Captain Chad Hayes is a South Carolina native, born and raised in Dillon. He spent the majority of his life learning about the ecology of his home state and continued his education by receiving a degree in Biology from Presbyterian College. While in college, Chad successfully completed several internships with private game plantations, USDA, and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. He trapped beavers, built duck blinds and nesting boxes, planted food plots for deer and turkey, trapped and relocated wild turkey for repopulation, tagged deer and bobcat for scientific study, and interpreted data collected along the way for public use.

In his professional career, he has accomplished many things. He has spent years conducting interpretive eco-tours and fishing charters around Charleston, taught high school at Summerville High, monitored soil and water for contamination as an environmental consultant, worked for the Department of Natural Resources as a Fisheries Biologist, hosted a television show, "SC Wildlife", and won a national competition on ESPN, "The Search for the Ultimate Outdoorsman". In addition to the Kiawah Charter Company, he also owns EccoLogic, LLC. It is a Wildlife and Habitat Management company that strives to create harmony and balance between Development and Mother Nature. EccoLogic is currently under contract with an Audobon Sanctioned community on his home island.

He is an avid photographer and writer.His prints are popular amongst locals and tourists alike. His writings have been published in local, state, national, and international publications. He currently writes a bi-weekly article for the Island Connection, the Kiawah-Seabrook newspaper, titled "The View from the Water" , http://islandconnectionnews.com/?p=2645

He currently has several projects in the works which he hopes to complete over the next few years; including a book about his experiences on the Kiawah river and a television show to highlight the beauty and splendor of the lowcountry.

He has been featured in such national and local publications as Coastal Living, Southern Living, National Geographic Television, South Carolina Wildlife, Legends magazine, Post and Courier, The Dillon Herald, the Charleston City Paper  , http://www.charlestoncitypaper.com/gyrobase/Content?oid=oid%3A40392, and The Guy Harvey conservation magazine, http://guyharveymagazine.com/stranded-on-johns-island.php 

Through all of his accomplishments, Captain Chad has retained a love for the outdoors that is second to none. He is passionate about sharing his wealth of knowledge with his guests, not only to increase their knowledge and understanding of the areas eco-systems, but to increase their respect for the area as well.

His years of experience, knowledge of local history, ecology, dolphin behavior, bird species, and fishing techniques will insure you and your guests have a great time. Join him for the "Ultimate" outdoor adventure. He is USCG licensed and insured.