This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act! Join us as we highlight species throughout the year that have benefited from this landmark legislation.
Red knots are listed as federally threatened, and have had an 87% decline since the year 2000. These amazing birds fly more than 18,600 miles during their annual migration. SC’s coast plays a significant role as a stopover site for the birds to rest and recharge during their trip. Red knots have a special link to horseshoe crabs because they depend on their eggs for food during migtation stopover. Their journey of 9,300 miles each spring and each fall makes the red knot one of the longest-distance migrants in the animal kingdom.
You can read more about the symbiotic connection between red knots and horseshoe crabs here.
Image Credit: Migrating Red Knots by Jenion Tyson.
Alex Killman is a guest writer for SCWF sharing his experiences of connecting with nature, enjoying the outdoors, and advocating for conservation – all through hunting.
There are few misconceptions more common in the world of deer hunting than the October Lull. Ask 10 field-edge-hunting, rifle-toting deer hunters about hunting in early- to-mid-October, and you’ll likely hear from several of them to stay home. But within the mobile hunting community, October is seen as one of the absolute best times to tag a buck, or any deer for that matter. But why do so many people feel that there is a lull in deer movement in the month of October? It’s because much of the conventional deer hunting wisdom has been passed down through the generations by rifle hunters overlooking feeders or food plots. And from that perspective, they are right. There is an extremely noticeable lull in activity within open areas. But back in the timber, things really start heating up in October.
Why There Is a Lull in Fields, Food Plots, and Feeders
The lull in activity seen in fields, food plots, and around feeders boils down to one word – acorns. Acorns begin falling around mid-September and extend into October as well. Acorns, particularly white oak acorns, are one of the whitetail’s most preferred foods. It doesn’t matter how green and palatable a food plot is. When acorns start falling, sightings in that plot are going to drastically reduce.
Why Deer Prefer Acorns
It’s easy to see why deer who only have natural browse to munch on would want to switch it up when acorns fall, but why would deer leave easy-to-access corn or planted brassicas? It’s because of the nutrient makeup of acorns. Acorns are extremely nutrient-dense, being full of protein, carbs, fats, and minerals. These nutrients are vital for deer as they begin preparing for breeding and winter.
Science Busted the Myth
One could possibly argue that just because deer are feeding on acorns, it doesn’t mean it makes for good hunting. And that’s true, but there’s also something else at play. Daytime deer movement, as well as the hormonal changes that bring on the breeding season, is controlled primarily by photoperiod. Photoperiod is the amount of daylight present in a 24-hour period. As the breeding season approaches, there is more daylight with each day that passes, and studies have proven that daylight buck movement increases throughout the month of October, hitting its peak during the Rut in November. So, there’s no denying that there is more daylight buck movement in October, and their movement revolves around acorns for the first half of the month.
Not All Acorns Are Created Equal
White oak acorns are by far the most desirable to deer. The reason is in their low level of tannins. Tannins are responsible for the bitter taste in acorns. But different species of oaks have different levels of tannins. As you move from white oaks to red oaks, the tannin levels increase drastically. For that reason, red oak acorns are some of the least desirable to whitetails. So, if you’re planning on hunting an oak flat, make sure it’s not full of red oaks or pin oaks, which are in the red oak family, or you might not get the show you’re looking for. It’s important to study oak tree bark and leaves to be able to determine which varieties you find while afield.
Pre-Rut in October
As said before, October is leading up to the November Rut, but it doesn’t just all of a sudden kick off from 0 to 100. Things begin really ramping up during the last 10 days of October. Bucks begin thinking less about food and more about does, chasing them later and later into the mornings. Some of the best hunting takes place the last 10 days in October when bucks move more in daylight looking for does, but are still traveling within their home range before the Rut has them wandering like nomads.
How To Be Successful in October
o, we’ve covered the fact that October provides some of the best hunting of the year, but what’s the best plan for a successful October? Don’t plan on hunting the same ol’ field edges. Prepare to drop back in the timber, hunting over white oaks near thicker cover. Both does and bucks will be primarily feeding on acorns the first half of October, and as the Pre-Rut comes around, the bucks will be traveling more during daylight hours, smelling does and having little sparring sessions with each other. Locating white oaks on the sides of ridges where deer can easily escape to cover is a great strategy. Just make sure of one thing – those trees are holding acorns. Not all trees produce every year and not every year produces a good crop. But if you can find a tree that holds a lot of acorns, using binoculars to verify, you may just be in the money. You just need to plan a good entry and exit route that will allow you to come and go without bumping deer.
