Kentucky Hunting Season Guide for 2025-2026 – Dates, Regulations & Game Management Areas
Welcome to your complete guide for the upcoming Kentucky hunting season! Whether you’re a seasoned local sportsman or planning your first trip to the Bluegrass State, this comprehensive overview covers everything you need to know about the 2025-2026 hunting calendar. We’ll walk through important dates, species regulations, permit requirements, and game management areas to help you plan successful outings.
Both resident and visiting hunters should review these details carefully before heading afield. Kentucky offers incredible diversity in game species and terrain, from whitetails in the rolling hills to waterfowl along the Ohio River. Let’s dive into what makes this season special and ensure you’re properly prepared for your adventures.
📅 Quick Highlights
Here’s a snapshot of the major opportunities awaiting hunters this season:
Big Game Season Highlights:
- Deer Archery: September 6, 2025 – January 19, 2026 (statewide)
- Modern Gun Deer: November 8-23, 2025
- Bear Season: September 9-30, 2025 (zone-specific)
- Free Youth Weekend: December 27-28, 2025
Turkey Opportunities:
- Spring Season: April 12 – May 4, 2025
- Youth Spring: April 5-6, 2025
- Fall Turkey: Varies by zone and method
Small Game & Waterfowl:
- Dove Season: September 1 opens with three separate segments
- Squirrel: August 16 start for fall season
- Rabbit & Quail: Zone-dependent November openings
- Duck Season: Multiple segments throughout fall/winter
Big Game Overview
Kentucky’s big game opportunities center around whitetail deer, with limited bear opportunities in specific zones. The deer seasons offer multiple methods and extended timeframes to accommodate different hunting preferences.
| Species | Method | Dates | Bag Limit | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whitetail Deer | Archery | Sept. 6, 2025 – Jan. 19, 2026 | 4 deer (statewide permit) | Statewide season |
| Whitetail Deer | Crossbow | Sept. 20, 2025 – Jan. 19, 2026 | 4 deer (statewide permit) | Age restrictions apply |
| Whitetail Deer | Modern Gun | Nov. 8-23, 2025 | 4 deer (statewide permit) | Orange clothing required |
| Whitetail Deer | Muzzleloader | Dec. 14-22, 2025 | 4 deer (statewide permit) | Special equipment rules |
| Black Bear | Firearms/Archery | Sept. 9-30, 2025 | 1 bear | Zone 1, 2, & 3 only |
Youth Opportunities: The Free Youth Deer Weekend runs December 27-28, 2025, allowing hunters 15 and under to participate without licenses or permits when accompanied by adults. Additionally, the Youth-Only Firearms Season occurs the second weekend in October statewide.
Equipment Regulations: Modern firearms must be centerfire rifles or handguns with magazines holding no more than 10 rounds. Shotguns using slugs only are permitted. Archery equipment requires broadheads at least 7/8″ wide when extended. All hunters during modern gun season must wear hunter orange clothing.
Turkey Season Details
Kentucky provides excellent spring and fall turkey opportunities across the state. Spring remains the primary season, with fall opportunities varying by location and method.
| Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Youth Spring | April 5-6, 2025 | 1 turkey | All legal methods | Ages 15 and under |
| Spring Turkey | April 12 – May 4, 2025 | 2 turkeys | Firearms, archery, crossbow | Statewide season |
| Fall Archery | Varies by zone | 2 turkeys | Archery/crossbow only | Check zone regulations |
| Fall Firearms | Varies by zone | 2 turkeys | All legal methods | Limited areas |
Calling Regulations: Electronic calls are prohibited. Hunters may use diaphragm, box, slate, or other friction calls. Decoys are legal during all turkey seasons.
Safety Requirements: Turkey hunters must wear hunter orange when required during overlapping deer seasons. Shot size restrictions apply – nothing larger than #2 shot for turkey hunting.
Furbearer Opportunities
Kentucky offers year-round opportunities for certain furbearers, with specific seasons for others. Coyote hunting remains one of the few year-round options available to hunters.
| Species | Season | Methods | Bag Limit | License Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coyote | March 1, 2025 – Feb. 28, 2026 | All legal methods | No limit | Hunting license |
| Bobcat | Nov. 15, 2025 – Feb. 15, 2026 | Firearms, archery, trapping | Check regulations | Hunting + Bobcat permit |
| Raccoon | Oct. 1, 2025 – Jan. 31, 2026 | Night hunting allowed | Check bag limits | Hunting license |
| Red Fox | Nov. 15, 2025 – Feb. 15, 2026 | All legal methods | Check regulations | Hunting license |
| Gray Fox | Nov. 15, 2025 – Feb. 15, 2026 | All legal methods | Check regulations | Hunting license |
Night Hunting: Raccoon and opossum may be hunted at night with artificial lights. Coyotes may be hunted at night with special permits in certain areas.
Trapping Season: Runs from November 10, 2025, through February 28, 2026, for most species. Trapping requires a separate license and follows specific regulations for set types and locations.
