Managed Hunts

Some of the best public waterfowl hunting opportunities are found on the Department’s 15 intensively-managed wetlands and these areas have draw procedures in place to allocate limited hunting opportunities. Hunters can apply online for reservations in September, as well as throughout the waterfowl season.

Only Missouri residents are allowed to enter the reservation drawings through the online system. Qualifying non-residents (i.e. non-resident students, military stationed in Missouri) are also able to enter the online reservation draws. ADA blinds can be applied for by qualifying hunters using the same online system. All hunting parties on these 15 areas are limited to four people.

Nonresident hunters can be a member of a reservation party or try their luck for an open spot in the “poor line”. Nonresident hunters can also go to any open-hunting waterfowl area without a reservation at any time during the waterfowl season.

Learn what to expect at a morning draw.

Open Hunting Areas

Open hunting areas allow waterfowl hunting, without a reservation, at any time during the waterfowl season. These areas are not as intensively managed for their wetland habitat, so they can be a little more unpredictable. Waterfowl may or may not be using the area, but there’s no line, and no reservation needed!

Check Places To Go for these open waterfowl areas.