Kentucky‘s forests are home to a wide variety of wildlife, from Deers, Coyote and bears to Goose, Teal ducks, and turkeys. Some of the KYDFWR properties include the Blue Grass Army Depot, Fort Campbell Military Reservation, and Fort Knox Military Reservation. In this page find complete hunting regulations, dates, licenses and permits you’ll need to go outdoor.
Kentucky Hunting Seasons
Deer
| Archery | Statewide | Sep 7 2024 – Jan 20 2025 |
| Crossbow | Sep 21 2024 – Jan 20 2025 | |
| Muzzleloader | Oct 19 2024 – Oct 20 2024 | |
| Dec 14 2024 – Dec 22 2024 | ||
| Youth-Free | Dec 28 2024 – Dec 29 2024 | |
| Youth-Only | Oct 12 2024 – Oct 13 2024 | |
| Modern Gun | Zone 1, 2, 3 | Nov 9 2024 – Nov 24 2024 |
| Zone 4 | Nov 9 2024 – Nov 24 2024 |
Elk
| Archery & Crossbow | Sep 14 2024 – Sep 27 2024 | Either Sex |
| Early Season | Dec 7 2024 – Dec 13 2024 | Either Sex |
| Firearm | Sep 28 2024 – Oct 2 2024 | Bull (Antlered), Bull Hunt 1 |
| Bull Hunt 2 | Oct 5 2024 – Oct 9 2024 | Bull (Antlered), Bull Hunt 2 |
| Cow Hunt 1 | Nov 30 2024 – Dec 4 2024 | Cow (Antlerless) |
| Cow Hunt 2 | Dec 28 2024 – Jan 1 2025 | Cow (Antlerless) |
Bear
| Bear | Location/Zones | Dates | Details |
| Archery & Crossbow | 1 | Oct 26 2024 – Oct 28 2024 | Either Sex |
| 2 | Oct 26 2024 – Oct 30 2024 | ||
| Archery & Crossbow | 2 | Oct 31 2024 – Nov 8 2024 | |
| Bear Zones | Sep 9 2024 – Sep 30 2024 | ||
| Firearm | 1 | Dec 14 2024 – Dec 16 2024 | |
| 2 | Dec 14 2024 – Dec 18 2024 | ||
| Hunt with Dogs | 1 | Oct 21 2024 – Oct 25 2024 | |
| 2 | Oct 21 2024 – Oct 25 2024 | ||
| Chase-Only | Bear Zones | Jun 1 2024 – Aug 31 2024 | Currently in Season, Either Sex |
Free Youth Week
| Youth ages 15 & younger | 30 Dec, 2023 - 5 Jan, 2024 |
Bullfrog
| General (Opens at noon) Statewide | May 19, 2023 - Oct 31, 2023 | Either Sex |
Turkey
| Fall | ||
| Archery | Sep 7 2024 – Jan 20 2025 | Either Sex, Bag Limit: Two (2) turkeys per season. One (1) turkey with beard ≥ 3 inches, One (1) turkey with no visible beard or < 3 inches. |
| Crossbow | Oct 1 2024 – Oct 20 2024 | Either Sex, Bag Limit: Two (2) turkeys |
| Nov 9 2024 – Dec 31 2024 | Same as Above | |
| Shotgun | Oct 26 2024 – Nov 1 2024 | Same as Above |
| Dec 7 2024 – Dec 13 2024 | Same as Above | |
| Spring | ||
| Hunting | Apr 13 2024 – May 5 2024 | Either Sex (Must have visible beard), Bag Limit: No more than two (2) birds per spring. Any combination of male turkeys or female turkeys with visible beards. |
| Youth-Only | Apr 6 2024 – Apr 7 2024 | Either Sex (Must have visible beard), Turkeys taken count toward spring season bag limit. |
Furbearers
Squirrel
