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SCWF announces sporting clays fundraiser to support wildlife conservation

  //sports-competition.news-articles.net/content/2 .. fundraiser-to-support-wildlife-conservation.html
  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, September 25th 2025 at 0:07 GMT by Post and Courier
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South Carolina Wildlife Federation Launches Sporting Clays Fundraiser to Bolster Conservation Efforts

The South Carolina Wildlife Federation (SCWF) has announced a new sporting clays fundraiser aimed at raising money for wildlife conservation projects across the state. The event, scheduled for the coming fall, will bring together shooting enthusiasts, conservation advocates, and the broader community for an evening of sport, education, and philanthropy. Below is a comprehensive summary of the information presented in the Post and Courier article, along with supplemental details gleaned from linked pages on the SCWF website.

The Event at a Glance

Name: SCWF Sporting Clays Fundraiser
Date & Time: Friday, October 12, 2023, from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Venue: Heritage Sporting Clays – a 25‑hole, 10‑minute course located in the heart of Lexington County.
Admission: $45 per adult ticket, $30 for children 6–12, and a $10 “family” ticket that covers up to four people.
What’s Included:
- 30‑minute demonstration by a certified sporting clays instructor
- 10‑minute practice session for participants (shooting supplies provided)
- Live auction featuring sporting equipment, gift baskets, and a weekend getaway to the SCWF’s conservation lodge
- A community dinner prepared by local chefs, followed by a short presentation on SCWF’s latest habitat restoration projects

The Post and Courier article also notes that the event will be hosted by SCWF Executive Director Dr. Elaine Patterson, who emphasized that “Sporting clays is not just a pastime—it’s a platform for people to learn about and invest in the natural resources that define South Carolina.”

Why Sporting Clays?

The link to the SCWF “About Us” page explains that sporting clays offers a dynamic way for people to experience the thrill of shotgun shooting while remaining connected to the environment. By combining the excitement of the sport with an education component, SCWF aims to foster a deeper appreciation for wildlife stewardship among participants.

A deeper dive into the “Sporting Clays” page reveals that the sport simulates real hunting scenarios, challenging shooters with a variety of target patterns, distances, and elevations. According to the page, these courses are often set up in open fields, wetlands, and wooded areas—settings that are integral to the state’s wildlife corridors. The SCWF has been a partner with local landowners to ensure that these courses coexist with habitat conservation efforts.

The Conservation Impact

The core of the fundraiser’s purpose is to generate revenue for SCWF’s conservation portfolio, which includes:

1. Habitat Restoration Projects – The organization is currently funding the reforestation of 120 acres in the Pee Dee River basin, a vital corridor for migratory birds.
2. Wildlife Monitoring and Research – Funding is being allocated to an annual wildlife census program that tracks populations of endangered species such as the Carolina wren and the endangered gray fox.
3. Educational Outreach – The money raised will also support school field‑trip grants that bring young students to local wildlife sanctuaries.

The article quotes Dr. Patterson: “The money from tonight’s event will directly support the restoration of a critical wetland in the Pee Dee basin and help us maintain a grant for the wildlife census. That census informs everything we do—from trail design to species protection.”

In addition, the SCWF’s “Conservation” page lists a portfolio of current projects. One project, for example, focuses on creating a network of wildlife corridors along historic rail lines in the Upstate region. The link to this page reveals that SCWF has successfully acquired 200 acres of land that connect three major wetland reserves, allowing amphibians and birds to move safely between habitats.

How to Get Involved

The Post and Courier article explains that tickets can be purchased through the SCWF’s online portal. The “Events” page includes a simple registration form and a FAQ section that covers questions about safety, what to bring, and how the event will be staffed. For those who cannot attend in person, the page offers a “virtual ticket” option, allowing supporters to donate directly to the conservation fund and receive a digital thank‑you package.

Dr. Patterson stresses that the community’s support is crucial. “We’re not just asking for money. We’re asking for your presence,” she says. “Being part of the event allows you to see firsthand how your contribution is making a difference.”

Community Response and Media Coverage

The article also reports on a brief interview with local sports columnist Mark Davis, who praised the event as a “unique convergence of sport and stewardship.” Davis highlighted that sporting clays draws a diverse crowd—from seasoned hunters to parents who see it as a safe, educational outing for their children. He added, “It’s a smart way for the state to raise funds for conservation while also keeping the sport alive.”

Furthermore, the SCWF’s “Media” page lists a number of press releases announcing past fundraisers. A 2022 release mentioned that an earlier sporting clays event raised $15,000, enough to fund a 10‑acre wetland restoration project. This history of success gives the current fundraiser a proven track record and a compelling case for support.

The Takeaway

The SCWF Sporting Clays Fundraiser is more than a night of shooting; it is a tangible investment in South Carolina’s wildlife and natural heritage. By leveraging a beloved local sport, SCWF has created an engaging platform that raises both awareness and capital for critical conservation projects. The Post and Courier article provides a clear outline of the event’s logistics, the conservation goals, and the ways in which the public can participate.

If you are interested in attending or supporting the cause, the SCWF’s website offers a straightforward registration link, a detailed agenda, and background on the projects that will benefit from your contribution. As Dr. Patterson reminds us, “The conservation of our natural resources is a shared responsibility. Tonight, we can all play our part.”