Rice Field Duck Hunting | S3E01 | Cal in the Field

This week, Cal heads to a waterfowl mecca - California’s Sacramento Valley. He’s joining his friend Sean Doherty and local guide Scott Feist for a mixed bag hunt in the heart of the nation’s largest agricultural area. The rice fields they’ll be hunting provide habitat for migrating waterfowl outside of the planting season. The conservation efforts involved have allowed native ducks, geese, and shorebirds to return to the area without removing the need to grow food and make a living. Questions remain for the imperiled salmon that once swam the Sacramento floodplain, but the same water that grows food and brings in birds could very well bring back the native fishery too.
#meateater #fueledbynature
Want to spend more time with Cal? Tune in every Sunday for Cal’s Week in Review, a podcast delivering a unique spin on outdoor news designed for folks that need to know what’s going on, and those who want to pretend they do. Listen here: bit.ly/2J4iQD4
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[@alfaq654]

Great episode, but I wish you had touched a bit on the biggest issue with water in this area, which is not local rice farmers but instead all of the water that gets sent down to Tulare, Fresno, and LA county for unsustainable nut and citrus farming and a massive metropolis in the desert that has no business existing in the first place. I've lived my entire life in this area and have watched the Federal Water Project and Central Valley Project slowly decimate waterfowl populations and fisheries. And for what? Pistachios and mandarins? It's people like the Resniks and their "Wonderful" company that are raping the waterways for profit. Not rice farmers in the northern Sacramento Valley. EDIT: Since this comment got some traction, I highly recommend everyone interested in this topic read a book called The Dreamt Land by Mark Arax. It's an excellent primer on the history of California's water problems.

[@tylerlepage8619]

AMEN

[@bobcostas1331]

Please take a look at report from Suisan Marsh on flood for salmanoid (smelt) on duck properties and ag land and what it did… ZERO for the fish. This is water grab for major ag and a solid compensation package for Sac Valley farmers as they will receive per acre. It also guarantees water to SoCal, another group that depends on NorCal water supply.

[@tobyhorn9641]

If you want to protect the farms, ducks,and the fish go into those city's and deball every black and Hispanic male between 6months and 90 and then stralise every female between the ages of 9and 60 or deport thim back to Mexico or Africans and all the demarats to Russia

[@branchandfoundry560]

I too found this episode enjoyable...but I found the ending line of "These birds would not be here if someone weren't there to open a flood gate." quite disturbing. Uh, yes they would--and were--before we ever built that flood gate to begin with. Helluva politician who makes a shit storm, then pats himself on the back for "saving the world" by creating a minor fix to reduce (though not eliminate) said shit storm. It's stuff like this that makes me think y'all oughta leave the politics out of it and just show your hunting trip. Remi Warren has the right approach on that front--short episodes that just cover the hunt.

[@alfaq654]

@@branchandfoundry560 California's problems with water date back to the gold rush and strip mining. It wasn't "a politician" that caused the problem, but generations of politicians and oligarchs doing what was best for themselves and no one else. Personally, I'm glad Cal did this episode and shed a little bit of light on the problem. I just wish he went a bit deeper. An interesting fact: it was illegal to collect rain water from your own roof in California until 2012 because roofs were classified as "runoff channels" and therefore if you were collecting the water, you were violating some else's water rights "down stream" from you. Just a small example of how far gone the water problems are here.

[@seanbrown8722]

This video shows what conservation is all about. The science, the hunting, the stewardship. Great work.

[@MrHamsall]

The scientist in the cowboy hat had such a great passion for his work! Awe-inspiring listening to him talk so passionately about his study!

[@underdogoutdoors]

This was a great episode! We need more like this!

[@jofo89]

Absolutely

[@justinsears7948]

Awesome. When the first settlers came across it took them decades to find the Sacramento River because of how deep the woods were

[@deltronzero9]

Ol' Cal never disappoints. Let's show these folks what real environmentalists look like!

