Migratory Bird and Waterfowl Hunting Digest 2020-2021 - MDC Hunting and ...
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Migratory Bird and Waterfowl Hunting Digest 2020–2021
JIM RATHERT
Mourning dove
Conservation Department Offices
Director,
Department of Conservation
Sara Parker Pauley
The Conservation Commission
Don C. Bedell
Steven D. Harrison
Mark L. McHenry
Wm. L. (Barry) Orscheln
Missouri Department of
Conservation
PO Box 180
Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180
573-751-4115
mdc.mo.gov Central Region Northwest Region Southwest Region
Equal opportunity to participate in 3500 East Gans Road 701 James McCarthy Drive 2630 N. Mayfair
and benefit from programs of the Columbia, MO 65201 St. Joseph, MO 64507 Springfield, MO 65803
Missouri Department of Conservation 573-815-7900 816-271-3100 417-895-6880
is available to all individuals without
regard to their race, color, religion, Kansas City Region Ozark Region St. Louis Region
national origin, sex, ancestry, age, 12405 SE Ranson Road 551 Joe Jones Blvd. 2360 Highway D
sexual orientation, veteran status, or Lee’s Summit, MO 64082 West Plains, MO 65775 St. Charles, MO 63304
disability. Questions should be directed 816-622-0900 417-256-7161 636-441-4554
to the Department of Conservation,
PO Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102, Northeast Region Southeast Region
573-751-4115 (voice) or 800-735-2966 3500 S. Baltimore 2302 County Park Drive
(TTY), or to Chief, Public Civil Rights, Kirksville, MO 63501 Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
Office of Civil Rights, U.S. Department 660-785-2420 573-290-5730
of the Interior, 1849 C Street, NW,
Washington, D.C. 20240.
To report poaching or game-law violations, call
Operation Game Thief
800-392-1111
Rewards are available for information
leading to the arrest of game-law violators.
You can remain anonymous.
Table of Contents
4 Permits and Stamps
4 Permit and Stamp Requirements What’s New for 2020?
4 Small Game Hunting Permits ◾ The cost of nonresident hunting permits has gone
up (see Page 6). The last time permit prices were
4 Permit Requirements for Young Hunters raised was in 2009.
4 Hunter-Education Requirement ◾ The bag limit for scaup is now two (both species
combined) for the first 45 days of the season in
4 Who May Purchase Resident Permits? each zone. For the last 15 days of the season in
5 MO Hunting App each zone, the bag limit is one scaup. Possession
limits also follow this pattern. See Page 14.
5 Where to Purchase Permits ◾ Due to spring flooding, some conservation areas
5 Where to Purchase Duck Stamps may have sections closed for repair and/or have
reduced habitat for dove and waterfowl hunting.
5 Replacing Permits For an update on conditions at managed water-
5 Apprentice Hunter Authorization fowl hunting areas, search “preseason wetland
area status” beginning in August at mdc.mo.gov.
5 Social Security Number Requirement
◾ The COVID-19 pandemic may impact how water-
6 Permit Prices fowl drawings are conducted this year and poten-
tially in the future. The Conservation Department
8 Dove Season is committed to providing hunting opportunities,
and any adjustments to drawing procedures will
9 Dove Identification be communicated as soon as possible.
10 Rail, Snipe, and Woodcock Seasons
11 Rail, Snipe, and Woodcock Identification
12 Waterfowl Seasons 30 State and Federal Regulations
12 Teal Season 30 Wildlife Code of Missouri
13 Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days 36 Federal Regulations Summary
14 Duck and Coot Seasons 38 General Information
15 Duck Hunting Zones and Season Formulas 38 Areas Requiring Nontoxic Shot
16 Goose Seasons 38 Drone Use
17 Light Goose Conservation Order 38 Proper Handling of Game Birds
18 Duck Identification 38 Watch Your Wake
24 Goose Identification 38 When Hunting From a Boat
17 Falconry 38 Help Stop Zebra Mussels
38 Report Your Bands
26 Waterfowl Hunting Areas 39 Sunrise and Sunset Times
27 How the Morning Drawing Works
40 Seasons at a Glance
27 ADA Blind Rules
27 Rules of the Morning Drawing
28 Managed Waterfowl Hunting Areas
29 Other Waterfowl Hunting Areas
Migratory Bird and Waterfowl Hunting Digest 2020–2021 3
Permits and Stamps
PERMITS AND STAMPS
Permit and Stamp Requirements Hunter-Education Requirement
All hunters age 16 or older must carry the appropriate permits You must complete an approved hunter-education program
in either paper, plastic, or electronic format to pursue, take, in Missouri or another state to buy firearms hunting permits
possess, and transport migratory game birds in Missouri. The unless:
permits you need depend upon whether you are a resident or ◾ You were born before Jan. 1, 1967.
nonresident hunter and the game birds that you plan to hunt. ◾ You are 15 or younger and hunting in the immediate
presence of a properly licensed adult hunter 18 or older
Ducks, Geese, and Coots
who has a valid hunter-education card or was born before
Three permits are required.
Jan. 1, 1967.
➊ Small Game Hunting Permit ◾ You are using an Apprentice Hunter Authorization. See
➋ Migratory Bird Hunting Permit Page 5.
➌ Federal Duck Stamp ◾ You have a developmental disability. See Rule 3 CSR
Doves, Rails, Snipe, and Woodcock 10-5.205 of the Wildlife Code of Missouri.
Two permits are required. All hunters, unless exempt, must carry their hunter-
➊ Small Game Hunting Permit education card or a permit with their hunter-education
➋ Migratory Bird Hunting Permit number on it while hunting with a firearm. The Missouri
Conservation Heritage Card or Conservation Permit Card with
Snow, Blue, and Ross’s Geese During the
a hunter-education number on it is also acceptable.
Conservation Order
A hunter-education card need not be displayed when buy-
One permit is required.
ing permits if certification can be verified online. If this is not
➊ Conservation Order Permit possible, some hunters will need to contact the Conservation
Small Game Hunting Permits Department to provide proof of hunter-education certifica-
tion. Once in Missouri’s permit database, hunters won’t have
The Conservation Department offers a variety of small game to submit this information again.
hunting permits for residents and nonresidents. Only one For more information on hunter education, including how
small game hunting permit is needed to hunt migratory game to earn certification, visit mdc.mo.gov/huntereducation.
birds.
Some hunters are not required to possess a small game Who May Purchase Resident Permits?
hunting permit.
◾ Any person who does not claim resident privileges in
◾ If you are a resident landowner (as defined by the Wildlife
another state or country, and whose actual residence and
Code of Missouri), you do not need a small game hunting
legal permanent home address are both in Missouri, and
permit to hunt on your own land.
have been for at least 30 days before applying for the per-
◾ If you are a Missouri resident 65 or older, you do not need a
mit. Owning real estate or attending a Missouri school does
small game hunting permit.
not in itself make you a legal resident.
◾ If you are an honorably discharged resident or nonresident
◾ Missouri residents employed by the United States in the
veteran having a service-related disability of 60 percent or
District of Columbia or serving in the U.S. armed forces.
greater; a member of the U.S. military currently assigned as
(Immediate family members who reside with them also
a patient to a Warrior Transition Brigade, Warrior Transition
may purchase resident permits.)
