Eagle Bluffs Restores Water Pumping

Waterfowl hunting resumes in the middle zone of the Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area on Saturday, November 7.

Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Hunting

Live Poll

Do you trust your local government to fix public land infrastructure problems promptly?

The Missouri Department of Conservation has restored sufficient water pumping at Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area after issues with the water supply infrastructure led to a suspension of waterfowl hunting last month. Waterfowl hunting in the middle zone resumes Saturday, November 7.

Why it matters

The suspension was tied to problems with the area's water supply infrastructure, and restored pumping allows Department staff to manage water at the site again. Hunters in Missouri who rely on the conservation area can plan to return for the middle zone season.

The Missouri River water supply pumps replacement project costs $1.5 million and nears completion. The River Parking lot remains closed until that project is finalized, and the timeline for final completion was not stated.

The players

Missouri Department of Conservation

The state agency responsible for managing Missouri's fish, forest and wildlife resources, including conservation areas such as Eagle Bluffs.

Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area

A wetland conservation area in Missouri managed by the Department of Conservation and known for its waterfowl habitat and hunting opportunities.

The details

Department staff can again manage water at Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area now that pumping has been restored after last month's infrastructure problems. Applications for in-season waterfowl reservations for the week of November 17 open Tuesday, November 3.

Last month (October 2026): waterfowl hunting suspended due to water supply issues.
Monday, November 2: Missouri Department of Conservation restores water pumping.
Tuesday, November 3: in-season reservation applications open for the week of November 17.
Saturday, November 7: waterfowl hunting resumes in the middle zone.
Week of November 17: in-season reservation period for waterfowl hunting.

Seasonal Patterns

Waterfowl hunting at Missouri Department of Conservation wetlands is managed seasonally and zone by zone, so temporary closures tied to water management are part of the regular season cycle. The middle zone reopening on November 7 follows that pattern of reopening areas once water conditions are restored.

Waterfowl hunters can return to the middle zone at Eagle Bluffs starting November 7, and in-season reservations for the week of November 17 open Tuesday. The River Parking lot remains closed, so visitors should plan access around that until the pumps project is complete.

The takeaway

Hunters planning a trip to Eagle Bluffs should check the middle zone reopening on November 7 and be ready to reserve in-season spots when applications open. Keep in mind that the River Parking lot will stay closed until the pumps project is finished.

What happens next

Applications for in-season reservations for the week of November 17 open Tuesday, November 3, and waterfowl hunting in the middle zone resumes Saturday, November 7. The River Parking lot stays closed until the Missouri River water supply pumps replacement project is finalized.