Missouri Department of Conservation

Waterfowl Hunting

Waterfowl season begins when ducks and geese are migrating in the fall. The season start is staggered between zones, with the northern zone of the state opening earlier than the middle and southern zones.

The specific dates and regulations are set in summer and are published in the Waterfowl Hunting Digest, listed in the “Related Information” box below. You can purchase waterfowl hunting permits beginning July 1.

Topics listed below let you apply for a reservation at one of 15 MDC-managed waterfowl areas, check hunting conditions, check season dates and regulations, and find many informational reports and harvest summaries.

Find teal hunting information in the Migratory Bird Hunting Digest.

Waterfowl Seasons and Boundaries

Get season dates, bag limits, zone information and background information on how seasons are set.

Preseason Waterfowl Reports

Wetland Outlook, Teal Outlook Reports

Reservation and Drawing Procedures

Apply for a reservation on one of MDC's managed waterfowl areas and learn about drawing procedures at the areas. Reservations begin on Sept. 1.

Snow-Goose Hunting Opportunities

Conservation makes Missouri a great place to hunt, and snow-goose hunting during the Conservation Order (February through April) can be excellent on several conservation areas. Get this season's outlook at seventeen popular waterfowl-hunting conservation areas, and review special regulations that apply to them.

Waterfowl Hunting Information

Find MDC areas to hunt, get harvest updates and waterfowl counts, and track mallards as they migrate south.

Waterfowl Quick Draw

In 2011 (starting October 21), hunters will be able to use Quick Draw online to apply for daily waterfowl hunting spots on three conservation areas popular for managed waterfowl hunting. This system will enable hunters to know before driving to a conservation area whether they were drawn for one of the available hunting spots. Get the details.