Unit, or a military medical center; or if you were a prisoner
◾ All members of the U.S. armed forces stationed and resid-
of war during military service, you do not need a small
ing in Missouri on permanent change-of-station status and
game hunting permit. However, you must carry a certified
immediate family members residing with them.
statement of eligibility from the U.S. Department of Veter-
◾ Any honorably discharged military veteran having a
ans Affairs or orders showing your assignment.
service-related disability of 60 percent or greater, or who
Permit Requirements for Young Hunters was a prisoner of war during military service; must carry a
certified statement of eligibility from the U.S. Department
If you are 15 or younger, you do not need any permits to hunt of Veterans Affairs while hunting and purchasing permits.
migratory game birds in Missouri. However, you must: ◾ Any member of the U.S. military currently assigned as a
◾ Hunt in the immediate presence of a properly licensed patient to a Warrior Transition Brigade, Warrior Transi-
adult hunter age 18 or older who has a valid hunter- tion Unit, or a military medical center; must carry orders
education card or was born before Jan. 1, 1967; showing such assignment while hunting and purchasing
◾ Or possess a valid hunter-education card. permits.
Note: During Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days, you must hunt
in the immediate presence of an adult, regardless of whether
or not you have a valid hunter-education card. See Page 13.
4 Migratory Bird and Waterfowl Hunting Digest 2020–2021
PERMITS AND STAMPS
◾ Nonresidents who are registered students attending a
public or private secondary, postsecondary, or vocational
Where to Purchase Duck Stamps
school in Missouri and who live in Missouri while attending ◾ Duck stamps are no longer sold at waterfowl hunting areas.
school; must carry evidence of a Missouri residence and ◾ Many permit vendors no longer sell traditional (paper) duck
student status, such as a student ID, while hunting. Note: stamps. However, all permit vendors offer electronic duck
Nonresident students who qualify for resident permits stamps (see next bullet).
must purchase them in person, over the phone, or through ◾ You may now buy duck stamps online at mdc.mo.gov/
the mail from Conservation Department offices. buypermits, from a retail permit vendor, or through the
◾ Immigrants who possess an I-551 Resident Alien Card from MO Hunting app. An electronic duck stamp (e-Stamp) will
the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service and who be issued to you, and a paper duck stamp will be mailed to
do not claim resident privileges in another state or country, you. The e-Stamp may be used immediately and is valid for
and whose actual residence and legal permanent home 45 days. After 45 days, you must sign and carry the paper
address are both in Missouri, and have been for at least 30 duck stamp that is mailed to you. The cost of an e-Stamp
days before purchasing a permit. is $28.50, which includes a $3.50 handling fee. This fee is
set and fully retained by the federal government. If you do
MO Hunting App not receive your paper duck stamp, please contact Amplex
The Conservation Department’s free MO Hunting app offers a customer service at 800-852-4897.
quick, easy, and convenient option for carrying your permits ◾ Traditional (paper) duck stamps may be purchased for $25
afield. The app, which is available for Android and Apple at some U.S. Post Offices. Please contact the office before
mobile devices, allows you to: you visit to ask if duck stamps are available.
◾ Purchase permits and duck stamps.
◾ See all the hunting, fishing, and trapping permits you have
Replacing Permits
purchased — even if they were purchased from a tradi- If you lose your permit, simply download the MO Hunting
tional vendor, online, or by telephone. app to your Android or Apple mobile device, log in with your
◾ Carry valid, electronic permits afield. Note: The MO Hunt- Conservation Number, and a valid, electronic version of your
ing app will display your purchase of a Federal Duck Stamp, permit will appear on the app. Any active, valid permit can
but you must sign and carry a paper duck stamp afield after be reprinted at home for free at mdc.mo.gov/buypermits.
your 45-day e-Stamp has expired. Replacement permits can also be purchased from any vendor
To log in to MO Hunting, you’ll need your Conservation for $2.
Number. This nine-digit number can be found on any current
or previous permit. For help locating your Conservation Num- Apprentice Hunter Authorization
ber, call 573-522-0107 during regular business hours, or go to Hunters age 16 or older who do not have a valid hunter-
short.mdc.mo.gov/ZkH. education card may hunt with firearms, as long as they:
MO Hunting is available in the Google Play and Apple App ◾ First purchase an Apprentice Hunter Authorization;
stores. You can also get MO Hunting and learn more about the ◾ Then purchase permits for the season they want to hunt; and
app at mdc.mo.gov/mobile/mobile-apps. ◾ Hunt in the immediate presence of a properly licensed
adult who has a valid hunter-education card or was born
Where to Purchase Permits
before Jan. 1, 1967.
◾ Over the counter from any permit vendor. No surcharges Note: The Apprentice Hunter Authorization by itself does not
will be assessed. allow you to hunt. It only allows those who have not com-
◾ Online at mdc.mo.gov/buypermits. Use your credit card pleted a hunter-education course to purchase firearms per-
to pay. No surcharges will be assessed. Print your permit at mits. The Apprentice Hunter Authorization can be purchased
home and have it in hand immediately. for no more than two years.
◾ From your smartphone using the free MO Hunting app. Use
your credit card to pay. No surcharges will be assessed. Your Social Security Number Requirement
permit will appear on the app immediately after purchase. Federal Statute 42 U.S.C. § 666 and Missouri Revised Stat-
◾ By telephone at 800-392-4115. Use your credit card and pay ute 454.403 require buyers of Missouri hunting, fishing, and
a $1 surcharge. Allow 10 days for delivery. trapping permits to provide their Social Security number.
Individuals who do not have a Social Security number will be
required to affirm that information. Falsifying a Social Secu-
rity number may result in revocation of privileges or criminal
charges. Social Security numbers are securely stored and used
in support of the Missouri Department of Social Service’s child
support enforcement.
Migratory Bird and Waterfowl Hunting Digest 2020–2021 5
Permits and Stamps
PERMITS AND STAMPS
Resident Small Game Hunting Permit Resident Lifetime Small Game Hunting Permit
This permit allows you to take birds (except turkeys), mam- This permit allows the same privileges as the Small Game
mals (except deer and elk), frogs, and to sell furbearers taken Hunting Permit, Migratory Bird Hunting Permit, and Conser-
by hunting. vation Order Permit. Deer, elk, and turkey hunting privileges
Cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $10 are not included. A Federal Duck Stamp is required to hunt
waterfowl.
Resident Small Game Hunting and Age 15 or younger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $275
Fishing Permit Age 16–29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $400
This permit allows the same privileges as the Resident Small Age 30–39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $350
Game Hunting Permit, plus it allows you to take fish, mussels, Age 40–59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $300
clams, turtles, crayfish, and live bait. Age 60 or older . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $35
Cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $19 To apply for this permit:
◾ Go online at short.mdc.mo.gov/ZJ4.
Resident National Guard and Reserve Service ◾ Call 573-522-0107.
Small Game Hunting and Fishing Permit ◾ Email Lifetime.Permit@mdc.mo.gov.
This permit allows the same privileges as the Resident Small Resident Lifetime Conservation Partner Permit
Game Hunting and Fishing Permit. It is for Missouri residents
who are mobilized (or have been in the past 12 months) and This permit allows the same privileges as the Small Game
are serving on full-time active duty in the National Guard Hunting and Fishing Permit, Trout Permit, Migratory Bird
(federal status) or U.S. Reserves. Hunting Permit, and Conservation Order Permit. Deer, elk, and
Cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5 turkey hunting privileges are not included. A Federal Duck
To apply for this permit: Stamp is required to hunt waterfowl.
◾ Go online at short.mdc.mo.gov/ZJ9. Age 15 or younger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $550
◾ Call 573-522-0107. Age 16–29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $800
◾ Write to National Guard Permits, Missouri Department of Age 30–39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $700
Conservation, PO Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180. Age 40–59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $600
Age 60 or older . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $70
Nonresident Small Game Hunting Permit To apply for this permit:
This permit allows you to take birds (except turkeys), mam- ◾ Go online at short.mdc.mo.gov/ZJ4.
mals (except deer, elk, and furbearers), and frogs. It is valid ◾ Call 573-522-0107.
from March 1 through the last day of February. ◾ Email Lifetime.Permit@mdc.mo.gov.
Cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $94
Daily Small Game Hunting Permit
This permit allows you to take birds (except turkeys), mam-
mals (except deer, elk, and furbearers), and frogs. It is valid
for a single day only, but you may purchase additional daily
permits to hunt additional days.
Cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $14
Resident Conservation Order Permit Migratory Bird Hunting Permit
This is the only permit you need to hunt light geese during This permit is required of all resident and nonresident migra-
the Conservation Order. tory bird hunters (including landowners), age 16 or older.
Cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5 Cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $6
Nonresident Conservation Order Permit Federal Duck Stamp
This is the only permit you need to hunt light geese during This stamp is required of all resident and nonresident water-
the Conservation Order. fowl hunters, age 16 or older. You may buy duck stamps online
Cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $47 and at some U.S. Post Offices (see Page 5 for more informa-
tion). Paper duck stamps must be signed in ink across the face.
Cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25
6 Migratory Bird and Waterfowl Hunting Digest 2020–2021
NOPPADOL PAOTHONG
7
Wood duck
PERMITS AND STAMPS
Dove Season
Dates Hunters Provide Valuable Dove Data by
Sept. 1, 2020, to Nov. 29, 2020 Reporting Bands and Collecting Wings
Shooting Hours Mourning doves are one of the most widely distributed and
abundant game birds in North America. Survival and harvest
One-half hour before sunrise to sunset information is critical for understanding how hunting regula-
tions affect mourning dove populations. Banding is an impor-
Limits
tant tool for obtaining this information.
◾ Mourning doves, white-winged doves, and Eurasian Captured doves are fitted with a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Ser-
collared-doves count toward daily and possession vice (USFWS) band inscribed with an identification number.
DOVE SEASON
limits. Hunters should examine their mourning doves for leg bands.
◾ The daily bag limit is 15 doves, combined total of all By reporting banded doves (see Page 38), you help manage
three species. this important migratory bird resource.
◾ The possession limit is 45 doves, combined total of all Missouri also is cooperating with the USFWS in collecting
three species. mourning dove wings from hunters. Randomly selected hunt-
ers will be asked to save one wing from each dove during the
first week of the season and mail the wings (postage free) to
Allowed the USFWS. Hunters using high-use public areas also may be
asked to provide dove wings. Data from the wings, in com-
◾ Shotguns, must be 10 gauge or smaller and manufactured bination with information from banded birds, is used to estab-
or modified so as not to hold more than three shells in the lish hunting regulations.
magazine and chamber combined
◾ Hunting dogs Dove Hunting on Public Land
◾ Motor boats or sailboats may be used, but only if the motor
Dove hunting fields on conservation areas are planted in
has been shut off and/or the sails furled, and the boat’s
sunflowers, wheat, millet, buckwheat, corn, or a combination
progress has stopped.
of crops. To locate dove fields, contact the regional office for
◾ Other methods are allowed by state and federal regula-
the area you want to hunt. Maps of areas that have dove fields
tions. Please consult Chapter 7 of the Wildlife Code of
are available from the Conservation Department’s website at
M
issouri for more information.
short.mdc.mo.gov/ZZ7.
Prohibited Some Dove Hunting Areas Require Nontoxic
◾ Rifles and pistols Shot
◾ Firearms that propel a single projectile at one discharge
◾ Punt guns, battery guns, swivel guns, fully automatic fire- Nontoxic shot is required for hunting doves on 20 conserva-
arms, traps, snares, nets, fish hooks, poisons, drugs, explo- tion areas (see Page 38 for a list of areas where nontoxic shot
sives, and stupefying substances is required for all shotgun hunting). Research shows that
◾ Motor vehicles or aircraft. Paraplegics and people missing doves, waterfowl, and many other species suffer from lead
one or both legs may hunt from a stationary vehicle. poisoning after consuming pellets from spent shotgun shells.
◾ Sink boxes or any other type of low-floating device that Use or possession of lead shot for hunting doves is prohib-
conceals the hunter beneath the surface of the water ited on these conservation areas:
◾ Electronic calls or electronically activated calls ◾ Bilby Ranch Lake ◾ Pony Express Lake
◾ Any sighting device that casts a beam of light on the game ◾ Bois D’Arc ◾ Reed (James A.) Memorial
◾ Night vision or thermal imagery equipment ◾ Busch (August A.) Wildlife Area
◾ Live decoys ◾ Crowley’s Ridge ◾ Reform
◾ Bait (see Page 36) ◾ Davisdale ◾ Talbot (Robert E.)
◾ Harmony Mission Lake ◾ Truman Reservoir Manage-
Permits ◾ Lamine River ment Lands (Bethlehem)
Two permits are required. See Page 6 for permit details. ◾ Logan (William R.) ◾ Weldon Spring
◾ Maintz Wildlife Preserve ◾ Whetstone Creek
➊ Small Game Hunting Permit ◾ Pacific Palisades ◾ White (William G. and
➋ Migratory Bird Hunting Permit ◾ Park (Guy B.) Erma Parke) Memorial
◾ Peabody Wildlife Area
8 Migratory Bird and Waterfowl Hunting Digest 2020–2021
Dove Identification
Mourning dove
◾ Grayish-brown
◾ Faster wing beat, more
erratic flight path than
white-winged dove
◾ 12 inches from tip of beak
to end of tail
Black spots
◾ Call is a soft, inflected
cooAHoo followed by Long, pointed tail
DOVE SEASON
several coos
White-winged dove
◾ Grayish-brown
◾ Slightly larger than White wing patch
m
ourning dove
◾ Call is a soft hoohoo
hoohoo with the final
Long, moderately
note descending
rounded tail
Eurasian collared-dove
◾ Gray
◾ 13 inches from tip of beak
to end of tail
◾ Call is a three-part coo Thin black band on neck
with similar tone to a with white upper border
domestic pigeon
Long, squared tail
ILLUSTRATIONS BY MARK RAITHEL
Migratory Bird and Waterfowl Hunting Digest 2020–2021 9
Rail, Snipe, and Woodcock Seasons
RAIL, SNIPE, AND WOODCOCK SEASONS
NOPPADOL PAOTHONG
Virginia rail
Dates Shooting Hours
◾ Sora and Virginia Rails: Sept. 1, 2020, to One-half hour before sunrise to sunset
Nov. 9, 2020
◾ Wilson’s (Common) Snipe: Sept. 1, 2020, to Limits
Dec. 16, 2020 ◾ Sora and Virginia Rails: 25 daily (combined total of both
◾ American Woodcock: Oct. 15, 2020, to species)
Nov. 28, 2020 ◾ Wilson’s (Common) Snipe: Eight daily
◾ American Woodcock: Three daily
◾ Possession limits are three times the daily bag limits for
rails, snipe, and woodcock.
Allowed Prohibited
◾ Shotguns, must be 10 gauge or smaller and manufactured ◾ Rifles and pistols
or modified so as not to hold more than three shells in the ◾ Firearms that propel a single projectile at one discharge
magazine and chamber combined ◾ Punt guns, battery guns, swivel guns, fully automatic fire-
◾ Hunting dogs arms, traps, snares, nets, fish hooks, poisons, drugs, explo-
◾ Motor boats or sailboats may be used, but only if the motor sives, and stupefying substances
has been shut off and/or the sails furled, and the boat’s ◾ Lead shot is prohibited at some conservation areas. See
progress has stopped. Page 38.
◾ Other methods are allowed by state and federal regula- ◾ Motor vehicles or aircraft. Paraplegics and people missing
tions. Please consult Chapter 7 of the Wildlife Code of one or both legs may hunt from a stationary vehicle.
