Duck Tracker’s Missouri Migration page provides maps, duck counts, and hunting reports to help you stay up-to-date with the most recent duck migration movements in Missouri.
To see reports from other states, visit our main migration tracking page.
Welcome to the 2022 duck season! We hope you all had a great off-season. Our hope is that these reports can serve as a quality resource for you this fall. We do our best to make sure our reports are accurate and timely, and hope they lead to more success for you this season. Check back here frequently to get the latest migration updates!
Missouri Duck Count
The most recent Missouri duck count on December 26, 2022 reported 41,739 ducks in the state.
Missouri Duck Migration Report for 12/26/2022
Missouri Duck Migration Maps
Missouri Duck Counts for 12/26/22
Missouri Duck Count Changes 11/28/2022 to 12/26/2022
Missouri Duck Counts by County for 12/26/2022
| County | Current Duck Count | % Change |
|---|---|---|
| Holt | 0 | -100% |
| Linn | 0 | -100% |
| Chariton | 750 | -99% |
| Saline | 100 | -100% |
| Pike | 25 | -100% |
| Stoddard | 19,640 | -77% |
Data for this update was gathered from the MDC website
Missouri Duck Migration Report for 11/28/2022
Missouri Duck Migration Maps
Missouri Duck Counts for 11/28/22
Missouri Duck Count Changes 11/14/2022 to 11/28/2022
Missouri Duck Counts by County for 11/28/2022
| County | Current Duck Count | % Change |
|---|---|---|
| Holt | 183,829 | -16% |
| Linn | 55,000 | -35% |
| Chariton | 85,592 | -28% |
| Saline | 179,073 | +42% |
| Pike | 130,371 | +22% |
| Stoddard | 85,190 | +30% |
Data for this update was gathered from the MDC website
Missouri Duck Migration Report for 11/14/2022
Missouri Duck Migration Maps
Missouri Duck Counts for 11/14/22
Missouri Duck Count Changes 11/03/2022 to 11/14/2022
Missouri Duck Counts by County for 11/14/2022
| County | Current Duck Count | % Change |
|---|---|---|
| Holt | 219,009 | +661% |
| Linn | 85,000 | +3300% |
| Chariton | 119,492 | +600% |
| Saline | 126,000 | +385% |
| Pike | 107,234 | +186% |
| Stoddard | 65,488 | +92% |
Data for this update was gathered from the MDC website
Missouri Duck Migration Report for 11/03/2022
Missouri Duck Migration Maps
Missouri Duck Counts for 11/03/22
Missouri Duck Count Changes 10/20/2022 to 11/03/2022
Missouri Duck Counts by County for 11/03/2022
| County | Current Duck Count | % Change |
|---|---|---|
| Holt | 28,786 | +50% |
| Linn | 2,500 | +234% |
| Chariton | 17,080 | +1,492% |
| Saline | 26,000 | No preior report |
| Pike | 37,500 | +262% |
| Stoddard | 34,187 | +34% |
Data for this update was gathered from the MDC website
Missouri Duck Migration Report for 10/20/2022
Missouri Duck Migration Maps
Missouri Duck Counts for 10/20/22
Missouri Duck Count Changes (Coming next report)
Missouri Duck Counts by County for 10/20/2022
| County | Current Duck Count | % Change |
|---|---|---|
| Holt | 19,131 | Coming next report |
| Linn | 748 | Coming next report |
| Chariton | 1,073 | Coming next report |
| Saline | No report | |
| Pike | 10,367 | Coming next report |
| Stoddard | 25,574 | Coming next report |
Data for this update was gathered from the MDC website
Missouri Duck Migration Report for 12/30/2021
Missouri Duck Migration Maps
Missouri Duck Counts for 12/30/21
Missouri Duck Count Changes from 12/15/21 to 12/30/21
Missouri Duck Counts by County for 12/30/2021
| County | Current Duck Count | % Change |
|---|---|---|
| Holt | 45,082 | -72% |
| Linn | 157,229 | +8% |
| Chariton | No report | No report |
| Saline | 138,500 | +14% |
| Pike | 153,542 | -3% |
