Reservations at Eagle Bluff
Pre-Season Reservations at Eagle Bluff
Hunters apply for preseason reservations at Eagle Bluff 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 Eagle Bluff
Quick draw reservations at Eagle Bluff 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 these, which makes your chances of being awarded one low. Only Missouri residents may apply.
Are hunters shooting more ducks than they used to?
Poor Line at Eagle Bluff
The poor line is available to hunters at Eagle Bluff the morning of the hunt. The poor line requires one member of each party to “draw” a number (or several numbers) from a box. Numbers 1-10 drawn will typically guarantee you and your party a hunt at a desired location for the day. At Eagle Bluff, 35 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.
Where to Hunt at Eagle Bluff
Eagle Bluff Area Map
Eagle Bluff Duck Population Heat Map
Pool 10:
Eagle Bluff Pool 10 Area Map
Pool 10 at Grand Pass is between the south and west refuge, which makes the area popular among hunters. The pool typically consists of flooded corn and other natural vegetation for hunters to conceal themselves in. Hunters should expect to wade 200-500 yards to get to a location away from other hunters and where the ducks are flying over. I have found that hauling decoys and other gear in decoy sleds is easiest when hunting the area.
Pool 5:
Eagle Bluff Pool 5 Area Map
Pool 5 is the largest pool at Eagle Bluff and is located next to the west refuge. The area is large, which means several parties are hunting in the same pool at one time. To eliminate tension between parties and competition for ducks, hunters should plan to walk 200-800 yards to get to a secluded location. The majority of the area consists of shallow water and flooded corn, so hunters should pack their gear accordingly.
This is the decoy sled we have used in the past and it works great for hauling gear in the marsh. Check out current pricing and reviews on Amazon.
Buck and Katy Pools:
Eagle Bluff Buck and Katy Pools Area Map
The Buck and Katy pools hold a large population of the ducks at Eagle Bluff once the temperature drops below freezing. The pools are made up of mostly flooded crops, which provides an excellent source of food for waterfowl. Hunters should plan to walk 100-500 yards in the water to get to a desired location. The two areas are more secluded than other hunting pools, which oftentimes makes ducks more responsive to calls due to less pressure.
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What to Expect When Hunting Eagle Bluff
Hunting Among Other Parties at Eagle Bluff
Due to the area being public land, hunting among other hunters is common. Levees or berms separate parties of hunters in most areas, which alleviates competition for ducks. However, there are certain pools within the area that are more open, which leads to hunters being closer to one another. With that being said, the staff at Eagle Bluff directs hunters in the morning and creates space between competing parties the best they can.
Duck harvest data: per state and species
Best Time of Year to Hunt Eagle Bluff
Early Season at Eagle Bluff
Hunting at Eagle Bluff early in the season includes puddle ducks, mild weather, and unpressured ducks. Mallards, pintails, and gadwall are all common ducks on the area early in the season. Due to the warmer temperatures at this time of year, hunting is best early in the morning while the air is cooler. This time of year is popular among hunters because the ducks are responsive to decoys and calls.
Mid-Season at Eagle Bluff
Eagle Bluff becomes more difficult to hunt towards the middle of the season because of hunter pressure, stale birds, and inconsistent weather. This time of year on the area can be frustrating because of call shy ducks and the amount of hunters shooting at the same ducks day after day. The parties that have success on the area during the middle of the season try different strategies like fewer decoys, no motion decoys, and other nontraditional setups.
Late Season at Eagle Bluff
The success late in the season at Eagle Bluff depends on weather patterns and a hunter’s willingness to go out in harsh conditions. Late in the season, the area is oftentimes frozen over with up to 12 inches of ice. However, successful hunts still happen if hunters set up on the ice or hunt on a warmer day that may trigger a reverse migration.
This article is not a comprehensive resource regarding area or statewide regulations. Please see the Missouri Department of Conservation’s website for specific hunting regulations.
FAQ’s
Do I need a reservation to duck hunt at Eagle Bluff?
Hunters do not need a reservation to duck hunt at Eagle Bluff. The poor line is available the morning of the hunt to hunters without a reservation.
Can I teal hunt at Eagle Bluff?
Hunters are permitted to teal hunt at Eagle Bluff during the Missouri teal season. Teal hunting on the area is contingent upon weather and water levels.
Can youth hunters hunt at Eagle Bluff?
Youth hunters are allowed to hunt at Eagle Bluff during its respective zone’s designated youth season. Youth hunters are allowed to hunt during the regular waterfowl season as well.
Do I need a boat to duck hunt at Eagle Bluff?
Hunters do not need a boat to hunt at Eagle Bluff. Boats are not permitted on the area.
How many people can be in my party at Eagle Bluff?
The maximum number of hunters allowed in a party is 4. Parties of hunters may not join up with other groups on the area.
Is Eagle Bluff handicap accessible?
There is 1 ADA blind on the area. For more information regarding the handicap accessible locations, please contact the staff at Eagle Bluff.
Is there flooded corn at Eagle Bluff?
Eagle Bluff plants corn, beans, milo, and other natural vegetation for waterfowl. The amount and quality of the crops depends on water levels and weather throughout the year.
How late can hunters hunt at Eagle Bluff?
The area is closed to hunting after 1 p.m. for all areas at Eagle Bluff.
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