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SLV Rod & Gun Club

SLV Rod & Gun Club

The Savannah Lakes Village Rod & Gun Club is honored to be the largest sanctioned club in Savannah Lakes. We pride ourselves for offering the activities that our members request. These activities include: sport target shooting, skeet shooting, fishing charters (catfish/striper/bass/crappie), fishing seminars, dinner social programs and MANY more.

Welcome to the SLV Rod & Gun Club

Welcome to the SLV Rod & Gun Club

The Rod & Gun Club is committed to 1) Connecting SLV members with common interests in fishing and shooting sports, 2) Providing opportunities for organized outings, guided trips, and sporting events, and 3) Building relationships. Read more about the Club and download the brochure to share with a friend or neighbor.

Want to join the Rod & Gun Club?

Do you enjoy fishing or shooting? The SLV Rod & Gun Club membership is open to all residents of SLV. Please follow these steps to join the SLV Rod & Gun Club. Questions?

Fishing

Seminars
On February 12th, Mike Brown presented a Largemouth Bass fishing seminar to Club members. Mike has been a Club member for several years and a guru of Largemouth fishing (and shooting). Mike also founded a Bass Club for Lake Thurmond a few years ago, and has established and currently coaches a Bass fishing team for John de La Howe Governor’s School.

This was another great fishing seminar; more are planned for the upcoming months!

On December 12th, Pat Dundon set up a seminar to learn about Crappie fishing. Bill McDonald, aka ‘Dr Crappie’, spoke to members of the SLV R&G and their guests at the Rec Center. A roomful of 48 folks came to learn his secrets, and he delivered. He showed off his ‘bag of tricks’ and shared with attendees brand names, weights, & colors of his favorite baits, as well as fishing locations, best time of the year, and water temperatures that tend to improve chances of catching Crappie.

Things we learned from Bill: his favorite color combinations, the time of year to fish deeper or shallower, and when not to bother because the fish are below 30 ft. He discussed what size & color of line to use on the reel and for leaders, jig weights, how much line to put out, and what speed will get the lure to the appropriate depth. Very specific knowledge rookies would spend years figuring out! The Rod & Gun Club appreciates Bill spending an evening with our members.

Striper Charters: The charter is usually three or more folks, and based on their availability, a date is set, within 2 weeks. Location changes as fish move around the lake. These trips go rain or shine, only canceled if weather or other circumstances make the trip unsafe (i.e. lightning, mechanical failure). Be sure to bring whatever you need to wear, eat, or drink, and a container/ice to transport your catch home. Please let Pat Dundon know if you are interested. Keep your eyes open for information on NeighborLink.

Club's Fishing Contest: To compete in the contest just take a picture of the fish and accurately measure/weigh the fish. Send entries with a picture to Janet Blouin. Janet will post the current leaders in each category in the Rod & Gun Club Newsletter. Prizes will be awarded to the winner of each category at our annual meeting.
2025 Club Leaders:
Bass: Fred Robinson  4lb 4oz       Striper: Scottie Pitser 33”
Catfish: Bob Kisic  9.98 lbs           Crappie: Don Hain 14”

Shooting

Pistol Range hours are from 10:00am until 2:00pm (winter) and 9:00am until 1:00pm (summer). The range is located on the Huguenot Parkway, north of the Monticello Fire House. Turn down Isandiga Trail, across from Maxwell St. Street address is 254 Isandiga Trail.

IMPORTANT: Please call the appropriate Range Officer (Ranger Schedule) of the day you plan to shoot no later than 7:00 pm the prior evening to coordinate the meet time. Make sure you have their response before going to the range. You must wear 2024-5 name tags with target stamp to shoot!

​​​​​​Valentine's Day Shoot: Congrats to the winning three couples, receiving some yummy prizes! 
1st - Dwaine Wright and Beth Owen
2nd - Mike and Janet Blouin
3rd - Curtiss and Patty Wakefield

Skeet shooting is every Tuesday, weather permitting, at Hickory Knob Skeet Range.
Club members are free to join on Tuesday mornings at Hickory Knob Resort State Park to get an idea of what the shoot is like and speak with the Rangers and shooters. (Shooting begins at 9:00 am during Daylight Saving Time and at 10:00 am the rest of the year). Members are responsible for their own equipment and ammunition. A round of skeet (25 ct) costs Club members $10.00.  For additional information, please contact one of the Rod & Gun Club's Head Skeet Rangers:  Janie Clark (864) 378-7081      Tom Sutter (864) 391-5827              Mario Peluso  (860) 638-9242  Brad Peterson (614) 345-8188

Our current and past newsletters are available online:

Rod & Gun Club Newsletters

To have information included in the next Rod & Gun Club Newsletter or the next edition of Shorelines, please send stories, future events, fish entries and photos to: Janet Blouin. Shoreline articles are published monthly. The newsletter is published quarterly—the next issue is scheduled for the end of April.

