Select Species

Currently in Season

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Bag Daily limit (noon to noon) is 15. Possession limit 30.


LICENSE NEEDED:

  • Day (1 or 7 day) hunting license or annual* hunting license (If taken by gun or bow/arrow)
  • Day (1 or 7 day) fishing license or annual* fishing license (If taken by pole and line)
  • Fishing or Hunting license (If taken by gig or hand)

*Included in Sportsman's and Disability/SeniorLicense


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





General

Currently in Season

Location:
Statewide
Season Dates:
May 17 2024 - Oct 31 2024
either sex
Opens at noon.
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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

Currently in Season

Location:
Statewide
Season Dates:
Mar 1 2024 - Feb 28 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.


Night Hunting - No Lights Allowed

Currently in Season

Location:
Statewide
Season Dates:
Jul 1 2024 - Nov 30 2024
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.


Night Hunting with Lights

Past Season

Location:
Statewide
Season Dates:
May 16 2024 - Jun 30 2024
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.

Upcoming Season

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.


Trapping

Upcoming Season

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

Currently in Season

Location:
Statewide
Season Dates:
Sep 1 2024 - Nov 7 2024
either sex

Upcoming Season

Location:
Statewide
Season Dates:
Jan 4 2025 - Feb 28 2025
either sex
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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.

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




Archery

Currently in Season

Location:
Statewide
Season Dates:
Sep 7 2024 - Jan 20 2025
either sex


Crossbow

Currently in Season

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, 2025.


Modern Gun

Upcoming Season

Location:
Zone 1, 2 and 3
Season Dates:
Nov 9 2024 - Nov 24 2024
either sex
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.

Upcoming Season

Location:
Zone 4
Season Dates:
Nov 9 2024 - Nov 24 2024
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

Upcoming Season

Location:
Statewide
Season Dates:
Oct 19 2024 - Oct 20 2024
either sex
Early Muzzleloader season: Zones 1, 2 and 3: Open to either sex. Zone 4: Antlered Deer Only.

Upcoming Season

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.


Youth-Free

Upcoming Season

Location:
Statewide
Season Dates:
Dec 28 2024 - Dec 29 2024
either sex


Youth-Only

Upcoming Season

Location:
Statewide
Season Dates:
Oct 12 2024 - Oct 13 2024
either sex
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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 the Youth Sportsman License / **Included in Resident Sportsman's License


Ages 65 and older OR Disabled

  • Senior/Disabled License

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




Hunting

Currently in Season

Location:
Statewide
Season Dates:
Sep 1 2024 - Oct 26 2024
either sex

Upcoming Season

Location:
Statewide
Season Dates:
Nov 28 2024 - Dec 8 2024
either sex

Upcoming Season

Location:
Statewide
Season Dates:
Dec 21 2024 - Jan 12 2025
either sex
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Falconry

Currently in Season

Location:
Statewide
Season Dates:
Sep 1 2024 - Mar 30 2025
either sex
Small Game Season

Upcoming Season

Location:
Statewide
Season Dates:
Nov 28 2024 - Feb 15 2025
either sex
Goose Season

Upcoming Season

Location:
Statewide
Season Dates:
Nov 28 2024 - Feb 23 2025
either sex
Duck Season
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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 the Youth Sportsman License / **Included in Resident Sportsman's License


Ages 65 and older OR Disabled

  • Senior/Disabled 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:
Sep 1 2024 - Nov 9 2024
either sex
 print

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

Currently in Season

Location:
Statewide
Season Dates:
Mar 1 2024 - Feb 28 2025
either sex


Trapping

Upcoming Season

Location:
Statewide
Season Dates:
Nov 11 2024 - Feb 28 2025
either sex
 print

Hunting 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




Trapping License needed:


Younger than 12:

  • License exempt

Youth 12-15:

  • Youth trapping license

Ages 16 and older:

  • Trapping license

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




Hunting

Currently in Season

Location:
Statewide
Season Dates:
Oct 1 2024 - Feb 28 2025
either sex
Hunting is not allowed during daylight hours during modern gun deer season.


Trapping

Upcoming Season

Location:
Statewide
Season Dates:
Nov 11 2024 - Feb 28 2025
either sex
One-half hour before sunrise on Nov. 13, 2023 - Feb. 29, 2024.
 print

Hunting 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




Trapping License needed:


Younger than 12:

  • License exempt

Youth 12-15:

  • Youth trapping license

Ages 16 and older:

  • Trapping license

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




Hunting

Currently in Season

Location:
Statewide
Season Dates:
Oct 1 2024 - Feb 28 2025
either sex
Hunting is not allowed during daylight hours during modern gun deer season.


Trapping

Upcoming Season

Location:
Statewide
Season Dates:
Nov 11 2024 - Feb 28 2025
One-half hour before sunrise on Nov. 13, 2023 - Feb. 29, 2024.
 print

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


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




Hunting

Currently in Season

Location:
Statewide
Season Dates:
Sep 1 2024 - Nov 9 2024
either sex
 print

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


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




Hunting

Currently in Season

Location:
Statewide
Season Dates:
Sep 18 2024 - Oct 27 2024
either sex

Upcoming Season

Location:
Statewide
Season Dates:
Nov 28 2024 - Feb 2 2025
 print

License and Permit needed:

  • 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

Currently in Season

Location:
Statewide
Season Dates:
Aug 17 2024 - Nov 8 2024
either sex

Upcoming Season

Location:
Statewide
Season Dates:
Nov 11 2024 - Feb 28 2025
either sex
 print


Catch and Release

Currently in Season

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.
 print

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


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




Archery

Currently in Season

Location:
Statewide
Season Dates:
Sep 7 2024 - Jan 20 2025
either sex


Crossbow

Currently in Season

Location:
Statewide
Season Dates:
Oct 1 2024 - Oct 20 2024
either sex

Upcoming Season

Location:
Statewide
Season Dates:
Nov 9 2024 - Dec 31 2024
either sex


Shotgun

Upcoming Season

Location:
Statewide
Season Dates:
Oct 26 2024 - Nov 1 2024
either sex

Upcoming Season

Location:
Statewide
Season Dates:
Dec 7 2024 - Dec 13 2024
either sex

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