The South Carolina Waterfowl Association (SCWA) successfully hosted the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) South Carolina Duck Summit on Monday, April 27, 2026, at the SCWA Wildlife Education Center in Pinewood, bringing together leading voices in waterfowl conservation, hunting, and habitat management from across the state.
The one-day summit, held from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., convened key stakeholders including state agency leaders, conservation organizations, private land managers, and members of the South Carolina General Assembly.
Designed as a collaborative forum, the Duck Summit addressed pressing issues facing waterfowl populations and duck hunting in South Carolina while identifying opportunities for strengthened partnerships and long-term conservation success.
"This summit represented a critical step forward in aligning the efforts of agencies, organizations, and landowners who all play a role in the future of waterfowl in South Carolina," said David Wielicki, CEO of the South Carolina Waterfowl Association. "By bringing everyone to the table, we were able to share insights, tackle challenges, and develop solutions that will benefit both wildlife and the sporting traditions we value."
The summit opened with welcome remarks from SCWA leadership and SCDNR Director Tom Mullikin, followed by perspectives from state legislators.
Throughout the day, participants engaged in a series of presentations and panel discussions covering:
- Roles and resources of key conservation partners, including SCDNR, Ducks Unlimited, Delta Waterfowl, the James C. Kennedy Waterfowl & Wetlands Center, and Nemours Wildlife Foundation
- A comprehensive recap of the 2025–2026 duck season from public agency and private landowner perspectives
- A moderated panel discussion on the current state and future of duck hunting in South Carolina
- Habitat and hunt management strategies from inland and coastal experts
- Roundtable discussions on challenges to successful waterfowl management
- Opportunities for collaboration, outreach, and public engagement
Hosted in partnership with leading conservation organizations, the Duck Summit reflected a shared commitment to sustaining South Carolina's waterfowl resources and ensuring the future of waterfowl hunting through science-based management, habitat conservation, and public-private collaboration.
The summit concluded with an open question-and-answer session, encouraging participant feedback and setting the stage for continued dialogue and future collaboration.
About the South Carolina Waterfowl Association: The South Carolina Waterfowl Association (SCWA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to wildlife habitat conservation and education. Through its programs and partnerships, SCWA works to preserve South Carolina's natural resources while inspiring the next generation of conservationists and outdoor enthusiasts.
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