And as the Pre-Rut kicks off and you start to see bucks getting more interested in does, it’s time to sit those funnels and pinch points where you know deer have to travel through to get to their favorite feeding spots or doe bedding areas. October is also the best time to start hunting mornings, as daylight buck movement tends to be a little higher in the mornings with the Rut looming and temps typically being lower.
Don’t Stay Home
I hope I’ve illustrated the importance of getting mobile in October and finding those hidden white oaks that the deer in your area won’t be able to stay away from. My first bow buck came on a brisk October 8th morning. It wasn’t over a feeder or food plot. It came underneath oaks as that buck fed back toward a bedding area. It was an eye-opening experience and one that I’ve heard of many times from other hunters. So, don’t stay home in October. Find the acorns and hunt them smart.
Published in the Chapin Magazine on September 6, 2023 here.
As the sun rises over Lake Thurmond in McCormick County, SC, I hear excited chatter from the 200 women at breakfast. They are exchanging stories about the classes they took yesterday, and what’s on their schedule for today. Debbie mentions how patient her instructor was in helping her step into a kayak for the first time, and how quickly she learned to maneuver the boat. At the next table, Jasmine excitedly tells her friends that she successfully hit a moving balloon with an arrow during archery class! Nearby, Susan and Rebecca fidget with their cameras, and discuss questions they will ask their Nature Photography instructor later that morning. I hear a little nervousness in Emma’s voice as she talks about heading off to her Boating & Trailering class, but also anticipation to learn a new skill and have more confidence next time she’s at the boat ramp.
As the 8am class time approaches, ladies start to head in various directions to their classes, toting binoculars, yoga mats, water bottles, towels…their tools for the day. Even our staff- the South South Carolina Wildlife Federation employees- get to participate; either leading or taking classes. This day has become one of our favorite days of the year.
For more than 20 years, the South Carolina Wildlife Federation (SCWF) event called the “Women’s Outdoor Retreat” has been an extremely popular event to introduce participants to several different outdoor skills in a comfortable setting with like-minded women. While each class at the Retreat focuses on a particular skill or recreational activity, all of the classes together leave the participants with a greater understanding and appreciation of their natural world and a desire to get active outdoors and do their part to conserve natural resources for future generations to enjoy. This message helps to achieve the SCWF mission: to conserve and restore South Carolina’s wildlife and wildlife habitat through education and advocacy.
The Retreat generally has about 200 women in attendance, and about 50 volunteer instructors and event staff. Ages of participants typically range from 16-80, with the average participant aged 55. Approximately half of the women have attended more than 1 event, with many attending 10 or more. The other half are new to our program, and newer to outdoor recreation in general. The SCWF has significant demand for this program, and registration typically fills up in just a matter of hours! In response to this demand, this year’s event is being transformed and expanded into an entire series and re-named as the “Palmetto Outdoor Women’s Retreats” or “POWR.”
The POWR program series has been designed to introduce women to the outdoors in a relaxed environment with knowledgeable instructors, and then also provide additional learning and fellowship opportunities, in an effort to make the introductory experiences become lifelong activities.
During the main POWR event in the spring, participants are introduced to up to 8 activities, such as archery, kayaking, outdoor photography, birding, shotguns, fishing, paddleboarding, hunting, knot tying, fish cooking and cleaning, habitat enhancement, and more. Participants learn the basics of getting started and actually get to try the experience. In some cases, participants will enjoy it and move on to the next skill, but in some cases, the experience will lead them to want to learn more about that specific topic. For example, one participant took the Introduction to Hunting class and was inspired to then register for a women’s deer hunt hosted by our state Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR). This experience along with countless others led us to create additional opportunities for women to explore the topics they want to learn more about in a more intensive and immersive setting.
“POWR Up” is a two-day event in the fall with 3 in-depth class sessions. The fall 2023 event in Santee features classes on: Backpacking, Bass Fishing, Kayaking, Kayak Fishing, Nature Photography, Pine Needle Basketry, and more
“POWR+” classes are day-long intensive events focused on one particular skill, and they are held throughout the year at different locations across the state. Recent POWR+ classes included Inshore Fishing, Boating & Trailering, Sporting Clays, Dove Hunting, and Fly-Fishing. Heather told us that the Fly-Fishing class was one of the best days of her life!