M
issouri for more information. ◾ Sink boxes or any other type of low-floating device that
conceals the hunter beneath the surface of the water
Permits ◾ Electronic calls or electronically activated calls
Two permits are required. See Page 6 for permit details. ◾ Any sighting device that casts a beam of light on the game
➊ Small Game Hunting Permit ◾ Night vision or thermal imagery equipment
➋ Migratory Bird Hunting Permit ◾ Live decoys
◾ Bait (see Page 36)
10 Migratory Bird and Waterfowl Hunting Digest 2020–2021Rail, Snipe, and Woodcock Identification
LEGAL during migratory bird season
American woodcock Wilson’s (common) snipe
Buff-colored Long pink bill Long gray bill
body and wings
Plump body
RAIL, SNIPE, AND WOODCOCK SEASONS
Short, dark wings
White belly
Plump body
Virginia rail Sora
Short yellow bill
Long red bill
Gray breast
Reddish-orange
legs dangle in flight.
Cinnamon-red breast Yellow legs dangle in flight.
ILLEGAL during migratory bird seasons
Lesser and greater yellowlegs Long-billed and short-billed dowitchers
Gray bill, shorter than White wedge extends from
the bills of snipe or tail to middle of back.
woodcock
Lighter-colored underwings
compared to snipe and Long bill
woodcock
Long yellow legs
Willet Stilt sandpiper
White rump,
grayish tail Slimmer than snipe
and woodcock
Gray bill is shorter and Gray bill, pronounced droop
heavier compared to
ILLUSTRATIONS BY DAVID BESENGER
at the tip, shorter than the
snipe and woodcock. bills of snipe or woodcock
Grayish-blue legs
Larger body than
snipe or woodcock Long, greenish-yellow legs
Migratory Bird and Waterfowl Hunting Digest 2020–2021 11Teal Season
JIM RATHERT
Blue-winged teal
Dates Limits
Sept. 12–27, 2020 ◾ Blue-winged teal, green-winged teal, and cinnamon teal
count toward daily and possession limits.
Shooting Hours ◾ The daily bag limit is six teal, combined total of all three
WATERFOWL SEASONS
Sunrise to sunset species.
◾ The possession limit is 18 teal, combined total of all three
species.
Allowed Prohibited
◾ Shotguns, must be 10 gauge or smaller and manufactured ◾ Lead shot or other shot that has not been listed as nontoxic
or modified so as not to hold more than three shells in the by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. For a list of approved
magazine and chamber combined nontoxic shot, see Page 37.
◾ Hunting dogs ◾ Rifles and pistols
◾ Motor boats or sailboats may be used, but only if the motor ◾ Firearms that propel a single projectile at one discharge
has been shut off and/or the sails furled, and the boat’s ◾ Punt guns, battery guns, swivel guns, fully automatic fire-
progress has stopped. arms, traps, snares, nets, fish hooks, poisons, drugs, explo-
◾ Other methods are allowed by state and federal regula- sives, and stupefying substances
tions. Please consult Chapter 7 of the Wildlife Code of ◾ Motor vehicles or aircraft. Paraplegics and people missing
M
issouri for more information. one or both legs may hunt from a stationary vehicle.
◾ Sink boxes or any other type of low-floating device that
September Teal Season Rationale conceals the hunter beneath the surface of the water
Blue-winged teal are among the earliest ducks to migrate ◾ Electronic calls or electronically activated calls
south during fall and the latest to head north during spring. ◾ Any sighting device that casts a beam of light on the game
The first teal typically arrive in Missouri during August, and ◾ Night vision or thermal imagery equipment
their numbers usually peak around mid-September. Teal ◾ Live decoys
migrations through Missouri tend to be more sporadic than ◾ Bait (see Page 36)
other waterfowl species. Teal are generally present in signifi-
Permits
cant numbers only during and shortly after migration events.
These migrations can occur at any time from late August Three permits are required. See Page 6 for permit details.
through early October. Opening the season on the first Sat- ➊ Small Game Hunting Permit
urday after Labor Day provides hunting opportunity during ➋ Migratory Bird Hunting Permit
mid-September, when teal migrations often occur. ➌ Federal Duck Stamp
12 Migratory Bird and Waterfowl Hunting Digest 2020–2021Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days
Dates Limits
To participate, you must be age 15 or younger. An adult 18 Six ducks daily with species restrictions of:
years or older must accompany you. The adult may not hunt ◾ Four mallards (no more than two hens)
ducks during Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days, but he or she ◾ Three wood ducks
may participate in other open seasons. ◾ Two black ducks
◾ North Zone: Oct. 24–25, 2020 ◾ Two canvasbacks
◾ Middle Zone: Oct. 24–25, 2020 ◾ Two hooded mergansers
◾ South Zone: Nov. 21–22, 2020 ◾ Two redheads
◾ New! Two scaup (greater and lesser combined)
Shooting Hours ◾ One mottled duck
One-half hour before sunrise to sunset ◾ One pintail
15 coots daily
20 light geese daily (snow, blue, and Ross’s geese)
Three Canada geese and brant daily (combined total of
both species)
Two white-fronted geese daily
Possession limits are three times the daily bag limits for ducks,
coots, Canada geese, brant, and white-fronted geese. Light
geese have no possession limit.
Allowed Permits
WATERFOWL SEASONS
◾ Shotguns, must be 10 gauge or smaller and manufactured You do not need a permit to participate in Youth Waterfowl
or modified so as not to hold more than three shells in the Hunting Days.
magazine and chamber combined ◾ If you have a hunter-education card, the adult who accom-
◾ Hunting dogs panies you does not need a hunter-education card or a
◾ Motor boats or sailboats may be used, but only if the motor hunting permit.
has been shut off and/or the sails furled, and the boat’s ◾ If you don’t have a hunter-education card, the adult who
progress has stopped. accompanies you must be hunter-education certified
◾ Other methods are allowed by state and federal regula- unless they were born before Jan. 1, 1967. The adult also
tions. Please consult Chapter 7 of the Wildlife Code of must have a Missouri small game hunting permit or be
M
issouri for more information. exempt.
Prohibited Timing of Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days
◾ Lead shot or other shot that has not been listed as nontoxic Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days are typically offered the week-
by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. For a list of approved end before the regular duck season opens. In the North and
nontoxic shot, see Page 37. Middle zones, this timing often falls on the same weekend
◾ Rifles and pistols as Early Youth Firearms Deer Season. When this occurs, the
◾ Firearms that propel a single projectile at one discharge Conservation Department shifts Youth Waterfowl Hunting
◾ Punt guns, battery guns, swivel guns, fully automatic fire- Days a week earlier in the affected zones, which gives young
arms, traps, snares, nets, fish hooks, poisons, drugs, explo- hunters the opportunity to fully participate in both youth
sives, and stupefying substances seasons. This option received nearly as much or more support
◾ Motor vehicles or aircraft. Paraplegics and people missing from North and Middle Zone hunters as any other alternative
one or both legs may hunt from a stationary vehicle. presented in the 2016 Waterfowl Post-Season Survey. Further-
◾ Sink boxes or any other type of low-floating device that more, this option was favored by a sizable majority of Middle
conceals the hunter beneath the surface of the water Zone hunters responding to surveys in 2010 and 2015.
◾ Electronic calls or electronically activated calls The Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days in the South Zone will
◾ Any sighting device that casts a beam of light on the game continue to be offered the weekend before Thanksgiving as
◾ Night vision or thermal imagery equipment this option received the most support in the 2016 Waterfowl
◾ Live decoys Post-Season Survey.
◾ Bait (see Page 36)
Migratory Bird and Waterfowl Hunting Digest 2020–2021 13Duck and Coot Seasons
Dates Limits
◾ North Zone: Nov. 7, 2020, to Jan. 5, 2021 Six ducks daily with species restrictions of:
◾ Middle Zone: Nov. 7–13, 2020, and Nov. 19, 2020, to ◾ Four mallards (no more than two hens)
Jan. 10, 2021 ◾ Three wood ducks
◾ South Zone: Nov. 26–29, 2020, and Dec. 7, 2020, to ◾ Two black ducks
Jan. 31, 2021 ◾ Two canvasbacks
◾ Two hooded mergansers
Shooting Hours ◾ Two redheads
One-half hour before sunrise to sunset ◾ New! Two scaup (greater and lesser combined) for first 45
days; one scaup for last 15 days (see below)
◾ One mottled duck
◾ One pintail
15 coots daily
Possession limits are three times the daily bag limits for ducks
and coots.