| Stoddard | 65,409 | -32% |
Data for this update was gathered from the MDC website
Missouri Duck Migration Report for 12/15/2021
Missouri Duck Migration Maps
Missouri Duck Counts for 12/15/21
Missouri Duck Count Changes from 12/01/21 to 12/15/21
Missouri Duck Counts by County for 12/15/2021
| County | Current Duck Count | % Change |
|---|---|---|
| Holt | 159,967 | -2% |
| Linn | 145,371 | +92% |
| Chariton | 52,070 | -46% |
| Saline | 121,604 | +30% |
| Pike | 158,840 | +1% |
| Stoddard | 96,664 | +18% |
Data for this update was gathered from the MDC website
Missouri Duck Migration Report for 12/01/2021
Missouri Duck Migration Maps
Missouri Duck Counts for 12/01/21
Missouri Duck Count Changes from 11/17/21 to 12/01/21
Missouri Duck Counts by County for 12/01/2021
| County | Current Duck Count | % Change |
|---|---|---|
| Holt | 163,461 | +12% |
| Linn | 75,547 | +56% |
| Chariton | 96,417 | +9% |
| Saline | 93,749 | +44% |
| Pike | 157,382 | +44% |
| Stoddard | 82,109 | +130% |
Data for this update was gathered from the MDC website
Missouri Duck Migration Report for 11/17/21/2021
Missouri Duck Migration Maps
Missouri Duck Counts for 11/17/21
Missouri Duck Count Changes from 11/5/21 to 11/17/21
Missouri Duck Counts by County for 11/17/2021
| County | Current Duck Count | % Change |
|---|---|---|
| Holt | 146,187 | +21% |
| Linn | 48,450 | +62 |
| Chariton | 88,688 | 48% |
| Saline | 65,000 | -8 |
| Pike | 108,983 | +115% |
| Stoddard | 35,750 | -10% |
Missouri’s overall duck counts have increased by 154,382 (a little more than 35%) over the past two weeks. This is in large part due to the migration of big ducks into the state. Of the 154,382 increase in migrating ducks, 122,265 of them were Mallards.
Even though Missouri’s had a great increase in new birds since 11/5/2021, the total number of ducks in the state is 590,126, which is 23% lower than the 5 year average for this time of the season.
Data for this update was gathered from the MDC website
Missouri Duck Migration Report for 11/5/21/2021
Missouri Duck Migration Maps
Current Missouri Duck Population Map for 11/5/2021
Previous Duck Population Map from 10/25/2021
Missouri Migration Spotlight Maps
Holt County
| Previous Duck Count | 44,986 |
| Most Recent Population Count | 121,005 |
| Change in Duck Population | +169% |
| This time last year | 59,692 (+103%) |
Pike County
| Previous Duck Count | Not Available |
| Most Recent Population Count | 50,671 |
| Change in Duck Population | Not Available |
| This time last year | 40,643 (+25%) |
Four Rivers (Vernon County)
| Previous Duck Count | 3,920 |
| Most Recent Population Count | 25,000 |
| Change in Duck Population | +538% |
| Compared to this time last year | 4,402 (+468%) |
Stoddard County
| Previous Duck Count | 31,978 |
| Most Recent Population Count | 39,815 |
| Change in Duck Population | +25% |
| Compared to this time last year | 12,620 (+215%) |
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Visit our Duck Migration Page to see updates for all states in our coverage area
11/5/21 Missouri Migration Update
In this week’s update, we’re seeing reports that almost every area in the state is showing an increase in numbers, some of which are very significant.
Holt county, in the far Northwestern corner of the state, is reporting 169% more ducks than they were on 10/25/2021. This significant increase is due to many Pintails, Gadwalls, and Green-winged teal migrating into the area. This movement looks to be moving faster than it did last season, as current Holt county duck counts are 103% higher than they were at this time last year.
