Tips for Duck Hunting on Missouri Public Lands

Of course, we love when people go on guided duck hunting Missouri trips, but we realize not everyone wants to do a guided hunting trip. For those of you that want to hunt on public lands, the challenges can be many. But, some areas are just as fruitful to hunters as guided hunts, and people have been hunting there for decades. If you want to give it a go on public lands this season, here are a few tips that will hopefully lead you to a successful trip.

1. Weather Watching – a big cold front is a sure sign that there will be birds in the area. If rain follows the front, even better. There is also the advantage that these less than ideal conditions make it harder for the birds to tell decoys from their buddies, you stand a better chance of drawing them in with your spread.
2.  Arrive Early… Or Late – since these lands are public, you are not going to be the only one wanting one of the premier spots. Remember the old saying, “The early bird gets the worm”? Well, in this case, the early hunter gets to set up his blind. If you arrive just behind the early birds, you will end up in a line watching everyone else get their limit. The alternative is to show up a bit later and let the early guys have at it. Once they bag their limit, you can slide right into their spot.
3.  Weekday Hunting – weekends are like LA traffic in popular hunting grounds. Because most people work Monday through Friday, take a vacation day and spend it hunting. There will be far less competition for the hot spots.
4. Late Season Hunting – most hunters are chomping at the bit to get out there, which means the first few weeks of the season will be the busiest. Temperature wise, it is also a bit more attractive to some hunters. As the season goes on, interest dwindles but the birds are still there. Head out a month or so into the season and the same hunting grounds that were packed just a few weeks ago will be much more open.
5.  Look at Different Areas – when there are many hunters, you have to think out of the box. One way to do this is in hunting harder to reach areas. Just because it is hard for you to get there does not mean it is hard for the ducks. After all, they can fly! It may mean setting up a lot earlier, but the reward is that you will often have these areas completely to yourself.
6.  Know the Law – every local area is going to have its own regulations and ordinances regarding hunting. Make sure you know them in the areas you plan on duck hunting. The money you save may be your own!
7. Technology – there are lots of new gadgets out every year, so break out your wallet and invest in some of them. If you have better equipment, you will have an edge over hunters that refuse to buy into modern equipment.

This should get you started. Not pack up the truck and head out there and get your limit!