Mentor/Youth Dove Hunt

Fields set aside for Mentor/Youth hunts are open Sept. 5 to pre-registered hunters only. On this day, adult dove hunters can introduce a young hunter to the challenge and tradition of the early season dove hunt. Hunts require pre-registration (see rules below for details). Thereafter, unreserved slots will be available on a first come, first served basis. Mentor/Youth dove fields on wildlife management areas reopen to the public Sept. 6.

Application Open: Aug. 3rd, 8AM - Aug 21st, 4:30PM (EDT) Results Available: by Aug. 26th (here).

Locations:

SOUTH EAST KENTUCKY

Lincoln County

*Cooperator Field: (25 Slots).

From HWY 27 / HWY 150 intersection in Stanford travel north on HWY 27 0.16 miles to HWY 590. Turn left on HWY 590. Travel approximately 1.5 miles on HWY 590 to a gravel lane on the left. Turn left on gravel land and proceed to marked field parking area.

CENTRAL KENTUCKY

Kenton County

*Mullins WMA: (20 Slots).

From I-75, take exit 166 (Crittenden, KY). Head west on Violet Rd and travel 0.8 miles. Turn right onto North 2363 and travel 0.3 miles. Turn left onto Courtney Rd and travel 1 mile. Entrance will be on the Right.

WEST CENTRAL KENTUCKY

Barren County

*Barren River WMA (Goose Island Unit): (30 Slots).

From US 31E, turn west on highway 1318 towards Lucas, at the stop sign, turn left on South Lucas Road. Travel 1.6 miles to the Goose Island Unit entrance on the right, drive down gravel road a half mile to dove field parking lot.

WEST KENTUCKY

Marshall County

*Clark’s River National Wildlife Refuge: (25 Slots).

From Benton- Travel N on 641N to the intersection of 641N and KY-795N. Turn left onto KY-795 N, in approximately 3 miles and the dove field parking will be on the left side of the road. USFWS-approved, non-toxic shot only.

Hunt Application Hunt Date: Sept. 1, 2026

Location*

Mentor Information

First Name*

Last Name*

Address*

City*

State*

Zip*

Phone

Youth(s) Information

Full Name (First Youth)*

Age*

Full Name (Second Youth)

Age

Submit Application

* Required Field

Rules for the hunt:

Open only to adults accompanied by a youth (ages 15 and under), though not necessary for the youth to hunt.

Both mentor and youth can hunt, but must do so from the same field location (stake). All hunters must stay within 15 feet of their assigned shooting location. One adult may take two youths to these hunts. Two shotguns are allowed per stake. Each hunter is allowed 15 doves.

The number of hunters in Mentor/Youth Hunt fields will be strictly limited to insure a safe and quality hunt.

Field slots will be available by advanced online application. The application period will run from 8 a.m. EDT Aug. 3, until 4:30 p.m. EDT, Aug. 21. A random drawing will occur by August 26th. Mentors may check Mentor Hunt Confirmation/Lookup page to find out if they were successfully drawn. Unreserved slots will be available on a first come, first served basis at the field on the day of the hunt until all slots are filled.

Hunting groups must check in prior to hunting and check out prior to leaving the field with KY Fish and Wildlife staff.

After the field is filled, no new hunting groups will be allowed in.

Hunting groups in the field may move to different staked sites when the assigned group vacates that site.

Hunters must leave their guns at their shooting location (stake) when retrieving downed birds.

Shooting hours limited to 2 - 7 p.m., local time. All hunting groups must be out of the field by 7:30 p.m., local time.

All hunters will be responsible for cleaning up their shooting location (including empty shells) prior to leaving the field.

Mentors and youth must conduct themselves in a safe manner and abide by these and other rules posted at the hunt field. Failure to do so will result in termination of hunting privilege for that field that day.

Hunter education and licensing requirements apply.

Dove Hunt Locations