[@bobcostas1331]

Hey Cal - love the content and I know you can only fit so much in 22 minutes … but this is complicated. I own land and duck hunt in the Yolo Bypass, just south of where you were. I’m active in this battle, and it’s not a treaty. 1. Fish Entities are saying they want to flood ANYTIME between November - January, same as duck season. We have told them we would like it early, so we don’t add water to start the season then get blown out by end of season. They won’t agree to any promises or even notifying us ahead of time. 2. Fish entity can flood up 6,000+ CFS at any given time and flood ANY AMOUNT of water. This would put a lake worths of water on our property. GIS maps have it as +2’ of water(!) on my property alone in their “flood up” scenario. Not only will this change to a small ocean, but all access roads, infrastructure, and habitat creating work will be blown out and under water. Puddle ducks only like to feed in MAX 18” of water. Their statement is that “ducks and fish can coexist” which yes, I believe too. But the math they then showed us doesn’t recognize the duck and bird side of the equation. 3. Fish entities stated they would pay for infrastructure improvements to not adversely affect birds and our access to our properties. For some reason (money and time probably) that’s now 100% off the table. If our roads are blown out, levees are destroyed, and our habitat washed away from this program, it’ll all fall on us, not the state. Our properties aren’t designed to take 2’+ of water in a two week period. No one’s are. 4. Fish entities (state) want to place a habitat easement OVER a senior federal easement. I’ve already deed restricted my property (along with hundreds of other property owners) to keep my property for waterfowl and migratory birds, forever restricting it from farming, commercial or residential development, or unnatural uses. Now the state is saying their fishery easement supersedes a senior Federal easement? The legal precedence this would set would upend Bird Habitat as we know it in the state of California and beyond, where public and prove organizations have worked hard to actively conserve thousands of acres from development and human impact. I love to fish (White River in CO, American in CA, Bay Area for salt) but the State is running us over and not cooperating at all. I totally think there is a middle ground but instead of doing the homework and working together, we feel like the state is flexing its might over us and flat outing getting their way. Hope these words don’t come off too dramatic. I’m more than happy to provide more context about myself and issue. Just wanted to set this somewhat straight. I went to college, work a professional job, and think I’m somewhat normal … and the air in room amongst us duck hunters was tense when the state unveiled this “inevitable” project, as they pitched it. Thanks again for your content. - Bob from Davis, CA

[@catm2dirt]

Cal, thanks for proving California is not just beaches and L.A. Northern Ca can be great for waterfowl and fishing.

[@shaneedwards367]

Cal I really appreciate your program I can not wait every Monday I listen to your podcast. I have become more open to my impact on wildlife and fisheries. I have learnt a great deal from the Guys and Gals from Meateater. Thank you.

[@commoncorysense1809]

Thanks to the Team for a very palatable balance of conservation versus consumption in an easy to digest format while still pushing challenging the common to give thought

[@JB-ig5pk]

Let’s all please acknowledge that pooch…he’s the definition of a good boy :)

[@keithusace4352]

I have to say I love the way the 4 legged buddies look like they really enjoyed them selves

[@ghostrider1396]

I could see how people could fall in love with that area of California. Great episode.

[@neildutt8641]

Can we talk about how Cal is absolutely the best part of Meateater.

[@arn8386]

25k viewers in less of a day. Impressive statistics. People love MeatEater! Thank you for your content and please keep it coming!

[@dirtclodaz.1161]

I always enjoy Cal in the Field, not only do you get the hunting, but the episodes are very educational as well.😎

[@andrewkiminki6841]

When he said my dogs out we normally don't shot and no one moved is awesome!

[@jacobbass7517]

I’ve been watching ever since I started hunting maybe even before, this show has taught me to respect wildlife and care for the environment. My dream would be to someday meet you and Steven rinella and just talk about hunting and the outdoors!

[@TheAbreitkr]

Brilliant job - you really capture how hunters are conservationists!!!!

[@mtweed84]

I love these episodes of Cal in the field!

[@ivanthetactical6072]

Yeah me too. Cal is my spirit animal.

[@travisschlesener9751]

The first half was just video of an awesome dog getting a whole bunch of retrieves. Love It!

[@robbrown3]

The water issues in CA are so incredibly layered it's almost unbelievable. I appreciate the optimism in this video but I don't think our problems will be solved in 25 years.

[@ciello___8307]

a lot of agriculture needs to change how they use/keep water

[@BigB_16]

Cal has always been my favorite!