Upcoming Events and Other Club News
Range Safety Officers attended an NRA Range Safety Program delivered by Chief Range Safety Officer, Mike Blouin, and SLV resident and EMT, Steve Delaney. This was a mandatory two-hour total class time course which all rangers are required to attend. The purpose of this class is twofold: 1) to prepare rangers for emergency medical situations which might occur at the range, and 2) to familiarize all rangers with Range Operational procedures. These two topics are designed to enhance range safety. Read the article in January's Newsletter.

March 4th, 4pm at the Rec Center Card Room: What gun should I buy? This presentation will discuss the pros and cons of various firearms and calibers in relation to target, home defense, and concealed carry. This seminar is designed to help you choose the best firearm for your needs and not waste your money.The hour-long seminar is free and open to all SLV residents.
Please contact Len Azzarano if you plan to attend 864-391-4270 or [email protected]
Seating is limited to 40 people.

March 17th - Saint Patrick's Day Fun Shoot: More details to come!

April 8th - Arcade Shoot: More details to come!

April 16th - Rod & Gun Club Board Meeting: 1pm at the Recreation Center. All Club members are welcome to attend!

Interested in a fishing charter? The Club is in the process of setting up various fishing charters as well as seminars. Opportunities to catch Bass, Striper, Crappie & Catfish are available. Individuals also fish whenever they desire, from their own location and on their own, not just on the charters. Non-member guests can go on the charter if it's not filled with members. The non-member must be invited by a member going on the same charter. Members will have preference until 8 days prior to the charter date. Keep an eye on the Clarks Hill/Lake Strom Thurmond weather and lake temperature.


Club Communications: If you would like to have information/articles included in the next Rod & Gun Club Newsletter or the next edition of Shorelines, please send stories, future events, fish entries and photos to Janet Blouin. Shoreline articles are published monthly; the Newsletters are published quarterly.

New Range Safety Officers: We are accepting applications for additional Range Safety Officers. Range Safety Officers are expected to volunteer at least once a month. If you’re interested contact Curtiss Wakefield.

Additional Skeet Rangers: The Rod & Gun Club has had a long term agreement with Hickory Knob State Park to allow its members to exclusively use their two skeet fields on Tuesday mornings year round, with Rod & Gun Club members running the weekly program. For additional information, please contact one of the Rod & Gun Club's Head Skeet Rangers: Janie Clark (864)378-7081      Tom Sutter (864)391-5827    Mario Peluso (860)638-9242          Brad Peterson (614) 345-8188

Lake Thurmond Bassmasters is a 10 month long season, with the final tournament being a two-day event at Lake Thurmond in June. If you have a bass boat and are looking to join a bass club to learn the lake and enjoy some friendly competition, contact Mike Brown (937) 776-0943. And remember, it is virtually impossible for a person to have too much fishing tackle.

Clubs & Groups IFnformation Section

South Carolina DNR Notices & Information

The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is a South Carolina state agency charged with regulating hunting, fishing, boating, duck stamp orders, and the conservation efforts of the state government. DNR documents are listed below:

Area News

January 17, 2025: While most J. Strom Thrumond operated parks, campgrounds, trails, and boat ramps remain closed, here is an updated list of open areas:
Amity- Boat Ramp Only/Clarks Hill Park/Calhoun Falls/Dordon Creek Boat Ramp/Gill Point- Boat Ramp Only/Keg Creek- Boat Ramp Only/Leathersville Boat Ramp/Modoc 7 Boat Ramp/Morrahs Boat Ramp/Murry Creek Boat Ramp/Parksville- Boat Ramp Only/Scotts Ferry Boat Ramp/Visitor Center

The Thurmond Project, managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District, sustained severe damage to its forested areas as Hurricane Helene traveled across Georgia and South Carolina. The fallen trees and debris have also rendered many forested areas inaccessible and unsafe for public use. Most recreation areas, including campgrounds and picnic shelters will remain closed throughout the 2025 season and will not reopen until the hazards are removed. Read the article.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District, will keep most recreation areas at J. Strom Thurmond Dam and Lake closed through the 2025 season, and possibly longer, due to unprecedented damages caused by Hurricane Helene. Read the article.