Allowed Scaup Daily Limits
◾ Shotguns, must be 10 gauge or smaller and manufactured For the first 45 days of the season in each zone, you may
or modified so as not to hold more than three shells in the include two scaup (both species combined) in your daily
magazine and chamber combined limit. For the last 15 days of the season in each zone, you may
◾ Hunting dogs include only one scaup in your daily limit. Possession limits
WATERFOWL SEASONS
◾ Motor boats or sailboats may be used, but only if the motor also follow this pattern.
has been shut off and/or the sails furled, and the boat’s
progress has stopped. Possession
◾ Other methods are allowed by state and federal regula- Daily Limit Limit
tions. Please consult Chapter 7 of the Wildlife Code of North Zone
M
issouri for more information. Nov. 7–Dec. 21 2 6
Prohibited Dec. 22–Jan. 5 1 3
◾ Lead shot or other shot that has not been listed as nontoxic Middle Zone
by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. For a list of approved Nov. 7–13 and Nov. 19–Dec. 26 2 6
nontoxic shot, see Page 37. Dec. 27–Jan. 10 1 3
◾ Rifles and pistols
◾ Firearms that propel a single projectile at one discharge South Zone
◾ Punt guns, battery guns, swivel guns, fully automatic fire- Nov. 26–29 and Dec. 7–Jan. 16 2 6
arms, traps, snares, nets, fish hooks, poisons, drugs, explo- Jan. 17–31 1 3
sives, and stupefying substances
◾ Motor vehicles or aircraft. Paraplegics and people missing
one or both legs may hunt from a stationary vehicle. Potential Changes Coming in 2021
◾ Sink boxes or any other type of low-floating device that The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is allowing states to make
conceals the hunter beneath the surface of the water changes to their duck season structure, including zones and
◾ Electronic calls or electronically activated calls split season options, for the 2021–2025 seasons. The Conser-
◾ Any sighting device that casts a beam of light on the game vation Department is also considering changes to the duck sea-
◾ Night vision or thermal imagery equipment son date formulas. Any changes will go into effect beginning in
◾ Live decoys 2021. The goal is to establish rules that accommodate various
◾ Bait (see Page 36) types of waterfowl hunters and their preferences. To do that,
the Department reviewed responses from more than 13,000
Permits individuals who completed the 2020 Duck Hunter Opinion
Three permits are required. See Page 6 for permit details. Survey, input from hunters who attended one of the Depart-
➊ Small Game Hunting Permit ment’s 13 waterfowl hunter workshops, and numerous com-
➋ Migratory Bird Hunting Permit ments received from hunters. To learn more about the rationale
➌ Federal Duck Stamp behind the upcoming changes, visit short.mdc.mo.gov/Z4r.
14 Migratory Bird and Waterfowl Hunting Digest 2020–2021Duck Hunting Zones and Season Formulas
SALINE
For a written description of
zone boundaries, see Page 30.
WATERFOWL SEASONS
Zone Liberal (60 Days) Moderate (45 Days) Restrictive (30 Days)
▪ Opens on first Saturday in ▪ Opens on second Saturday in ▪ Opens on Saturday nearest Nov. 14
North
November November
▪ Opens on Saturday nearest Nov. 6 ▪ Opens on Saturday nearest Nov. 15 ▪ Opens on Saturday nearest Nov. 19
for seven days
Middle
▪ Closes for five days
▪ Opens again for 53 days
▪ Opens on Thanksgiving Day for ▪ Opens on Saturday nearest Dec. 10 ▪ Opens on Saturday nearest Dec. 15
four days ▪ Closes Dec. 20–25 ▪ Closes Dec. 19–25
South ▪ Closes as long as necessary to ▪ Opens again on Dec. 26 and runs ▪ Opens again on Dec. 26 and runs
avoid an excess of 60 days until last Sunday in January until Sunday nearest Jan. 20
▪ Opens again and runs until Jan. 31
Each year’s regulation recommendation is based on the status of the mallard breeding population and the condition of
prairie ponds in Canada. A three-tiered package of seasons includes liberal (60 days), moderate (45 days), and restrictive (30
days) options. For more information, go to: www.fws.gov/birds/management/adaptive-harvest-management.php.
Migratory Bird and Waterfowl Hunting Digest 2020–2021 15Goose Seasons
JIM RATHERT
Canada goose
Dates Limits
◾ Early Season (Canada geese and brant only): ◾ 20 light geese (snow, blue, and Ross’s geese)
Oct. 3–11, 2020 ◾ Three Canada geese and brant (combined total of both
◾ Regular Season (all legal species): Nov. 11, 2020, to species)
WATERFOWL SEASONS
Feb. 6, 2021 ◾ Two white-fronted geese
◾ Possession limits are three times the daily bag limits for
Shooting Hours Canada geese, brant, and white-fronted geese. Light geese
One-half hour before sunrise to sunset have no possession limit.
Allowed Prohibited
◾ Shotguns, must be 10 gauge or smaller and manufactured ◾ Lead shot or other shot that has not been listed as nontoxic
or modified so as not to hold more than three shells in the by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. For a list of approved
magazine and chamber combined nontoxic shot, see Page 37.
◾ Hunting dogs ◾ Rifles and pistols
◾ Motor boats or sailboats may be used, but only if the motor ◾ Firearms that propel a single projectile at one discharge
has been shut off and/or the sails furled, and the boat’s ◾ Punt guns, battery guns, swivel guns, fully automatic fire-
progress has stopped. arms, traps, snares, nets, fish hooks, poisons, drugs, explo-
◾ Other methods are allowed by state and federal regula- sives, and stupefying substances
tions. Please consult Chapter 7 of the Wildlife Code of ◾ Motor vehicles or aircraft. Paraplegics and people missing
M
issouri for more information. one or both legs may hunt from a stationary vehicle.
◾ Sink boxes or any other type of low-floating device that
Goose Season Rationale conceals the hunter beneath the surface of the water
Missouri’s goose regulations are intended to be simple and ◾ Electronic calls or electronically activated calls
provide ample opportunity when hunters most desire to hunt ◾ Any sighting device that casts a beam of light on the game
geese. The early goose season in October is timed to take ◾ Night vision or thermal imagery equipment
advantage of molt-migrant Canada geese returning to the ◾ Live decoys
state and provides waterfowl hunters additional opportunity ◾ Bait (see Page 36)
after the September teal season and before the regular water-
Permits
fowl seasons. The regular goose season is timed to provide
concurrent duck and goose hunting as well as late-season Three permits are required. See Page 6 for permit details.
goose hunting after the duck season closes. Hunters pursuing ➊ Small Game Hunting Permit
light geese (snow, blue, and Ross’s geese) can take advantage ➋ Migratory Bird Hunting Permit
of more liberal hunting methods after the Conservation Order ➌ Federal Duck Stamp
begins on Feb. 7, 2021.
16 Migratory Bird and Waterfowl Hunting Digest 2020–2021Light Goose Conservation Order
Dates Limits
Feb. 7, 2021, to April 30, 2021 During the Conservation Order there is no daily bag or pos-
session limit for light geese (snow, blue, and Ross’s geese).
Shooting Hours
One-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset
Allowed Prohibited
◾ Shotguns, 10 gauge or smaller. During the Conservation ◾ Lead shot or other shot that has not been listed as nontoxic
Order, you may use shotguns that are capable of holding by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. For a list of approved
more than three shells. nontoxic shot, see Page 37.
