The Seasons of Cape Romain

 

Spring is a prime time to visit the refuge. You have opportunities to see painted buntings and other songbirds as their migration peaks in March and April. Shorebirds also return at this time. Alligators can be viewed as they sun along the banks of Jacks Creek and Summerhouse Pond.

Great Egret. Credit: Ricky Wrenn©

Summer is a hot and humid period. Temperatures sometimes reach above 100 degrees but visitors are rewarded with the possibility of seeing endangered woodstorks, fledgling royal terns and other young birds.

Black Duck. Credit: Danny Bales©

Fall temperatures begin to cool and fall colors appear in the maritime forest. In September, ducks begin to arrive in preparation for their winter stay. In October, yellow warblers and other songbirds again pass through the refuge.

Winter is the season for hunting and fishing. Channel bass runs peak in November and deer hunts occur in November and December. Birders can observe peak waterfowl numbers in late November and early December. At this time, most of the Atlantic Coast's American Oystercatcher population is on the refuge. January and February are prime times to gather clams and oysters.

 

 

 

 

	Lighthouse Tour. Credit: Tricia Lynch/USFWS
	Archery Hunt. Credit: Tricia Lynch/USFWS
	Youth Fishing Rodeo. Credit: Tricia Lynch/USFWS

Special Events

 

Cape Romain Historic Lighthouse Tour

Twice a year, in the Spring and Fall, there are tours out to Lighthouse Island to view Cape Romain's two historic lighthouses, built in 1827 and 1857. Both on the Register of Historic Places, the 1827 light is one of the oldest in the country. Contact the Sewee Center for tour information.

 

Bulls Island Archery Hunt

Archery hunts for white-tailed deer occur on Bulls Island two weeks annually. Each 6 day hunt begins the second Monday in November and second Monday in December. The hunts offer wholesome outdoor recreation as well as provide a management tool to maintain a healthy deer population. For hunting information, see the hunt brochure.

 

Youth Fishing Rodeo

In celebration of our National Wildlife Refuges, in the late spring the Sewee Center hosts a youth fishing rodeo for children of all ages at the Sewee Pond. Prizes and fish art T-shirts highlight this event. Contact the Sewee Center for rodeo information.