U-Haul 75th Anniversary - Graphics That Educate

U-Haul Supergraphic depiction from Manitboa, Canada

The arrival of summer brings a range of outdoor activities that are well-suited to social distancing, but there are other ways to experience the wonders of nature. It’s not uncommon to view a U-Haul truck on the road or at a gas station with a large informational graphic on it. This roadside scenery is actually known as a Supergraphic and they educate about places across the U.S. and Canada. U-Haul is celebrating their 75th anniversary in 2020, and the entire supergraphic gallery is available online for those who want to learn more about these unique and notable destinations.

            

U-Haul celebrates 75 years in 2020

The supergraphic scenes from South Carolina include the Darlington Speedway, the Hunley submarine, and the City of Charleston. The supergraphics program was born in 1988, and while U-Haul states that the side of each truck is valuable as advertising space to corporate America, they believe in giving back to the community by using it as an educational space. Examples of the first supergraphics are South Dakota’s Mount Rushmore and Florida’s Space Shuttle. Their U-Haul trucks show images that represent states and provinces while their trailers show individual cities. 

Another supergraphic that catches the eye is the depiction of lots of snakes on the Ventures Across Canada Series. The snakes of Narcisse in Manitoba apparently emerge from their winter dens in dense numbers of 100,000-snakes. The red-sided garter snakes begin a mating ritual of raising their heads in a stripey spectacle. This snake-filled supergraphic is so striking that it may actually deter some from ever setting foot in Manitoba in springtime!

To view the entire feature article in the newspaper click on Colletonian.

To view more blog entries about snakes click on Canine Rattlesnake Bite - Edisto Serpentarium - September Snakes Seen Slithering - Duck Season Snakes -  2014 Snakes at SEWE - 2016 SEWE

Beaches Open for Memorial Day, No Rules Tourney Canceled

The 2020 No Rules Tourney is canceled due to Covid-19

The outdoors calendar continues to evolve due to the COVID-19 social distancing guidelines. The biggest news came last week when local beaches discontinued checkpoints and opened up for weekend visitors, just in time for the arrival of the Memorial Day holiday weekend. Two cancellations for the weekend of May 30 includes the No Rules fishing tourney out of Bennett’s Point, and the Cookin’ On The Creek BBQ event at Edisto. Large gatherings of people are not likely in the immediate future, but other than that the official start of the summer season is here.

Graphic courtesy Town of Edisto Beach

Tournament fishing that requires a single checkpoint for meetings and weigh-ins are suffering under the COVID-19 crisis. The No Rues Fishing Tourney out of Bennett’s Point landing planned on fishing May 30 but was cancelled during a May 16 announcement. While disappointed that they could not hold their event, the B and B seafood business is staying open seven days a week to sell fresh shrimp and seafood to loyal customers. The No Rules tourney is special to the Colleton community because it brings avid anglers together to celebrate the sport of fishing, with music, food and fellowship. With 20 years of history, the No Rules crew plans to continue their traditions in the future.

Sports that take place outdoors dipped their proverbial toes in the water last weekend with NASCAR racing in Darlington, and pro golf teeing it up in Florida. Why was Darlington the first NASCAR event? The racing teams are based in Charlotte, and Darlington is only a day-trip away for everyone involved with a racing team, adhering to the stay close to home formula. No fans were allowed at the race, but the made for TV sporting event drew lots of virtual cheers across the Southeast. 

To view the entire feature article in the newspaper click on Colletonian.

To view past blog entries from Memorial Day click on 2018 - 2015 - 2012 

To view past blog entires from the No Rules tourney click on 2018 - 2017 - 2013 

2020 Gamekeepers / Spring - Creating Water Sources

Water sources help to keep wildlife close

The season cycle is more unpredictable now than ever these days, with droughty weather becoming severe, and the increased possibility of localized flooding at the other end of the spectrum. Cattle farmers know that they cannot run out of water during a hot and dry weather cycle, and gamekeepers need to apply that same knowledge so that wildlife avoids the stress of decreased access to water. The concept of utilizing a backhoe to dig a hole in the earth does not guarantee success, so the decision about where to dig should bear some weight in the process of creating water sources.

One of my Lowcountry photos - Woodrows and Bandits

            

Deer hunters understand that there is no better feature to hunt over than a water hole during a prolonged dry spell. The value of hunting over whitetail food sources is always hard to beat, except in dusty, droughty conditions. A similar equation, applied to any other game species, can make it clear to the wildlife enthusiast that water is a powerful attractor. Simplify the scale of this equation to one’s own backyard and visualize how many songbirds come to the birdseed feeder and how many come to the water in the bird bath. The logic is unescapable that water sources add value to the landscape, and the better they are suited to wildlife the more they will be utilized.

