SCW June 2026

South Carolina Wildlife magazine…

behind the scenes!

Here’s a sneak peek of the July-August 2026 cover of South Carolina Wildlife magazine. A scenic avenue at Donnelley Wildlife Management Area photographed by SCW Editor Cindy Thompson

Don’t miss the July-August edition

of South Carolina Wildlife magazine!

In this edition of SCW’s “Palmetto Portraits,” photographer Phillip Jones captures breathtaking images along picturesque side roads that weave all the way from the capital city of Columbia to the Atlantic Ocean. At the end of the trip, Jones enjoyed this glorious sunset at Cherry Grove Pier! Photo by Phillip Jones

The summer issue of South Carolina Wildlife magazine is geared toward all ages and outdoor interests! Articles featured in this issue:

• “Reconnecting”
  College students reconnect with nature on the Palmetto Trail
• “Fishing with a Ghost”
  An angler witnesses a unique blue ghost firefly display after a day of fly fishing
• “Lake Wylie’s Black Bass Battle”
  Working to protect South Carolina’s native black bass population, as the non-native Alabama bass species threatens to overtake local aquatic habitats.
• “When the Rain Stops”
  State Climatology Staff explain different types of drought
• “Conserving South Carolina’s Crayfishes”
  Our state is home to a large number of crayfish species, and their habitats are of critical importance.
• “Palmetto Portraits”
  Side Road to Paradise
• “Dabbling”
  Reflections on dabbling for fish
• “Wildlife on Your Land: Changes”
  A surprising then-and-now look at a Carolina landscape
• “Beauty within the Beast”
  The beauty of wildlife in a flower garden
• “Wilds and Waters: the Bluegill”
• “Conservation Corner”
  Local farmers reflect on their connections to the Conservation Districts of S.C.
  . . . and more!

“Lake Wylie’s Black Bass Battle,” featured in the summer issue of SCW magazine, focuses on the importance of protecting populations of our state’s native black bass species and breaks down the approach to support native populations.

Protecting South Carolina’s Native Bass

The following is an excerpt from the article “Lake Wylie’s Black Bass Battle,” written by Terry Madewell. The full article will be featured in the South Carolina Wildlife July-August issue.

If you are not already a subscriber, please subscribe before July 1 to receive your copy. Visit GoOutdoorsSouthCarolina.com or SCWildlife.com to subscribe today. 

Click to view the documentary video “Protecting Our Native Bass,” which accompanies this article. (Produced by SCDNR photographer Allison DeVore; featured on SCNaturalResources YouTube)

Lake Wylie’s Black Bass Battle by Terry Madewell. Photos by Danielle Kent.

Lake Wylie’s Black Bass Battle

SCW feature article by Terry Madewell
Photos and documentary video by Allison DeVore and Danielle Kent

During the early 2000s, an elite bass fishery found at Lake Wylie lured the Bassmaster Classic to host leading tournament bass anglers to battle for the title of Champion. The lake hosted a thrilling tournament in 2004, and all was well in this bass-fishing world.

Concurrently, during those years, a nonnative species of bass was being illegally transported under the radar from Alabama waters into South Carolina river systems and lakes. Astounding disruptions within South Carolina’s native aquatic ecosystems would soon follow.

SCDNR freshwater fisheries staff sample and survey lake reservoirs to monitor populations of bass species that are present. Photo by Allison DeVore

Upsetting the Balance of a Native Ecosystem

Lake Wylie is the uppermost lake in the Catawba River system in South Carolina. First created in 1904 by a dam near Fort Mill, Lake Wylie is one of the oldest reservoirs in South Carolina. The SCDNR manages the lake for recreational fishing and maintains multiple fish attractors. Popular sport fish of Lake Wylie include largemouth bass, crappie and catfish. The SCDNR monitors these species on a regular basis to maintain a healthy population.

Healthy populations of largemouth bass once existed at Lake Wylie, producing an elite-level fishery for decades, until illegal transportation of fish occurred, sabotaging the native black bass fishery and the natural harmony of this ecosystem. Lake Wylie was invaded by an aggressive predator that now sits at the top of the chain: the Alabama bass.

