New MDC migratory bird and waterfowl hunting digest now available

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation’s new Migratory Bird and Waterfowl Hunting Digest for the 2019-2020 hunting season is now available where permits are sold and online at huntfish.mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/regulations/migratory-bird-and-waterfowl-hunting-digest.

The handy, free guide has detailed information on needed permits and duck-stamp requirements, hunting seasons and limits, hunting areas, regulations, and more.

New points of note for the upcoming season include:

  • Nontoxic shot is now required for hunting doves on 20 conservation areas that have intensive dove hunting.

  • Sixteen conservation areas have been added to the existing list of areas where nontoxic shot is required for all hunting with a shotgun.

  • Only one pintail is allowed in the daily bag limit this season.

  • Duck season will now close in the South Zone on Jan. 31.

  • Changes have been made to the waterfowl reservation system and the morning drawing at managed waterfowl-hunting areas.

  • Due to spring flooding, some conservation areas may have sections closed for repair and/or have reduced habitat for dove and waterfowl hunting.

Migratory bird hunting opens Sept. 1 for dove, rail, and snipe, and Oct. 15 for woodcock. Teal season opens Sept. 7. Youth waterfowl hunting days are Oct. 26-27 in the North and Middle Zones, and Nov. 23-24 in the South Zone. Duck season opens Nov. 2 for the North Zone, Nov. 9 for the Middle Zone, and Nov. 28 for the South Zone. Regular goose season opens Nov. 11.