| Statewide | Aug 17 2024 – Nov 8 2024 |
| Nov 28 2024 – Feb 15 2025 | |
| May 18 2024 – Jun 21 2024 |
Rabbit
| Eastern Zone | Nov 1 2024 – Nov 8 2024 |
| Nov 11 2024 – Jan 31 2025 | |
| Western Zone | Nov 11 2024 – Feb 10 2025 |
| Eastern Zone | Nov 1 2024 – Nov 8 2024 |
| Eastern Zone | Nov 11 2024 – Jan 31 2025 |
| Western Zone | Nov 11 2024 – Feb 10 2025 |
Raccoon and Opossum
| Oct. 1, 2024 – Feb. 28, 2025 |
Coyote
| Night Hunt | Without lights | May 16 – June 30, 2024 | either sex |
| With Lights | Dec. 1, 2024 – March 31, 2025 | ||
| General | Dec. 1 – Mar. 31 | ||
| Trapping Season | May 16 – June 30 |
Bobcat
| Nov. 16, 2024 – Feb. 28, 2025 |
Groundhog
| Year-round |
Other furbearers
| Other furbearers | 3rd day of modern gun deer season (Nov 11, 2024 – Feb 28, 2025) |
Upland Birds
Quail
| Eastern Zone | Nov 1 2024 – Nov 8 2024 |
| Nov 11 2024 – Jan 31 2025 | |
| Western Zone | Nov 11 2024 – Feb 10 2025 |
Pheasant
| Green River WMA | Nov. 15, 2024 – Nov. 17, 2024 | 3rd Fri. in Nov. for 3 consecutive days |
| Clay WMA | Dec. 6, 2024 – Dec. 8, 2024 | 1st Fri. in Dec. for 3 consecutive days |
| Yellowbank WMA | Dec. 6, 2024 – Dec. 8, 2024 | 1st Fri. in Dec. for 3 consecutive days |
Grouse
| Nov 1 2024 – Nov 8 2024 | Either Sex |
| Nov 11 2024 – Feb 28 2025 |
Migratory Birds
Dove
| Sept. 1 – Oct. 26, 2024; | 1st Segment: Sept. 1 for 56 consecutive days; |
| Nov. 28 – Dec. 8, 2024; | 2nd Segment: Thanksgiving Day for 11 consecutive days; |
| Dec. 21 – Jan. 12, 2025 | 3rd Segment: Sat. before Christmas for 23 consecutive days |
Woodcock
| Oct. 26 – Nov. 8, 2024; | 4th Sat. in Oct. for 47 consecutive days; |
| Nov. 11 – Dec. 11, 2024 |
Rail
| Virginia & Sora Rail | Sept. 1 – Nov. 9, 2024 |
Gallinule
| Common & Purple | Sept. 1 – Nov. 9, 2024 | Gallinule |
Crow
| Sept. 1 – Nov. 7, 2024; | Sept. 1 thru Nov. 7; |
| Jan. 4 – Feb. 28, 2025 | Jan. 4 thru the last day of Feb. |
Snipe
| Sept. 18 – Oct. 27, 2024; | 3rd Wed. in Sept. for 40 consecutive days; |
| Nov. 28, 2024 – Feb. 2, 2025 | Thanksgiving Day for 67 consecutive Days |
Waterfowl
Teal
| Teal | Sept. 21 – 29, 2024 |
Duck, Coot, Merganser
| Nov. 28 – Dec. 1, 2024; | Thanksgiving Day for 4 consecutive days; |
| Dec. 7, 2024 – Jan. 31, 2025 | Dec. 7 thru Jan. 31 |
Duck restrictions during particular periods: Hunters may take up to 6 ducks from Nov. 23 to 26 and Dec. 7 to 17, including 4 mallards (only 2 hens), 3 wood ducks, 2 redheads, 1 pintail, 2 black ducks, and 2 canvasback. Individuals are permitted 1 scaup at this time. The maximum is 6 ducks and comparable species limitations from Dec. 18 to Jan. 31, however those seeking may take 2 scaup.
