Kentucky Hunting Guide 2026
Complete Kentucky hunting guide for 2026: seasons, license costs, draw odds, GMU boundaries, bag limits, and regulations. Compare every game species at a glance.
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
- Tag-to-Trail Planner — interactive map: public land, harvest records, water, burns
- Hunt Cost Calculator — budget your full hunt cost
- Application Timeline — never miss an application deadline
- Preference Point Tracker — track points across all your states
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.