Night Hunting with Lights
Location: Statewide Season Dates: Dec 1 2024 - Mar 31 2025 either sex Coyotes may be hunted year-round, day or night, with no bag limit. Hunters may only use artificial light or other means designed to make wildlife visible at night from Dec. 1 – March 31, and May 16 - June 30. Artificial light or other means designed to make wildlife visible at night cannot be connected to or cast from a mechanized vehicle. Coyote hunters with valid Mobility-Impaired Access Permits or Hunting Methods Exemption Vehicle Permits may use a stationary vehicle as a hunting platform and may use lights or other means designed to make wildlife visible at night so long as the means used are not connected to the vehicle. On public land after daylight hours, coyote hunters may only use a bow, crossbow or shotgun loaded with pelleted shells. However, from Dec. 1 - March 31, and May 16 - June 30, hunters on private land at night may also use any breechloading rifle or pistol of any caliber, a shotgun firing a single projectile or muzzleloader of .54-caliber or less. Night hunting shall not be allowed in a county or area where a deer or elk firearm or muzzleloader season is open. Night hunting for coyotes is prohibited on Kentucky lands managed by Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, Daniel Boone National Forest, George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area, Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge and Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge, including Beaver Creek, Cane Creek, Mill Creek, Pioneer Weapons and Redbird wildlife management areas (WMAs). Hand or mouth-operated calls and electronic calls that imitate wounded prey or coyote calls are legal. It is legal to hunt coyotes over animal carcasses. Animal carcasses are considered bait. A hunter shall not place or distribute bait or otherwise participate in baiting wildlife on all WMAs, Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, Daniel Boone National Forest, Jefferson National Forest, Land Between The Lakes and state parks open to hunting. |
Location: Statewide Season Dates: Jan 1 2025 - Mar 31 2025 Coyotes may be hunted year-round, day or night, with no bag limit. Hunters may only use artificial light or other means designed to make wildlife visible at night from Dec. 1 – March 31, and May 16 - June 30. Artificial light or other means designed to make wildlife visible at night cannot be connected to or cast from a mechanized vehicle. Coyote hunters with valid Mobility-Impaired Access Permits or Hunting Methods Exemption Vehicle Permits may use a stationary vehicle as a hunting platform and may use lights or other means designed to make wildlife visible at night so long as the means used are not connected to the vehicle. On public land after daylight hours, coyote hunters may only use a bow, crossbow or shotgun loaded with pelleted shells. However, from Dec. 1 - March 31, and May 16 - June 30, hunters on private land at night may also use any breechloading rifle or pistol of any caliber, a shotgun firing a single projectile or muzzleloader of .54-caliber or less. Night hunting shall not be allowed in a county or area where a deer or elk firearm or muzzleloader season is open. Night hunting for coyotes is prohibited on Kentucky lands managed by Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, Daniel Boone National Forest, George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area, Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge and Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge, including Beaver Creek, Cane Creek, Mill Creek, Pioneer Weapons and Redbird wildlife management areas (WMAs). Hand or mouth-operated calls and electronic calls that imitate wounded prey or coyote calls are legal. It is legal to hunt coyotes over animal carcasses. Animal carcasses are considered bait. A hunter shall not place or distribute bait or otherwise participate in baiting wildlife on all WMAs, Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, Daniel Boone National Forest, Jefferson National Forest, Land Between The Lakes and state parks open to hunting. |