[@KASPA_2198]

That was a bludy brilliant episode guys really really enjoyed that Love all the episodes

[@samuelpadilla6843]

Glad to c this guys up here...

[@jordangoodwin84]

Awesome episode - Grew up near this area and have lived in the Central Valley the last 13 years… appreciate the focus on the California water issues, the more exposure the better 👍

[@johnherman9599]

Love that dog and love seeing that excitement. He’s awesome.

[@chrismcneese4901]

Cal is so interesting to listen to. I really enjoy any episodes that feature cal.

[@Fongokong]

Great to get the Cal alone ;D This Guy is Awsome. Fantastic job you are doing boys

[@ungraa2149]

Can't get enough of Cal in the field

[@MyDadCanFixAnything]

What I thought about right from the start was that the rice fields are right beside the airport. What kind of chemicals are being dumped on those fields when the planes constantly land and take off nearby. Besides the occasional necessary fuel dump? Not some rice I'd feel comfortable eating.

[@jero1918]

Very well done. Glad to see both sides of the argument. We are going thru a similar situation here in SW Washington. I love ducks and salmon. So very good to see a coming together here.

[@shawnjohnson7148]

I could sit and watch a good Dog work for hours. Great episode!

[@paulsly7246]

Thanks for another great show.We have something similar in this country,in the state of New South Wales,where the rice fields are flooded and a crop protection programme runs from October to January.Some good bags of ducks can be filled if there is a good season which should happen as some of that state have had some good flooding rains.Thanks for sharing from Australia.

[@aaronrider4051]

CAL, PLEASE COME TO PENNSYLVANIA! Anywhere in PA! I'd love to see you do a special on some of the issues anywhere in our interesting state. It would be an honor to have some PA content on this channel. Maybe Johnny Royer (Leatherwood Outdoors) can introduce you guys to some of the big woods of PA.

[@xaviermcgann6785]

How can you not love this guy.

[@xaviermcgann6785]

Cant text US numbers. I’m in Australia. Email?? FB msngr?

[@JuniorB.KC41]

Wow. What a nice hunt with no wind. 👍👍

[@brynredmon7869]

Woohoo! A new Cal in the field! With ol Cal Callahan

[@willoutdoorsofc]

Right on I love seeing my backyard on KZbin!!

[@robertnoel2363]

Best duck hunting video to date. Great duck numbers, great shooting, great camera work, great dogs, great education, great conversations What else could one ask for?

[@scotchnsoda2252]

Good ole Reclamation 108. Drove by there so many times in the dark on the way to hunt.

[@timevampire83]

I LIVE NEAR HERE! I'M LIKE 25 MIN AWAY! I CAN NOW POTENTIALLY HUNT WERE ONE OF THE MEATEATER GUYS HUNT! I'M BEYOND STOKED!

[@melissacurtin7192]

Nice seeing my backyard featured by Cal!

[@joanneganon7157]

Hey Cal , I'm glad you found the Birds finally 🐦. Looks like an awesome Hunt👊. Here in VT there was a big controversy about building platforms for Osprey. Or saving the Salmon. My Ranger Friend Laurie was in charge of the Platforms. Her co worker was all over Her because Ospreys eat Fish? They continue to save both, and She got a wright up on there return 🙌. JO JO IN VT 💕😄

[@mphoramathe1801]

Earth Care + People Care + Return of Surplus = Sustainability Permaculture 101... Great to see the thinking catching on

[@-10ranch]

Love the Awareness you all create with your episodes. Collaboration over regulation as an effective means of conservation... There is something there... maybe the next big wildlife conservation movement! I have an idea for a collaboration and I would like to run it by your channels executives and maybe we can make an impact!

[@joshsabo4433]

Keep it up Cal! I like your content and knowledge!

[@jimbellinghiri8771]

Great content, awareness and background info...good stuff Cal

[@jero1918]

Cal that was top notch. Thanx

[@stevelongacre5829]

Very nice story. You guys never disappoint me.

[@7youngke]

Great episode! Love the more educational focused angle

[@rexhua4833]

Salmon partial-farming in a flooded rice field? Like this series.

[@nathanbush376]

Glad to see you guys putting in the work .

