Missouri Duck Hunts

Mild winters combined with an abundance of corn, rice and soybean fields make the state an ideal location for Missouri duck hunts. Waterfowl seasons are generally established according to peak migrations recorded in previous years. Naturally, weather is the determining factor as to whether the ducks arrive during hunting season or move through the state too quickly or do not arrive in time. Seasons also vary in different regions of the state.

* North-The regular season begins during the third week of October and extends to the last week in December.

* Middle-The season begins during the first week of November and lasts through December.

* South-Waterfowl hunting season starts during the last week in November and spans into the last week of January.

Whether you're planning on participating in self-guided or guided Missouri duck hunts, locals recommend making arrangements no later than July. Farmers often limit access to fields or blinds and good spots typically fill quickly. Taking into consideration some techniques used by seasoned hunters also increases the likelihood of success.

Scouting

Ducks have a tendency to feed in the morning and in the afternoon, often returning to the same location. Many hunters prefer to scout out feeding areas in advance, and with the landowner's permission, mark sites with a flag.

Decoy Configurations

Hunters hunting ducks on dry fields often create large displays using both snow geese and duck decoys. The large geese decoys get the ducks' attention and better hide the blinds. Displays may also consist of a large and a small configuration. The large grouping generally attracts the birds from the air.  However, when the birds land, they tend to choose to feed amongst the smaller groupings. Hunters also suggest using a combination of full body ducks with a few wing-spinning decoys dispersed throughout the arrangement. Use decoys that replicate male duck coloration and arrange the groupings so that the birds funnel naturally closer to the blind.

Duck Calls

Missouri Duck Hunts occurring on dry fields more readily rely on the decoys to attract the birds rather than using a barrage of calls. As the decoys are doing the majority of the work, a few feed calls or soft quacks are sufficient.
 
Miscellaneous Tips

Hunt on sunny days, which create shadows and better camouflage. After a freeze, hunt in the afternoon when the warmer temperature and sunshine have the chance to thaw grain bearing plants. After a light snow, muddy the field to give the appearance that the site has had feeding action.