Location: Statewide Season Dates: May 16 2025 - Jun 30 2025 Coyotes may be hunted year-round, day or night, with no bag limit. Hunters may only use artificial light or other means designed to make wildlife visible at night from Dec. 1 – March 31, and May 16 - June 30. Artificial light or other means designed to make wildlife visible at night cannot be connected to or cast from a mechanized vehicle. Coyote hunters with valid Mobility-Impaired Access Permits or Hunting Methods Exemption Vehicle Permits may use a stationary vehicle as a hunting platform and may use lights or other means designed to make wildlife visible at night so long as the means used are not connected to the vehicle. On public land after daylight hours, coyote hunters may only use a bow, crossbow or shotgun loaded with pelleted shells. However, from Dec. 1 - March 31, and May 16 - June 30, hunters on private land at night may also use any breechloading rifle or pistol of any caliber, a shotgun firing a single projectile or muzzleloader of .54-caliber or less. Night hunting shall not be allowed in a county or area where a deer or elk firearm or muzzleloader season is open. Night hunting for coyotes is prohibited on Kentucky lands managed by Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, Daniel Boone National Forest, George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area, Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge and Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge, including Beaver Creek, Cane Creek, Mill Creek, Pioneer Weapons and Redbird wildlife management areas (WMAs). Hand or mouth-operated calls and electronic calls that imitate wounded prey or coyote calls are legal. It is legal to hunt coyotes over animal carcasses. Animal carcasses are considered bait. A hunter shall not place or distribute bait or otherwise participate in baiting wildlife on all WMAs, Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, Daniel Boone National Forest, Jefferson National Forest, Land Between The Lakes and state parks open to hunting. |
Location: Statewide Season Dates: Dec 1 2025 - Mar 31 2026 Coyotes may be hunted year-round, day or night, with no bag limit. Hunters may only use artificial light or other means designed to make wildlife visible at night from Dec. 1 – March 31, and May 16 - June 30. Artificial light or other means designed to make wildlife visible at night cannot be connected to or cast from a mechanized vehicle. Coyote hunters with valid Mobility-Impaired Access Permits or Hunting Methods Exemption Vehicle Permits may use a stationary vehicle as a hunting platform and may use lights or other means designed to make wildlife visible at night so long as the means used are not connected to the vehicle. On public land after daylight hours, coyote hunters may only use a bow, crossbow or shotgun loaded with pelleted shells. However, from Dec. 1 - March 31, and May 16 - June 30, hunters on private land at night may also use any breechloading rifle or pistol of any caliber, a shotgun firing a single projectile or muzzleloader of .54-caliber or less. Night hunting shall not be allowed in a county or area where a deer or elk firearm or muzzleloader season is open. Night hunting for coyotes is prohibited on Kentucky lands managed by Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, Daniel Boone National Forest, George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area, Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge and Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge, including Beaver Creek, Cane Creek, Mill Creek, Pioneer Weapons and Redbird wildlife management areas (WMAs). Hand or mouth-operated calls and electronic calls that imitate wounded prey or coyote calls are legal. It is legal to hunt coyotes over animal carcasses. Animal carcasses are considered bait. A hunter shall not place or distribute bait or otherwise participate in baiting wildlife on all WMAs, Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, Daniel Boone National Forest, Jefferson National Forest, Land Between The Lakes and state parks open to hunting. |
Trapping
Location: Statewide Season Dates: Nov 11 2024 - Feb 28 2025 either sex One-half hour before sunrise on Nov. 11, 2024 - Feb. 28, 2025. |
Location: Statewide Season Dates: Nov 10 2025 - Feb 28 2026 One-half hour before sunrise on Nov. 11, 2024 - Feb. 28, 2025. |
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PLEASE NOTE:
- A hunter is limited to one (1) deer with visible antlers (excluding button bucks) per license year, regardless of what zone it is taken. The one-antlered deer can be taken under the statewide deer permit or the Deer Management Permit.
- Bag limits by zone are listed below.
- Hunters shall abide by the equipment restrictions in place for each season.
RESTRICTIONS BY ZONE:
Zone 1
- Unlimited antlerless deer may be taken with the proper permits.
Zone 2
- A hunter may take no more than four (4) deer.
- All four (4) deer may be taken with any weapon.
Zone 3
- A hunter may take no more than four (4) deer.
- A hunter may take no more than one (1) antlerless deer with a firearm. Firearm means a breech or muzzle-loading rifle, shotgun or handgun.
- All four (4) deer may be taken with archery or crossbow equipment.
Zone 4
- A hunter may take no more than two (2) deer.
- A hunter may take no more than one (1) antlerless deer.
- Antlerless deer may be taken during the archery season, crossbow season, both youth seasons or the last three days of the December muzzleloader season.