◾ Electronic calls or electronically activated calls ◾ Rifles and pistols
◾ Hunting dogs ◾ Firearms that propel a single projectile at one discharge
◾ Motor boats or sailboats may be used, but only if the motor ◾ Punt guns, battery guns, swivel guns, fully automatic fire-
has been shut off and/or the sails furled, and the boat’s arms, traps, snares, nets, fish hooks, poisons, drugs, explo-
progress has stopped. sives, and stupefying substances
◾ Other methods are allowed by state and federal regula- ◾ Motor vehicles or aircraft. Paraplegics and people missing
tions. Please consult Chapter 7 of the Wildlife Code of one or both legs may hunt from a stationary vehicle.
M
issouri for more information. ◾ Sink boxes or any other type of low-floating device that
conceals the hunter beneath the surface of the water
Permits ◾ Any sighting device that casts a beam of light on the game
One permit is required. See Page 6 for permit details. ◾ Night vision or thermal imagery equipment
WATERFOWL SEASONS
➊ Conservation Order Permit ◾ Live decoys
◾ Bait (see Page 36)
Falconry
Dates Limits
◾ The daily bag limit is three birds, combined total of doves,
Doves
ducks, and coots.
◾ Statewide: Sept. 1, 2020, to Dec. 16, 2020, from one-half
◾ The possession limit is nine birds, combined total of doves,
hour before sunrise to sunset
ducks, and coots.
Ducks and Coots
◾ Statewide: Sept. 12–27, 2020, from sunrise to sunset Additional Regulations
◾ North Zone: Oct. 24–25, 2020, and Nov. 7, 2020, to Jan. 5, This is an incomplete listing of falconry regulations. For a
2021, from one-half hour before sunrise to sunset complete listing, see Rule 3 CSR 10-9.442 in the Wildlife Code
◾ Middle Zone: Oct. 24–25, 2020; Nov. 7–13, 2020; and Nov. of Missouri, which can be found online at www.sos.mo.gov/
19, 2020, to Jan. 10, 2021, from one-half hour before sun- adrules/csr/current/3csr/3csr.asp.
rise to sunset
◾ South Zone: Nov. 21–22, 2020; Nov. 26–29, 2020; and Dec.
7, 2020, to Jan. 31, 2021, from one-half hour before sunrise
to sunset
◾ Statewide: Feb. 10 to March 10, 2020, from one-half hour
before sunrise to sunset
Migratory Bird and Waterfowl Hunting Digest 2020–2021 17Duck Identification
Mallard
Green head
Drake
Dark
Both sexes have brown
a blue speculum breast
bordered with white
Hen
Orange bill with
Tan body dark blotches
American Black Duck Mottled Duck
Drake Drake
Pale underwing
WATERFOWL SEASONS
Dark body
contrasts with
pale underwing
Blue speculum
without white Buffy head
Blue speculum
border contrasts with
with very narrow
darker body
white border
Olive bill
Yellow bill
Body darker than hen mallard
Wood Duck
Chestnut
Green head
breast
Drake
Bright white
chinstrap
Blocky head
Long,
squared tail
Hen
18 Migratory Bird and Waterfowl Hunting Digest 2020–2021Northern Pintail
Brown head
Drake
Long, spiked tail
Slender
white
neck
Long tail
Both sexes have
Hen long, slender bodies
American Wigeon
Green eyestripe
Drake
WATERFOWL SEASONS
Slightly pointed tail
White center
on underside
of wings
Hen Stubby bill
Gadwall
Drake
Pale underwing
Both sexes
have a white
speculum
ILLUSTRATIONS BY MARK RAITHEL
Hen
Migratory Bird and Waterfowl Hunting Digest 2020–2021 19Duck Identification
Northern Shoveler
Green head
Pale blue
shoulder patch Drake
Chestnut belly
contrasts with
white breast
Hen Both sexes have a large,
shovel-shaped bill
Blue-Winged Teal
Small size
Drake
WATERFOWL SEASONS
Both sexes have
a pale blue
shoulder patch
Hen
Green-Winged Teal
Small size
Hen
Rufous head with
green eyestripe
White bar
Both sexes
have a green
speculum
Drake
20 Migratory Bird and Waterfowl Hunting Digest 2020–2021Canvasback
Rusty red head
Drake
In both sexes,
forehead slopes Extensive
to long black bill white on
body and
wings
Hen
Redhead
Brighter red head
than canvasback
Drake
WATERFOWL SEASONS
In both sexes, head
is much rounder
than canvasback Gray body
and wings
Hen
Ruddy Duck
Small and stocky
Drake
Both sexes
have long tail
In both sexes, head White cheek
looks large for body
ILLUSTRATIONS BY MARK RAITHEL
Hen
Migratory Bird and Waterfowl Hunting Digest 2020–2021 21Duck Identification
Ring-Necked Duck
Darker body Black head
than scaup
Drake
White ring
at tip of bill
Both sexes have
Hen gray wing stripes
Greater and Lesser Scaup
Black head
Drake
WATERFOWL SEASONS
White at
base of bill
Both sexes have
Hen white wing stripes
Common Goldeneye
Large, dark head
Drake
White spot
near bill
Brown head
Large white
wing patch
Hen
22 Migratory Bird and Waterfowl Hunting Digest 2020–2021Bufflehead
Small and compact White patch on
back of head
Drake
Dark head
Large white
wing patch
Bright white body
Oval-shaped
Hen white patch
Hooded Merganser
Long and slender body White patch on
with narrow wings back of head
Drake
WATERFOWL SEASONS
Black head
Hen Both sexes have long, thin bills
Common Merganser
Long and slender body
with narrow wings Green head
Drake
Orange bill
Large white
wing patch
Pink wash on belly
Hen
ILLUSTRATIONS BY MARK RAITHEL
Both sexes have
White chin contrasts with brown head long, thin bills
Migratory Bird and Waterfowl Hunting Digest 2020–2021 23Goose Identification
Canada Goose Greater White-Fronted Goose
Large size
Black head,
bill, and neck
White White base
cheek
patch
Brownish-gray body
WATERFOWL SEASONS
Pinkish-
orange bill
Dark bars on belly
Snow Goose and Ross’s Goose
Ross’s geese appear nearly identical to white snow geese
except Ross’s geese are slightly smaller and have shorter bills.
Black wingtips
contrast with
white body
White head
Pink bill Pink bill
Blue phase of
snow goose
White phase of White body
snow goose
24 Migratory Bird and Waterfowl Hunting Digest 2020–2021Trumpeter Swan
White wingtips
Trumpeter swans are twice the size of
Canada geese and four times the size
of snow geese.
Note: Young swans are gray.
White wing and body
Long white neck
WATERFOWL SEASONS
Black bill
Large size
Trumpeter swans are
protected by federal and state
laws and may not be shot!
ILLUSTRATIONS BY MARK RAITHEL
Migratory Bird and Waterfowl Hunting Digest 2020–2021 25WATERFOWL HUNTING AREAS
26
Managed Waterfowl Hunting Areas
NOPPADOL PAOTHONGT
he Conservation Department offers managed waterfowl
hunting on 15 conservation areas (see Page 28). Some of
ADA Blind Rules
these areas have permanent blinds, and others provide ◾ Hunters may reserve ADA blinds using the pre-season and
opportunities for hunters to wade in or hunt from boat blinds. in-season online reservation system.