Plus 2-cents from my editor

To join the Mossy Oak Gamekeeper Club and receive a free hat, Biologic samples  and a magazine subscription click here.

To View past blog entries from Mossy Oak Gamekeepers Magazine click Fall 2017 - Spring 2016 - Winter 2016 - Fall 2015 - Summer 2015 - Spring 2015 - Winter 2015 - Fall 2014 - Summer 2014 - Spring 2014 - Winter 2013

Birdwatching, Bingo and Billfish on The Front Porch

You can catch the Edisto Billfish tourney again in 2021 

Springtime in the Lowcountry is the absolute best time to be a birder, whether an amateur or a lifelong veteran. Taking up a position almost anywhere and watching for anything out of the ordinary can bring you a bird sighting worth sharing with others. As the doctrine of social distancing continues to settle in, when we are not at work or in search of essential supplies, sitting on the front porch remains a safe bet. With social events like the I Love Edisto auction going virtual in 2020, and Edisto Bingo and Edisto Billfish now canceled, the front porch Wifi connection is going to be vital. 

            

The Marina at Edisto Beach announced on May 8 that the 2020 Edisto Billfish Tournament is now canceled. The reasons for cancellation are outlined on the South Carolina Governor’s Cup Series FaceBook page and includes issues with their usual labor force due to the coronavirus pandemic. The first shake-up for the 2020 Gov. Cup Series came on April 30 when the Georgetown tourney postponed their event from Memorial Day until August, due to similar concerns. Whenever the S.C. billfish events get underway, fishing enthusiasts will likely be able to stream daily weigh-ins at home to view the offshore action. The Big Rock tournament in North Carolina has been using the online format for years, and will do so again this year too.

            

The 2020 summer season of Edisto Bingo at the Lions Club is another casualty of social distancing. Their announcement on April 22 stating they are saddened to not be conducting Bingo, resonated with shock and awe, for both island residents and the summertime folks who cherish this family fun tradition. The Edisto Island Open Land Trust announced on May 9 that their annual I Love Edisto auction will now be held entirely online June 18 – 20. Since ticket sales usually raise funds, and no tickets are required in 2020, they are hopeful to have higher participation and bidding to fund their conservation work. Innovative contests like best decorated porch and the porch party with the greatest distance from Edisto should make this fun to watch. 

To view the entire feature article in the newspaper click on Colletonian.

To view past blog entries from 2019 at Edisto click on Billfish Tournament -  ACE Basin Appreciation- Dolphin Slam - Jim Bost Memorial - Sea Turtle Nesting

To view past blog entries from 2018 at Edisto click on Thirsty Whale Tours - I Love Edisto Auction - Jim Bost Memorial - Dolphin Slam - Coastal Geology - Grits Cook Off

To view past blog entries from 2017 at Edisto click on Holiday Business After Hours - EIOLT Oyster Roast - Billfish Tourney - Bingo - Tomato Open- I Love Edisto Auction - Jim Bost Memorial - Shark Tourney

To view past blog entries from 2016 at Edisto click on Serpentarium - Jim Bost Memorial - Dolphin Slam - Cobia Tourney - Spring Shorebird Synergy - Bovine Bones on Beach - Edisto River book

2020 Sea Turtle Nesting Season Begins with High Drama

Lynne Sager with the First Nest of 2020 on May 4 at Kiawah Island

The Sea Turtle nesting season officially starts on May 1, and just like clockwork the first loggerhead turtle nest of 2020 arrived before dawn on May 1. This first sea turtle nest was located on Lighthouse Island in the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge. The second sea turtle nest located in South Carolina was found on Hilton Head Island on May 3, with a third sea turtle nest at Kiawah Island on May 4. After a record number of sea turtle nests found in South Carolina for 2019, hopes are high for another successful season in 2020.

The sea turtle patrol volunteers up and down the entire South Carolina coast were not officially permitted to monitor for sea turtle nests until less than 48 hours before the sun rise on May 1. Executive orders from Governor Henry McMaster related to the coronavirus pandemic, included a reduction of operations at the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. With SCDNR staff sequestered and working from home, they were not able to grant the permit necessary to begin sea turtle nest monitoring. 

Fresh sea turtle tracks are now appearing in May 2020 in S.C.

The morning of April 29 arrived and many volunteers began posting comments on FaceBook to raise awareness about the issue. Comments stating that volunteers were not able to even mark the location of an obvious sea turtle nest without a permit seemed contrary to common sense and the proven good intentions and positive results from this type of conservation work. The first sea turtle nest found in Georgia came on April 25, demonstrating that our neighboring state had no permit restrictions in place.