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Archery
Location: Statewide Season Dates: Sep 7 2024 - Jan 20 2025 either sex |
Location: Statewide Season Dates: Sep 6 2025 - Jan 19 2026 |
Crossbow
Location: Statewide Season Dates: Sep 21 2024 - Jan 20 2025 either sex General crossbow season: Senior/youth crossbow season is Sept. 7, 2024, through Jan. 20, 2025. Hunters may use archery equipment during this season. Exceptions for Zone 4: Antlerless deer (does) cannot be harvested during the modern gun season, Nov. 9-24, 2024, during the early muzzleloader season, Oct. 19-20, 2024, or during the first six days of muzzleloader season, Dec. 14-19, 2024. |
Location: Statewide Season Dates: Sep 20 2025 - Jan 19 2026 General crossbow season: Senior/youth crossbow season is Sept. 6, 2025, through Jan. 19, 2026. Hunters may use archery equipment during this season. Exceptions for Zone 4: Antlerless deer (does) cannot be harvested during the modern gun season, Nov. 8-23, 2025, during the early muzzleloader season, Oct. 18-19, 2025, or during the first six days of muzzleloader season, Dec. 13-18, 2025. |
Modern Gun
Location: Zone 1, 2 and 3 Season Dates: Nov 8 2025 - Nov 23 2025 Hunters may use any method legal for deer hunting during modern firearms season, including muzzleloading firearms, archery and crossbow equipment. Blaze orange requirements for deer hunters still apply regardless of method. See Zone 4 listing for separate harvest regulations. |
Location: Zone 4 Season Dates: Nov 8 2025 - Nov 23 2025 antlered Hunters may use any method legal for deer hunting during modern firearms season, including muzzleloading firearms, archery and crossbow equipment. In Zone 4, which includes much of southeastern Kentucky, hunters may not harvest antlerless deer (does) during modern gun season, regardless of hunting method |
Muzzle-loader
Location: Statewide Season Dates: Dec 14 2024 - Dec 22 2024 either sex Late muzzleloader season. In Zone 4, antlerless deer may not be taken from 12-14-24 through 12-19-24. From 12-20-24 through 12-22-24, hunters may harvest an antlerless deer. Hunters may use archery equipment or crossbows during this season. Blaze orange requirements for deer hunters still apply regardless of method. |
Location: Statewide Season Dates: Oct 18 2025 - Oct 19 2025 Early Muzzleloader season: Zones 1, 2 and 3: Open to either sex. Zone 4: Antlered Deer Only. |
Location: Statewide Season Dates: Dec 13 2025 - Dec 21 2025 Late muzzleloader season. In Zone 4, antlerless deer may not be taken Dec. 13, 2025 through Dec. 18, 2025. From Dec. 19, 2025 through Dec. 21, 2025, hunters may harvest an antlerless deer. Hunters may use archery equipment or crossbows during this season. Blaze orange requirements for deer hunters still apply regardless of method. |
Youth-Free
Location: Statewide Season Dates: Dec 28 2024 - Dec 29 2024 either sex |
Location: Statewide Season Dates: Dec 27 2025 - Dec 28 2025 |
Youth-Only
*** Proposed Season Date Upcoming Season Location: Statewide Season Dates: Oct 11 2025 - Oct 12 2025 Potential change to the season dates. Please check back for future updates. |
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You must fill out your HIP survey before you go hunting. Go to "My Profile" to access this survey. For information on Early Seasons see Wood Ducks or Teal.
License and permit needed:
Younger than 12
- License and permit exempt
Youth 12-15
- Annual youth hunting license*
*Included in Youth Sportsman's License
Ages 16 and older
- Day (1 or 7 day) hunting license or annual* hunting license
- Kentucky Migratory Bird/Waterfowl Permit**
- Federal Duck Stamp
*Included in the Youth Sportsman License / **Included in Resident Sportsman's License
Ages 65 and older OR Disabled
- Senior/Disabled License
- Federal Duck Stamp
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Falconry
Location: Statewide Season Dates: Nov 27 2025 - Feb 22 2026 |
Hunting
Location: Statewide Season Dates: Dec 7 2024 - Jan 31 2025 either sex |
Location: Statewide Season Dates: Nov 27 2025 - Nov 30 2025 |
Location: Statewide Season Dates: Dec 7 2025 - Jan 31 2026 |
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*Youth-only Quota Hunt may hunt any of the listed seasons
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Archery & Crossbow
