Grand Pass is located in Saline County, Missouri, and is home to thousands of migrating ducks and geese each fall. It is located in the Golden Triangle of Missouri, which is famous for the amount of migrating waterfowl that pass through the area. Due to its location along the Missouri River, Grand pass is able to produce corn, beans and milo to feed ducks and geese during the harsh winters. The area consists of walk-in style hunting units and two main refuges. Hunters are attracted to Grand Pass because of the amount of waterfowl in the area as well as the diversity of landscapes they can hunt while there.
Reservations at Grand Pass
Pre-Season Reservations at Grand Pass:
Hunters apply for preseason reservations at Grand Pass from the beginning of September to mid September through the Missouri Department of Conservation’s online application. All applicants not awarded a preseason reservation may apply through the “quick draw” reservation system once the season begins. Only Missouri residents may apply.
Quick Draw Reservations at Grand Pass:
Quick draw reservations at Grand Pass are awarded to hunters who apply for a reservation throughout the season. Quick draw reservations may be applied for approximately one week before a hunt. Hunters from across the state apply for a quick draw reservation at Grand Pass, which makes your chances of being awarded a reservation low. Only Missouri residents may apply.
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Poor Line at Grand Pass:
The poor line is available to hunters at Grand Pass the morning of the hunt. The poor line requires one member of each party to “draw” a number (or multiple numbers) from a box. Numbers 1-15 drawn from the box will typically guarantee you and your party a hunt at a desired location for the day. At Grand Pass, 70 parties drawing for 15-20 locations in the poor line is not uncommon. Additionally, reservation holders have first access to areas which leaves fewer areas available to hunters relying on the poor line to hunt.
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Where to Hunt at Grand Pass
Grand Pass Area Map
Grand Pass Duck Population Heat Map
Grand Pass consists of walk-in style hunting units with the exception of 1 ADA blind. Hunters may hunt from 6 different pools located between two refuges on the east and west side of the area. The hunting pools and refuges are both planted in corn, beans, milo, or a type of natural vegetation. All walk-in pools are wadable, but some hunters decide to bring boat blinds or shallow water boats to access hunting areas faster. Below are notable places to hunt at Grand Pass.
Pool 3:
Grand Pass Pool 3 Area Map
Pool 3 is the closest unit to the west refuge at Grand Pass. The designated hunting area is large, which means walking a significant distance of 400-800 yards is required to get to an area where other parties are not. The natural vegetation used to conceal hunters becomes sparse as the season progresses, so brining your own camouflage can be the key to success. Bringing a cart to haul your gear on dry ground and a decoy sled to use once in the water are both recommended.
Pool 6:
Grand Pass Pool 6 Area Map
Pool 6 is the largest unit at Grand Pass and is located on the east side of the area. This hunting unit is popular among hunters because the east side refuge borders it on its south and east boundary. Due to the unit’s size, there are 6-8 parties of hunters allowed. Hunters should expect to walk or boat 200 to 1000 yards to create space between other parties and set up closer to the ducks. The unit is wadable, but hunters oftentimes bring a boat to navigate faster and carry their gear. If a boat is not used, bringing decoy sleds to haul gear is recommended.
Pool 5:
Grand Pass Pool 5 Area Map
Pool 5 is located between pool 3 and pool 6 on the north end of Grand Pass. The unit is hunter friendly considering parties are separated by levees in certain areas. Also, the levees give hunters the opportunity to haul their gear on dry ground with decoy sleds or a decoy cart. The unit is located directly between the two refuges, which means ducks and geese fly over the area frequently. The area is wadable, but hunters often bring boats to navigate to where the ducks are. Hunters should expect to walk or boat 200-500 yards in the water once in the unit.
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What to Expect When Hunting Grand Pass
Hunting Among Other Parties at Grand Pass:
Hunting at Grand Pass requires hunters to hunt among several parties on the area. Competing for locations and ducks can become intense during the morning of a hunt. In many areas, parties are not separated by levees, which causes hunters to set up close to one another in some instances. The staff at Grand Pass does an exceptional job of directing parties of hunters before they head out, but once the ducks start flying, parties tend to move to where they are and get closer to other hunters.
Best Time of Year to Hunt Grand Pass
Early Season at Grand Pass:
Hunting Grand Pass early in the season consists of many parties, puddle ducks, and unpressured ducks. Early in the season, ducks fly the area the majority of the day. Mallards, pintails, and teal are common puddle ducks around the area for the first few weeks of the season. Hunting the area early in the season is popular among hunters, which makes getting a reservation difficult.
Mid-Season at Grand Pass:
Hunting at Grand Pass is difficult during the middle of the season. Stale birds, many parties, and unpredictable weather are all factors to consider. Stale birds do not fly at all times of the day, which makes hunting public land frustrating. As 1 p.m. approaches, the ducks at Grand Pass tend to fly more and hunters have better success later in the morning. Depending on the weather, the area can either be frozen or it could be 70 degrees during the middle of the season.
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Late Season at Grand Pass:
Later on in the season, duck hunting at Grand Pass is phenomenal if hunters can withstand harsh conditions. Thick ice takes over by this time of year, but the area typically has a great food source for the waterfowl, which keeps the birds there. Hunting on the ice with full-body decoys is effective at Grand Pass late in the season.
This article is not intended to be a comprehensive resource for area or statewide regulations. Please see the Missouri Department of Conservation’s website for specific hunting regulations.
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FAQ’s
Do I need a boat to hunt Grand Pass?
Boats are permitted at Grand Pass, but not required to hunt the area. Boat ramps are located at several of the parking lots next to the hunting areas.
Can I teal hunt at Grand Pass?
Hunters are permitted to teal hunt at Grand Pass during the Missouri teal season. Teal hunting at Grand Pass is contingent upon weather and water levels.
Do I need a reservation to hunt at Grand Pass?
Hunters do not need a reservation to hunt at Grand Pass. Hunters without a reservation may utilize the poor line to obtain an area to hunt for the day.
Does Grand Pass have flooded corn?
Grand Pass has flooded corn, beans, and other agriculture crops. The amount and quality of the flooded crops is contingent upon weather and water levels.
How late can I hunt at Grand Pass?
Grand Pass requires all hunters to stop hunting at 1 p.m.
Can youth hunters hunt at Grand Pass?
Youth hunters may hunt at Grand Pass during the designated youth season in the middle zone of Missouri. Youth hunters are also permitted to hunt during the regular season.
Is Grand Pass handicap accessible?
Grand Pass is handicap accessible to duck hunters. There is 1 ADA blind on the east side of the area. Please contact the staff at Grand Pass for more information on hunting the ADA blind.
How many people can I hunt with at Grand Pass?
Grand Pass allows parties of up to 4 members. Parties are not allowed to join up once in the area.
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