Alabama bass are quickly overtaking Lake Wylie waters, resulting in increased competition with native largemouth bass. Photos by Danielle Kent

Preston Chrisman is the Freshwater Fisheries Coordinator for Region Two of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) and Chairman of the Black Bass Working Group. He and this SCDNR team are leading efforts to combat the unwelcome spread of this species into the Catawba River system.

“Often referred to by anglers as Spotted bass, the Alabama bass became a specific, named species of black bass in 2008,” Chrisman said. “When introduced into non-native fisheries, the invasive species rapidly overruns the native bass population to the point of dominance. At Lake Wylie, the native largemouth are losing the battle.”

According to Chrisman, “Alabama bass are typically smaller than the largemouth bass, seldom reaching trophy sizes. Over time, their population explodes, and their growth rates decline when their numbers stabilize,” he said. “Eventually, competition and pressure on forage produce smaller versions of the invasive species, with most in the one-to-three-pound class.”

SCDNR Freshwater fisheries staff encourage anglers to learn characteristics of native black bass vs. Alabama bass. Native largemouth bass (top) compared to non-native Alabama bass (bottom). Photo courtesy SCDNR

In his article, “Lake Wylie’s Black Bass Battle,” Terry Madewell underscores that the SCDNR will not allow the native black bass fisheries to slip quietly into the night without a fight, but it is an ongoing, long-term battle.

“We’re initiating an experimental black bass stocking program on Lake Wylie in 2027,” Chrisman said. “The goal is to stock 150,000 fingerling largemouth bass into Lake Wylie, and to repeat the stockings for at least three consecutive years.” … “Our goal is that anglers will catch more five-pound largemouth rather than three-pounders.”

“Lake Wylie’s Black Bass Battle” by Terry Madewell will be featured in the July-August 2026 edition of South Carolina Wildlife magazine. 

South Carolina’s native black bass
vs. non-native Alabama bass

by Preston Chrisman,
Freshwater Fisheries Coordinator for Region Two of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR)
and Chairman of the Black Bass Working Group 

Alabama Bass (Micropterus henshalli) are native to the Mobile River Basin of Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi, but have been introduced into waters across the Southeast outside their native range. In South Carolina, Alabama Bass have been illegally introduced into nearly every major river basin in state. The unauthorized spread of invasive Alabama Bass has become a growing conservation concern because they compete with native black bass species for food and habitat and can hybridize with closely related bass, reducing the genetic integrity of native populations. Research from several southeastern states, South Carolina included, has documented declines in Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, and Bartram’s (Redeye) Bass populations following Alabama Bass introductions, making prevention of further spread an important fisheries management priority.

South Carolina’s native largemouth bass; Photo by Preston Chrisman

(non-native) Alabama bass; Photo by Preston Chrisman

Most anglers believe they are catching the closely related Spotted Bass (Micropterus punctulatus), but all the “spotted” bass in South Carolina have been genetically confirmed to be Alabama Bass. Although Alabama Bass (Micropterus henshalli) and Largemouth Bass (Micropterus nigricans) can appear similar, several key features help distinguish the two species. The most noticeable difference is the size of the mouth. In Largemouth Bass, the upper jaw extends well beyond the rear edge of the eye when the mouth is closed, while in Alabama Bass the jaw typically ends near the middle or rear margin of the eye. Alabama Bass also tend to have a broken, blotchy dark stripe along their sides with rows of small dark spots below the lateral line, whereas Largemouth Bass usually display a more solid, continuous horizontal stripe. Another useful characteristic is the tongue: Alabama Bass generally have a small rough tooth patch on the tongue, while Largemouth Bass usually lack this feature. Because coloration can vary among individuals, multiple characteristics should be used together when identifying these species. Additionally, Alabama Bass will hybridize with Smallmouth Bass and Bartram’s Bass, and to a lesser extent with Largemouth Bass, making visual identification even more difficult for anglers of all experience levels.

If you would like to learn more about recreational fishing and the native fish species of South Carolina, please visit https://www.dnr.sc.gov/fishing.html

To purchase a fishing license, visit GoOutdoorsSouthCarolina.

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South Carolina Wildlife

Spring 1968

South Carolina Wildlife, Spring 1968

Thank you!

Thank you for supporting South Carolina Wildlife magazine, the flagship publication of the S.C. Department of Natural Resources.