Wood Duck
| Sept. 21 – 25, 2024 | 3rd Sat. in Sept. for 5 consecutive days |
Sandhill Crane
| Sandhill Crane | Dec. 7 – Jan. 31, Dec. 7, 2024 – Jan. 31, 2025 |
Youth Waterfowl
| Eastern Zone | Nov 4, 2023 - Nov 5, 2023 |
| Western Zone | Feb 3, 2024 - Feb 4, 2024 |
Goose
Canada Goose
| Canada/Cackling Goose, | Nov. 28, 2024 – |
White-fronted & Snow Goose & Brant
| White-fronted Goose & Brant | Feb. 15, 2025 |
| Snow Goose (including Ross’ Goose) | Nov. 28, 2024 – |
| Feb. 15, 2025 |
Light Goose Conservation Order
| Light Goose Conservation Order | Feb. 16 – March 31, 2025 |
Bag Allowances
Outdoor enthusiasts may harvest 5 Canada/Cackling, White-Fronted, and Brant geese between Nov. 23, 2023, and Feb. 15, 2024, with restrictions of 3 Canada, 2 white-fronted, and 1 brant. Daily allowances might triple. No possession for Snow and Ross’ Goose after 20. No regulations apply under the LGC Order from Feb. 16 to March 31, 2024.
Falconry Season
| Falconry – Waterfowl | Nov. 28, 2024 – Feb. 23, 2025 |
Game Licenses
In certain situations, additional permits, such as a state-issued permit or to shoot birds, are required in Kentucky. Obtaining one is easy at fw.ky.gov; just remember to carry a photo ID, driver’s license, Social Security card, and your date of birth whenever you go in the wild.
| Categories | Aspects | Nonresident | Resident |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual | $150.00 | $27.00 | |
| 1-Day | Not applicable for deer, elk, turkey, or bear | $25.00 | $7.00 |
| 7-Day | Not applicable for deer, elk, turkey, or bear | $65.00 | Not available |
| Annual Y (12-15) | Ages 12-15 | $10.00 | $6.00 |
| Shooting Area | $5.00 | $5.00 | |
| Trapping | |||
| Annual | $130.00 | $20.00 | |
| Landowner/Tenant | $10.00 | ||
| Youth | Ages 12-15 | $5.00 | |
| Combo Sportsman | |||
| Annual Combination includes fishing | $42.00 | ||
| Sportsman's | $95.00 | ||
| Senior | Residents 65 years or older | $12.00 | |
| Senior Lifetime | Residents 65 years or older | $180.00 | |
| Disabled | $12.00 | ||
| Child | Ages 12-15 | $30.00 | |
| Deer | |||
| Deer Permit | 4 deer (Statewide) | $185.00 | $35.00 |
| 4 deer (Youth) | $15.00 | $10.00 | |
| 2 deer (Additional) | $15.00 | $15.00 | |
| Birds | |||
| Spring | Two turkeys Statewide | $85.00 | $30.00 |
| Under 15 | 1 turkey, spring or fall | $15.00 | $10.00 |
| Fall | Two turkeys Statewide | $85.00 | $30.00 |
| Kentucky Migratory Bird/Waterfowl | $15.00 | $15.00 | |
| Federal Duck Stamp | $25.00 | $25.00 | |
| Pheasant Quota | If drawn | $25.00 | $25.00 |
| Sandhill Crane | Apply for hunt drawing | $3.00 | $3.00 |
| Ballard 1-Day | $15.00 | $15.00 | |
| Elk | |||
| Elk Drawing Application | $10.00 | $10.00 | |
| 15 and under | $10.00 | $10.00 | |
| Quota Elk Permit | If drawn (Bull) | $550.00 | $100.00 |
| If drawn (Cow) | $400.00 | $60.00 | |
| Quota (Either Sex) Archery/Crossbow permit | If drawn | $550.00 | $100.00 |
| Elk | If drawn (Ages 12-15) | $200.00 | $30.00 |
| Out-of-Zone | $400.00 | $30.00 | |
| Bear | |||
| Bear Permit | $250.00 | $30.00 | |
| Ages 12-15 | $100.00 | $10.00 | |
| Chase | $50.00 | $30.00 | |
| Ages 12-15 (Chase Permit) | $15.00 | $10.00 | |
| Combination (Applicable for Bear Permit and Bear Chase Permit) | $50.00 | ||
| Areas | |||
| Peabody WMA User | $15.00 | $15.00 | |
| Land Between the Lakes (LBL) | Hunter User Permit | $25.00 | $25.00 |
| LBL Hunt/Backcountry Camping | $75.00 | $75.00 | |
| Otter Creek | |||
| Admission Fees | Per person | Daily: $3.00, Annual: $30.00 | Daily: $3.00, Annual: $30.00 |
| Special Activity Fees | Per person | Daily: $7.00, Annual: $70.00 | Daily: $7.00, Annual: $70.00 |