Most have ADA blinds. There are three ways to obtain a hunt- ◾ Pre-season applications are accepted from Sept 1–18, and
ing spot on a managed waterfowl hunting area: ADA blind pre-season applicants may apply for up to five
◾ Missouri residents may apply online for a reservation. A res- managed waterfowl hunting areas.
ervation guarantees successful applicants a place to hunt ◾ ADA blind in-season applications will occur once a week,
on a specific day at a specific area. and will allocate blinds not reserved through the pre-sea-
◾ Residents and nonresidents can hunt with a reservation son application.
holder. Hunting parties are limited to four people. ◾ When arriving at an area to claim a blind, hunters must
◾ Residents and nonresidents can arrive at a managed show a Hunting Method Exemption or Department of Rev-
waterfowl hunting area and draw for a spot in the morning enue hangtag. For additional information, visit short.mdc.
drawing or “poor line.” mo.gov/Z4e.
How the Morning Drawing Works Rules of the Morning Drawing
◾ Half of all available spots at each area will go to hunters ◾ You must be a Missouri resident and properly licensed to
with a reservation. The other half will be allocated through apply for a reservation.
the poor-line drawing. ◾ You must be properly licensed prior to participating in the
◾ For the spots allocated by reservation, half of those will be poor-line drawing.
allocated through a pre-season online drawing, and half ◾ Reservation holders must check in before official draw time,
will be allocated through an in-season online drawing. and adult hunters must present a form of photo identifica-
For example, if an area has 20 hunting spots, 10 will be tion other than their hunting license.
allocated through the poor line, five through pre-season ◾ All parties must register prior to draw time. Parties not reg-
reservations, and five through in-season reservations. istered before draw time will not be allowed to enter the
◾ Applications for the pre-season drawing will be accepted drawing. If hunting spots remain after the drawing, they
from Sept. 1–18. Hunters may apply for pre-season reserva- may be allocated to other hunters.
tions at up to three managed waterfowl hunting areas. The ◾ Hunting party members may participate in only one morn-
in-season drawing will occur once a week. Hunters may apply ing drawing on the same day. Participation includes having
WATERFOWL HUNTING AREAS
for one area each day during the weekly application period. another member submit a Daily Waterfowl Hunting Tag for
◾ All reservation holders, both pre-season and in-season, will you in your absence.
be randomly assigned a pill number electronically after the ◾ You may not be registered for more than one location or
weekly in-season drawings are completed. possess more than one valid Daily Waterfowl Hunting Tag
◾ The poor line will have one member from each hunting party at the same time. You must check out prior to registering
pull a pill to determine the hunting party’s place in line. Poor- for another unit or area.
line pill numbers are assigned through an automated draw- ◾ Parties who have reserved an ADA blind are not eligible to
ing at Ted Shanks. Positions from reservation holders who do enter the in-person drawing unless they first forfeit their
not show will be included in the poor-line drawing. ADA blind reservation for that day.
◾ After the pills are drawn, the lowest number (from both ◾ A maximum party size of four is allowed on managed
poor-line hunters and reservation holders) gets first choice waterfowl hunting areas (except during youth season). All
of the available hunting locations, followed by the second- observers and hunting or non-hunting youth count toward
lowest number, and so on until all available hunting spots the maximum party size of four.
are assigned. ◾ All members of your party must hunt over the same decoy
◾ On some days, there may be more hunters than hunting spread. You may not split your party into smaller parties or
locations, so it’s possible that not everyone in the poor line combine with other parties after the drawing.
will get a spot to hunt. ◾ Your party must hunt in its assigned location, as designated
during the morning drawing. Hunting in an unassigned
COVID-19 May Affect Waterfowl Drawings location is prohibited.
The COVID-19 pandemic may impact how waterfowl For additional information on morning drawing procedures,
drawings are conducted this year and potentially in the visit short.mdc.mo.gov/Zxs.
future. The Conservation Department is committed to
providing waterfowl hunting opportunities, and any
adjustments to drawing procedures will be communi-
cated as soon as possible.
Migratory Bird and Waterfowl Hunting Digest 2020–2021 27Managed Waterfowl Hunting Areas
Wade-and-Shoot Hunting
Field Hunting for Geese
Temporary Blinds Only
Number of ADA Blinds
Boats for Blinds Only
Boat Launches
Closing Time
Water Blinds
Camping
Boats
Location
B.K. Leach — 4,307 acres
➊ Lincoln County ✓ ✓ 1 ✓ 1 p.m.
573-898-5905
Bob Brown — 3,307 acres
➋ Holt County ✓ ✓ 1 ✓ ✓ 1 p.m.
660-446-2694
Columbia Bottom — 4,318 acres
➌ St. Louis County ✓ ✓ 1 ✓ 1 p.m.
314-877-6014
Duck Creek — 6,318 acres
Bollinger, Stoddard, and Wayne 1 p.m. closure in
➍ ✓ ✓ 1 ✓ ✓ ✓
counties designated areas
573-222-3337
Eagle Bluffs — 4,428 acres
➎ Boone County ✓ ✓ 2 ✓ 1 p.m.
573-445-3882
Fountain Grove — 7,983 acres
1 p.m. closure in
➏ Linn and Livingston counties ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 1 ✓ ✓ ✓
designated areas
660-938-4124
Four Rivers — 13,929 acres
WATERFOWL HUNTING AREAS
➐ Vernon and Bates counties ✓ ✓ ✓ 1 ✓ ✓ Sunset
417-395-2341
Grand Pass — 5,301 acres
➑ Saline County ✓ ✓ 1 ✓ ✓ 1 p.m.
660-595-2444
Marais Temps Clair — 918 acres 1 p.m. closure;
➒ St. Charles County ✓ 1 waterfowl hunting
573-898-5905 Fri.–Mon. only
Montrose — 2,750 acres
➓ Henry County ✓ ✓ 1 ✓ ✓ Sunset
660-693-4666
Nodaway Valley — 3,881 acres
1 p.m. (west side)
⓫ Holt and Andrew counties ✓ ✓ 1 ✓ ✓
Sunset (east side)
660-446-3371
Otter Slough — 4,866 acres
⓬ Stoddard County ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 1 ✓ ✓ ✓ 1 p.m.
573-624-5821
Schell-Osage — 8,633 acres No morning drawing will be held on Schell-Osage for the 2020–2021 season. The Waterfowl
⓭ Vernon and St. Clair counties Hunting Only areas will be open for opportunistic waterfowl hunting through self-registration at
417-432-3414 the area headquarters, but portions of these areas may be closed for construction.
Ted Shanks — 6,705 acres
⓮ Pike County ✓ ✓ 1 ✓ ✓ 1 p.m.
573-248-2530
Ten Mile Pond — 3,755 acres
⓯ Mississippi County ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 ✓ Sunset
573-649-2770
28 Migratory Bird and Waterfowl Hunting Digest 2020–2021Other Waterfowl Hunting Areas
The following Department areas offer waterfowl hunt-
ing in addition to the managed waterfowl hunting
⓰ Bilby Ranch Lake CA •• Perry (Ralph and Martha)
areas. Other opportunities can be found on Missouri’s
⓱ Black Island CA Memorial CA
rivers, streams, and reservoirs. Please note:
⓲ Coon Island CA • Prairie Slough CA
•
◾ Some of the areas listed have special regulations for
⓳ Cuivre Island CA •• Rebel’s Cove CA
waterfowl hunting.
⓴ Deer Ridge CA •• Schifferdecker (W.L.)
◾ At many of these areas, waterfowl habitat is depen-
•• Diana Bend CA
Memorial
dent on precipitation or river levels.
•• Fountain Grove CA (south of • Settle’s Ford CA
•
Grand River) •• Thomas Hill Reservoir CA
◾ You are encouraged to scout the area before going
out to hunt.
• Four Rivers (Units 3 and 4)
• •• Thurnau (H.F.) CA
For area-specific regulations, visit mdc.mo.gov/atlas.