SCWF has also created a Facebook group (Palmetto Outdoor Women) to foster ongoing fellowship and exchange of ideas and experiences. Research has shown that connecting to like-minded people in a social setting, specifically during outdoor activities, ensures ongoing participation. Several scholarships for the spring POWR event will be available for women underrepresented in the outdoors to learn new skills and make connections for future outdoor recreation opportunities.
In years past, at the end of the retreat, many participants come by the registration table to thank the staff, tell how great their classes were, and to ask about dates for future events. It’s a very rewarding time for staff members who have spent so many hours planning and coordinating the event. Participants express the desire to bring friends, daughters, or mothers next time. (Fun is almost always more fun with more people.) We hear of plans to buy kayaks, backpacks, tents, or fishing rods…. These women want to continue practicing their new skills, and that is exactly what the SCWF hopes will happen. Now, with even more opportunities to learn and hone these skills in the future, the learning won’t end.
Whether it is with us at a POWR event, or on your own, we at the SCWF encourage you all to go outside and play. In the words of John Muir, “In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.” Time spent in nature has been shown to decrease stress and anxiety, and South Carolina has a treasure-trove of amazingly beautiful places to visit and extremely diverse wildlife to see. We hope that each of your walks with nature will inspire you to take action to preserve wildlife and their habitat for future generations to also enjoy.
SC Wildlife Federation Hosts Women’s Event to Learn Outdoor Skills
Classes on Kayaking, Fishing, Backpacking and more are on the agenda for the South Carolina Wildlife Federation’s Palmetto Outdoor Women’s Retreat (POWR) this fall. This event is part of a series which introduces women to the outdoors in a laid-back and relaxed environment with knowledgeable instructors, and then following up with avenues to engage women even more after their initial experience.
The fall POWR event, POWR Up, is scheduled for October 13-14 in Santee, SC. For this overnight event, participants will be able to select three classes lasting three hours each for an in-depth experience in: Kayaking, Scouting and Hunting SC Wildlife, Birding a National Wildlife Refuge, Kayak Fishing, Pine Needle Basketry, Bass Fishing, Backpacking Trail Ready, and more. Registration includes instruction, lunch on Saturday, and a T-shirt. Lodging and other meals are on-your-own.
In addition to this overnight event, there are other POWR opportunities throughout the year. The POWR series is an effort to make introductory outdoor experiences for women become lifelong activities. Women can take introductory courses (1.5 hours) with POWR in the upstate next spring, and there are several POWR+ opportunities to take a 6-hour class with in-depth information on a single topic. Upcoming POWR+ events include Sporting Clays and Inshore Fishing in the Lowcountry, and a Dove Shoot in the Upstate.
Through our POWR series, these pathways will weave together to create a social structure which will help to retain newcomers to the outdoors and inspire conservation of the amazing natural resources we have in South Carolina. For more information about all these programs, and to register for the October POWR event in Santee, visit: https://www.scwf.org/palmetto-outdoors-women
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act! Join us as we highlight species throughout the year that have benefited from this landmark legislation.
The Schweinitz’s sunflower begins blooming in August, continuing until there is frost. It thrives in open, disturbed areas, and can sometimes be found along road-sides. Found only in the piedmont of the Carolinas, this native sunflower is a late summer bloomer that has been on the endangered species list since 1991.
The Community Habitat team at Sun City Carolina Lakes has been doing their part to preserve and restore one of the rarest species in the nation. Working with local parks, garden clubs, universities, and the SC Native Plant Society, this team has incorporated the Schweinitz’s sunflower into their pollinator gardens and are working to distribute seeds throughout their community. You can read more about their efforts to help the population here.
Photos above of Schweinitz’s sunflowers are courtesy of Diane Abel, Sun City Community Habitat leader.
Alex Killman is a guest writer for SCWF sharing his experiences of connecting with nature, enjoying the outdoors, and advocating for conservation – all through hunting.
Even for adults, hunting can be kind of boring at times. In the age we live in, you’d be hard-pressed to find a hunter, even a diehard, who doesn’t pull their phone out within the first couple hours of a hunt. Western hunters are probably a little different because they do a lot more stalking than us southeastern hunters, but I’m sure there’s a lot of Instagramming that goes on during those long glassing sessions as they wait for mule deer to appear in the distance. There’s so much peace and beauty to be found in the silence and stillness of the woods, away from all the technology and noise, but we’ve become so connected to it all that it’s hard to step away from it for even just a few hours.