Small Game Season Calendar
Small game provides excellent opportunities for hunters of all experience levels. Kentucky’s diverse habitats support healthy populations of traditional small game species.
| Species | Season Dates | Bag Limit | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gray Squirrel | Aug. 16 – Nov. 7, 2025; Nov. 10, 2025 – Feb. 28, 2026 | 6 daily | Closed first 2 days modern gun deer |
| Rabbit (Eastern Zone) | Nov. 1 – Nov. 7, 2025; Nov. 10, 2025 – Jan. 31, 2026 | 4 daily | Zone-specific regulations |
| Rabbit (Western Zone) | Nov. 10, 2025 – Feb. 10, 2026 | 4 daily | Starts 3rd day modern gun deer |
| Quail (Eastern Zone) | Nov. 1 – Nov. 7, 2025; Nov. 10, 2025 – Jan. 31, 2026 | 6 daily | Habitat restoration areas |
| Quail (Western Zone) | Nov. 10, 2025 – Feb. 10, 2026 | 6 daily | Agricultural areas |
| Ruffed Grouse | Nov. 1 – Nov. 7, 2025; Nov. 10, 2025 – Feb. 28, 2026 | 2 daily | Grouse zones only |
Spring Squirrel Season: May 17 – June 15, 2025, offers an early opportunity with a 6-squirrel daily bag limit.
Youth Week: December 27, 2025 – January 2, 2026, provides license-free small game hunting for youth 15 and under when accompanied by adults.
Complete Waterfowl Seasons
Waterfowl hunting in Kentucky follows federal frameworks with state-specific dates and zones. Both state and federal stamps are required for all waterfowl hunters.
| Species | Season Dates | Bag Limit | Special Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mourning Dove | Sept. 1 – Oct. 26, 2025 | 15 daily, 45 possession | Three separate segments |
| Nov. 27 – Dec. 7, 2025 | |||
| Dec. 20, 2025 – Jan. 11, 2026 | |||
| Ducks (Regular) | Nov. 23 – Dec. 1, 2025 | Varies by species | Federal duck stamp required |
| Dec. 7, 2025 – Jan. 26, 2026 | Kentucky waterfowl permit | ||
| Canada Goose (Early) | Sept. 1-15, 2025 | 5 daily, 15 possession | Resident population only |
| Canada Goose (Regular) | Nov. 23 – Dec. 1, 2025 | 3 daily, 9 possession | Concurrent with duck season |
| Dec. 7, 2025 – Feb. 9, 2026 | |||
| Teal (Blue/Green-winged) | Sept. 14-22, 2025 | 4 daily, 12 possession | Early teal season |
Required Stamps: All waterfowl hunters need both the federal duck stamp ($25) and Kentucky migratory bird/waterfowl permit ($15). These are available at sporting goods stores, post offices, and online.
Shooting Hours: Waterfowl may only be hunted from 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset. Check daily shooting hour tables for specific times.
Zone Regulations: Some waterfowl areas have special regulations or closures. Always check current area-specific rules before hunting.
Other Available Game Species
Kentucky offers hunting opportunities for several additional species throughout the year, each with specific regulations and requirements.
| Species | Season | Bag Limit | Special Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bullfrog | May 16 – Oct. 31, 2025 | 15 daily | Fishing license required |
| Crow | Dec. 6, 2025 – Mar. 2, 2026 | No limit | Friday-Sunday only |
| Rail (Sora, Virginia) | Year-round | 25 daily combined | Migratory bird permit |
| Woodcock | Oct. 15 – Nov. 28, 2025 | 3 daily, 9 possession | Migratory bird permit |
| Snipe | Oct. 15, 2025 – Feb. 28, 2026 | 8 daily, 24 possession | Migratory bird permit |
Pheasant Quota Hunts: Limited pheasant hunting opportunities are available through quota drawings at Green River WMA (November 21-23, 2025), Clay WMA (December 5-7, 2025), and Yellowbank WMA (December 5-7, 2025). Applications required.
Sandhill Crane: Special permit hunting available through drawings. Application period runs September 1-30 annually with a $3 application fee.
Hunting Zones and Public Land Access
Kentucky divides into various management zones for different species, with extensive public land opportunities available to hunters.
Deer Management Zones: The state uses a three-zone system for modern gun deer season timing. Zone boundaries are clearly marked on the official Kentucky hunting zone map.
Public Hunting Areas:
- Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs): Over 80 areas totaling more than 200,000 acres
- State Forests: Multiple forests with hunting access
- Land Between the Lakes: Special permit area with extensive opportunities
- Corps of Engineers Land: Various locations with hunting access
WMA Regulations: Most WMAs follow statewide seasons but may have special restrictions. Some areas require additional permits or have quota systems. Always check specific area regulations before hunting.
Private Land Access: Kentucky’s Open Fields program provides liability protection for landowners who allow hunting access. The state also maintains an online system for connecting hunters with private land opportunities.
Special Use Areas:
- Peabody WMA: Requires special user permit ($15)
- Land Between the Lakes: Requires LBL permit ($25 hunting, $50 hunt/camp combo)
- Otter Creek Outdoor Recreation Area: Daily ($3) or annual ($30) admission fees
If you’re planning to hunt in neighboring states, you might want to check out hunting opportunities in Alabama for additional adventures.
