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Missouri conservation area
DeSoto Unit of Black Island Conservation Area, a hunter guide
719 acres of conservation area in Pemiscot County: area rules, season dates and nearby land.
Photo: Brian Stansberry (CC BY 4.0)
Getting to DeSoto Unit of Black Island Conservation Area
DeSoto Unit of Black Island Conservation Area basics
DeSoto Unit of Black Island Conservation Area measures 719 acres on the map and sits in Pemiscot County. Pemiscot County has 6 conservation areas on our list; this one is the 5th largest. MDC lists DeSoto Unit of Black Island Conservation Area in its MS Lowlands East district, Southeast Region.
Non-hunting activities on the area page: fishing (catfish).
The area page says: The Desoto Unit of Black Island Conservation Area is located at the far southeast corner of Black Island. The topography is very flat and contains a combination of bottomland forest and old field type habitat. The forested portions of this unit are in various stages of succession as they were mostly in rowcrops in recent history. Some are young tree plantings, from 5-15 years old, while other portions were allowed to regenerate naturally. There are pockets of mature bottomland forest also. Desoto Unit is directly affected by floodwaters of the Mississippi River. Portions of the unit receive almost annual flooding, but it is not uncommon for all but a handful of acres to be completely flooded. The topography that is present is the direct result of this flooding and is a testament to the power of the Mississippi River. With the diversity of bottomland forest, old field, and flooding patterns, a wide diversity of habitats exist on Desoto Unit, in turn supporting a diversity of plant and wildlife species.
Species named: Deer, Turkey, Rabbit, Squirrel, Waterfowl.
From the agency record (Missouri Department of Conservation); checked October 29, 2026.
Nearby
Places to hunt and shoot around DeSoto Unit of Black Island Conservation Area
How DeSoto Unit of Black Island Conservation Area may be hunted
Area methods and permits for DeSoto Unit of Black Island Conservation Area, condensed from MDC.
| Game | How | Extra rule |
|---|---|---|
| White-tailed Deer | Muzzleloader, archery | Not allowed |
| Wild Turkey | Archery only | – |
| Eastern Cottontail | Statewide methods | – |
| Gray Squirrel | Statewide methods | – |
| Ducks | Open Hunting | Nontoxic shot |
DeSoto Unit of Black Island Conservation Area area regulations
- This department area is closed during periods of high water.
- Nontoxic shot is required for all hunting with a shotgun on this area. Use or possession of lead shot is prohibited.
Deer on DeSoto Unit of Black Island Conservation Area: muzzleloader and archery methods, and antlerless permits may not be used. Turkey on DeSoto Unit of Black Island Conservation Area: archery only under the area listing. DeSoto Unit of Black Island Conservation Area is on the list of areas where every shotgun hunter must use nontoxic shot. Only areas on the MDC deer list allow deer hunting; DeSoto Unit of Black Island Conservation Area made the list.
Sources: area page, area regulations, deer quick view; booklet table: 2026 Fall Deer and Turkey booklet, pp. 42-55. Checked October 29, 2026.
DeSoto Unit of Black Island Conservation Area: the Pemiscot County rules
| Rule | Pemiscot County |
|---|---|
| Firearms antlerless limit | None |
| Antlerless portions | Closed |
| CWD sampling Nov. 14-15 | No |
| Feed and mineral ban | Yes |
| Share the Harvest CWD test | Required |
| Fall firearms turkey | Closed |
| Dogs, November portion | No rule |
| Elk county | No |
| Bear zone | Zone 2 |
| Duck zone | South |
| Flood closure zone | 4 |
The county is the deer unit here. Pemiscot County allows no firearms antlerless deer this year. Antlerless portions: closed for Pemiscot County. The year-round feed and mineral ban covers Pemiscot County. Pemiscot County lies in Black Bear Management Zone 2, where 750 permits were issued against a quota of 22. No fall firearms turkey season in Pemiscot County. Three older rules are gone for 2026: the CWD portion, the CWD Management Zone and the antler-point rule.
