Deep South Dispatch: Southeastern Wildlife Expo

Every February around Valentine's Day Charleston hosts the Southeastern Wildlife Expo. I attended once back in my college days but, thanks to a timely invitation from the College of Charleston Library, got to attend this year.

Nothing against gator, but it's not "Charleston's excellent cuisine"

I enjoyed a day of beautiful weather, Charleston's excellent cuisine, and many worthwhile conversations. All the time I spent it with my college roommate, who, as life often has it, I don't get to see enough.

The Expo has quite a few venues scattered around the city. My former roommate, The Captain, and I took in the largest ones. At Brittlebank Park we saw custom paddleboat built for fishing. We fantasized about buying land for outdoor recreation when we spoke with several reps in that line. For example, the truly well-heeled sportsman can buy in to Bray's Island which is offers all sorts of hunting, fishing, and riding opportunities. we all dream, but I wonder if it was giving to me, whether I would really fit in and feel comfortable on a place like Brays Island. I know the land having driven through it many times and I could be in love with that acreage. I am not sure about the people.

A particularly fun moment came as we passed a booth were the occupants sold duck calls. One of the women commented that someone on the other side of the large tent we were in had let loose and should be answered. Her booth-mate was up to the challenge and a duck call brawl seemed to be breaking out.

A wetter and friendlier competition involved dogs leaping into pools to demonstrate their retrieving and long-jumping skills.

This Dock Dog walks on water.

 In the afternoon the Captain and I chatted with artists, magazine publishers, and people involved in all sorts of conservation efforts in the area around Marion Square. The Wildlife Expo (SEWE) uses this centrally located park downtown too. My favorite group - a new one to me - was the Orianne Society who's purpose is to save the indigo snake in the wiregrass of Georgia and Florida. I hope they are successful beyond their dreams.

A Eurasian eagle at SEWE

 The most dramatic aspect of SEWE had to be the birds of prey demonstration on Marion Square. They used a number of native species and some they had attained through trade including the two pictured here.












We had a great spot right at the fence where a lot of the action took place.

 

A Eurasian owl during the Birds of Prey Demo

In the end I really enjoy the mix of people at SEWE. On the one hand you have the best financed sort of hunters and fishers, self-taught artist, government servants, and a wide range of conservationists all mixing it up with honest country craftsmen like the fellow I met who hand crafts boat paddles with cedar trim. They are beautiful. So beautiful it made me wish I could buy a boat so I would justify one of this paddles.