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 | 2-Sep-23 - 15-Jan-24 | Either sex | Statewide |
| Crossbow | 16-Sep-23 - 15-Jan-24 | ||
| Senior/Youth Crossbow | 2-Sep-23 - 15-Jan-24 | ||
| Youth-Free | 30-Dec-23 - 31-Dec-23 | ||
| Youth-Only Gun | 14-Oct-23 - 15-Oct-23 | ||
| Free Youth Weekend | 30-Dec-23 - 31-Dec-23 | ||
| Modern Gun | 11-Nov-23 - 26-Nov-23 | Zone 4 | |
| Zone 1, 2 and 3 | |||
| Muzzle-loader | 21-Oct-23 - 22-Oct-23 | ||
| 9-Dec-23 - 17-Dec-23 | Zone 4 |
Elk
| Either-Sex Archery/Crossbow | 9 Sep, 2023 - 22 Sep, 2023 |
| 2 Dec, 2023 - 8 Dec, 2023 | |
| Cow Firearms | 25 Nov, 2023 - 29 Nov, 2023 |
| 30 Dec, 2023 - 3 Jan, 2023 | |
| Bull Firearms | 30 Sep, 2023 - 4 Oct, 2023 |
| 7 Oct, 2023 - 11 Oct, 2023 |
Bear
| Chase-Only | June 1 - Aug 31 | Zone 1 & 2 |
| Sept 9-30 | ||
| Hunt with Dogs | Oct 23-27 | Zone 2 |
| Oct 23-27 | ||
| Nov 2-10 | ||
| Archery/Crossbow | Oct 28 - Nov 1 | |
| Oct 28-30 | Zone 1 | |
| Firearm | Dec 9-11 | |
| Dec 9-13 | Zone 2 |
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
| Spring | |
| Youths 15 & younger | 7 April, 2023 - 8 April, 2023 |
| Regular | 15 April, 2023 - Closes on Sun after 23 consecutive days |
| Fall | |
| Archery | September 2, 2023 - January 15, 2024 |
| Crossbow | 1 Oct, 2023 - 22 Oct , 2023 |
| 11 Nov, 2023 - 31 Dec, 2023 | |
| Shotgun | 28 Oct, 2023 - 3 Nov, 2023 |
| 2 Dec, 2023 - 8 Dec, 2023 |
Furbearers
Squirrel
| Spring | 20 May, 2023 - 16 June, 2023 |
| Fall | 19 Aug, 2023 - 29 Feb, 2023 |
Rabbit
| Western Zone | 3rd day of modern gun deer season thru Feb 10, 2024 |
| Eastern Zone | Nov 1, 2023 - Jan 31, 2024 (first weekend of the Mordern gun deer season is closed) |
Raccoon and Opossum
| Oct 1, 2023 to Feb 29, 2024 |
Coyote
| Night Hunt | Without lights | Jun 1 - Nov 30 2023 | either sex |
| With Lights | May 16 - Jun 30 2023 | ||
| General | 1-Jan - 31-Dec | ||
| Trapping Season | Nov 13 - Feb 29 2024 |
Bobcat
| Nov 25, 2023 - Feb 29, 2024 |
Groundhog
| Jan 1, 2023 - Dec 31 |
Other furbearers
| Other furbearers | 3rd day of modern gun deer season thru Feb 29, 2024 |
Upland Birds
Quail
| Western Zone | 3rd day of modern gun deer season thru Feb 10, 2024 |
| Eastern Zone | Nov 1, 2023 - Jan 31, 2024 (First weekend of the Mordern gun deer season is closed) |
Pheasant
| Green River Lake WMA | Nov 3, 2023 - Nov 9, 2023 |
| Clay & Yellowbank WMAs | Dec 1, 2023 - Dec 3, 2023 |
Grouse
| Nov 1, 2023 - Feb 29, 2024 | grouse zone only; closed during the first 2 days of modern gun deer season |
Migratory Birds
Dove
| 1st Segment | 1 Sep - 26 Oct, 2023 |
| 2nd Segment | 23 Nov, 2023 - 3 Dec, 2023 |
| 3rd Segment | 23 Dec, 2023 - 14 Jan, 2024 |
Woodcock
| 28 Oct, 2023 - 13 Dec, 2023 | the first two days of the Modern guns deer days are closed. |
Rail
| Virginia | Sep 1, 2023 - Nov 9, 2023 | 25 Bag and Possession of 75 |
| Sora |
Gallinule
| Common | Sep 1, 2023 - Nov 9, 2023 | 3 Bag and 9 Possession Limit |
| Purple |
Crow
| Statewide | 1-Sep-23 - 7-Nov-23 |
| 4-Jan-24 - 29-Feb-24 |
Snipe
| 20 Sep, 2023 - 29 Oct, 2023 | 8 Bag and 24 Possession Limit |
| 23 Nov, 2023 - 28 Jan, 2024 |
Waterfowl
Teal
| General | Sep 16, 2023 - Sep 24, 2023 | Bag of 6 and Possession of 18 |
| Early | Sept 16, 2023 - Sep 20, 2023 |
Duck, Coot, Merganser
| Sep 23, 2023 - Sep 26, 2023 |
| Dec 7, 2023 - Jan 31, 2024 |
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
| Sep 16, 2023 - Sep 20, 2023 |
Sandhill Crane
| Dec 4, 2023 - Jan 28, 2024 |
Youth Waterfowl
| Eastern Zone | Nov 4, 2023 - Nov 5, 2023 |
| Western Zone | Feb 3, 2024 - Feb 4, 2024 |
Goose
Canada Goose
| Sep 16, 2023 - Sep 30, 2023 |
| Nov 23, 2023 - Feb 15, 2024 |
Cackling, White-fronted & Snow Goose & Brant
| Nov 23, 2023 - Feb 15, 2024 |
Light Goose Conservation Order
| Feb 16, 2024 - March 31, 2024 |
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
| Sep 1, 2023 - March 30, 2024 |
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?