2026 Fall Deer and Turkey booklet county rules, MDC CWD rules and 2026 bear digest; checked October 29, 2026.
Dates that apply at DeSoto Unit of Black Island Conservation Area
17 rows for DeSoto Unit of Black Island Conservation Area (10 species), cut down to its game list.
| Game | Season | Area | From | To | Open now? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White-tailed deer | Archery, first part | Statewide | Sep 15, 2026 | Nov 13, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | Firearms, early youth | Statewide | Oct 24, 2026 | Oct 25, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | Firearms, November | Statewide | Nov 14, 2026 | Nov 24, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | Archery, second part | Statewide | Nov 25, 2026 | Jan 15, 2027 | |
| White-tailed deer | Firearms, late youth | Statewide | Nov 27, 2026 | Nov 29, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | Firearms, alternative methods | Statewide | Dec 26, 2026 | Jan 5, 2027 | |
| Wild turkey | Fall archery | Statewide | Sep 15, 2026 | Nov 13, 2026 | |
| Wild turkey | Fall archery, part 2 | Statewide | Nov 25, 2026 | Jan 15, 2027 | |
| Rabbits | Rabbit hunting | Statewide | Oct 1, 2026 | Feb 15, 2027 | |
| Squirrels | Squirrel season | Statewide | May 23, 2026 | Feb 15, 2027 | |
| Teal | September teal | Statewide | Sep 12, 2026 | Sep 20, 2026 | |
| Youth waterfowl | Youth waterfowl days | South Zone | Nov 21, 2026 | Nov 22, 2026 | |
| Ducks and coots | Ducks, split 1 | South Zone | Nov 26, 2026 | Nov 29, 2026 | |
| Ducks and coots | Ducks, split 2 | South Zone | Dec 7, 2026 | Jan 31, 2027 | |
| Early Canada goose | Early Canada goose | Statewide | Oct 3, 2026 | Oct 11, 2026 | |
| Geese | Regular geese | Statewide | Nov 11, 2026 | Feb 6, 2027 | |
| Light geese | Conservation order | Statewide | Feb 7, 2027 | Apr 30, 2027 |
Modern centerfires are out on DeSoto Unit of Black Island Conservation Area; muzzleloaders cover the firearms portions. Hunter orange (hat plus vest, coat or shirt) is required during the firearms deer portions.
From the 2026 Fall Deer and Turkey booklet, the 2026-2027 waterfowl digest and the 2026 hunting and trapping summary (Missouri Department of Conservation); checked October 29, 2026. All Missouri seasons.
DeSoto Unit of Black Island Conservation Area: blinds, draws and duck dates
Open waterfowl hunting applies on DeSoto Unit of Black Island Conservation Area, so arrive early for a spot. MDC names "Black Island" in its list of additional waterfowl areas. Pemiscot County falls in the South Zone on the MDC zone layer; the 2026-2030 lines changed, so check the digest map near a boundary. Nontoxic shot is required for all waterfowl and coot hunting.
| Window | Begins | Ends |
|---|---|---|
| Youth waterfowl days | Nov 21, 2026 | Nov 22, 2026 |
| Ducks, split 1 | Nov 26, 2026 | Nov 29, 2026 |
| Ducks, split 2 | Dec 7, 2026 | Jan 31, 2027 |
2026-2027 Migratory Bird and Waterfowl Digest, managed areas; area page; checked October 29, 2026.
Public places ringing DeSoto Unit of Black Island Conservation Area
Head northwest about 4.2 mi and you reach Stephen C. Bradford Unit of Black Island Conservation Area, the nearest listed neighbor of DeSoto Unit of Black Island Conservation Area.
| Name | Type | Size (ac) | County | Away | Bearing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stephen C. Bradford Unit of Black Island CA (6,430 acres) | Conservation area | 6,430 | Pemiscot | 4.2 mi | northwest |
| Gayoso Bend Unit of Black Island CA | Conservation area | 968 | Pemiscot | 5.1 mi | west |
| Wolf Bayou Unit of Black Island CA (276 acres) | Conservation area | 276 | Pemiscot | 5.4 mi | northwest |
| John L. and Georgia Girvin CA | Conservation area | 748 | New Madrid, Pemiscot | 6.7 mi | north |
| Little River CA | Conservation area | 1,013 | Dunklin, Pemiscot | 21 mi | west |
| Donaldson Point CA | Conservation area | 5,945 | New Madrid | 21 mi | north |
| Frisbee Cutoff Access | Public access area | 92 | Dunklin | 28 mi | west |
| Seven Island CA | Conservation area | 1,376 | Mississippi | 29 mi | northeast |
Points: MDC Conservation Area Centroids layer (https://gisblue.mdc.mo.gov/arcgis/rest/services/Discover_Nature/MDC_Administrative_Areas/FeatureServer/4). Straight-line distances. Statewide public land map.
