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Currently in Season

Coyote

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Coyotes may be hunted year-round with no bag limit.


A person may take a coyote after daylight hours, except that:

  1. It shall not be allowed in a county or area where a deer or elk firearm season is open;
  2. A person shall not use artificial light or other means designed to make wildlife visible at night from April 1st through May 15th and July 1st through November 30;
  3. Any artificial light or other means designed to make wildlife visible at night shall not be connected to or cast from a mechanized vehicle;
  4. On public lands (if open to nighttime coyote hunting) a person shall not use any equipment other than a bow, crossbow, or shotgun loaded with a multiple projectile shell.
  5. On private lands, 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 breech-loading rifle or pistol of any caliber, a shotgun firing a single projectile or a muzzleloader of .54-caliber or less.


HUNTING

Ages 16 and Older:

  • Day Hunting License (1 or 7 Day)
    - OR -
  • Annual Hunting License
    - OR -
  • Sportsman's License
    - OR -
  • Disability/Senior License

Youth (12-15):

  • Annual Youth Hunting License
    - OR -
  • Youth Sportsman's License

Younger than 12:

  • License Exempt


TRAPPING

Ages 16 and Older:

  • Trapping License

Youth (12-15):

  • Youth Trapping License

Younger than 12:

  • License Exempt

For more information, click exemptions and requirements or check our current Hunting Guide. Buy or renew your license here.


Hunting

Past Season

Location:
Statewide
Season Dates:
Mar 1 2024 - Feb 28 2025
Either Sex
Add to Calendar
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.

Currently in Season

Location:
Statewide
Season Dates:
Mar 1 2025 - Feb 28 2026
Add to Calendar
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.

Night Hunting - No Lights Allowed

Upcoming Season

Location:
Statewide
Season Dates:
Jul 1 2025 - Nov 30 2025
Add to Calendar
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.

Night Hunting with Lights

Currently in Season

Location:
Statewide
Season Dates:
Dec 1 2024 - Mar 31 2025
Either Sex
Add to Calendar
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.

Currently in Season

Location:
Statewide
Season Dates:
Jan 1 2025 - Mar 31 2025
Add to Calendar
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.

Upcoming Season

Location:
Statewide
Season Dates:
May 16 2025 - Jun 30 2025
Add to Calendar
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.

Upcoming Season

Location:
Statewide
Season Dates:
Dec 1 2025 - Mar 31 2026
Add to Calendar
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

Past Season

Location:
Statewide
Season Dates:
Nov 11 2024 - Feb 28 2025
Either Sex
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One-half hour before sunrise on Nov. 11, 2024 - Feb. 28, 2025.

Upcoming Season

Location:
Statewide
Season Dates:
Nov 10 2025 - Feb 28 2026
Add to Calendar
One-half hour before sunrise on Nov. 11, 2024 - Feb. 28, 2025.

Falconry

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Falconry

Currently in Season

Location:
Statewide
Season Dates:
Sep 1 2024 - Mar 30 2025
Either Sex
Add to Calendar
Small Game Season

Upcoming Season

Location:
Statewide
Season Dates:
Sep 1 2025 - Mar 30 2026
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Small Game

Upcoming Season

Location:
Statewide
Season Dates:
Nov 27 2025 - Feb 22 2026
Add to Calendar
Duck Season

Upcoming Season

Location:
Statewide
Season Dates:
Nov 27 2025 - Feb 15 2026
Add to Calendar
Goose Season

Small Game

Upcoming Season

Location:
Statewide
Season Dates:
Sep 1 2025 - Mar 30 2026
Add to Calendar

Goose-Conservation Order

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You must fill out your HIP survey before you go hunting. Go to check our My Profile" to access this survey.

NOTICE: Mandatory Free permit is required for hunting snow geese during this period. Please submit via our Snow Geese Conservation Order Permit app or call 1-800-858-1549 to obtain a permit. Everyone who obtains a Snow Goose Permit must report hunting activity by April 10, 2024.


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 the Youth Sportsman License / **Included in Resident Sportsman's License


Ages 65 and older OR Disabled

  • Senior/Disabled License

**Included in Sportsman's and Disability/Senior License


For more information, click exemptions and requirements or check our current Waterfowl Hunting Guide. Buy or renew your license here.



Hunting

Currently in Season

Location:
Statewide
Season Dates:
Feb 16 2025 - Mar 31 2025
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Only Snow and Ross’ geese Must have a Permit to hunt: https://app.fw.ky.gov/snowgoosesurvey/snowgoose.aspx

Currently in Season

Location:
Statewide
Season Dates:
Feb 16 2025 - Mar 31 2025
Add to Calendar
Only Snow and Ross’ geese Must have a Permit to hunt: https://app.fw.ky.gov/snowgoosesurvey/snowgoose.aspx

Groundhog

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License needed:


Younger than 12:

  • License 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**
**Included in Sportsman's and Disability/Senior License


For more information, click exemptions and requirements or check our current Hunting Guide. Buy or renew your license here.



Hunting

Past Season

Location:
Statewide
Season Dates:
Mar 1 2024 - Feb 28 2025
Either Sex
Add to Calendar

Currently in Season

Location:
Statewide
Season Dates:
Mar 1 2025 - Feb 28 2026
Add to Calendar

Trapping

Past Season

Location:
Statewide
Season Dates:
Nov 11 2024 - Feb 28 2025
Either Sex
Add to Calendar

Currently in Season

Location:
Statewide
Season Dates:
Mar 1 2025 - Feb 28 2026
Add to Calendar

Rough Fish

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Gigging and Snagging

Past Season

Location:
Statewide
Season Dates:
Feb 1 2024 - May 10 2024
Add to Calendar
Some exceptions apply. Please check the current Kentucky Fishing and Boating Guide for more information.

Currently in Season

Location:
Statewide
Season Dates:
Feb 1 2025 - May 10 2025
Add to Calendar
Some exceptions apply. Please check the current Kentucky Fishing and Boating Guide for more information.

Tickling and Noodling

Past Season

Location:
Statewide
Season Dates:
Jun 1 2024 - Aug 31 2024
Add to Calendar
Some exceptions apply. Please check the current Kentucky Fishing and Boating Guide for more information.

Upcoming Season

Location:
Statewide
Season Dates:
Jun 1 2025 - Aug 31 2025
Add to Calendar
Some exceptions apply. Please check the current Kentucky Fishing and Boating Guide for more information.

Trout Fishing

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Catch and Release

Currently in Season

Location:
Designated Streams
Season Dates:
Oct 1 2024 - Mar 31 2025
Add to Calendar
Some exceptions apply. Please check the current Kentucky Fishing and Boating Guide for more information.

Upcoming Season

Location:
Designated Streams
Season Dates:
Oct 1 2025 - Mar 31 2026
Add to Calendar
Some exceptions apply. Please check the current Kentucky Fishing and Boating Guide for more information.

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