If you are not already a subscriber, please visit GoOutdoorsSouthCarolina.com or SCWildlife.com to receive bi-monthly editions of this award-winning magazine. 

If you have questions, comments or suggestions for the staff of South Carolina Wildlife magazine, please email  SCWildlifeMagazine@dnr.sc.gov

To purchase a South Carolina Wildlife magazine subscription, please visit GoOutdoorsSouthCarolina.com or SCWildlife.com

South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
South Carolina Wildlife magazine
P.O. Box 167
Columbia, SC  29202

June 2026

June is the beginning of the summer season in South Carolina with the summer solstice happening on June 21^st. The summer solstice marks the longest day, or hours of sunlight during a day, that the Northern Hemisphere will receive in the year. The exact number of hours experienced will depend on the viewer’s exact location, but if you are located within South Carolina you should expect to have just over 14 hours of daylight from sunup to sundown.

We will get to observe some thrilling and exciting changes in wildlife activity this month. Aves, or birds, are active during this time of year. Along the coast, shorebirds may be seen sitting on nests. In places like Botany Bay Heritage Preserve, it may be possible to spot an American oystercatcher in the distance by scanning the dunes for its bright orange beak. Nesting areas may be marked by similarly-colored bright orange tape. Observing shorebirds from a distance, especially during nesting season, is encouraged. This time of year, species like brown pelicans, royal terns, sandwich terns, least terns, black skimmers, and American oystercatchers are settling down atop their nests. These nesting colonies will often be behind some type of barrier where they are being protected as well as monitored by scientists. To get a closer look, I would recommend a good pair of 10 x 42 binoculars or your favorite camera, or even phone with a zoom lens attached. Report your findings to iNaturalist or eBird as well to contribute valuable citizen science data! Maybe if you find a passion in reporting birds you can become one of the famous “listers” — a person who meticulously reports and seeks out different species of birds, or maybe you might find a new “lifer” —  or a bird seen by you for the first time in your life.

Nature photography day is June 15th! This day was created by the North American Nature Photography association and highlights the importance of photos in telling a conservation story and in research, as well as the value of it as a nature-based activity that can be enjoyed but all people, equipment and skill level aside. Get outside and explore a new public land, with a camera of any type in hand.

Red-winged blackbird, Photo by Allison DeVore

A note from Allison DeVore SCDNR Photographer and Videographer. “Every shoot brings something new, whether that’s a species I’ve never encountered or a person I’ve never met, and that’s what keeps it interesting. I love getting to tell the stories of SCDNR.” The photo of the red-winged blackbird was taken at Donnelley WMA and is one of Allison’s favorite photos that she has taken.

American Oystercatcher

American Oystercatcher, Photo by Kaitlyn Hackathorn

The American Oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus), found in South Carolina, is a shorebird species with a remarkable conservation success story. In 2008, the U.S. Atlantic and Gulf coast’s population estimate was 10,000 individuals. Surveys in 2023 counted 14,000 oystercatchers, an increase of 43 percent!  As its name suggests, the American oystercatcher primarily feeds on oysters, mussels, clams and other marine invertebrates. Its bill, that is shaped like an oyster knife, allows it to access food sources unavailable to many other shorebirds that lack this specialized oyster opening adaptation. Habitat loss and alteration have long been major challenges for the species. American oystercatchers show strong site fidelity, often returning to the same nesting beach season after season, despite changes to those habitats over time. Conservation efforts that have contributed to the species’ recovery include habitat management for invasive species, restrictions on disturbance from domestic pets, protective buffers around nesting sites, and the creation and restoration of oyster reefs. This recovery effort has been a collaborative initiative involving state agencies, nonprofit organizations, and individuals along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Although the population has increased, the species still faces ongoing threats such as storms, nest disturbance, and beach erosion and loss. The story of the American oystercatcher, like that of South Carolina’s wildlife as a whole, remains an ongoing one that requires continued attention, collaboration, and support from both environmental institutions and the public.   

Looking for a fun activity geared toward kids or a school group? Learn how to make a pinhole camera!

Deveaux Bank Seabird Sanctuary

Deveaux Bank, Photo by Kaitlyn Hackathorn

Please be aware that The S.C. Department of Natural Resources’ (SCDNR) Deveaux Bank Seabird Sanctuary is completely closed March 15-October 15 to protect coastal birds during the nesting season. 

