Kentucky Hunting Guide
Complete Kentucky hunting guide. Kentucky hunting seasons, license costs, bag limits, and regulations for all major game species. Updated for the current season.
Wildlife Agency
Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources
Hunter safety course required for first-time buyers
Kentucky Hunting Seasons
Whitetail Deer
Res: $27 Non-res: $195
| Season Type | Opens | Closes |
|---|---|---|
| Archery | Sep 2 | Jan 20 |
| Muzzleloader | Oct 21 | Oct 22 |
| Rifle | Nov 11 | Nov 26 |
Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 4 (1 antlered)
One antlered deer and additional antlerless deer with bonus permits. Kentucky has excellent trophy deer potential.
Turkey
Res: $27 Non-res: $195
| Season Type | Opens | Closes |
|---|---|---|
| Shotgun | Apr 15 | May 7 |
| Archery | Apr 15 | May 7 |
Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 2 (spring)
Spring gobblers with visible beards. Youth weekend before regular season. Fall season in limited zones.
Elk
Res: $30 Non-res: $400
| Season Type | Opens | Closes |
|---|---|---|
| Rifle | Sep 16 | Sep 25 |
| Archery | Sep 9 | Sep 15 |
Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 1
Limited to 16 southeastern counties. Lottery draw with very limited permits. One of the best eastern elk herds in the US.
Planning Tools
- Hunt Cost Calculator — budget your full hunt cost
- Season Tag Planner — never miss an opening day
- Preference Point Tracker — when should you burn your points?
Kentucky Hunting Guides
Kentucky Hunting FAQ
Do I need a hunting license in Kentucky?
Yes. All hunters in Kentucky must hold a valid hunting license from the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources. Non-residents typically pay higher fees. A hunter safety course is required for first-time license buyers.
What is the hunting license cost in Kentucky?
Kentucky license costs vary by species. Whitetail Deer: resident $27, non-resident $195. Turkey: resident $27, non-resident $195.
When is deer season in Kentucky?
Kentucky deer seasons: Archery: Sep 2 - Jan 20, Muzzleloader: Oct 21 - Oct 22, Rifle: Nov 11 - Nov 26.
Does Kentucky require a hunter safety course?
Yes, Kentucky requires hunter education certification for all first-time hunters. The course covers firearm safety, hunting laws, wildlife conservation, and ethical hunting practices.
Who manages hunting regulations in Kentucky?
The Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources manages all hunting licenses, regulations, and wildlife management in Kentucky. Their website (https://fw.ky.gov) has current season dates, license purchasing, and regulation booklets.