Areas on the Western border of the state are also reporting large gains. Vernon county is showing 538% more ducks than it was on 11/25/21! It’s the same story here, with the large increases due to more Pintails and Gadwalls coming into the area. Reports year over year at this time are showing 468% more ducks now than there were last season.
In the far Southeastern section of the state bordering the Mississippi River we’re seeing similar results. Stoddard county is holding 25% more ducks than they were on 10/25/2021, and are up 215% from this time last season.
Complete Guide to duck hunting in Missouri
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Duck Migration Page to see updates for the entire flyway
*Data used in reports was gathered from Missouri Department of Conservation
Missouri Duck Migration Report for 10/25/2021
We’re excited to bring you our first Missouri duck migration report for the 2021-2022 season! With opening day for the North zone being right around the corner, and the Middle and South zones not far behind, we’d like to give you an update of the migration reports coming out across the entire state.
Missouri Duck Migration Map
Current Missouri Duck Population Map for 10/25/2021
Current Duck Counts in Missouri
| County | Duck Count |
|---|---|
| Stoddard County | 31,978 |
| Boone County | 1,150 |
| Vernon County | 3,920 |
| Saline County | 14,000 |
| Holt County | 44,986 |
| Linn County | 15,200 |
| Mississippi County | 768 |
Missouri Migration Spotlight Maps
The following were reported by the Missouri Department of Conservation
Holt County
| Holt County area | Duck Count |
|---|---|
| Bob Brown | 6,007 |
| Leoss Bluff | 35,230 |
| Nodaway Valley | 3,749 |
| County Total | 44,986 |
Linn County
| Linn County area | Duck Count |
|---|---|
| Fountain Grove | 15,200 |
| County Total | 15,200 |
Stoddard County
| Stoddard County area | Duck Count |
|---|---|
| Duck Creek CA | 3,790 |
| Otter Slough | 21,985 |
| Mingo NWR | 6,203 |
| County Total | 31,978 |
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Missouri Migration Update for 10/25/21
This is our first Missouri report for the season, so we don’t have any week over week data to compare to. However, with several areas reporting their duck counts, we can get a good look at the overall duck population in the state.
Starting in the Northern section of the state: Holt County, which consists of Bob Brown, Leoss Bluff, and Nodaway Valley is reporting a combined survey count of 44,986. Of the birds in the area, 9.28% are Mallards and 11.76% are teal. These are strong numbers to start the season and should provide hunters in the North zone some good opportunities for opening day this weekend.
In the state’s Central areas: Linn County (which is actually in the North zone, but the only county towards the middle of the state reporting consistent numbers), is holding 15,200 ducks. 53% of the birds in the area are Teal while 33% are pintails.
Looking at the state’s Southern areas, Stoddard County, which includes Duck Creek, Otter Slough, and Mingo NWR, is reporting a combined total of 31,978. 3.56% of the ducks are Teal, and 4.85% are Mallards.
When evaluating these duck counts broken out by species, it becomes clear that many of the Blue-Winged Teal have left Missouri, while few Mallards have moved into the area. Some years waterfowlers have to wait a few weeks to shoot Gadwalls, Pintails, and other puddle ducks, but this may not be the case this season.
Good luck to everyone in the North zone on your opening day this weekend. Hunters in the Middle and South zones: It’s getting closer!