Given that understanding that the response to the coronavirus will continue to evolve as it concerns outdoor activities, with social distancing being the main requirement, sea turtle monitoring activities seem like a safe option. A team of two volunteers can walk a certain section of beach, are always able to maintain a 6-foot distance apart when on patrol and during the marking of any sea turtle nest. The army of turtle ladies (and men) who volunteer to walk the beach at dawn each day were naturally relieved to learn the news on the afternoon of April 29 that the SCDNR permit for 2020 would now be granted.

To read the entire feature article in the newspaper click on Colletonian.

To view past blog entries about sea turtles click on 2019 Kiawah Record Nesting Totals -  2019 Sea Turtle Nesting Season Begins- SCDNR Sea Turtle Trawl - TurtleFest at Edisto Beach State Park - Seabrook Turtle Patrol - Leatherback Sighting - World Sea Turtle Day - SC Aquarium Sea Turtle Release 

2020 S.C. Mahi Series Begins May 4

The S.C. Mahi Series is new for 2020,
aided by innovative rules

Brand new for 2020 is the S.C. Mahi Series, and it will likely be the first fishing tournament of the year due to their innovative format including a virtual Captain’s Meeting on May 2. The S.C. Mahi Series sets the tournament dates from May 4 – 30 and then tells fishing teams that they can pick any two days they want to go fishing, 

Offshore anglers are already willing to try for dolphin due to their high value as table fare, and for those with a competitive drive, they can now also compete for a cash prize. The entry fee for the S.C. Mahi Series is $350 and the heaviest two-fish aggregate weight will win the tournament. Teams can weigh two fish each day they fish, and the tournament will not count a team’s two smallest dolphin, and  will record the weights from a team’s heaviest two mahi. 

The online Captain’s Meeting on May 2 will be in lieu of the originally scheduled May 3 meeting at Hilton Head Harbor Marina. Despite missing out on the fellowship and meal that is usually a part of any Captain’s meeting, participants can still purchase a tourney t-shirt and get the positive feeling from group participation. Anglers can weigh-in their fish at three locations including Hilton Head, Toler’s Cove in Mount Pleasant and Georgetown Landing Marina. Pioneer Boats in Colleton County is a major sponsor of the S.C. Mahi Series, along with Tailwalker Marine and Black Dog Marine. Good Luck Fishing!

To read the feature article in the newspaper click on Colletonian.

To view past blog entries from the Edisto Dolphin Slam click 2019 - 2018 - 2016 

To view past blog entries on Migratory dolphin off S.C. click 2016 - 2015- 2014 - 2013 - 2012 - 2011 - 2010 - 2009 - 2007 

S.C. State Parks Reopen May 1

Edisto Beach State Park beach remains closed to the public on May 1

As the Covid-19 response in South Carolina continues to evolve, the first signs of post-quarantine outdoors living are on the calendar for May. South Carolina State Parks plan to reopen on a limited basis beginning May 1, while their group facilities at each site will remain closed. The cancellations for normal gatherings during May are considerable, but for those that want to get outside and visit a park, these options will have to suffice.

            

The South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism is responsible for the gradual reopening of S.C. State Parks, and they will monitor visitor usage as needed to ensure compliance with CDC guidelines. The best news is for those with existing state park camping and cabin reservations on May 1, since they will be allowed to check-in on schedule. New reservations for camping and cabins can now be made, with new check-ins starting on May 11. State Park visitor centers are also scheduled to reopen on May 11, with staffing levels ramping up towards a May 15 target date to reopen state park retail stores. State Parks will be assigned a daily carrying capacity, and the gates to any park will be closed at that time, until the number of visitors inside decreases.

Group facilities like picnic shelters, playgrounds and community buildings will remain closed for the time being. Existing reservations for group rental facilities will be cancelled through June 1, with no fees for rescheduling. Until further notice, state parks will not conduct park programs or tours. However, Facebook Live interpretive programming is ongoing and will continue on a limited basis. State Park Passports are good for 12-months of visits, and every passport holder affected by the closures during the month of April will have an extra month of availability added to the end of their passport ending date. 

To read the feature article in the newspaper click on Colletonian.

To view past blog entries about S.C. State Parks click Cheraw State Park -  Hickory Knob State Park - Edisto Beach - Huntington Beach - Myrtle Beach - Hampton Plantation - Barnwell / Tornado - Hunting Island

To view past blog entires on managed properties click  Congaree National Park - Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Botany Bay WMA / Coastal Geology - Donnelly WMA / Night Sounds - Belfast WMA / Benefit - Bear Island WMA / Birding