•• Little River CA •• Upper Mississippi CA (Bay
•• Manito Lake CA Island Unit)
• ellow Creek CA
• Y
28
WORTH PUTNAM
ATCHISON SCHUYLER SCOTLAND
MERCER CLARK
16 NODAWAY HARRISON SULLIVAN
ADAIR
KNOX
32 GENTRY
20
HOLT 11 GRUNDY
North Zone LEWIS
2 ANDREW DAVIESS
DEKALB LINN
LIVINGSTON MACON MARION
SHELBY
33
CLINTON CALDWELL 22 6
BUCHANAN
34 31
CARROLL CHARITON RANDOLPH MONROE
RALLS 14
PLATTE
RAY 29 PIKE
CLAY
8 27
AUDRAIN
SALINE HOWARD
MONTGOMERY
1
LAFAYETTE LINCOLN
JACKSON 21 BO
19 9
ON
26 E
COOPER
5 CALLAWAY 3
ST
JOHNSON PETTIS WARREN CHARLES
WATERFOWL HUNTING AREAS
CASS ST ST LOUIS
MONITEAU
GASCONADE
LOUIS CITY
25
HENRY COLE
30 MORGAN
OSAGE FRANKLIN
BATES
10 BENTON
Middle Zone JEFFERSON
ST CLAIR
MILLER MARIES
23 7 13 HICKORY CAMDEN
CRAWFORD WASHINGTON
STE
PHELPS GENEVIEVE
PULASKI
VERNON
CEDAR LACLEDE DENT PERRY
IRON ST FRANCOIS
POLK CAPE
DALLAS REYNOLDS GIRARDEAU
MADISON
BARTON DADE WEBSTER WRIGHT TEXAS
SHANNON
BOLLINGER
GREENE
JASPER LAWRENCE South Zone 4
SCOTT
WAYNE
CHRISTIAN
STODD
DOUGLAS
M
NEWTON CARTER
IS
SI
SS
AR
HOWELL
IP
STONE BUTLER 15
P
12
D
BARRY
I
OREGON RIPLEY
MCDONALD TANEY OZARK
NEW
18 MADRID
17
24
Note: Some sections, pools, and blinds are still being repaired from extensive flooding in DUNKLIN
PEMISCOT
2019. In addition, COVID-19 may impact how waterfowl drawings are conducted this
year and potentially into the future. The Conservation Department is committed to
providing waterfowl hunting opportunities, and any adjustments to drawing procedures
will be communicated as soon as possible.
Migratory Bird and Waterfowl Hunting Digest 2020–2021 29Wildlife Code of Missouri
Note: According to rule 3 CSR 10-5.216 of the Wildlife Code of Missouri, if you
Chapter 7 have been convicted of multiple or major violations of the Code in the past
five years, the Conservation Commission may consider suspending or revok-
3 CSR 10-7.440 Migratory Game Birds
ing your hunting, trapping, and/or fishing privileges regardless of any previous
and Waterfowl: Seasons, Limits
court action. The point system the Commission uses to assess Code violations is
(1) Migratory game birds and waterfowl explained at short.mdc.mo.gov/ZkV.
may be taken, possessed, transported,
and stored only as provided in federal
regulations and this Code. to I-70; west on I-70 to U.S. Hwy. 63; nearest December 10, close Decem-
(2) The head or one (1) fully feathered north on U.S. Hwy. 63 to U.S. Hwy. 24, ber 20–25, and then re-open on
wing must remain attached to all water- west on U.S. Hwy. 24 to Mo. Hwy. 10, December 26 through the last Sun-
fowl while being transported from the west on Mo. Hwy. 10 to U.S. Hwy. 69, day in January. During years when
field to one’s home or a commercial north on U.S. Hwy. 69 to Mo. Hwy. the federal framework prescribes
preservation facility. 116, west on Mo. Hwy. 116 to U.S. a thirty- (30-) day duck season, the
Hwy. 59, south on U.S. Hwy. 59 to the North Zone season will open on the
(3) Seasons and limits are as follows:
Kansas border. The South Zone shall Saturday nearest November 14, the
(A) Mourning doves, Eurasian be that portion of Missouri south of Middle Zone season will open on the
collared-doves, and white-winged a line running west from the Illinois Saturday nearest November 19, and
doves may be taken from one-half border on Mo. Hwy. 74 to Mo. Hwy. the South Zone season will open on
(1/2) hour before sunrise to sunset 25; south on Mo. Hwy. 25 to U.S. the Saturday nearest December 15,
from September 1 through Novem- Hwy. 62; west on U.S. Hwy. 62 to Mo. close December 19–25, and then re-
ber 29. Limits: fifteen (15) doves daily Hwy. 53; north on Mo. Hwy. 53 to open on December 26 through the
in the aggregate; forty-five (45) in Mo. Hwy. 51; north on Mo. Hwy. 51 Sunday nearest January 20. A person
possession; to U.S. Hwy. 60; west on U.S. Hwy. 60 possessing the appropriate state and
(B) Sora and Virginia rails may be to Mo. Hwy. 21; north on Mo. Hwy. federal permits may take ducks in
taken from one-half (1/2) hour 21 to Mo. Hwy. 72; west on Mo. Hwy. accordance to the season lengths,
before sunrise to sunset from 72 to Mo. Hwy. 32; west on Mo. Hwy. bag limits, and species-specific
September 1 through November 9. 32 to U.S. Hwy. 65; north on U.S. Hwy. opening and closing dates estab-
Limits: twenty-five (25) rails daily in 65 to U.S. Hwy. 54; west on U.S. Hwy. lished annually by the Conservation
the aggregate; seventy-five (75) in 54 to the Kansas border. The Middle Commission.
possession; Zone shall be the remainder of Mis- (H) Ducks and coots may be taken
(C) Woodcock may be taken from souri not included in other zones. from one-half (1/2) hour before sun-
one-half (1/2) hour before sunrise (G) During years when the federal rise to sunset as follows:
to sunset from October 15 through framework prescribes a sixty- (60-) 1. Ducks and coots may be
November 28. Limits: three (3) wood- day duck season, the North Zone taken from November 7 through
STATE AND FEDERAL REGULATIONS
cock daily; nine (9) in possession; season will open on the first Satur- January 5 in the North Zone; from
(D) Wilson’s snipe may be taken from day in November, the Middle Zone November 7 through November
one-half (1/2) hour before sunrise to season will open on the Saturday 13 and November 19 through
sunset from September 1 through nearest November 6 for seven (7) January 10 in the Middle Zone;
December 16. Limits: eight (8) snipe days, close for five (5) days, and then and from November 26 through
daily; twenty-four (24) in possession; re-open for fifty-three (53) days, the November 29 and December 7
South Zone season will open on through January 31 in the South
(E) Blue-winged, green-winged, and
Thanksgiving Day for four (4) days, Zone; and
cinnamon teal may be taken from
close as long as necessary for the
sunrise to sunset from September 12 2. Duck and coot limits are as
second segment to remain open
through September 27. Limits: six (6) follows: The daily bag limit of
through January 31 (as late as the
teal daily in the aggregate; eighteen ducks is six (6) and may include
federal framework allows). During
(18) in possession. no more than four (4) mallards
years when the federal framework
(F) Waterfowl Zones: The North Zone (no more than two (2) of which
prescribes a forty-five- (45-) day
shall be that portion of Missouri may be female), three (3) wood
duck season, the North Zone season
north of a line running west from the ducks, two (2) redheads, two (2)
will open on the second Saturday in
Illinois border at Lock and Dam 25; hooded mergansers, one (1) pin-
November, the Middle Zone season
west on Lincoln County Hwy. N to tail, one (1) mottled duck, two (2)
will open on the Saturday nearest
Mo. Hwy. 79; south on Mo. Hwy. 79 canvasback, two (2) black ducks
November 15, and the South Zone
to Mo. Hwy. 47; west on Mo. Hwy. 47 and two (2) scaup in the North
season will open on the Saturday
30 Migratory Bird and Waterfowl Hunting Digest 2020–2021You can also read
