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There are typically a large number of resident Canada geese and other waterfowl that utilize the August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area throughout the year. These hunts are an effort to increase waterfowl hunting opportunities in the St. Louis Region while balancing multiple public uses on this popular Conservation Area. The Busch Area will remain open to the public during these waterfowl hunts.
Application Information
- Applications are accepted September 1-30.
- Only one (1) application per individual (duplicate applications will result in disqualification).
- Four (4) applicants will be selected by random drawing for each of four (4) hunt dates.
- Draw results will be available online starting October 15.
- Successful applicants will receive notification by email by October 15 and receive an area hunting permit as an email attachment. Successful applicants will need to be able to print a copy of their area hunting permit and bring it with them on the day of the hunt.
- Successful applicants without email will receive their daily hunting permit in the mail.
- Successful applicants may bring up to three (3) hunting partners during the hunt.
The waterfowl hunt dates at Busch Conservation Area for 2025-26 are as follows:
- November 1-3, 2025 (Ducks ONLY)
- December 5-7, 2025 (Ducks and Geese)
- January 2-4, 2026 (Ducks and Geese)
- January 31 - February 2, 2026 (Geese ONLY)
The following guidelines apply for these hunts:
- Unless exempt, all hunters must possess a valid Small Game Hunting Permit, Migratory Bird Hunting Permit, and Federal Duck Stamp.
- Statewide daily and possession limits apply.
- Waterfowl hunting is allowed from one-half hour before sunrise until sunset.
Hunters will be required to use non-toxic shot when hunting waterfowl at Busch Conservation Area.