November 2022 ~

Mutton Creek Getaway sits at the edge of more than 16,000 acres of prime public hunting land surrounding Stockton Lake managed by the Corp. of Engineers. Protected from commercial and residential development, the wooded haven provides natural resources for deer, turkey, and other birds, waterfowl, and game.

Hunting season dates

For turkey and deer hunting, see the Missouri Conservation Department link. Small game fall hunting include squirrels, coons, groundhog, rabbits, and groundhog. Game birds that may be hunted in the fall include turkey, dove, crow, pheasant, woodcock, quail, Virginia rail, and sora rail. Waterfowl hunting includes teals, coots, ducks, and geese. For more information about migratory gamebird and waterfowl regulations, see this link and this link.

Public hunting access

The 16,500+ acres of wildlife area surrounding Stockton Lake is leased to the Missouri Department of Conservation for public use and management. Located on the Sac River, there is a nice mix of timbered areas, old fields, glades, and open grasslands. In addition to hunting, bald eagles can be spotted in the winter to the delight of bird watchers. The Aldrich Refuge provides a waterfowl and shorebird viewing blind.

See this link for a wealth of information and specific regulations for the Stockton Lake area provided by the Missouri Department of Conservation. Make sure to check out the map of parking lots, access areas, and even dove fields.

Tips for beginners

1. Get a mentor and hunting buddy. Find a friend in which to gain valuable information and enjoy the camaraderie of the hunting experience. Also enjoyable are the planning, target practice, meat harvest, and feasting.

2. Set realistic expectations. Have patience with yourself about being successful, especially for your first hunt. You may not land the trophy buck of your dreams the first time out. Many hunters invest years of experience before getting their dream buck.

3. Get mobile. Use portable stands, saddles, or blinds for best cover and access in the hunting woods.

4. Pay attention to the wind. Plan your location so that game won’t smell you. Hunters should always be upwind of where game are travelling. Bathing and laundering with cover scent may help.

5. Get more access. Seek out more places to hunt to set up for different wind directions as well as a variety of natural resources such as corn fields, water sources, and terrain. See tip #1.

Safety reminders

Although the public access land of 16,500+ acres provides plenty of room for hunters, always be mindful of other hunters in the area. Always wear hunter orange and always, always be certain of what you’re shooting before you pull the trigger! See this 2011 archived article from the Missouri Conservation Department for some safety tips.

Fall fishing

Catch and keep fishing season continues for black bass in Stockton Lake year round and in most streams until Feb. 28, 2023. Nongame fish gigging for species such as suckers and carp may be pursued from sunrise to midnight in streams and impounded waters such as Stockton Lake from Sept. 15, 2022 until Feb. 15, 2023.

For other things to do this fall and winter, see our 15 Things to Do at Stockton Lake. Although hunting is not allowed at Mutton Creek Getaway, it is a convenient location near public access land around Stockton Lake for your next hunting or fishing adventure! Book your stay for your small gathering and enjoy the comforts of home while not in the woods or on the water.

Reserve Your Getaway

Our vacation property rental, Mutton Creek Getaway, is available as a full-house, private base camp for hunting groups and families. Your hunting party will be comfortable to spread out with a living room, kitchen, two bedrooms, two baths, laundry room, front and back covered porches, firepits, and free covered parking. Hideabeds provide additional sleeping accommodations.

The full kitchen is equipped with essential cooking supplies like sugar, spices, and cooking oil as well as a lot of extras like condiments, a coffee bar, and even farm-fresh eggs when available. Why be cramped up in a small hotel room when you can relax in a full house conveniently located within a few miles of public access land. Check here for availability at Mutton Creek Getaway.