How to hunt Yellow Creek Conservation Area
Yellow Creek Conservation Area is one of Missouri’s many open hunting areas in the state. No reservation or check in is required, but there is a limited number of parties that can comfortably hunt. Hunters are allowed to hunt until 1 p.m. There area has 2 parking lots on the northwest border for hunters to park in the morning of the hunt.
Where to hunt at Yellow Creek Conservation Area
Deciding the best place to hunt at Yellow Creek Conservation Area is not all that challenging because there are only two main pools. Both pools will be full of water if the location has received significant rainfall during the summer and fall. Before heading out, you should scout the area and determine if there is enough water in your desired hunting location before heading out the next morning. I learned the hard way.
The closest pool to the parking lot (pool 1) is the largest body of water on the area. When the pool is full, 2 parties can hunt. However, competition between the 2 groups of hunters will be intense. If you do find yourself with no other parties around, your chances of success will increase drastically.
The pool that is towards the back of the area (pool 2) rarely gets hunted. The walk back to it is roughly a 2 mile round trip. It is a much smaller body of water, so be sure to scout it and ensure it has an adequate water level before hauling your gear.
From my experience, figuring out where you cannot hunt is equally important. Since there are private duck clubs surrounding the conservation area, you must make it a priority to not trespass. The private land owners know that many hunters are taking advantage of the area. They have grown to have zero tolerance for trespassers and those who break the law.
Please see the Missouri Department of Conservation Map of Yellow Creek Conservation Area for a detailed boundary line. The link is at the bottom of the page.
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What to expect when hunting Yellow Creek Conservation Area
Yellow Creek Conservation Area located in the Golden Triangle of Missouri which includes Fountain Grove, Grand Pass, and Swan Lake. That said, there are typically thousands of waterfowl in the area. With that many ducks and geese comes many hunters eager to hunt during the 60 day season in Missouri. Besides the number of hunters, there are other things you should prepare for when hunting the area as well. See the list below.
- Public land boundary lines
- Pressured ducks
- Competition from other parties
- Walking a long distance to your area (200 to 1500 yards depending on your location)
- 1 p.m. closure time
- Early arrival to beat other parties there
- Thousands of waterfowl
Recommended equipment for hunting Yellow Creek Conservation Area
Hunting Yellow Creek Conservation Area can be challenging to hunters if they do not have adequate gear. The area is demanding due to the distance hunters must walk, competing with other parties, and hunting pressured ducks. Therefore, having gear that is light, durable, and realistic is key to success when hunting here. After hunting the area for many seasons, there are certain pieces of equipment I have found effective. See the list below.
- Decoy sled(s)
- Cut-down duck call
- Breathable waders
- Flocked mallard decoys
- Goose floaters (if you have room)
- Jerk string
- A cart to haul other gear
- Natural camouflage
- Mojos (when the conditions are right)
This is not a comprehensive guide regarding regulations, boundary lines, or other laws for waterfowl hunting in Missouri. Please visit the Missouri Department of Conservation website for more details.
Links:
Yellow Creek Conservation Area Map
Yellow Creek Conservation Area Brochure
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