Kentucky Hunting Seasons & Licensing: What You Need To Know (2024)

Kentucky offers a wide variety of hunting opportunities for its residents and visitors. Whether you are looking to hunt deer, elk, bear, or turkey, the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife has the information you need to get started.

In this blog post, we will discuss Kentucky's hunting seasons and licensing requirements. We will also provide tips on how to prepare for your hunting trip. Let's get started!

Hunting In Kentucky

Many Kentuckians enjoy hunting as a recreational activity. However, hunting is more than just a pastime in the state – it is a tradition that dates back centuries.

Native Americans hunted for both food and sport long before Europeans arrived in Kentucky. When settlers began to move into the region, they quickly learned that hunting was a necessary skill for survival. Even as the state began to industrialize, hunting remained an important part of Kentucky culture.

Today, hunting is still popular in Kentucky. While the methods and purposes have changed over time, the tradition remains strong. Hunting is a great way to spend time with family and friends, and it is also a good way to get exercise and enjoy the outdoors.

Whether you are a seasoned hunter or someone who is just getting started, Kentucky has something to offer. So get out there and enjoy the tradition!

Kentucky Deer Seasons

Archery, Youth and Senior Crossbow	Sept. 4-Jan. 17
Crossbow	Sept. 18-Jan. 17
Muzzleloader	Oct. 16-17 and Dec. 11-19
Modern Gun	Nov. 13-28
Youth-Only Gun	Oct. 9-10
Youth-Free Weekend	Jan. 1-2

*Some season dates and regulations may vary by zone. Be sure to visit the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources website for more information.

Kentucky Elk Seasons

Archery/Crossbow	Sept. 11-24 and Dec. 4-10
Firearms	Bull: Sept. 25-29 and Oct. 2-6 Cow: Nov. 27-Dec. 1 and Dec. 25-29
Youth Only	All Season Dates

**Season dates vary by zone and by bull (antlered) or cow (antlerless) take.

Kentucky Turkey Seasons

Fall Archery	Sept. 4-Jan. 17
Fall Firearms	Oct. 23-29 and Dec. 4-10
Fall Crossbow	Oct. 1-17 and Nov. 13-Dec. 31

**Spring dates are proposed. For final confirmation of Kentucky spring turkey hunting season, visit the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources website.

Kentucky Bear Seasons

Archery	Oct. 23-29
Chase Only	June 1-Aug. 31 and Sept. 9-30
Crossbow	Oct. 23-29
Firearms	Dec. 11-17
Muzzleloader	No specific season
Quota Hunt With Dogs	Oct. 18-31

Bear hunting may be closed in some Kentucky hunting zones. For more information about bear hunting in the Bluegrass State, visit the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife website. Bear seasons are only open to Kentucky residents.

Kentucky Small Game Seasons

Crow	Sept. 1-Nov. 7 and Jan. 4-Feb. 28
Groundhog	Open Season
Squirrel	Aug. 21-Nov. 12 and Nov. 15-Feb. 28
Grouse	Nov. 1-Feb. 28**
Rabbit	Nov. 1-Feb. 10**
Quail	Nov. 15-Feb. 10**

How To Get A Hunting License In Kentucky?

Depending on your age, you may be required to have the Hunter Education Completion Card in order to legally buy a license or permit to hunt.

Complete the Kentucky hunter education certification requirements.
Choose the correct license type.
Buy the license through the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources website or a Kentucky–approved vendor.

Kentucky License Expiration

Hunting licenses are good from March 1 to the end of February of the next year.

Where to Buy a Kentucky Hunting License

Visit the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources website.
Call 1-877-KYTAG-01 (1-877-598-2401).
Visit an approved license vendor.

**Season dates vary by zone

Bag limits, special seasons and hunting regulations for Kentucky hunting seasons do vary based on animal and seasons. For more information on obtaining licenses, permits and regulations, visit the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources website.