Location: Elk Zone Season Dates: Dec 7 2024 - Dec 13 2024 either sex |
Location: Elk Zone Season Dates: Sep 13 2025 - Sep 26 2025 either sex |
Location: Elk Zone Season Dates: Dec 6 2025 - Dec 12 2025 either sex |
Firearm
Location: Elk Zone Season Dates: Dec 28 2024 - Jan 1 2025 Cow (antlerless) |
Location: Elk Zone Season Dates: Sep 27 2025 - Oct 1 2025 Bull (antlered) |
Location: Elk Zone Season Dates: Oct 4 2025 - Oct 8 2025 Bull (antlered) |
Location: Elk Zone Season Dates: Nov 29 2025 - Dec 3 2025 Cow (antlerless) |
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Falconry
Location: Statewide Season Dates: Sep 1 2024 - Mar 30 2025 either sex |
Location: Statewide Season Dates: Nov 28 2024 - Feb 15 2025 either sex |
Location: Statewide Season Dates: Nov 28 2024 - Feb 22 2025 either sex |
Location: Statewide Season Dates: Sep 1 2025 - Mar 30 2026 |
Location: Statewide Season Dates: Nov 27 2025 - Feb 22 2026 |
Location: Statewide Season Dates: Nov 27 2025 - Feb 15 2026 |
Small Game
Location: Statewide Season Dates: Sep 1 2025 - Mar 30 2026 |
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Hunting License needed:
Younger than 12:
Youth 12-15:
- Annual youth hunting license*
*Included in Youth Sportsman's License
Ages 16 and older:
- Day (1 or 7 day) hunting license or annual hunting license**
**Included in Sportsman's and Disability/Senior License
Trapping License needed:
Younger than 12:
Youth 12-15:
Ages 16 and older:
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Hunting
Location: Statewide Season Dates: Nov 11 2024 - Feb 28 2025 either sex One-half hour before sunrise Nov. 11, 2024 - Feb. 28, 2025. |
Location: Statewide Season Dates: Nov 10 2025 - Feb 28 2026 One-half hour before sunrise Nov. 10, 2025 - Feb. 28, 2026. |
Trapping
Location: Statewide Season Dates: Nov 11 2024 - Feb 28 2025 either sex One-half hour before sunrise Nov. 11, 2024 - Feb. 28, 2025. |
Location: Statewide Season Dates: Nov 10 2025 - Feb 28 2026 One-half hour before sunrise Nov. 10, 2025 - Feb. 28, 2026. |
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Hunting License needed:
Younger than 12:
Youth 12-15:
- Annual youth hunting license*
*Included in Youth Sportsman's License
Ages 16 and older:
- Day (1 or 7 day) hunting license or annual hunting license**
**Included in Sportsman's and Disability/Senior License
Trapping License needed:
Younger than 12:
Youth 12-15:
Ages 16 and older:
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Hunting
Location: Statewide Season Dates: Nov 11 2024 - Feb 28 2025 either sex One-half hour before sunrise Nov. 11, 2024 - Feb. 28, 2025. |
Location: Statewide Season Dates: Nov 10 2025 - Feb 28 2026 One-half hour before sunrise Nov. 10, 2025 - Feb. 28, 2026. |
Trapping
Location: Statewide Season Dates: Nov 11 2024 - Feb 28 2025 either sex One-half hour before sunrise Nov. 11, 2024 - Feb. 28, 2025. |
Location: Statewide Season Dates: Nov 10 2025 - Feb 28 2026 One-half hour before sunrise Nov. 10, 2025 - Feb. 28, 2026. |
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You must fill out your HIP survey before you go hunting. Go to "My Profile" to access this survey.
License and permit needed:
Younger than 12
- License and permit exempt
Youth 12-15
- Annual youth hunting license*
*Included in Youth Sportsman's License
Ages 16 and older
- Day (1 or 7 day) hunting license or annual* hunting license
- Kentucky Migratory Bird/Waterfowl Permit**
- Federal Duck Stamp
*Included in the Youth Sportsman License / **Included in Resident Sportsman's License
Ages 65 and older OR Disabled
- Senior/Disabled License
- Federal Duck Stamp
**Included in Sportsman's and Disability/Senior License
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Hunting
Location: Statewide Season Dates: Nov 28 2024 - Feb 15 2025 either sex |
Location: Early Canada Goose Western Zone Season Dates: Sep 1 2025 - Sep 15 2025 Early Canada Goose Western Zone |
Location: Early Canada Goose Eastern Zone Season Dates: Sep 16 2025 - Sep 30 2025 Early Canada Goose Eastern Zone |
Location: Statewide Season Dates: Nov 27 2025 - Feb 15 2025 |
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You must fill out your HIP survey before you go hunting. Go to "My Profile" to access this survey.
