Ep. 98 The Legacy of California Waterfowling: A talk with Conservationist Yancey Forest-Knowles Pt.5

Jeff Smith and Carson Odegard sit down with waterfowl historian Yancey Forest-Knowles to unpack the Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta—its island clubs, levees and tides, and the public access that still lets you chase mallards and specks on big water today.

What you’ll hear

• How the Delta was built — from early private island claims and hand-built levees to today’s twin pressures of saltwater intrusion and export pumping.
• Club lore & big names — Twitchell Island’s first club (1880), Venice and Mandeville’s eras, and the “Mallard Hole” stories tied to Barron Hilton and Hollywood guests.
• Flood risk is real — why peat islands subside and how Jones Tract’s 2004 failure floated a clubhouse away.
• Public opportunity — boat-in spots and state-permitted floating blinds at Frank’s Tract (plus Big Break, Stone Lakes, Decker & more), and the on-water etiquette that keeps it working.
• Access rules that matter — anchor next to levees to hunt, but don’t set foot on them.
• Today’s mix of ag & restoration — CWA ownership on Quimby and habitat work across Medford, Sherman, and sister islands.

From 19th-century market hunts to modern floating blinds, this one maps the Delta’s history and gives practical pointers for anyone looking to do it right on big water.

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