Permits, Tags & License Requirements
Understanding Kentucky’s license structure ensures you’re properly prepared for your hunting adventures. Prices remain competitive compared to surrounding states, with good value in combination packages.
| License Type | Resident | Non-Resident | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Hunting | $27.00 | $160.00 | March 1 – Feb. 28 |
| Youth Hunting (12-15) | $6.00 | $10.00 | March 1 – Feb. 28 |
| Sportsman’s License* | $95.00 | Not Available | March 1 – Feb. 28 |
| 1-Day Hunting** | $7.00 | $25.00 | Single day only |
| 7-Day Hunting** | Not Available | $65.00 | Seven consecutive days |
Permit Add-Ons:
- Statewide Deer Permit: $35 (resident), $235 (non-resident) – Allows harvest of 4 deer
- Spring Turkey Permit: $30 (resident), $110 (non-resident) – 2 turkey limit
- Fall Turkey Permit: $30 (resident), $110 (non-resident) – 2 turkey limit
- Bear Permit: $30 (resident), $250 (non-resident) – Required for bear hunting
- Kentucky Waterfowl Permit: $15 (both resident/non-resident)
- Federal Duck Stamp: $25 (required for all waterfowl hunters)
Special Categories:
- Senior Sportsman’s (65+): $12 – Includes all standard sportsman’s licenses and permits
- Disabled Sportsman’s: $12 – Same benefits as standard sportsman’s package
- Military Discounts: Available for active duty and veterans
*Sportsman’s License includes hunting/fishing combination, statewide deer permit, spring and fall turkey permits, Kentucky waterfowl permit, and trout permit.
**One-day and 7-day hunting licenses are not valid for deer, elk, turkey, or bear hunting.
Youth License Benefits: Hunters ages 12-15 receive significantly discounted rates on most licenses and permits. Children under 12 hunt free when properly supervised during youth seasons.
Where to Buy: Licenses are available online through the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife website, at sporting goods retailers statewide, and at many county clerk offices. Online purchasing offers 24/7 convenience and immediate license availability.
❓ Kentucky Hunting Quick FAQ
Q: When do I need hunter orange clothing?
A: Hunter orange is required during all modern gun deer seasons for all hunters and accompanying persons. This includes archery hunters during firearms seasons, except on state WMAs where firearms deer hunting is prohibited.
Q: Can I hunt on Sundays in Kentucky?
A: Yes, Kentucky allows hunting on Sundays with no restrictions. However, some private properties may have their own Sunday hunting restrictions.
Q: Do I need landowner permission to hunt private property?
A: Absolutely. Always obtain written permission before hunting private property. Trespassing laws are strictly enforced throughout Kentucky.
Q: What’s the difference between Eastern and Western hunting zones for small game?
A: Eastern zones generally open earlier (November 1) while Western zones open later (usually the third day of modern gun deer season). This system reduces conflicts between deer and small game hunters.
Q: Can non-residents hunt during youth seasons?
A: Yes, non-resident youth aged 15 and under can participate in youth seasons with proper licenses and permits, except during Free Youth Weekend when no licenses are required.
Q: Are there any hunter education requirements?
A: Kentucky requires hunter education certification for hunters born on or after January 1, 1975. Temporary exemption permits are available for first-time license buyers, allowing one season to complete certification.
Q: What happens if I harvest deer or turkey?
A: All deer, elk, turkey, and bear must be telechecked within 24 hours of harvest and properly tagged. Failure to telecheck is a violation of state law.
🔗 Important Resources & Links
For complete regulations and additional information, consult these official resources:
- Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Official Website: fw.ky.gov
- Online License Sales: app.fw.ky.gov/solar
- Interactive Season Viewer: app.fw.ky.gov/seasonviewer
- Public Lands Search: app.fw.ky.gov/Public_Lands_Search
- Hunter Education Information: fw.ky.gov/Education
Emergency Contacts: Always carry emergency contact information and inform others of your hunting plans. Cell coverage can be spotty in remote areas.
Weather Resources: Kentucky weather can change rapidly during fall and winter months. Monitor conditions regularly and adjust plans accordingly.
Conclusion
Kentucky’s 2025-2026 hunting seasons offer outstanding opportunities for hunters seeking diverse game species across varied terrain. From the early dove opener in September through late winter rabbit seasons, there’s something for every hunting preference and skill level.
The key to successful seasons starts with proper preparation – securing licenses and permits early, understanding zone-specific regulations, and respecting both the resource and other hunters. Kentucky’s wildlife populations remain healthy thanks to science-based management and responsible hunting practices.
Remember to double-check all dates and regulations before heading afield, as seasons and bag limits can change. Purchase your licenses and permits early to avoid disappointment, especially for limited quota opportunities like pheasant hunts and elk drawings.
Whether you’re chasing trophy whitetails in November or introducing youngsters to hunting during special youth weekends, Kentucky offers memories that will last a lifetime. Plan responsibly, hunt safely, and enjoy everything the Bluegrass State has to offer.
Bookmark this guide for quick reference throughout the season – we’ll keep it updated as new information becomes available. Here’s to a safe and successful 2025-2026 hunting season in Kentucky!