License and permit needed:
Younger than 12
- License and permit exempt
Youth 12-15
- Annual youth hunting license*
*Included in Youth Sportsman's License
Ages 16 and older
- Day (1 or 7 day) hunting license or annual* hunting license
- Kentucky Migratory Bird/Waterfowl Permit**
- Federal Duck Stamp
*Included in the Youth Sportsman License / **Included in Resident Sportsman's License
Ages 65 and older OR Disabled
- Senior/Disabled License
- Federal Duck Stamp
**Included in Sportsman's and Disability/Senior License
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Hunting
Location: Statewide Season Dates: Nov 28 2024 - Feb 15 2025 either sex |
Location: Statewide Season Dates: Nov 27 2025 - Feb 15 2026 |
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You must fill out your HIP survey before you go hunting. Go to "My Profile" to access this survey.
License and permit needed:
Younger than 12
- License and permit exempt
Youth 12-15
- Annual youth hunting license*
*Included in Youth Sportsman's License
Ages 16 and older
- Day (1 or 7 day) hunting license or annual* hunting license
- Kentucky Migratory Bird/Waterfowl Permit**
- Federal Duck Stamp
*Included in the Youth Sportsman License / **Included in Resident Sportsman's License
Ages 65 and older OR Disabled
- Senior/Disabled License
- Federal Duck Stamp
**Included in Sportsman's and Disability/Senior License
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Hunting
Location: Statewide Season Dates: Nov 28 2024 - Feb 15 2025 either sex |
Location: Statewide Season Dates: Nov 27 2025 - Feb 15 2025 |
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License needed:
Younger than 12:
Youth 12-15:
- Annual youth hunting license*
*Included in Youth Sportsman's License
Ages 16 and older:
- Day (1 or 7 day) hunting license or annual hunting license**
**Included in Sportsman's and Disability/Senior License
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Hunting
Location: Statewide Season Dates: Mar 1 2024 - Feb 28 2025 either sex |
Location: Statewide Season Dates: Mar 1 2025 - Feb 28 2026 |
Trapping
Location: Statewide Season Dates: Nov 11 2024 - Feb 28 2025 either sex |
Location: Statewide Season Dates: Mar 1 2025 - Feb 28 2026 |
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In Grouse Zone ONLY. Grouse hunting is also allowed on Pennyrile State Forest, Tradewater WMA and Ft. Knox during the month of December, except during quota deer hunts.
License needed:
Younger than 12:
Youth 12-15:
- Annual youth hunting license*
*Included in Youth Sportsman's License
Ages 16 and older:
- Day (1 or 7 day) hunting license or annual hunting license**
**Included in Sportsman's and Disability/Senior License
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Hunting
Location: Statewide Season Dates: Nov 11 2024 - Feb 28 2025 either sex |
Location: Statewide Season Dates: Nov 1 2025 - Nov 7 2025 |
Location: Statewide Season Dates: Nov 10 2025 - Feb 10 2026 |
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You must fill out your HIP survey before you go hunting. Go to "My Profile" to access this survey.
License and permit needed:
Younger than 12
- License and permit exempt
Youth 12-15
- Annual youth hunting license*
*Included in Youth Sportsman's License
Ages 16 and older
- Day (1 or 7 day) hunting license or annual** hunting license
- Kentucky Migratory Bird/Waterfowl Permit**
- Federal Duck Stamp
**Included in Sportsman's and Disability/Senior License
Ages 65 and older OR Disabled
- Senior/Disabled License
- Federal Duck Stamp
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Hunting
Location: Statewide Season Dates: Dec 7 2024 - Jan 31 2025 either sex |
Location: Statewide Season Dates: Nov 27 2025 - Nov 30 2025 |
