Hunting Seasons & Licensing · KY
Kentucky Hunting Seasons & Licensing
2025–2026 SeasonKentucky has grown into one of the top deer hunting states in the eastern United States, with a deer herd that has expanded significantly since the 1990s. The state now harvests over 130,000 deer annually. Kentucky offers over 80,000 acres of Wildlife Management Areas and is also known for excellent wild turkey hunting and strong small game traditions. The Daniel Boone National Forest provides additional public hunting access in eastern Kentucky.
Dates shown are for the 2025–2026 season based on the most recent published regulations. Always verify current dates with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources before hunting.
Season Dates by Game Type
Big Game
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White-tailed Deer | Archery/Crossbow | Sep 6 – Jan 19, 2026 | 4 deer (1 antlered) | Bow and arrow, crossbow |
| White-tailed Deer | Modern Gun | Nov 8 – Nov 23, 2025 | 1 antlered + additional antlerless | Rifle, shotgun, handgun, muzzleloader |
| White-tailed Deer | Muzzleloader | Oct 18 – Oct 19 & Dec 13 – Dec 21, 2025 | 1 deer per season segment | Muzzleloader only |
| Black Bear | General | Late Oct – early Nov (varies by zone) | 1 bear per year | Rifle, shotgun, bow, muzzleloader |
| Elk | General | Sep through Dec (varies by hunt type) | 1 elk | Rifle, bow, muzzleloader |
Black Bear (General): Eastern Kentucky only. Limited zones. Quota may apply.
Elk (General): Southeastern Kentucky only. Permit by drawing — highly competitive.
Turkey
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wild Turkey | Spring (youth) | Apr 4 – Apr 5, 2026 | 1 bearded turkey | Shotgun, bow |
| Wild Turkey | Spring | Apr 13 – May 3, 2026 | 2 bearded turkeys | Shotgun, bow |
| Wild Turkey | Fall | Oct through Nov (select zones) | 1 turkey either sex | Shotgun, bow, rifle |
Upland Game Birds
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Bobwhite Quail | General | Nov 1 – Feb 14, 2026 | 8 daily | Shotgun |
| Ruffed Grouse | General | Oct 11 – Feb 28, 2026 | 4 daily | Shotgun |
| Mourning Dove | General | Sep 1 – Oct 25 & Dec 1 – Jan 7, 2026 | 15 daily | Shotgun |
Ruffed Grouse (General): Eastern Kentucky mountains
Waterfowl
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ducks | General | Varies by zone — Nov through Jan | 6 daily (species-specific limits) | Shotgun (non-toxic shot required) |
Ducks (General): Federal duck stamp + HIP required. Mississippi Flyway.
Small Game
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cottontail Rabbit | General | Nov 15 – Feb 14, 2026 | 4 daily | Rifle, shotgun, handgun |
| Squirrel | General | Aug 16 – Nov 7 & Nov 24 – Feb 28, 2026 | 6 daily | Rifle, shotgun, handgun |
Licensing
| License Type | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Resident Sportsman License | $95 | Covers all hunting, fishing, trapping, and deer/turkey permits |
| Resident Hunting License | $27 | — |
| Non-Resident Hunting License | $140 | — |
| Resident Deer Permit | $30 | — |
| Non-Resident Deer Permit | $150 | — |
| Resident Turkey Permit | $30 | — |
| Non-Resident Turkey Permit | $80 | — |
| Youth (under 12) | Free | With licensed adult |
Tags, Draws & Lotteries
Most Kentucky hunting licenses are available over the counter. Elk permits are very limited and issued by lottery drawing — wait times can be significant. Quota hunts on WMAs require applications through the KDFWR system. There is no preference point system for deer or turkey. Bonus antlerless deer tags are available in many counties.
Harvest Reporting
Kentucky requires mandatory Telecheck for all deer, turkey, bear, and elk within 24 hours of harvest. Report through the KDFWR app, website, or by phone. Each harvest receives a confirmation number. CWD surveillance testing is active — mandatory in designated CWD zones.
Kentucky Wildlife Resources
- Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources — Hunting Home →
- Current Hunting Regulations →
- Hunter Education →
- Violation Hotline: 1-800-25-ALERT (1-800-252-5378)
- USFWS Waterfowl Frameworks →
Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only. Season dates, bag limits, license fees, and regulations shown here are based on the most recently published data from the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources and may not reflect last-minute changes, emergency closures, or special regulations. Always verify current regulations directly with your state wildlife agency before hunting. FirearmSelect does not provide legal advice and is not responsible for actions taken based on this information.