Every five years, the Missouri Department of Conservation holds public meetings to determine changes to duck zones and season dates.  In previous years, Missouri has never had the option of a split in the season while having it’s three zones.  However, this year new options are being presented to hunters offering additional zones or season split options:

1. Statewide season, no split
2. No zones with up to two splits and three segments
3. 2 zones with one split and two segments
4. 3 zones with no split
5. 3 zones with one split
6. 4 zones with no split

Personally would prefer to see 3 zones with one split.  However, I also feel that season dates should begin later with a split; while maintaining the 60-day season ending on the last day possible under federal guidelines. Others would disagree based on weather.

It has been my experience that there are always ducks around regardless of water conditions.  They will always keep water open somewhere.  What really hurts duck hunting is when food sources (such as crop fields) become inaccessible due to snow or ice.  For me, the late season has always been my favorite time to hunt.  Dogs know the routine by then, weekend warriors are staying home, etc.

Duck Season Dates and Zone Boundaries Workshops will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. on the following dates and locations. Details about the workshops are available by calling the number listed for each workshop.

• Columbia, March 7 at the Boone Electric Cooperative, 1413 Rangeline Street 573-882-8388;
• St Charles, March 10 at Stegton Regency Banquet Center, 1450 Wall Street 636-441-4554 (pre-registration required);
• St Joseph, March 14 at MDC Northwest Regional Office, 701 James McCarthy Drive 816-271-3100;
• Blue Springs, March 15 at Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center, 1401 NW Park Road 816-655-6250;
• Jackson, March 22 at Knights of Columbus Hall, 3305 N. High (also known as Hwy 61 between Jackson and Fruitland) 573-290-5730;
• Dexter, March 23 at the National Guard Armory, Hwy 114 East near airport 573-290- 5730;
• Kennett, March 24 at the Justice Center, corner of the North Bypass (also called Ely) and Floyd 573-290-5730;
• Joplin, March 28 at the Wildcat Glade Conservation Area and Audubon Center, 201 W Riviera Drive 417-895-6880;
• Springfield, March 29 at the Springfield Conservation Nature Center, 4600 S Chrisman 417-895-6880;
• Nevada, March 30 at the Vernon County/Nevada Community Center, 200 N Ash Street 417-876-5226;
• Clinton, March 31 at the Clinton Christian Church, 1201 East Ohio Street 660-885-6981;
• Mound City, April 4 at Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge headquarters, 5 miles south of Mound City, just off Interstate 29. Take exit 79 and drive 3 miles west on Hwy 159 816-271-3100;
• Chillicothe, April 5 at Grand River Inn, 606 West Business 36 816-271-3100;
• Kirksville, April 6 at the MDC Northeast Regional Office, 3500 South Baltimore 660-785-2420;
• Hannibal, April 7 at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 1 Columbus Road 573-248-2530.

For more information see the Missouri Department of Conservation.