Location: Statewide Season Dates: Dec 7 2025 - Jan 31 2026 |
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Hunting License needed:
Younger than 12:
Youth 12-15:
- Annual youth hunting license*
*Included in Youth Sportsman's License
Ages 16 and older:
- Day (1 or 7 day) hunting license or annual hunting license**
**Included in Sportsman's and Disability/Senior License
Trapping License needed:
Younger than 12:
Youth 12-15:
Ages 16 and older:
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Hunting
Location: Statewide Season Dates: Nov 11 2024 - Feb 28 2025 either sex One-half hour before sunrise Nov. 11, 2024 - Feb. 28, 2025. |
Location: Statewide Season Dates: Nov 10 2025 - Feb 28 2026 One-half hour before sunrise Nov. 10, 2025 - Feb. 28, 2026. |
Trapping
Location: Statewide Season Dates: Nov 10 2025 - Feb 28 2026 One-half hour before sunrise Nov. 10, 2025 - Feb. 28, 2026. |
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Hunting License needed:
Younger than 12:
Youth 12-15:
- Annual youth hunting license*
*Included in Youth Sportsman's License
Ages 16 and older:
- Day (1 or 7 day) hunting license or annual hunting license**
**Included in Sportsman's and Disability/Senior License
Trapping License needed:
Younger than 12:
Youth 12-15:
Ages 16 and older:
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Hunting
Location: Statewide Season Dates: Nov 11 2024 - Feb 28 2025 either sex One-half hour before sunrise Nov. 11, 2024 - Feb. 28, 2025. |
Location: Statewide Season Dates: Nov 10 2025 - Feb 28 2026 One-half hour before sunrise Nov. 10, 2025 - Feb. 28, 2026. |
Trapping
Location: Statewide Season Dates: Nov 11 2024 - Feb 28 2025 either sex One-half hour before sunrise Nov. 11, 2024 - Feb. 28, 2025. |
Location: Statewide Season Dates: Nov 10 2025 - Feb 28 2026 One-half hour before sunrise Nov. 10, 2025 - Feb. 28, 2026. |
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Hunting License needed:
Younger than 12:
Youth 12-15:
- Annual youth hunting license*
*Included in Youth Sportsman's License
Ages 16 and older:
- Day (1 or 7 day) hunting license or annual hunting license**
**Included in Sportsman's and Disability/Senior License
Trapping License needed:
Younger than 12:
Youth 12-15:
Ages 16 and older:
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Hunting
Location: Statewide Season Dates: Oct 1 2024 - Feb 28 2025 either sex Hunting is not allowed during daylight hours during modern gun deer season. |
Location: Statewide Season Dates: Oct 1 2025 - Feb 28 2026 Hunting is not allowed during daylight hours during modern gun deer season. |
Trapping
Location: Statewide Season Dates: Nov 11 2024 - Feb 28 2025 either sex One-half hour before sunrise on Nov. 11, 2024 - Feb. 28, 2025. |
Location: Statewide Season Dates: Nov 10 2025 - Feb 28 2026 One-half hour before sunrise on Nov. 10, 2025 - Feb. 28, 2026. |
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License needed:
Younger than 12:
Youth 12-15:
- Annual youth hunting license*
*Included in Youth Sportsman's License
Ages 16 and older:
- Day (1 or 7 day) hunting license or annual hunting license**
**Included in Sportsman's and Disability/Senior License
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Hunting
Location: Western Zone Season Dates: Nov 11 2024 - Feb 10 2025 either sex |
Location: Eastern Zone Season Dates: Nov 11 2024 - Jan 31 2025 either sex |
Location: Eastern Zone Season Dates: Nov 1 2025 - Nov 7 2025 |
Location: Eastern Zone Season Dates: Nov 10 2025 - Jan 31 2026 |
Location: Western Zone Season Dates: Nov 10 2025 - Feb 10 2026 |
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Rabbit trapping is permitted only when rabbit hunting season is open in each zone. Quail may not be trapped.
