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Savannah River Preserve |
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Written by Kathy Dixon
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 Nestled comfortably in the woods off Hwy 24 in Screven County you will find a haven for anyone looking for unique hunting and shooting opportunities. The entrance sign reads Savannah River Preserve but Savannah River Experience would serve as well. Follow the driveway lined with magnolia trees and the woods open up to the main lodge and cabins surrounded by sporting clay and archery ranges. The setting gives the impression of a small village whose inviting presence speaks of southern grace and hospitality.
When we walked into the main lodge I had to stop and close my eyes to breathe deeply of the wonderful smell of cypress. As enjoyable as this was, I quickly opened them and begin taking in the décor of the main room. The vaulted ceiling, the stone fireplace and artwork on the walls combined to create a welcoming, comfortable atmosphere. The mounted deer, turkey, wild hogs and other game animals provide a twinge of excitement for the possibilities waiting for you in the outdoors. We were immediately greeted by the owners, Nicky and Kay Powell. Within minutes of our first meeting I knew I had met two individuals who were passionate about the sport of hunting and loved to share this passion with others.
 A builder by trade, Nicky and his wife Kay designed and built all the buildings on the preserve themselves. Attention to detail shows in everything they have created. The lodge and cabins are built from cypress wood and are beautiful. The overall effect is one of a rugged old town in the woods comfortable enough for an entire family to enjoy. “The old town idea was mine” Kay told us, “We came home one night and all the buildings were lit up and I told Nicky that this looks just like a small town.” They promptly named the cabins and Kay’s dad hand carved the wood plaques that identify each building.
Nicky and Kay are both avid hunters and have always included their children making the hunting experience a family affair. When they purchased this property they had originally planned on creating a place for the family to get together for holidays, do a little hunting, hang out and visit. After seeing other places that offered hunting and clay and archery ranges they began to dream a little bigger. “We would travel to other preserves and do a little clay shooting and hunting and we were itching to do the same type of deal ourselves only a little better.” Nicky explained. Because family is so important to them they wanted to make sure that the environment they created could be enjoyed by hunters of all ages as well as family oriented. After careful planning and a lot of hard work their dream became a reality and in March of 2008 Savannah River Preserve was born.
 Savannah River Preserve consists of hardwood, planted pines and Savannah River swamp ground which is known for it’s abundance of wildlife. Deer, turkey, hog and quail all call this preserve home.
Clay shooting is rapidly becoming a popular sport and Savannah River Preserve has great facilities for this event. They have a 12 station range running through the woods that allows for 100 shots. True to their commitment to bring the very best to their guests, they designed the range through the woods to make the course as close to the actual hunting environment as possible. Each station simulates a different game animal’s motion from dove flying over a field, ducks landing in water to a rabbit dashing from the undergrowth across an open clearing. Nicky makes a practice of changing the pattern of the machines so the shoot remains fresh for people shooting frequently. With a keen appreciation of how hot South Georgia gets, Nicky added roofs for shade on each hunting station to add to the guest’s enjoyment. They also offer a Wobble Trap and a 5-Stand course as well as a few other skill enhancing games. This sport is competitive and many people use these courses to prepare for tournaments.
The archery range is a 10 station 3-D range with elk, deer, turkey, alligator, bear, and hog targets to practice or compete on. Each station has a different target and distance to challenge the shooter. The indoor archery range building is complete with heat and most importantly air conditioning for year round enjoyment.
 Guided whitetail deer hunts, wild hog hunts and turkey hunts are also a part of their program and offered during the season. A delicious, home cooked meal prepared by Kay is offered for each hunt. For the hunters convenience they will arrange for the cleaning of the game harvested if desired.
A 500 acre bird habitat is maintained for quail and pheasant hunting. A warm-up shoot of 25 sporting clays is included with every hunt. These guided hunts offer 8 zones for hunting throughout the course. Full day or half day hunts are available and breakfast or lunch is included.
Guests are also discovering that other activities revolve around an overnight or day visit to the preserve. Two Savannah River landings are located within a few miles from the lodge and many kayakers and canoeists find renting a cabin here is convenient as well as enjoyable. Alligator hunters are discovering the amenities as well. The indoor archery range is large enough to be used for company corporate meetings, family reunions and wedding receptions. “We are not pinned down to one thing” Nicky claims, “If someone calls with a request we will work with them to make it happen.” Kay nods in agreement and adds, “When our guests leave here we want them to have had a blast, no matter what they choose to do.”
Hunting is a way of life for Nicky and Kay and their enthusiasm for this place is catching. They truly want everyone to enjoy nature and hunting the way they do, and their personal touches and ways of anticipating the wants and needs of their guests has given a new meaning to the term Southern Hospitality. I was fired up and ready to shoot the clay range when I left that afternoon. I enjoy quail hunting and will be visiting them for this sport as well. They offer gift certificates and a hunt from here is what I will be giving my Dad for Christmas. Their first registered shoot for the sporting clays is on September 6th and 7th and they are taking reservations for all hunts now. Their hours of operation are Thursday through Saturday, 10:00 am until dark and Sundays, 1:00 pm until dark.
Savannah River Preserve has a wonderful website so check them out at www.savanahriverpreserve.com. |
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