It's time for hunters to start getting ducks in a row

Hunters who want to pursue ducks or geese on wetland areas managed by the Missouri Department of Conservation may apply for reservations.

Applications for hunting on the conservation department's managed wetlands are handled exclusively online. Hunters have through Sept. 19 to apply for reservations at 12 department managed wetland areas.

To apply, visit mdc.mo.gov/node/3806. Drawing results for reservations throughout the season at each wetland area will be available at the same website Oct. 1.

All entries received are entered into the system, shuffled and assigned a number randomly to determine the reservation selection. After a first attempt has been made to award each hunter a reservation, the system repeats the process, going through remaining choices and attempting to award hunt dates not yet taken.

Hunting opportunities at Otter Slough, Eagle Bluffs and Grand Pass conservation areas will be handled through the Quick Draw system again this year, with one in four hunting spots allocated through daily drawings, according to a conservation department news release.

Quick Draw applications -- which allot guaranteed line positions -- are available a few days before the hunting period. Quick Draw applications will open at midnight Oct. 17 for Grand Pass and midnight Oct. 24 for Eagle Bluffs and Otter Slough.

Whether applying through the traditional reservation system or Quick Draw, hunters need their nine-digit identification number found at the top of their hunting permits or next to the bar code on conservation heritage cards.

To apply for reservations under Quick Draw, hunters older than 15 and younger than 65 need a small-game hunting and a migratory bird permit. Hunters younger than 16 only need a conservation identification number.

Disabled hunters may apply for disabled-accessible blinds through Quick Draw and apply in non-Quick Draw areas by calling the area conservation office on or after Oct. 1. To qualify for a disabled-accessible blind, hunters must submit a hunting-method exemption form available online or at conservation department regional offices.

Neither Quick Draw nor the traditional system allows nonresidents to apply for reservations. Nonresidents may be included in hunting parties with resident hunters and may take part in daily, on-site "poor-line" drawings.

Unclaimed reservations under the Quick Draw and traditional reservation system are added to those available in the "poor line," where hunters without reservations can draw for a chance to hunt.

Duck stamps are required for waterfowl hunters. Paper stamps are offered at some post offices and conservation department regional offices, nature centers and visitor's centers. They are not available at retail permit vendors or waterfowl hunting conservation areas.

E-stamps may be bought through mo.wildlifelicense.com for $17.50, which includes a $2.50 handling fee. A $1 Internet convenience fee will be added to the total order. Hunters will receive an e-stamp at the time of purchase, and a paper duck stamp will be sent through the mail. The e-stamps may be used immediately and for 45 days after the purchase. After that time, hunters must carry the paper duck stamp.

srinehart@semissourian.com

388-3641