in Griffin, about 35 miles south of Atlanta. You’ll spend your day walking (or riding) between stations through pines, past ponds and streams, in whatever weather Georgia brings that day. This guide covers what to wear, what to pack and how to dress for each season so your visit is easy from the first shot.
The short answer: what to wear clay shooting
If you only read one section, make it this one:
- Eye and ear protection. These are required for every shooter and spectator at Cherokee Rose. Bring your own if you have them; safety glasses and earplugs are also sold in the clubhouse.
- Closed-toe, comfortable shoes you can walk in all day.
- Layers that match the forecast, with nothing loose or bulky across your shoulders.
- A hat with a brim. Many shooters find it helpful for sun and glare.
- A place for shells, such as a vest with pockets or a shell pouch.
That’s it. Jeans and a T-shirt work just fine for a first visit. The rest of this guide helps you fine-tune.
Comfort first: dressing for a walking course
Sporting clays is often called “golf with a shotgun.” Cherokee Rose has two 16-station courses, the Creek Course and the Rose Course, laid out through wooded, rolling hills. That means time on your feet and time outdoors.
Shoes
Wear closed-toe shoes with good grip, such as trail runners, hiking shoes or broken-in boots. Paths can be uneven, and grass and clay can be damp in the morning or after rain. Skip sandals and flip-flops. Hot, empty shells eject near your feet.
Layers that let you move
Your gun should mount cleanly to your shoulder and cheek every time. Choose clothing that:
– Moves freely through your shoulders and arms
– Doesn’t have bulky hoods, thick collars or dangling drawstrings near your gun shoulder
– Can come off or go back on as the day warms up
A snug base layer, a mid-weight top and a light outer layer cover most Georgia days from fall through spring.
Shooting vests and shell pouches
A shooting vest is the classic clays look for a reason. It holds shells, empty hulls, your choke wrench and your phone. Many vests also have a padded shoulder patch that softens recoil. If a vest isn’t your style, a belt-mounted shell pouch or a cargo pocket works for a first round.
Gloves
Thin shooting gloves can improve grip, especially on a warm, sweaty day or a cold morning. They’re optional. Pick something thin enough that you can still feel the trigger.
Hats
A brimmed cap or wide-brim hat cuts sun and glare and helps keep stray bits of target out of your face. Make sure the brim doesn’t block your view down the rib when you mount the gun.
Georgia weather: how to dress by season
Cherokee Rose’s courses are open year-round, so it’s worth dressing for the season you’re in. Central Georgia weather can shift through the day, so dress for the drive home as well as the first station.
Spring (March–May)
Spring is beautiful on the course, and it’s also pollen season across metro Atlanta. Wear wraparound shooting glasses to keep pollen out of your eyes, and bring tissues or allergy medicine if you need them. Mornings can start cool and turn warm by lunch, so a light jacket you can tie off or stash in the golf cart is handy. A rain shell is a smart add, too.
Summer (June–August)
Georgia summers are hot and humid. Plan for:
– Lightweight, breathable, moisture-wicking shirts (performance fishing and hunting shirts are popular for this)
– Light colors that reflect sun
– Sunscreen on your neck, ears and the backs of your hands
– A brimmed hat
– Plenty of water. Cherokee Rose offers waters on the courses, and you’re welcome to bring your own cooler with snacks and non-alcoholic drinks.
Morning rounds are the most comfortable part of a summer day. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in Georgia summers. Keep an eye on the sky and the forecast.
Fall (September–November)
Fall is prime clays season around Atlanta. Mornings can be crisp and afternoons warm, so layers are your best friend. A quarter-zip or light fleece under a vest is a common fall look.
Winter (December–February)
Georgia winters are usually mild, but a cold, damp morning in the woods can feel colder than the number on your phone. Wear a warm base layer, a fleece or insulated vest, and a windproof outer layer that doesn’t restrict your swing. Thin gloves and a beanie that fits under your ear protection make a big difference.
Rainy days
A packable, quiet rain jacket and water-resistant shoes keep a drizzly round fun. A cap brim helps keep raindrops off your glasses. If weather is severe, check the Cherokee Rose calendar or call the clubhouse at 770-227-6569 before you head out.
Check the weather before you go
A quick forecast check makes packing easy. We recommend the National Weather Service:
- Griffin, GA forecast: forecast.weather.gov (Griffin, GA). Use the hourly view to plan layers by time of day.
- NWS Peachtree City office (covers metro Atlanta and Griffin): weather.gov/ffc for radar, alerts and storm outlooks.
- Spring pollen: the Atlanta Allergy & Asthma daily pollen count.
Also check the Cherokee Rose calendar. The facility occasionally closes to the public for large groups and tournaments.
