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2008 Federal Duck Stamp Contest
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Corn and soybean fields on the Baltimore Bottom unit
The Baltimore Bottom unit is located in Lafayette County approximately 3 miles west of Waverly, Missouri. Production of corn and soybean crops occurs on several parcels of this unit under a cooperative agreement with local farmers.
A portion of this refuge unit outside the levee consists of old fields with dense growth of grass and sporadic young trees. Next to the river are thin parcels of cottonwood and silver maple forest. A small parcel of approximately 20 acres of river hills forest exists near the small community of Hodge. A unique natural island, owned by the Missouri Department of Conservation, exists in the Missouri River adjacent to this unit. During periods of low water, the island is sometimes accessible from the bank. Low water also exposes large sandbars adjacent to the island and river bank.
A flood in May of 2007 breached the levee in several places in this unit. Walking along the levee from Edwards Branch to the east is the closest access to this area. One breach developed a large scour hole which is available for fishing. Fish present are unknown but many river fish are assumed to be available to the angler willing to walk over a mile to this location. Visitors should use caution around the edge of this scour, the soil may be unstable in places.
This unit is adjacent to the 
Baltimore Bend Conservation Area managed by the Missouri Department of Conservation. The combination of refuge and conservation land provides over 2,800 acres of public land open to wildlife-oriented recreation including hunting, fishing, bird watching, hiking, and other nature study activities.
Getting to the Baltimore Bottom Unit
From Waverly take Highway 24 west approximately two miles to gravel county road 227 (Baltimore Bend Road). Turn right and pass through the Missouri Department of Conservation Baltimore Bend Conservation area to the parking area at the bottom of the hill. The gate on the road into the bottom will remained closed. It is approximately 1 mile across the bottom to the river.
To reach the west side of Baltimore Bottom continue on Highway 24 past Baltimore Bend road one mile to gravel county road 226, Brown School Road. Turn right, follow this road approximately 2.5 miles to the river bottoms. Small white refuge signs should be visible on your right. Just before the road crosses a new bridge on Edwards Branch a gate will be visible on your right. This gate will remain closed. The farm road behind the gate leads across the railroad tracks onto the levee mentioned above, it is 1/2 mile to the river. Parking is limited along the county road. Do not block the gate.
You can reach this same location on mostly paved road by continuing on Highway 24 to state road N. Turn right and follow the signs to the community of Hodge approximately 2 miles. When N turns to gravel just past Hodge you will shortly reach the bridge and gate mentioned above.
If you turn at Hodge and cross the railroad tracks you will be on gravel county road 181 or Hodge Rd. This road follows the boundary of the refuge for one mile then crosses the tracks again and heads back up to Highway 24. This western portion of the refuge unit is farmed but is open to public access by foot only. Parking is limited along county road 181. Please do not block the farmer's access to the fields.