Hunting License needed:
Younger than 12:
Youth 12-15:
- Annual youth hunting license*
*Included in Youth Sportsman's License
Ages 16 and older:
- Day (1 or 7 day) hunting license or annual hunting license**
**Included in Sportsman's and Disability/Senior License
Trapping License needed:
Younger than 12:
Youth 12-15:
Ages 16 and older:
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Hunting
Location: Western Zone Season Dates: Nov 11 2024 - Feb 10 2025 either sex |
Location: Eastern Zone Season Dates: Nov 11 2024 - Jan 31 2025 either sex |
Location: Eastern Zone Season Dates: Nov 1 2025 - Nov 7 2025 |
Location: Eastern Zone Season Dates: Nov 10 2025 - Jan 31 2026 |
Location: Western Zone Season Dates: Nov 10 2025 - Feb 10 2026 |
Trapping
Location: Western Zone Season Dates: Nov 11 2024 - Feb 10 2025 either sex |
Location: Eastern Zone Season Dates: Nov 11 2024 - Jan 31 2025 either sex |
Location: Eastern Zone Season Dates: Nov 1 2025 - Nov 7 2025 |
Location: Eastern Zone Season Dates: Nov 10 2025 - Jan 31 2026 |
Location: Western Zone Season Dates: Nov 10 2025 - Feb 10 2026 |
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Hunting License needed:
Younger than 12:
Youth 12-15:
- Annual youth hunting license*
*Included in Youth Sportsman's License
Ages 16 and older:
- Day (1 or 7 day) hunting license or annual hunting license**
**Included in Sportsman's and Disability/Senior License
Trapping License needed:
Younger than 12:
Youth 12-15:
Ages 16 and older:
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Hunting
Location: Statewide Season Dates: Oct 1 2024 - Feb 28 2025 either sex Hunting is not allowed during daylight hours during modern gun deer season. |
Location: Statewide Season Dates: Oct 1 2025 - Feb 28 2026 Hunting is not allowed during daylight hours during modern gun deer season. |
Trapping
Location: Statewide Season Dates: Nov 11 2024 - Feb 28 2025 One-half hour before sunrise on Nov. 11, 2024 - Feb. 28, 2025. |
Location: Statewide Season Dates: Nov 10 2025 - Feb 28 2026 One-half hour before sunrise on Nov. 10, 2025 - Feb. 28, 2026. |
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Bag Limit is 10; only 6 of which can be taken from Otter Zone 2.
Hunting License needed:
Younger than 12:
Youth 12-15:
- Annual youth hunting license*
*Included in Youth Sportsman's License
Ages 16 and older:
- Day (1 or 7 day) hunting license or annual hunting license**
**Included in Sportsman's and Disability/Senior License
Trapping License needed:
Younger than 12:
Youth 12-15:
Ages 16 and older:
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Hunting
Location: Statewide Season Dates: Nov 11 2024 - Feb 28 2025 either sex |
Location: Statewide Season Dates: Nov 10 2025 - Feb 28 2026 |
Trapping
Location: Statewide Season Dates: Nov 11 2024 - Feb 28 2025 either sex |
Location: Statewide Season Dates: Nov 10 2025 - Feb 28 2026 |
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You must fill out your HIP survey before you go hunting. Go to "My Profile" to access this survey. NOTICE: Anyone hunting sandhill cranes, regardless of age or status must apply for and possess a Sandhill Crane Hunting Permit to hunt cranes.
License and permit needed:
Younger than 12
Youth 12-15
*Included in Youth Sportsman's License
Ages 16 and Older
- Day (1 or 7 day) hunting license or annual** hunting license
- Kentucky Migratory Bird/Waterfowl Permit**
- HIP Verification Number
- (Federal Duck Stamp is not required)
**Included in Sportsman's and Disability/Senior License
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Hunting
Location: Statewide Season Dates: Dec 7 2024 - Jan 31 2025 either sex Hunters must apply for a sandhill crane permit online during the month of September on the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources website and pay a $3 application fee. Applicants must have a valid Kentucky hunting license or be license exempt when they apply. Results are posted to individual applicants online following the drawing. Drawn hunters must pass an online identification exam before receiving a sandhill crane hunting permit. Hunters must telecheck harvested birds on the day taken. Hunters participating in the sandhill crane hunting season must complete a postseason survey by Feb. 14 or lose eligibility to apply the following year. |
Location: Statewide Season Dates: Dec 7 2025 - Jan 31 2026 Hunters must apply for a sandhill crane permit online during the month of September on the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources website and pay a $3 application fee. Applicants must have a valid Kentucky hunting license or be license-exempt when they apply. Results are posted to individual applicants online following the drawing. Drawn hunters must pass an online identification exam before receiving a sandhill crane hunting permit. Hunters must telecheck harvested birds on the day taken. Hunters participating in the sandhill crane hunting season must complete a postseason survey by Feb. 14 or lose eligibility to apply the following year. |
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You must fill out your HIP survey before you go hunting. Go to "My Profile" to access this survey.