Accessories to bring (and what’s required)
| Item | Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Eye protection | Yes, for shooters and spectators | Shooting glasses or sunglasses. Also sold in the clubhouse. |
| Ear protection | Yes, for shooters and spectators | Foam earplugs or earmuffs. Also sold in the clubhouse. |
| Shells | Yes, if you’re shooting | 12, 20 and 28 gauge ammo are sold in the clubhouse. Lead target loads in 7.5, 8 or 9 shot only. No steel shot, slugs, buckshot or hunting loads. |
| Shotgun | Bring yours or rent | Rental shotguns are available. See rental pricing. |
| Shell bag or pouch | Recommended | For fresh shells and empty hulls. |
| Choke tubes and wrench | Optional | Handy if you like to change chokes between stations. |
| Sunscreen and bug spray | Recommended | You’ll be in the Georgia woods and sun. |
| Water and snacks | Recommended | Waters are offered on the courses, and personal coolers with snacks and non-alcoholic drinks are welcome. |
| Golf cart | Optional | Rent one of the 4-seat carts (call ahead to reserve) or bring your own. |
| Completed liability waiver | Yes, for everyone | See the Resources page for the waiver and course map. |
A quick word on eye and ear protection
Electronic earmuffs let you hear normal conversation while blocking gunshot noise, which many regulars like for squad play and lessons. Shooting glasses with interchangeable lens tints help with changing light under the trees. Any glasses that fully cover your eyes and meet safety standards will get you started.
Popular clay shooting brands you’ll see in the Southeast
You don’t need a single branded item to shoot clays. Still, if you want to know what’s in the clubhouse and on the course, these names come up a lot in Georgia and across the Southeast:
- Shooting vests and clays apparel: Beretta, Browning and Orvis are all long-standing names in shotgun-sport clothing, especially vests and shooting shirts.
- Rugged outdoor wear: Filson is known for durable, classic field clothing.
- Hot-weather performance shirts: Columbia’s PFG line and Under Armour are popular for breathable, quick-dry layers in Southern heat.
- Shooting glasses: Pilla, Randolph Engineering and Oakley.
- Hearing protection: Peltor and Walker’s.
What matters most is fit, freedom of movement and protection. A well-fitting, inexpensive vest beats a pricey one that bunches at the shoulder.
Common looks on the course
The first-timer
Jeans or comfortable pants, a T-shirt or light long sleeve, sneakers or trail shoes, a ball cap, sunglasses and foam earplugs. Add a rental shotgun and a box of shells from the clubhouse and you’re set. New to shooting? Consider an intro lesson with one of the resident NSCA-certified instructors. Visit the instruction page to book.
The corporate or group outing
Company polos or quarter-zips, chinos or comfortable pants, and walking shoes are typical. A light vest is a nice touch in cooler months. Cherokee Rose can provide rental shotguns, ammo, golf carts and the eye and ear protection your group needs, so guests don’t need to own gear. Learn more about corporate and fundraising events or request a date for your event.
The competitive shooter
A fitted shooting vest or shell bag, performance shirt, tinted shooting glasses, electronic earmuffs or custom plugs, shooting gloves and supportive shoes. Regulars often keep a set of choke tubes and a wrench in the vest. Thinking about joining up? Memberships include discounts on targets and cart rentals.
Plan your visit to Cherokee Rose
Cherokee Rose is at 895 Baptist Camp Rd., Griffin, GA 30223, between Griffin and McDonough and about 15 miles west of I-75. Regular hours are Wednesday–Sunday, 9 AM–6 PM. The club is open to the public on a first come, first served basis, and groups of 6 or more are encouraged to call ahead (770-227-6569).
- Get your bearings with the first-visit guide to sporting clays
- See daily rates, rentals and memberships
- Read more frequently asked questions
- Curious about the other side of the sport? Try Georgia’s first regulation Helice ring
- Wondering how clays compares to skeet? Read Sporting Clays vs. Skeet Shooting: What to Know
What to Wear Clay Shooting: FAQs
Is there a dress code at Cherokee Rose?
There’s no formal dress code. Everyone on the courses, shooters and spectators alike, must wear eye and ear protection. Comfortable closed-toe shoes, weather-appropriate layers and a hat are recommended.
Can I wear jeans to shoot sporting clays?
Yes. Jeans are perfectly fine, especially for a first visit. On hot summer days, lighter, breathable pants or shorts can be more comfortable.
What should I wear clay shooting in the summer in Georgia?
Wear lightweight, breathable, light-colored clothing, a brimmed hat and sunscreen. Bring plenty of water. Plan an early start to beat the afternoon heat and storms.
Do I need my own eye and ear protection?
Bring your own if you have them. Safety glasses and earplugs are also available for purchase in the clubhouse.
What should women wear clay shooting?
The same basics apply to everyone: closed-toe shoes, comfortable layers, a hat, and eye and ear protection. Choose tops that don’t have a low or loose neckline, since hot empty shells can eject toward you, and a vest or top that fits well at the shoulder for a clean gun mount.
Do I need to bring my own shotgun?
No. Rental shotguns are available, and ammo is sold in the clubhouse. See the pricing page for current rates.