Deveaux Bank Seabird Sanctuary was established to protect significant nesting habitat of sea and shorebirds. Located at the mouth of the North Edisto River in Charleston County, Deveaux Bank Seabird Sanctuary encompasses approximately 215 acres of sandy beaches, vegetated dunes, broad marshes and intertidal shoals. The size of this sanctuary varies, and it may sometimes disappear entirely. The location of Deveaux Bank as an estuarine island was first documented in 1921, and it was documented as a seabird rookery in the 1930s. During World War II, nesting was temporarily interrupted due to the island’s use as a bombing range. Deveaux Bank is part of a dynamic system; it completely subsided in 1980 due to erosion from Hurricane David and then slowly reemerged to provide seabird nesting habitat again in 1983.

Deveaux Bank’s maritime grassland community lives on unstable sand dunes elevated above the highest flood mark. The grassland community is dominated by Russian thistle and marsh hay, which grow along with camphorweed, beach elder, beach tea and dog fennel.

Deveaux Bank supports colonies of nesting waterbirds because of its isolated nature and lack of mammalian predators. Although all species may not nest on the island each year, examples of species that have used the island include brown pelican, least tern, royal tern, black skimmer, gull-billed tern, sandwich tern, common tern, laughing gull, Wilson’s plover, American oystercatcher, willet, great egret, snowy egret, tricolored heron and white ibis.

The colonial nesting behavior of these birds makes them very susceptible to disturbance. Birds are densely packed into breeding sites during the nesting season, rendering the entire rookery susceptible to disruption or destruction. In addition, migratory and wintering shorebirds and seabirds need periods of rest and foraging free from disturbance to survive long journeys and inclement weather. The sand flats and mud flats located in the interior of the island provide feeding and loafing habitat for numerous shorebird species including red knot (federally threatened), piping plover (federally threatened), sanderling, dunlin, short-billed dowitcher, marbled godwits and many others.

In recent years, Deveaux Bank made national headlines as SCDNR biologists discovered the largest known concentration of Hudsonian whimbrels, a rare curlew species, using the site as a nocturnal roost on their spring migration. Due to its critical importance for whimbrels, as well as other migrating shorebirds, Deveaux Bank was designated as a Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network site of international importance in 2024. 

SCDNR events often require pre-registration to attend. Please click on the respective links and ensure you are signed up before attending.

Saltwater Fishing Clinics

Many dates and locations are available this month!

These clinics will teach you how to tie knots, rig your rod, how to cast, what bait to use, and what fish you can catch in saltwater! Find all dates and other events at the SCDNR Fishing Outreach Eventbrite.

Freshwater Fishing Clinics

Many dates and locations are available this month!

These clinics will teach you how to tie knots, rig your rod, how to cast, what bait to use, and what fish you can catch in freshwater! Find all dates and other events at the SCDNR Aquatic Education Eventbrite.

Ironclad Anglers Fishing Rodeo, Colonial Lake, Charleston County

Saturday, June 6th, 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Come join SCDNR and the City of Charleston for a hero-themed saltwater fishing rodeo at Colonial Lake. Youth 15 and under. Register here

Hikes with a Naturalist, Ashmore HP & WMA, Greenville County

Saturday, June 20^th, 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Hikes with a Naturalist are introductory explorations into the natural world around us. These hikes will cover topics ranging from local wildlife and fishes to best hiking practices and land management. Register here

Red Snapper 101- Charleston County

Monday, June 29th, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Red Snapper 101 will be taught by SCDNR staff, fishing professionals, and Shimano staff. We will go over the new updates, fish ID, and more.

The Red Snapper class goes over the new regulations, reporting system, season, fishing techniques, and fish ID. This class will teach you everything you would want to know about red snapper. Kids from ages 6 to adults are welcome, so come out to Shimano’s classroom and enjoy the class! Register here

About Us:

Conservation Education is a section within SCDNR’s Office of Education, Outreach, and Information. Our goal is to connect South Carolinians and visitors to public lands to help them live life outdoors. Our educational programs offer lessons on wildlife, fisheries, forestry, land management, watersheds, and environmental history.

Contact:

Conservation Education Section

Email: ConservationED@dnr.sc.gov