License and permit needed:
Younger than 12
- License and permit exempt
Youth 12-15
- Annual youth hunting license*
*Included in Youth Sportsman's License
Ages 16 and older
- Day (1 or 7 day) hunting license or annual** hunting license
- Kentucky Migratory Bird/Waterfowl Permit**
**Included in Sportsman's and Disability/Senior License
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Hunting
Location: Statewide Season Dates: Nov 28 2024 - Feb 2 2025 |
Location: Statewide Season Dates: Sep 17 2025 - Oct 26 2025 |
Location: Statewide Season Dates: Nov 27 2025 - Dec 10 2025 |
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License and Permit needed:
- Day (1 or 7 day) hunting license or annual* hunting license
*Included in Sportsman's and Disability/Senior License
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Hunting
Location: Statewide Season Dates: Nov 11 2024 - Feb 28 2025 either sex |
Location: Statewide Season Dates: Aug 16 2025 - Nov 7 2025 |
Location: Statewide Season Dates: Nov 10 2025 - Feb 28 2026 |
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Hunting License needed:
Younger than 12:
Youth 12-15:
- Annual youth hunting license*
*Included in Youth Sportsman's License
Ages 16 and older:
- Day (1 or 7 day) hunting license or annual hunting license**
**Included in Sportsman's and Disability/Senior License
Trapping License needed:
Younger than 12:
Youth 12-15:
Ages 16 and older:
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Hunting
Location: Statewide Season Dates: Nov 11 2024 - Feb 28 2025 either sex One-half hour before sunrise Nov. 11, 2024 - Feb. 28, 2025. |
Location: Statewide Season Dates: Nov 10 2025 - Feb 28 2026 |
Trapping
Location: Statewide Season Dates: Nov 11 2024 - Feb 28 2025 either sex One-half hour before sunrise Nov. 11, 2024 - Feb. 28, 2025. |
Location: Statewide Season Dates: Nov 10 2025 - Feb 28 2026 |
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Catch and Release
Location: Designated Streams Season Dates: Oct 1 2024 - Mar 31 2025 Some exceptions apply. Please check the current Kentucky Fishing and Boating Guide for more information. |
Location: Designated Streams Season Dates: Oct 1 2025 - Mar 31 2026 Some exceptions apply. Please check the current Kentucky Fishing and Boating Guide for more information. |
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Two (2) turkeys per season:
- One (1) turkey may have a beard length of three (3) inches or longer.
- One (1) turkey with no visible beard or a beard shorter than three (3) inches.
- One (1) turkey may be taken per day.
- No more than one (1) bird may be taken per day.
License and permit needed:
Younger than 12:
- License and permit exempt
Youth 12-15:
- Annual youth hunting license*
- Youth turkey permit*
*Included in Youth Sportsman's License
Ages 16 and older:
- Annual hunting license**
- Fall Turkey Permit**
**Included in Sportsman's and Disability/Senior License
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Archery
Location: Statewide Season Dates: Sep 7 2024 - Jan 20 2025 either sex |
Location: Statewide Season Dates: Sep 6 2025 - Jan 19 2026 |
Crossbow
Location: Statewide Season Dates: Nov 9 2024 - Dec 31 2024 either sex |
Location: Statewide Season Dates: Oct 1 2025 - Oct 19 2025 |
Location: Statewide Season Dates: Nov 8 2025 - Dec 31 2025 |
Shotgun
Location: Statewide Season Dates: Dec 7 2024 - Dec 13 2024 either sex |
Location: Statewide Season Dates: Oct 25 2025 - Oct 31 2025 |
Location: Statewide Season Dates: Dec 6 2025 - Dec 12 2025 |
print
|
Hunting License needed:
Younger than 12:
Youth 12-15:
- Annual youth hunting license*
*Included in Youth Sportsman's License
Ages 16 and older:
- Day (1 or 7 day) hunting license or annual hunting license**
**Included in Sportsman's and Disability/Senior License
Trapping License needed:
Younger than 12:
Youth 12-15:
Ages 16 and older:
|
Hunting
Location: Statewide Season Dates: Nov 11 2024 - Feb 28 2025 either sex One-half hour before sunrise Nov. 11, 2024 - Feb. 28, 2025. |
Location: Statewide Season Dates: Nov 10 2025 - Feb 28 2026 One-half hour before sunrise Nov. 10, 2025 - Feb. 28, 2026. |
Trapping
Location: Statewide Season Dates: Nov 11 2024 - Feb 28 2025 either sex One-half hour before sunrise Nov. 11, 2024 - Feb. 28, 2025. |
Location: Statewide Season Dates: Nov 10 2025 - Feb 28 2026 One-half hour before sunrise Nov. 10, 2025 - Feb. 28, 2026. |
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