The bulk of waterfowl and migratory bird hunting reaches high gear when the weather starts to get cold and then turns colder. But there are many reasons to be thinking about icy blinds and freezing temperatures while summer is still upon us.
The reservation period for blinds at conservation areas managed by the state Department of Conservation for waterfowl hunting is Sept. 1-18. Of the available spots allotted, 25 percent go to those who plan ahead.
Another 25 percent will be awarded weekly during the season through the online reservation system, and the remainder will be given to those hunters who show up on the day of the hunt and hope there are enough blinds left. That process is traditionally called the “poor line.”
The online application process can be found at mdc.mo.gov by searching for waterfowl reservations. To apply, hunters must have purchased their required permits and must get a Federal Duck Stamp prior to hunting. All three can be purchased through the same conservation department website.
The first shots of duck season coincide with the early-bird arrivals of teal. Hunters may take up to six blue, green or cinnamon teal in the aggregate each day during the season, which is scheduled from Sept. 9-24. Shooting hours are from sunrise to sunset.
An early season for Canada Geese and brant is next on the schedule with a nine-day opportunity for hunters to take three daily from Oct. 7-15. The possession limit for Canada Geese and brant is nine.
Youth waterfowl hunting days begin on Oct. 21 in the north and middle zones of the state. Hunters aged 15 and under – accompanied by a non-hunting adult at least 18 years old – get two days to take full daily limits of up to six ducks, 15 coots, 20 light geese, three Canada geese, and two white-fronted geese. The youth hunting days in the south zone are Nov. 18-19.
All hunters over age 15 get their chances in three different 60-day seasons based on the area of the state where they will be hunting. Designated by highways, the north zone is roughly the top third of the state, north of the Missouri River. Interstate 70 forms most of its southern border. That season opens Oct. 28 and closes Dec. 26.
The middle zone bisects the remainder of the state and dips significantly toward the Bootheel. That prime wetland area and everything else along the Arkansas border is in the south zone. Middle zone hunting days are Nov. 4-12 and Nov. 18-Jan. 7, 2024. South zone hunting opens Nov. 23-26 and Dec. 7-Jan. 31, 2024.
The regulations for duck hunting require shooters to accurately identify the birds they see. Of the six ducks in a daily limit, hunters may take no more than four mallards, three wood ducks, two black ducks, two canvasbacks, two hooded mergansers, two redheads, two mottled ducks and one pin-tail. Scaup, which are also included in the six-daily limit, are restricted to two for the first 45 days of the season and only one during the last 15 days. Up to 15 coots are allowed in the daily limit.
Goose hunting does not have quite as many variations on the limits, and species are counted collectively. Three Canada geese or brant make one limit; 20 light geese including blue snow or Ross geese are allowed, and hunters make take two white-fronted geese.
All waterfowl hunters are required to have a small-game hunting permit, a migratory bird hunting permit and a Federal Duck Stamp. Lead shot is prohibited on most public property, and hunters must use shells containing approved, non-toxic pellets.
Wherever permits are purchased, hunters should pick up a copy of this year’s state Migratory Bird and Waterfowl Hunting Digest, which includes complete details, maps and duck and goose identification guidelines. An electronic version of the booklet is available on the conservation department website.
John Winkelman has been writing about outdoors news and issues in Jefferson County for more than 30 years and is the Associate Editor for Outdoor Guide Magazine. If you have story ideas for the Leader outdoor news page, e-mail ogmjohnw@aol.com, and you can find more outdoor news and updates at johnjwink.com.