Attention, duck-enthusiasts! The fresh fall air and the thrill of a good hunt are nearly here. If a Missouri duck hunting adventure is in your plans this season, we’ve got a detailed guide ready to assist you. We cover it all, from season dates and rules to the expense of licenses and best spots to explore.
Duck Hunting Dates in Missouri
In Missouri, the Conservation Department (MDC) splits the state into three sections for ducks: North, Middle, South. Each one has a bit different season times to match when waterfowl move around. Here’s how it goes:
Teal Season
- Dates: Sept. 7 – Sept. 22
Ducks Season
North Zone:
- Nov. 2 – Dec. 31
- Oct. 26 and 27 (Youth Days)
Middle Zone:
- Nov. 2 – Nov. 10
- Nov. 16 – Jan. 5, 2025
- Oct. 26 and 27 (Youth Days)
South Zone:
- Nov. 28 – Dec. 1
- Dec. 7 – Jan. 31, 2025
- Nov. 23 and 24 (Youth Days)
Additionally, remember these important dates:
- Youth game Days: North Zone (Oct 26 & 27), Middle Zone (Oct 26 & 27), South Zone (Nov 23 & 24)
Pro Tip: For any outdoor trip, verify the latest rules and changes on the official MDC website before you go.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits
| Species | Daily Bag Limit | Possession Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Mallard (including hens) | 6 | 12 |
| Scaup (during first 45 days) | 2 | 6 |
| Scaup (during last 15 days) | 1 | 3 |
| Teal | 8 | 16 |
| Wood Duck | 2 | 4 |
| Pintail | 2 | 4 |
| Gadwall | 2 | 4 |
| Wigeon | 3 | 6 |
| Ring-necked | 1 | 2 |
| Canvasback | 1 | 2 |
| Redhead | 1 | 2 |
Missouri Duck Hunting Regulations Summary
General Requirements
- Shotgun, 10 gauge or smaller, with a 3-shell maximum
- No sink boxes or concealment devices below the water surface
- No hunting from motorized vehicles (except paraplegics and leg amputees)
- No motorized vehicles or boats used to round up birds
- No live decoys or amplified bird calls
- No baiting or hunting over freshly planted food plots
Possession and Transportation
- Retrieve and tag all birds immediately
- No more than daily bag limit in possession between pursuing location and home, taxidermist, etc.
- Tagging required before giving birds to others or transporting them
- Head or wing must be attached for waterfowl in transit
Youth Waterfowl Regulations
- Two youth-only hunting days per zone
- Youth must be 15 or younger and accompanied by an adult
- No permits required for youth hunters
- Adult must be hunter-ed certified if youth is not (unless born before Jan 1, 1967)
- Shooting hours and limits same as regular seasons
Permit & Stamp Requirements
Who Needs Permits & Stamps:
- Residents (16-64 years old)
- Non-residents (16+ years old)
Exemptions:
- Missouri resident landowners hunting on their own land (only Migratory Bird Permit & Duck Stamp required)
- Hunters 15 years old and younger (when pursuing with a properly licensed adult) during regular season
Required Permits & Stamps:
- Missouri Small Game Permit:
- Residents: $10.50 annually
- Non-residents: $98 annually or $14.50 daily
- Missouri Migratory Bird Permit:
- Residents & Non-residents: $6.50 (includes Migratory Game Bird Harvest Registration)
- Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (Duck Stamp):
- Residents & Non-residents: $25 or $32 (e-Stamp)
Where to Buy:
- Permits: Any permit vendor
- Duck Stamps: U.S. Post Offices, MDC offices, online
Note: During the Light-Goose Conservation Order, only a Conservation Order Permit is required (separate from regular duck permits & stamp).
Note: Prices are subject to change. Check the MDC website for the latest fees https://mdc.mo.gov/permits.
Duck Species in Missouri
- Mallard
- Teal (various species)
- Wood Duck
- Gadwall
- Pintail
- Wigeon
- Ring-necked
- Canvasback
- Redhead
Additional Duck Species Potentially Found in Missouri:
- Scaup
- Bufflehead
- Lesser Scaup
- Hooded Merganser
- Common Merganser
- Ruddy Duck
- Northern Shoveler
- Green-winged Teal
- Blue-winged Teal
Resources for Finding a Complete List:
- Check out the Missouri Conservation Department’s site. They have a full list of birds in the state, even waterfowl! To find “ducks,” just use their cool tool: https://mdc.mo.gov/wildlife/birds
Top Duck Hunting Locations in Missouri
The state of Missouri is loaded with choices for duck enthusiasts. It boasts sizable conservation zones filled with ducks, and hidden treasure spots in public hunting lands. Let’s explore some top places you might pick for your next Missouri duck adventure:
| Region | Public Hunting Grounds |
|---|---|
| Northwest | Squaw Creek Conservation Area, Nodaway Refuge |
| Northeast | Swan Lake Conservation Area, Big Muddy Conservation Area |
| Central | Paint Brush Conservation Area, River Bluffs Conservation Area |
| Southwest | Pomme de Terre Lake Wildlife Area, Grand Pass Conservation Area |
| Southeast | Mingo National Wildlife Refuge, Duck Creek Conservation Area |
Conservation Areas:
The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) oversees these territories tailored for wildlife sport. Let’s shine a spotlight on a few:
- Wetlands of the Ozarks Refuge (Southeast Missouri): This sprawling refuge encompasses over 100,000 acres of diverse wetland habitats, including bottomland hardwood forests, shallow marshes, and permanent lakes. It’s a haven for various species like mallards, teal, wood ducks, and gadwalls.
Pro Tip: The Paintbrush Unit in the Ozarks Refuge, managed by the MDC, reserves spots for waterfowl blinds. It’s an excellent way to grab prime hunting ground, particularly during the busiest times.
- Squaw Creek Conservation Area (Northwest Missouri): This vast sanctuary spans more than 100,000 acres, it’s a mix of wetland environments. There are deep-wood forests, light marshes, and lasting lakes. The place serves as a sanctuary for different duck types such as mallards, teal, wood ducks, and gadwalls.
Things to Consider: You can grab public blinds at Squaw Creek. They’re given out on a first-come, first-get basis. Come early on hunting days and secure your place.
- Forrester Lake Conservation Area (North-Central Missouri): Stretching over 3,200 acres, the area includes open water (known as Forrester Lake), wooded nooks, and farming lands. Its unique layout offers a great habitat for many types of ducks. You’ll often spot mallards, wood ducks, gadwalls, and widgeons in this welcoming setting.
Bonus Tip: With its mix of open water and cover, Forrester Lake can be a great spot for jump shooting ducks in addition to setting up decoys.