Complete Guide to duck hunting in Missouri
Subscribe to migration updates
Duck Migration Page to see updates for the entire flyway
*Data used in reports gathered from Missouri Department of Conservation
Missouri Duck Migration Report for 01/10/2021
Missouri Duck Migration Maps
Previous Missouri Duck Population Map (from 12/27/2020)
Current Duck Population Map for 01/10/2020
Average Duck Count Change Per Missouri Reporting Area: -2%
Missouri Migration Spotlight Maps
Pike County
| Previous Duck Count | 125,979 |
| Most Recent Population Count | 17,732 |
| Change in Duck Population | -86% |
| This time last year | NA |
Four Rivers (Vernon County)
| Previous Duck Count | 77,500 |
| Most Recent Population Count | 65,665 |
| Change in Duck Population | -15% |
| Compared to this time last year | 8,200 (+701%) |
Ten Mile Pond (Mississippi County)
| Previous Duck Count | 37,450 |
| Most Recent Population Count | 52,510 |
| Change in Duck Population | +40% |
| Compared to this time last year | 42,971 (+22%) |
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Visit our Duck Migration Page to see updates for all states in our coverage area
Missouri Migration Update
Missouri duck counts for the reporting areas in the Northeastern portion of the state have seen a significant decrease since our last migration update. Holt County alone is down 90% from two weeks ago.
Also seeing significant decreases in duck numbers were areas in Eastern Missouri along the Mississippi River. Pike county is holding 86% fewer birds than they were 2 weeks ago.
In Southern Missouri, population surveys are showing an increase in the number of birds in the area. Mississippi County reported their duck population count is at 52,510, representing a 40% increase since our last update 2 weeks ago.
Even with the large decrease in many areas, it’s interesting to see that there are about 28% more ducks still in the overall state of Missouri than their were during this same time last year! This probably doesn’t mean much to Missouri waterfowlers, but for those hunting South of the state, it indicates there will be more hunting opportunities later this season than there were last.
This concludes our last Missouri migration update of the season, we hope you had a great one and look forward to keeping you up-to-date next year!
Complete Guide to duck hunting in Missouri
Subscribe to migration updates
Duck Migration Page to see updates for the entire flyway
*Data used in reports was gathered from Missouri Department of Conservation
Missouri Duck Migration Report for 12/27/2020
Missouri Duck Migration Maps
Previous Map (from 12/13/2020)
Current Map (for 12/27/2020)
Average Duck Count Change Per Missouri Reporting Area: +1%
Missouri Migration Update
Overall, the duck population in Missouri did not change much since our last migration update 2 weeks ago. What jumps out at us when comparing last update’s maps with the most current, is the change in where the birds are holding within the state. Areas in the Northwest (Holt County) and along the Mississippi River (Pike County) have had significant decreases in numbers, while the middle Northern areas (Linn County) have seen large increases.
With the sweeping cold front across Northern Iowa over the past couple weeks, it’s a little surprising Missouri didn’t pick up more birds. Arkansas saw a huge increase in numbers, indicating that for the most part the ducks in Missouri stayed put, while the birds that were holding in Iowa flew over the state and settled in Arkansas.
Reporting areas on the Western and the most Southeastern part of the state showed very little change in duck populations, indicating the ducks have probably found some “safe zones” to hang out in until a major weather change.
Missouri Migration Spotlight Maps
Fountain Grove (Linn County)
| Previous Duck Count | 68,500 |
| Most Recent Population Count | 115,000 |
| Change in Duck Population | +68% |
| Compared to this time last year | NA |
Leoss Bluff (Holt County)
| Previous Duck Count | 62,981 |
| Most Recent Population Count | 33,295 |
| Change in Duck Population | -47% |
| Compared to this time last year | 9,510 (+250%) |
Missouri Duck Hunting Outlook and Forecast
Although not many ducks left Missouri with this most recent cold front, almost all the birds that were holding in Iowa made their way South for the year. This tells us that once the ducks that are currently in Missouri leave, there aren’t many up North to replenish the hunting opportunities.
Different weather predictions are being made by the “experts”, which translates to no one really knows what the next two weeks will bring. It’s safe to say though that when the remaining open water in Missouri does freeze up, it will effectively put an end to this year’s waterfowl season.
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To see migration reports from other states within the Mississippi Flyway, see our main Duck Migration Page
Have your own migration report you’d like to share? You can leave it in the comments below, just be sure to mention your approximate location and the date you’re reporting on.
