Missouri waterfowl hunters looking for a spot on some of the state's most popular public hunting areas will soon have a chance to make their reservations.
The Missouri Department of Conservation is reminding hunters that applications for managed waterfowl hunt reservations will be accepted online from Sept. 1 through Sept. 18.
Reservations are used at 13 intensively managed wetland conservation areas across Missouri. A successful reservation guarantees the hunter an opportunity to hunt at a specific conservation area on a specific day.
Missouri residents can apply for those reservations online.
Hunters don't necessarily need to draw a reservation themselves to take part. Residents and nonresidents may hunt with someone who has a reservation, with hunting parties limited to four people.
There's also the old-fashioned option familiar to many Missouri duck hunters — the morning drawing, often called the "poor line."
Residents and nonresidents can show up at a managed waterfowl hunting area and enter the morning drawing for any available hunting spots.
While MDC's managed wetlands are among Missouri's more popular public destinations for ducks and other waterfowl, they're not the only options. Hunting is available on other conservation areas and public and private property across the state.
Hunters are encouraged to check regulations before heading into the field, including season dates, limits and requirements that may apply to individual conservation areas.
Applications for managed hunt reservations will be available Sept. 1-18 through the Missouri Department of Conservation managed waterfowl hunts page.
Hunters can also review the 2026-27 Migratory Bird and Waterfowl Hunting Digest online or pick up information at MDC offices, nature centers and locations where hunting permits are sold.
