Ep. 94 Managing Northeastern California Wetlands with Greg Heydeman

Regional Biologist Greg Heydeman (California Waterfowl Association) joins Jeff Smith and Carson Odegard for a deep look at habitat work and hunting realities in the high desert of Modoc, Klamath and Shasta Valley.In this conversation you’ll learn:Why the 2025-26 season starts with optimism—heavy snowpack and strong water deliveries are putting more acres back under flood across the Northeast ZoneThe Butte Valley makeover—over 2,000 acres of former ditch water converted to managed seasonal wetlands and improved hunter accessPublic-first project strategy—roughly 80-85 percent of CWA habitat dollars in Greg’s region go to state and federal areas, not private clubsHow ice drives every decision—from property acquisitions to draw systems, one hard freeze in early December can shut an entire ranch downNew migration quirks—summer-resident snow geese and specks are now common sights, underscoring shifting flyway patternsPull up a chair and hear how smart engineering, targeted grants and on-the-ground hunting experience combine to keep birds—and opportunity—on the landscape.🦆 Like the show? Tap follow, leave a quick rating, and share this episode with your blind partners. Your support helps California’s wetlands—and the conversations that protect them—keep thriving.