MDC Announces Procedural Levels For Waterfowl Managed Hunts

Earlier this year, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) made the decision to modify the 2020-2021 waterfowl managed hunt process to assure the safety of hunters and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the first managed hunt application period set to open on Oct. 20, MDC has determined procedural levels for the start of the season for each conservation area. MDC also encourages hunters to review the process throughout the entire waterfowl season as procedural levels may change due to COVID-19 considerations.

The Fountain Grove Conservation Area in Livingston County and the Nodaway Valley Conservation Area in Holt County were both given a procedural level of Green to start the season. That is the least restrictive level. That level allow limited facility use with masks and social distancing, commits to 50 percent reservation allocation through in-season, allows hunting parties to select a hunt location, allows a poor line for no-shows and 50 percent hunt position, and follows procedures from previous years for vacancies remaining after the morning drawing through a self-check system.

There was no pre-season application period or draw for the 2020-21 waterfowl season. All reservations, including ADA blinds, will be allocated through the weekly in-season draw. The first application period opens Oct. 20 and results will be announced Oct. 27. The weekly application period opens every Tuesday at 8 a.m. and closes the following Monday at 3 p.m.

Throughout the entire season, hunters will be asked to follow precautionary guidelines to assure the safety of everyone at the conservation area during the morning draw.