Kids Have Boundless Energy
If it’s that hard for an adult to sit in the stillness of the woods, can you imagine what a 10-year-old is going through when they get dragged away from their fast-paced cartoons and video games into an adventure that doesn’t feel like much of an adventure to them? I can still remember the times as a kid when I’d follow my dad back to a deer stand. We’d sit for hours just waiting. I could literally feel the energy running through my arms and legs, needing to be let out by some form of movement. It was as if I was trying to crawl out of my own skin. It was tough. Eventually, all the seriousness of an adult hunt caused me to not want to be a part of it for a while. The seed was planted, and I eventually came back to it around the age of 20, but there were many teenage years spent in the suburbs away from the woods.
Make The Hunt About Them
Image Credit: Early Teachings by Donna Brookshire.
When I started taking my son on hunts with me when he was 4 years old, I was very conscious of the fact that if I caused him to dread the idea of going to the woods, it would feel more like a chore that he’d learn to hate than a fun experience he’d look forward to. So, I did what any reasonable, 21st-century millennial parent would do. I brought an iPad and loads of snacks. For a parent who genuinely cares about their kids connecting with nature, it can feel very counter-productive to bring a screen into the woods. That fact is not lost on me. I care about and monitor the amount of screentime my kids get, but I also know that a bored kid in a deer stand is a kid who is going to constantly complain, constantly make noise, and inadvertently cause you to see zero animals. That last part is probably the most damaging. Though most of hunting is going home without meat for the table, seeing animals on a hunt – the fruit of so much labor – can be one of the most exciting parts of the experience that shows the reason we do what we do. It shows that hard work pays off. It shows what real patience can bring. And it shows your kids what makes you feel alive. So, giving them the ability to sit quietly in a deer stand or turkey blind long enough to see a doe appear can make the whole thing worth it. When the animals appear, the screen can go away and the binoculars can come out.
In general, I don’t like giving my kids a lot of candy, but I’ve found that one of the best ways to create a lasting, positive association with going out in nature is by making their absolute favorite snacks a part of the experience. You’re not just going to the woods. You’re taking their favorite parts of life and joining them together with the great outdoors.
Prep Locations Just for Them
Again, remember that when you’re taking your kids to the woods, you’re not doing it to tag a trophy. You’re doing it to give your kids a passion for the outdoors. That’s the prime objective. So, save your best spots and the intense hunts for yourself. Reserve a couple spots just for taking your kids a few times throughout the season. If you’ve got private land in SC, setting out a feeder with corn can give your kid a lot of great action that will leave a lasting impression, even if you only plan on observing. If you only prep spots for you and don’t take your kids there until you’ve had a chance to hunt them, you’ll likely end up seeing nothing when you finally get around to taking your son or daughter.
Don’t Plan on Staying Long
One of the quickest ways to make your kids hate hunting is by keeping them in a stand or blind for hours on end, hoping to tag something at last light. If your kids are very young (4-7 years old), a hunt may only last around 2 hours. That’s a long time for a young kid who isn’t used to it. Don’t know how long to stay? Don’t worry, they’ll tell you. If your kid is asking when you’ll be done about every 10 minutes, it’s time to smile and say, “If you’re ready, I’m ready, buddy.” Making them stick it out more than their age or maturity level can handle is a sure-fire way to make them dread the idea of going back. The older they get, the more you can push their time limits.
Decrease Screen Time as They Age
If you’re like me and you opt to let your kids take a screen in the woods, remember, you don’t want that to be a lifetime habit. It’s a means to an end. So, as they age, it’s a good idea to decrease the amount of time they’re on screens while on stand. When my son was first starting out, I’d let him watch a movie the whole time we were there. But as he got older, I’d start having him wait for a little while before getting on. Then, when deer or turkeys would appear, I’d have him put it away for a bit to observe. He’s 8 years old now, and during this past turkey season, he had his first screen-free hunt. Still had a ton of snacks, though. Hunting just wouldn’t be hunting without snacks.
