Places to Go: Fountain Grove CA

By Larry Archer | February 1, 2025
From Missouri Conservationist: February 2025
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Fountain Grove Conservation Area

Goose, goose, duck

If Fountain Grove Conservation Area (CA) was a children’s game, it would likely be a variation of Duck, Duck, Goose that would more accurately be called Goose, Goose, Duck.

“It’s February, and that’s the peak time for the return migration for most waterfowl species, the snows, the specs — or white-fronted geese — and Canada geese,” said MDC Wildlife Biologist Bryan Anderson. “And most of the puddle ducks are moving back north during February — the mallard, pintail, gadwall, wigeon.” 

Located on over 8,000 acres in Linn and Livingston counties, Fountain Grove CA is Missouri’s largest and oldest managed wetlands. Combined with nearby Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge, the area draws both waterfowl and waterfowl hunters, Anderson said.

“February is just a popular goose hunting month in this area, between the snow geese, the Canadas, and the specs,” he said. “We hold more than just about any place in the state on those species, and we get several folks that come and hunt Fountain Grove.”

Because of restrictions on places open for non-hunting use during waterfowl seasons, Anderson recommends birdwatchers and nature viewers hold off until the close of waterfowl seasons and the refuge openings to the public on March 2.

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Fountain Grove CA

This Issue's Staff

Magazine Manager – Stephanie Thurber
Editor – Angie Daly Morfeld
Associate Editor – Larry Archer
Photography Editor – Ben Nickelson
Staff Writer – Kristie Hilgedick
Staff Writer – Joe Jerek
Staff Writer – Dianne Van Dien
Designer – Marci Porter
Designer – Kate Morrow
Photographer – Noppadol Paothong
Photographer – David Stonner
Circulation – Marcia Hale