| Other | |||
| Temporary Hunter Education Exemption Permit (online only) | Free | Free | |
| Bobcat Permit | Online only | Free | Free |
| Habitat Improvement & Public Access Donation | Voluntary and online only | - | Any amount |
| Kentucky Wild Membership | Opportunity to go out with biologists and Kit included | - | $25 - $1,000 |
| Fishing | |||
| Annual | $55.00 | $23.00 | |
| Joint/Spouses Annual | $42.00 | ||
| 1-Day | $15.00 | $7.00 | |
| 3-Year | Online only | $15.00 | $55.00 |
| Nonresident 7-Day | $35.00 | Not available | |
| Trout | $10.00 | $10.00 | |
Hunting Rules
| Guideline | Details |
|---|---|
| Hunting Hours | Legal hours are 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset, with exceptions for certain species. |
| Hunting Exceptions | Disabled archery hunters may use crossbows from vehicles with proper documentation. |
| Property Permission | Private land use requires authorization. Game returns are optional for landowners. |
| Hunter Education | Hunter education certification required for individuals born after 1/1/1975, with age exemptions. |
| Apprentice Hunting | Novice can get temporary permits to hunt with licensed adults until certified. |
| Hunter Orange | Hunter orange clothing required for certain seasons, with exceptions. |
| Prohibited Practices | Hunting prohibited on rights-of-way, from vehicles, harassing wildlife, and using explosives/gas. Baiting banned some places. |
| Concealed Carry | Legally captured animals may be taken with any firearm. |
| Devices Restrictions | Electronic calls and lures permitted for furbearer season only. |
| Spotlighting | Spotlighting restrictions exist. |
| Live Native Animal Transport & Holding | Documentation required before keeping wild animals. Selling/trading wild animals prohibited. |
| Hunting with Dogs | Year-round dog training allowed with proper licensing. |
| Bobwhite Hunt | Special season allows landowners to capture bobwhite quail August 15-May 15. |
| Convicted Felons | Firearm restrictions exist for criminals based on conviction date. Check local laws. |
FAQ
Which animals are permissible to hunt in Kentucky?
Game species that are legal to hunt are deer, elk, bear, grouse, rabbit, quail, coyote, bobcat, fox, turkey, hog, coyote, and groundhog.
Can you bait on privately owned property in Kentucky?
Individuals on private land are allowed to use bait while shooting deer. Baiting is prohibited on any publicly accessible lands.
How long is the Kentucky hunting season?
The Kentucky hunting season for 2023-2024 spans various periods, depending on the type of game and hunting method. Deer hunting encompasses an Early Season from September 2, 2023, to January 15, 2024, and a Late Season with dates varying based on specific techniques like crossbow, muzzleloader, and modern gun. Special categories include Youth/Senior Crossbow (September 16, 2023, to January 15, 2024), Youth-only Gun (October 14-15, 2023), Muzzleloader (October 21-22, 2023, and December 9-17, 2023), Modern Gun (November 11-26, 2023), and Free under 16 Weekend (December 30-31, 2023).
Is a license required in Kentucky to hunt squirrels?
Trappers above the age of 12 are required to get a license. Unless they have a permission from the Kentucky Fish and Species Cabinet, trappers must swiftly catch squirrels and rabbits.
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Kentucky Fall turkey modern gun is missing. I believe it is December
Modern gun season dates for Kentucky are November 12-27, 2022.
when will the 2023-2024 hunting information be distributed?