Duck Creek adds handicap-accessible duck blind

PUXICO, Mo. -- Handicapped duck hunters soon will be able to target their prey comfortably at the Duck Creek Conservation Area.

Last spring, the Missouri Department of Conservation began construction on a handicap-accessible duck blind. Though it needs more camouflage, the blind is complete and ready for duck season. The structure took about six weeks to build.

"We want to help all people discover nature, and this accessible duck blind is part of making that happen," said Keith Cordell, manager of Duck Creek Conservation Area.

The Americans with Disabilities Act-approved blind is in the south central corner of position 16 in Unit A.

A paved walkway starts at a parking pad and descends toward the blind, which reaches into the pool.

"Duck hunting is very big down here," Cordell said. "We get people from all over who come here to hunt."

Cordell said there has been a demand for an ADA blind for some time. One other location in Stoddard County -- Otter Slough -- has an ADA blind.

"We used to have a couple ADA blinds in the refuge," Cordell said. "So, we've needed this for a while. We wanted to make sure it was a quality spot to hunt, and that it would meet all regulations."

To make a reservation to use the blind, hunters may call the Southeast Regional office at (573) 290-5730 on or after Thursday. Once the season starts, the Duck Creek office will manage availability of the blind and may be reached at (573) 222-3337.

Pertinent address:

Duck Creek Conservation Area, Puxico, Mo.