MDC announces dates for upcoming managed waterfowl hunts at Fellows Lake

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Missouri residents will soon be able to apply for upcoming managed waterfowl hunts at Fellows Lake.

Fellows Lake managed waterfowl hunts aim to enhance waterfowl hunting opportunities in southwest Missouri while balancing various public uses in this popular recreational space. During these hunts, the Fellows Lake trails will be closed to the public. Participants must adhere to the guidelines set forth by City Utilities of Springfield and the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC).

MDC announced the hunting periods for the 2026-2027 managed waterfowl hunts at Fellows Lake, which are:

• Nov. 26-29, 2026
• Jan. 1-5, 2027
• Jan. 7-12, 2027
• Jan. 14-19, 2027
• Jan. 21-26, 2027
• Jan. 28-31, 2027

 Application information includes:

• You must be a Missouri resident to apply.
• Applications are accepted Sept. 1-30.
• Only one application per individual (duplicate applications will result in disqualification).
• Six hunt periods are available, with opportunities for disabled hunters and anyone to apply.
• Draw results will be available online starting Oct. 15.
• Successful applicants will receive notification by email by Oct. 15. Those without email will be notified by mail.
• Successful applicants may bring up to three hunting partners during the hunt.

Apply online starting Sept. 1 at mdc12.mdc.mo.gov/applications/managedhunts/?critter=Waterfowl

Selected hunters must attend a pre-hunt orientation on Nov. 23, 2026, at the Springfield Conservation Nature Center, 4601 S. Nature Center Way. Those who do not attend will be disqualified. If a drawn hunter does not attend the pre-hunt orientation, MDC will redraw for the selected blinds and will communicate those changes.

Waterfowl Hunting at Fellows Lake

Fellows Lake is in Greene County, north of Springfield, and is owned by City Utilities of Springfield. MDC oversees waterfowl and deer hunting along with fisheries management at the reservoir. In previous years, waterfowl hunting was on a first-come, first-served basis. In cooperation with City Utilities, a managed waterfowl hunt was adopted to ensure hunters know when and where they are selected to hunt.   

Unless exempt, all hunters participating in the Fellows Lake waterfowl hunts must possess a small game hunting permit, a migratory bird hunting permit, and a federal duck stamp. Statewide daily and possession limits apply. Hunting is allowed from one-half hour before sunrise until 1 p.m. during the designated hunting dates. Hunters are required to use non-toxic shot.

Hunters at Fellows Lake may hunt from their own blinds, which they can set up at eight specified sites on the south side of Fellows Lake. This provision allows individuals to hunt from blinds they have built themselves and, thus, have been constructed to fit personal preferences, comforts, and needs. (Commercially manufactured blinds are permitted.)

Hunters need to remember that decoys, boats, and other equipment used for waterfowl hunting can transport invasive plant species from one body of water to another. Hunters should clean, drain, and dry all waterfowl hunting equipment before and after the hunt.

Information about the Fellows Lake managed waterfowl hunt and other managed waterfowl hunts in the state can be found at mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/species/waterfowl/managed-hunts-waterfowl/fellows-lake-managed-waterfowl-hunts

More information about waterfowl hunting at Fellows Lake can also be obtained by calling the MDC Southwest Regional office in Springfield at 417-895-6880.