What hunters took around DeSoto Unit of Black Island Conservation Area
MDC reports by county.
Deer checked in Pemiscot County: 169 in 2025 and 227 in 2024. Spring 2026 turkey harvest in Pemiscot County: 62, with 8 from public ground. Pemiscot County CWD testing: 111 samples in the years shown, 0 positives.
| Year | Antlered | Buttons | Does | All deer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 113 | 11 | 45 | 169 |
| 2024 | 140 | 15 | 72 | 227 |
| 2023 | 129 | 18 | 73 | 220 |
| 2022 | 121 | 10 | 68 | 199 |
| 2021 | 84 | 9 | 56 | 149 |
| 2020 | 83 | 22 | 70 | 175 |
| Year | Spring | Spring, public land | Spring youth | Fall firearms | Fall archery |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 62 | 8 | 7 | – | – |
| 2025 | 55 | 17 | – | – | 2 |
| 2024 | 96 | 24 | 8 | – | 3 |
| 2023 | 87 | 28 | 7 | – | 4 |
| 2022 | 45 | – | 2 | – | 6 |
| 2021 | 42 | – | 1 | 0 | 3 |
| Sample year | Tested | Detections |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 17 | 0 |
| 2024 | 30 | 0 |
| 2023 | 26 | 0 |
| 2022 | 19 | 0 |
| 2021 | 17 | 0 |
| 2017 | 2 | 0 |
MDC 2025 deer harvest summary, MDC turkey harvest summaries and MDC CWD dashboard; earlier years from the yearly reports. Checked October 29, 2026.
Nearest help for DeSoto Unit of Black Island Conservation Area hunters
7.3 mi separates DeSoto Unit of Black Island Conservation Area from Caruthersville. Kennett tops the population column at 10,137. MDC directions: DeSoto Unit is off I-55 via the Wardell exit, then follow the eastbound outer road south to gravel road 330 and turn east. Take road 330 for 2 miles, then go over the levee on road 333 south for 2.50 miles, then left (east) on road 336 for 4.50 miles. When the road turns south, park and walk southeast for 0.25 mile. Sanders Tract of DeSoto Unit is an additional 2.50 miles southwest on road 338 (from DeSoto Unit). Park along the road and walk into the area. See area map for walk-in access from road. Dexter hosts the MDC office nearest DeSoto Unit of Black Island Conservation Area (Otter Slough Conservation Area Field Office, 43 mi).
| Community | County | Residents | Straight line | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caruthersville | Pemiscot | 5,170 | 7.3 mi | southwest |
| Hayti | Pemiscot | 2,273 | 9.3 mi | west |
| New Madrid | New Madrid | 2,597 | 22 mi | north |
| Kennett | Dunklin | 10,137 | 26 mi | west |
| Senath | Dunklin | 1,514 | 33 mi | west |
Towns from places.json (Census 2024); offices and businesses from services.json (MDC offices and business listings, chain stores and permit vendors left out); straight-line miles. Checked October 29, 2026.
DeSoto Unit of Black Island Conservation Area hunters: public range and clubs
Holly Ridge Conservation Area Archery Range is the nearest public range to DeSoto Unit of Black Island Conservation Area, about 45 miles away.
From MDC area pages and the MDC Shooting Ranges layer, the operators’ pages and directory listings, checked October 29, 2026.