Never Let Them See Your Frustration
It can be extremely easy to become frustrated when your kids make noise, move, or cause you to miss an opportunity. But we have to remember that they’re still learning. They’re brand new to it. They’re not perfect. Our outward frustration with them making a mistake can cause them to feel that we’re disappointed with them and that they’re not good enough to be there. Some kids will shut down and just decide that they don’t want to go back if they can’t live up to their parents’ high standards. So, learning to whisper, “It’s ok, buddy. You’re doing great!” when they drop something in the stand will go a long way with their self-esteem. On the other hand, having them associate a trip to the woods with disappointment from dad will always cast a shadow over the whole thing.
Hunting Isn’t the Most Important Thing
It’s crazy to think about, but hunting might not always be around. If we don’t pass it down to them, they certainly won’t pass it down to their children. So, we have to keep that in mind when we’re planning our trips to the woods with them. While our kids are young, even in their pre-teen and young teenage years, we only need to accomplish two things: get them outdoors and make it fun for them. That’s it. If we accomplish those two things, we’ve done our job. Every kid isn’t going to grow up to be a hunter. That’s just the reality. But hunting isn’t the most important thing either. Making great memories with our kids is. Doing it outdoors is just a bonus.
SCWF is proud to support S. 96, the South Carolina Boating Safety and Education bill which will make South Carolina’s waterways safer. This legislation will require boaters born on or after July 1, 2007 to receive a boating safety certificate by completing a boating safety course administered or approved by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) before operating a boat with a 10-horsepower engine or greater. Our Director of Education, BeBe Dalton Harrison, attended the ceremonial bill signing yesterday on Lake Murray with Governor Henry McMaster, Lieutenant Governor Pamela S. Evette, state and local law enforcement officers, state agency leaders, members of the General Assembly, and many bill supporters who had lost loved ones in boating accidents.
By BeBe Dalton Harrison, SCWF Director of Education
High school students from across the state gathered recently at King’s Mountain State Park to take part in Camp Wildwood, a conservation camp founded in 1954. Campers attending the camp are selected after being nominated by a teacher or other advisor and take part in daily classes including Wildlife, Fisheries, Forestry, Hunter Education, Boating, and more. In addition to the classes, campers participate in hikes, crazy sports, team building, leadership development, and dances. This camp is an excellent opportunity for high school students to learn more about careers in natural resources and the outdoors. In addition, the campers form incredible family-like bonds through their “niches” (groups with whom they attend class). One interesting part of this camp is that all of the counselors were once campers themselves, so they know first-hand what a strong impact the camp can be for students. Many of the counselors and staff have even gone into natural resources careers because of the impact of the camp (including the author of this article!)
The South Carolina Wildlife Federation (SCWF) is a proud sponsor of Camp Wildwood. In addition to SCWF, other sponsors include the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, the Garden Club of South Carolina, the Harry Hampton Memorial Wildlife Fund, and South Carolina Parks and Recreation. Camp Wildwood is held annually in June at Kings Mountain State Park and you can find out more information about it by visiting https://www.campwildwoodsc.com/.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act! Join us as we highlight species throughout the year that have benefited from this landmark legislation.
This week is shark week! Take a dive with us into the fascinating world of sharks and their importance in ocean ecosystems. The oceanic whitetip shark is a federally threatened species that lives off South Carolina’s coast and is a pelagic species, meaning they are found exclusively in waters of the open ocean. Sharks are a keystone species, and as top predators, they keep ocean ecosystems in balance by maintaining healthy prey populations and keeping vital habitats healthy. The oceanic whitetip in particular faces threats that caused its listing under the Endangered Species Act, including incidental bycatch in commercial fisheries and harvest for international trade due to their highly valuable fins. Help spread awareness on the importance of sharks and all fish by learning more about best fishing practices and joining our Plishing Challenge!
WOW!!! We’re so incredibly grateful and humbled by the support of so many in our biggest fundraiser of the year – all raising money to conserve and restore South Carolina’s wildlife and habitat!
We’re truly thankful for all of the amazing items donated to our auction by generous businesses small and large, and many from individual donors too. We love seeing the excitement of so many people who care passionately about wildlife – people from 12 different states (even as far away as California!) registered for our auction, bought raffle tickets and merchandise, placed bids, and donated.
Thank YOU to the item donors, bidders, and sponsors of the 2023 Wild Summer Nights Online Auction for making this our most successful auction yet! Your participation helped us exceed our goal, and we are truly grateful for your support. All proceeds fund SCWF’s conservation and education programs that make an impact for wildlife right here in our state.
