Dove Season begins September 1st and Swan Lake NWR will be open for Dove hunting. Refuge Manage Steve Whitson says check-in and check-out is required for all hunters. This is a self-check requirement and can be done at the Hunting Headquarters by the North Gate. Check-in begins 1 hour before shooting hours and check-out must occur within 30 minutes of shooting hours closing for the day.
The north units along the refuge road are open to hunting. Hunters need to park in the designated parking areas. All state and federal licenses are required, and hunting is done in accordance with Missouri State Dove hunting regulations. Non-toxic shot is required on Swan Lake NWR.
The check-in and out is at the Hunting Headquarters on Refuge Road. There will be maps of the hunting units available at check-in. The units are wheat fields The crops were not the best this year, so food is limited to attract the birds.
