I’m in east central Missouri, small impoundments and occasionally smaller rivers. We have mallards, gadwalls, shovelers, teal, the occasional pintail. Geese are also common in the area. Back when I was actively hunting this area years ago it wasn’t uncommon to have some divers cruise the decoys.
I’m based in Central Missouri (Jefferson City) and have been duck hunting for just a little over 25 years. My main decoy focus is mallards, with a mix of wigeons and pintails, though I’m still hoping to add some gadwalls and shovelers to my list.
Back in the day, I used to think bigger was better—running 5–6 dozen mallard decoys with a few pintails mixed in for massive spreads. I believed numbers equaled success. But now, in my late 50s and often hunting solo, I’ve shifted gears. These days, I’m experimenting with smaller spreads that focus on variety instead of sheer volume. It’s a work in progress, but I’m enjoying the process of fine-tuning my approach.
I’ve also considered adding 3–6 Canada goose decoys to the mix, but the extra work of hauling them in has me hesitating. For shallower areas or dry spots, I’ve got some mallard shells and Bigfoot Canada goose decoys that work well into the mix of floaters, but I’m still figuring out what’s worth the effort in different situations.
Most of my hunts are on Missouri Conservation Department (MDC) Managed Waterfowl Areas like Eagle Bluffs, assuming I can get drawn. I got into waterfowl hunting right after the 1993 Missouri River flood, when the MDC started converting flood-damaged farmland into managed hunting areas. For me, these spots have defined the bulk of my experience.
One downside of hunting these areas is the limited access and fierce competition. Because of this, I mostly hunt alone—many of my friends aren’t as committed to the early mornings and the costs for just a few hunts a year. Nor having to deal with the process of trying draw in and ultimately getting sent home or having to come up with a Plan B. I always invite them along when I draw a spot, but it’s hit or miss.
Unfortunately, I don’t have much experience with alternative Plan B locations, like other public lands or private areas. My scouting has been limited due to time constraints and life in general, so most of my hunts revolve around MDC-managed areas.
If you’re new to Missouri hunting, I’d be happy to share what I’ve learned about hunting the MDC-managed areas over the years. But again my experience is limited.
Looking forward to swapping stories and learning from your experiences as well!