[@kevinkelly8444]

This one hits close to home. I live very close to where you were hunting in this episode. The air quality when the fields were burned was horrific in the valley and foothills. That lead to legislation that forced the rice farmers to look for alternatives. Hats off to those farmers who are leading the way now and taking care of business.

[@fishinwithfisher9680]

Another great episode from Cal.

[@osmanahmed8615]

Great conservation is if there is one problem there will be more than one solution

[@Nick-iu8vx]

Showing duck lore who’s boss

[@SilkyJohnston24]

I’m on these videos like ducks on rice or however that sayin goes.

[@ovaisamin4155]

Nice episode. I think dogs do the real work here.

[@iankeever15]

Cal!!!

[@maurocastaneda7648]

Un gran episodio, excelente, disfruto ver sus videos.

[@The_Preacher_LLC]

YESSSSSSS. More Cal

[@qdub8158]

Wish you could’ve got on some sac valley specks, they eat the best. That wigeon calling sounded an awful like a flock shorebirds or killdeer.

[@tylerlepage8619]

Ahhh the fields of home. Great episode

[@devinpenfold2274]

Let's go MeatEater. Just when I was thinking we were due for a new episode. Cant wait to watch you break 2M subscriptions. Been here since the beginning. Keep it up. Das Boat Canada, more specifically Ontario?

[@ramos208]

I think cal was the narrator for the game wardens show in Montana

[@hggarcia60]

Great video

[@chronicawareness9986]

has anyone ate rice and duck both harvested in same field?

[@fayaazalibhai4665]

Bro I need to try that

[@blaynemacpherson8519]

Good show but where’s the cook and tasting of the rice ducks? Did they taste that bad that they didn’t want to air it?

[@Stickinit]

Good job Cal

[@crbright82]

Great story keep them coming

[@iannovak7565]

Crazy I know the guide and the fields that are presented in this video

[@carlosaircraftmechxnic2819]

Awesome!

[@jeray16042]

Yes!

[@HBR-q5z]

Water is everything in California and we need to find a balance with wildlife. The farmers already know this, I just hope the elected folks in Sacramento figure it out.

[@DanielGarcia-fb7fk]

Best saying I've heard In while, " calibration over regulation. 👏 😎🍺

[@danzdog]

Most water use is for decomp in fields that are not even hunted. Allow burning of stubble and the water issue is gone.

[@jacobbeers1136]

Great episode!

[@isaacjamesbaker]

Fascinating content. Love this!

[@ConstanceWhenever]

Lol at the california fish guy having a state purchased $200 patagonia shirt jacket over a $40 carhartt one.

[@RiceNews]

Cal and his team did a great job showcasing how Sacramento Valley rice fields are an integral part of our ecosystem, proving there can be a balance between farms, fowl, and fish. For more on how the Sac Valley rice region is helping improve the local wild salmon population, check this out -- kzbin.info/www/bejne/pqq2iKmgmLV0p8U

[@jayschwab]

You had me at Cal

[@benm.3000]

Great!

[@user-dg4bh1mm7t]

Really craving some duck breast cooked in red wine now!

[@davehood2534]

Some of those shots seemed ridiculously/awesomely far

[@KameronATM]

I don't seem to see any benelli presence from the meateater crew. It would be interesting to hear their preference for gas guns.

[@darkclouda320]

I wonder about how contaminated with pesticide residue those fields are. Lots of pesticide applications take place during rice season.

[@hisdukeness3037]

Love me some duck

[@JuniorB.KC41]

bugs are also Duck food as well

[@joakim2407]

Wow... My index finger is itching a bit now.

[@aaronmoore6373]

So how was the rice fed birds?

[@josephramirez9253]

Dammit Cal trim that mustache rubbing your bottom lip already 🤣🤣

[@hunt_trap_fish]

I'm gonna need a copy of the recipe used on them ducks, please!

[@mattdill8944]

Tell me about those spinning blades you guys were using in the decoy spread.

[@brianbarr8623]

Great Episode. What species of birds were taken?

[@bryankretsch8173]

Cal ---What ear protection are you wrearing ?

[@brandontwohawks]

Dying to know what ammo they're using.

[@dougabdill4173]

Just think about all of the mosquitoes that come out of that water in a season!

[@munchingtiger4330]

SNORT!

[@GarrettPorter]

Cal in Cal in the field*