DeSoto Unit of Black Island Conservation Area legal shooting light
Legal light for deer at DeSoto Unit of Black Island Conservation Area runs 30 minutes either side of sunrise and sunset; for ducks it starts 30 minutes before sunrise and ends at sunset.
| Date | Why it matters | Sunrise | Sunset | Big game legal | Waterfowl legal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 1, 2026 | Dove opener | 6:28 a.m. | 7:29 p.m. | 5:58 a.m. to 7:59 p.m. | 5:58 a.m. to 7:29 p.m. |
| Sep 15, 2026 | Archery opener | 6:40 a.m. | 7:07 p.m. | 6:10 a.m. to 7:37 p.m. | 6:10 a.m. to 7:07 p.m. |
| Oct 1, 2026 | Fall firearms turkey | 6:55 a.m. | 6:41 p.m. | 6:25 a.m. to 7:11 p.m. | 6:25 a.m. to 6:41 p.m. |
| Nov 7, 2026 | Middle Zone ducks | 6:32 a.m. | 4:52 p.m. | 6:02 a.m. to 5:22 p.m. | 6:02 a.m. to 4:52 p.m. |
| Nov 14, 2026 | November firearms opener | 6:40 a.m. | 4:46 p.m. | 6:10 a.m. to 5:16 p.m. | 6:10 a.m. to 4:46 p.m. |
| Dec 26, 2026 | Alternative methods | 7:15 a.m. | 4:44 p.m. | 6:45 a.m. to 5:14 p.m. | 6:45 a.m. to 4:44 p.m. |
| Jan 15, 2027 | Archery close | 7:15 a.m. | 5:02 p.m. | 6:45 a.m. to 5:32 p.m. | 6:45 a.m. to 5:02 p.m. |
Hours rule and the Jefferson City sunrise and sunset table from the MDC Migratory Bird and Waterfowl Digest (same table in the Fall Deer and Turkey booklet), adjusted 1 minute per 13.5 miles east or west as MDC directs; checked October 29, 2026. Legal hours for every county.
Images near and like DeSoto Unit of Black Island Conservation Area
DeSoto Unit of Black Island Conservation Area, quick questions
Which Missouri permits do I need at DeSoto Unit of Black Island Conservation Area?
Statewide MDC permits apply; managed hunts need the drawn permit as well.
Does DeSoto Unit of Black Island Conservation Area allow hunting?
Yes, for deer, turkey, rabbit, squirrel and waterfowl; deer hunting is allowed because the area is on the MDC list.
How may deer be hunted on DeSoto Unit of Black Island Conservation Area?
MDC lists muzzleloader and archery methods for deer. Antlerless permits are not allowed.
What county deer limit applies at DeSoto Unit of Black Island Conservation Area?
The county rule is 0 antlerless deer with firearms; the antlerless portions are closed.
What CWD rules apply at DeSoto Unit of Black Island Conservation Area?
Pemiscot County has no mandatory sampling this year and a year-round feed and mineral ban.
How may turkeys be hunted on DeSoto Unit of Black Island Conservation Area?
Yes, by archery only; fall firearms turkey is closed here.
Does a bear zone include DeSoto Unit of Black Island Conservation Area?
BMZ 2, 750 permits drawn. The area does not list bear.
How does waterfowl hunting work at DeSoto Unit of Black Island Conservation Area?
The South Zone calendar and open hunting.
When can I shoot at DeSoto Unit of Black Island Conservation Area on opening day?
Opening day of the November portion runs 6:10 a.m. to 5:16 p.m. there.
What backup public land is near DeSoto Unit of Black Island Conservation Area?
Within reach: Stephen C. Bradford Unit of Black Island Conservation Area (4.2 mi), Gayoso Bend Unit of Black Island Conservation Area (5.1 mi) and Wolf Bayou Unit of Black Island Conservation Area (5.4 mi).
Closest community to DeSoto Unit of Black Island Conservation Area?
The closest town page is Caruthersville (7.3 mi).
How large an area is DeSoto Unit of Black Island Conservation Area?
719 acres in all; the manager is Missouri Department of Conservation.
When may I be on DeSoto Unit of Black Island Conservation Area?
4 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. No camping listed.
DeSoto Unit of Black Island Conservation Area: checks before you go
Use this page to plan, then reread the agency page for DeSoto Unit of Black Island Conservation Area shortly before the trip.
Sources: source · source · source · source; regulations from the 2026 Fall Deer and Turkey booklet. Checked October 29, 2026.
Other photos on this page: Gary Leavens (CC BY-SA 2.0); James Mann (CC BY 2.0); USFWS Midwest Region (Public Domain Mark 1.0).