The J. Strom Thurmond Largemouth Bass Nursery Habitat Enhancement Project is underway! Throughout fall to spring, the Forest, Fish, & Wildlife Section will target eight creeks per year to enhance nursery habitat for Largemouth Bass. Water fluctuations and soils highly influence a lake's woody and vegetative structure. Over time, manmade systems' woody and vegetation structure change through natural events (drought, flooding, and regular pool guidance regulation), and habitat supplementation is sometimes necessary.
Nursery habitat is critical in providing shelter and food opportunities for the fry of Largemouth Bass. The shelter is vital to the survival in providing safety from other predatory fish species and birds. In the backwater of creeks, 5-10 clusters of bamboo fish attractors will be placed in about an average of 10 ft of water near creek channels. With the enhancement project coupled with the lake's hefty aquatic plant planting program during the spring-summer months, adequate habitat will sustainably benefit.

Boundary Line Maintenance at J. Strom Thurmond Project. Workers with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District, at J. Strom Thurmond Project have begun work inspecting and re-painting approximately 60 miles of the existing boundary line, primarily in Lincoln and Wilkes County, starting near New Petersburg Road, near the Lincoln County Transfer Station, and ending near the Fishing Creek Store, south of Elberton Highway. Read the article.

The 2024-2025 State Hunting and Fishing Laws and Regulations Guide has been updated online and is available for download.

Recreation Areas - Power Generation: The Thurmond power generation schedule is available by calling toll free 1-800-533-3478. The schedule is recorded daily and is subject to change.

Archery is available locally at Hickory Knob State Park, by appointment only (requires 24 hour notice), for ages 7 and up. Maximum amount of people per group is 4 per appointment. $15 per person includes a 30 minute session with a ranger and equipment provided by the park. $10 per person includes a 30 minute session with a ranger, and you provide your own equipment.

Call USACE at Russell Dam (800) 944-7207 to learn of dam operations at Hartwell, Russell, & Thurmond as well as if their aerators are working. There are several air lines underwater down by Modoc and when they operate, lines of bubbles breaking the surface can be seen. The lines are suspended about 45 ft down in 70-100 ft of water. Fishing downlines on the bubbles and drop offs near them can be pretty successful on hot days. The bubbles blind ‘fish finders’ so it is difficult to figure out what depth to fish, but if you find one, you’ll find more.

Richard B. Russell Lake, commonly referred to as Russell Lake, is situated between the states of Georgia and South Carolina. In a collaborative effort between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources – Wildlife Resources Division, juvenile largemouth bass were recently introduced into the lake to combat ecological damage from invasive fish species. Read the article.

Introducing BassmastHER Workshops: Workshops focused on bass fishing fundamentals hosted by professional female anglers and Bassmaster staff in conjunction with Elite Series tournaments. Plus, network with a community of anglers to develop skill sets and confidence on and off the water.

Hunting Safety is a top priority at Hartwell, Russell, Thurmond Lakes: As hunting season approaches, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District, is emphasizing the importance of safe hunting practices to prevent accidents and ensure a positive experience for all visitors on public lands surrounding the three major reservoirs: Hartwell Lake, Richard B. Russell Lake, and J. Strom Thurmond Lake, in Georgia and South Carolina. Read the article.

The most convenient way to report your harvest is with the SC Game Check feature in the Go Outdoors SC mobile app on your smartphone. The Go Outdoors SC app was recently updated with improvements, new features and available tags for the current season. To ensure a trouble-free experience, make sure your device is set for automatic app updates or download the latest update from the app store.

The Candy Branch Shooting Range in Abbeville County is temporarily closed. The range, located on the Sumter National Forest, is owned and operated by the U.S. Forest Service. For information on Candy Branch and other South Carolina shooting ranges, read the article.

Hartwell Lake day-use fees must be paid by credit, debit card at automated fee stations. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District, at Hartwell Lake and Dam Project Office would like to remind park visitors to bring a debit or credit card to pay for the use of a boat ramp and/or visits to day-use parks, as cash isn’t accepted at the automated fee stations. Read the article.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District, announces annual passes are now available at Hartwell, and J. Strom Thurmond Lake Project Visitors Centers. Read the article.

J. Strom Thurmond Lake, also known as Clarks Hill Lake, nestled between the states of Georgia and South Carolina, is not only a scenic haven for outdoor enthusiasts, but also a thriving ecosystem teeming with diverse wildlife. Read the article.

The Modoc Boat Ramp Fishing Pier was updated recently by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Land was cleared near the popular Modoc boat launch, the existing fishing pier was relocated, a retaining wall was built and back-filled, and a walkway was constructed, with the parking area that now allows wheelchair accessibility. Read the article.

New to SLV: Additional Rod & Gun Information

Guns Boats Lakes and Fishing

Club Information & Helpful Links