*Data used in reports was gathered from: https://extra.mdc.mo.gov/widgets/wtrfwl_harvest/
Missouri Duck Migration Report for 12/13/2020
Missouri Duck Migration Maps
Previous Map (from 11/29/2020)
Current Map (12/13/2020)
Average Duck Count Change Per Missouri Reporting Area: +14%
Missouri Migration Update
By looking at the maps, it’s pretty clear that not many birds have moved into the area since our last update. While the average population changes per reporting area is slightly positive, the overall duck survey count is down about 5%. The most noteworthy change is the significant decrease in number of birds reported in the Northwestern part of the state (Holt County) when compared to our last update.
With temperatures in the 40’s to 50’s, and lows barley reaching below freezing at night, it makes sense that the ducks are hanging around instead of moving South. While it’s great to have this many birds in Missouri, they seem to be learning where the “safe zones” are, and becoming more decoy and call shy. (How to blow a cut-down call)
Missouri Migration Spotlight Maps
Grand Pass (Saline County)
| Previous Duck Count | 60,000 |
| Most Recent Population Count | 68,000 |
| Change in Duck Population | +14% |
| Compared to this time last year | 39,200 (+73% |
Ted Shanks (Pike County)
| Previous Duck Count | 71,500 |
| Most Recent Population Count | 69,900 |
| Change in Duck Population | -2% |
| Compared to this time last year | 91,500 (+24%) |
Missouri Duck Hunting Outlook and Forecast
Missouri experienced an increase in migrating ducks since our last update (+14% average per reporting area), but with very few birds still holding North of the state, we forecast this might be the last increase the state will see.
A cold front is projected to hit Missouri over the next two weeks, which is great for getting stale ducks up and moving, but if too much water freezes up for long, it could send the remaining ducks in the state on South.
The next two weeks might be some of the last good opportunities Missouri hunters have this season, so make sure to take some time and get out there to FIND THE DUCKS!
*Data used in reports was gathered from https://extra.mdc.mo.gov/widgets/wtrfwl_harvest/
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Missouri Duck Migration Report for 11/27/2020
Missouri Duck Migration Maps
Previous Duck Population Map (from 11/15/2020)
Current Duck Population Map (for 11/27/2020)
Average Duck Count Change Per Missouri Reporting Area: +57%
Missouri Migration Spotlight Maps
Pike County
| Previous Duck Count | 72,643 |
| Most Recent Population Count | 189,537 |
| Change in Duck Population | +161% |
| This time last year | 145,477 |
Holt County
| Previous Duck Count | 56,778 |
| Most Recent Population Count | 123,380 |
| Change in Duck Population | +117% |
| This time last year | 23,300 (+436) |
Chariton County
| Previous Duck Count | 10,334 |
| Most Recent Population Count | 16,681 |
| Change in Duck Population | +61% |
| Compared to this time last year | 88,861 (-81%) |
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Missouri Migration Update
The Northeastern areas of Missouri have soon a huge leap in migrating ducks over the past 2 weeks! Leoss Bluff (in Holt county) has more than doubled their duck count since our last migration update! With the impending cold way making its way into the area next week, we can expect some of these birds to make their way further south.
The Mid-Eastern areas along the Mississippi River have also seen a large increase. Pike county’s (includes Clarence Cannon and Ted Shanks) waterfowl count is up over 100%. We expect these numbers may hold with subfreezing temperatures on the way. Ducks along the river will have plenty of open water so they may stick around.
Central Missouri has picked up some migrating ducks, but not nearly as many as the other two mentioned areas. Chariton County (Swan Lake) is up 61% since our last update.
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To see migration reports from other states within the Mississippi Flyway, see our main Duck Migration Page
Have your own migration report you’d like to share? You can leave it in the comments below, just be sure to mention your approximate location and the date you’re reporting on.
*Data used in reports was gathered from https://extra.mdc.mo.gov/widgets/wtrfwl_harvest/