For members of The Ford Field & River Club, privileged access to Dorchester Shooting Preserve provides a unique opportunity to experience one of the finest sporting destinations along the southeast Georgia coast. Established in 1999 and spanning 5,000 acres of meticulously maintained land, Dorchester is a renowned preserve located less than 20 minutes from The Ford. With a variety of outdoor activities such as sporting clays, wing shooting and hunting, the preserve promises an unforgettable experience for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. Explore its history, sporting opportunities, dining offerings and how to make the most of your visit.
Since 2008, The Ford has enjoyed a close relationship with the Dorchester Shooting Preserve, granting members exclusive access to this premier sporting venue. This membership privilege is especially valuable, as Dorchester has maintained a waiting list for the past three seasons.
A Legacy of Adventure
Dorchester was born out of a shared passion between father and son, Charlie and Chuck Gaskin. Their dream of creating a place for fellowship and outdoor recreation has transformed into a revered haven for quail hunting, pheasant shoots, sporting clays and fishing. The heart of the preserve lies in its rich quail habitat, which has been carefully cultivated to rival the finest quail hunting environments in the South.
Members are invited to immerse themselves in the traditions of upland wing shooting or test their marksmanship at the sporting clays course, among other adventures offered. To enhance your experience, two complimentary golf carts are available for visiting members.
Outstanding Sporting Opportunities
Dorchester’s appeal lies in its commitment to providing diverse and high-quality sporting experiences:
Quail Hunting: The preserve’s primary attraction, featuring carefully maintained habitats that stand out among the best in the South. With experienced guides and well-trained retrievers and pointers, each hunt is tailored for an exceptional experience.
Continental Pheasant Shoots: Experience the excitement of driven shoots in a classic Southern setting. Participants rotate between 12 shooting stations arranged in a circle around a 60-foot tower, with birds released in rounds.
Sporting Clays: Improve your skills on ten challenging stations designed for all skill levels. Certified instructors are available for lessons.
The Taste of Southern Charm
The Lodge at Dorchester, a 10,000-square-foot haven of rustic charm, invites guests to indulge in exceptional Southern cuisine. With its natural wood accents, large fireplaces and cozy porches, this welcoming gathering spot is an essential part of any visit. During the hunting season, lunch features traditional fare such as fried chicken, roast beef and meatloaf. Homemade biscuits and desserts are as sweet and Southern as banana pudding, peach cobbler and homemade pound cake served with ice cream.
As the sun sets on a day of outdoor adventure at Dorchester, guests gather for impressive evening meals. The dinner menu showcases a variety of Southern specialties, from charred beef steaks and barbecue ribs to traditional Lowcountry boils and oyster roasts—each dish a perfect finale to a memorable day.
Interested in experiencing the nation’s finest coastal sporting club community first-hand? Plan your Discovery Visit today by choosing from a two-night, three-day Discovery Stay, custom-curated Couples Lowcountry Getaway, or our epic Discovery Day visit.
For more information on Dorchester Shooting Preserve visit https://huntdsp.com/.