Kansas Whitetail & Turkey Guide Hunting 2025-2026: Dates, Units, and Application Deadlines
Welcome to your complete guide to Kansas game opportunities for the 2025-2026 calendar! Whether you’re a lifelong Sunflower State resident or planning your first out-of-state adventure, this comprehensive breakdown covers everything you need to know about dates, permits, management units, and those all-important regulations.
Kansas offers incredible diversity for outdoor enthusiasts – from world-class whitetail deer and wild turkeys to exceptional waterfowl migration corridors and abundant small game populations. The state’s extensive Walk-in Access program (WIHA) provides nearly 1.05 million acres of public opportunities, making it one of the most hunter-friendly destinations in the Midwest.
Before you start planning those fall and spring outings, take time to review the specific requirements for your target species. Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) has implemented several changes for the upcoming cycle, including updated permit structures and modified unit boundaries that could affect your strategy.
📅 Quick Highlights
Here’s your at-a-glance overview of major game schedules across the state:
| Species | Method | Opening Date | Closing Date | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deer | Youth/Disability | Sept 6, 2025 | Sept 14, 2025 | Statewide |
| Deer | Muzzleloader | Sept 15, 2025 | Sept 28, 2025 | Early opportunity |
| Deer | Archery | Sept 15, 2025 | Dec 31, 2025 | Extended timeline |
| Deer | Firearms | Dec 3, 2025 | Dec 14, 2025 | Regular firearm |
| Turkey | Spring Regular | April 16, 2025 | May 31, 2025 | Unit-specific |
| Dove | Mourning/Whitewing | Sept 1, 2025 | Nov 29, 2025 | Statewide |
| Waterfowl | Ducks (varies by zone) | Oct 11, 2025 | Jan 25, 2026 | Split framework |
| Small Game | Squirrel | June 1, 2025 | Feb 28, 2026 | Year-round opportunity |
| Small Game | Rabbit | Year-round | Year-round | No closed period |
Big Game Opportunities
White-tailed Deer
| Season Type | Season Dates | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Archery | Sept. 15 – Dec. 31, 2025 | Valid statewide with proper equipment. Either-sex opportunities in most units. |
| Muzzleloader | Sept. 15 – 28, 2025 | Early opportunity before heavy pressure. Primitive weapon requirements apply. |
| Regular Firearms | Dec. 3 – 14, 2025 | Peak activity period. Hunter orange mandatory. Competitive draw permits required. |
| Extended Opportunities | Various January dates (select units) | Antlerless-only for population management. Unit-specific dates. |
Mule Deer
Western Kansas offers solid mule deer prospects, particularly in Units 1, 2, 17, and 18. These areas require either-species permits through the competitive draw system or over-counter archery options.
Application Deadlines:
- Nonresident: April 25, 2025
- Resident Either-Species Firearms: June 13, 2025
Turkey Opportunities
Spring Seasons
| Season Type | Season Dates |
|---|---|
| Youth/Disabled | April 1 – 15, 2025 |
| Archery | April 7 – 15, 2025 |
| Regular | April 16 – May 31, 2025 |
Turkey management in Kansas divides the state into six distinct units, each with different permit requirements and availability. Units 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6 offer over-counter permits for residents and tenants, while nonresidents must enter the lottery draw.
Unit 4 Special Requirements: This premium area operates under a limited draw system for all participants, with 375 total permits available. Resident landowners and tenants receive preference for 200 of these allocations.
Fall Notice: Due to declining populations, fall turkey periods remain suspended statewide.
Furbearer Calendar
Kansas provides year-round opportunities for several species, making it excellent for trappers and predator enthusiasts:
| Species | Season Dates | Method | Special Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coyote | Year-round | Any legal method | Night vision Sept 1 – March 13 |
| Bobcat | Nov 1 – March 31 | Trap/Hunt | Furbearer license required |
| Raccoon | Nov 1 – Jan 31 | Trap/Hunt | Standard regulations |
| Red Fox | Nov 1 – Feb 15 | Trap/Hunt | Bag limit applies |
| Opossum | Nov 1 – Feb 15 | Any method | No special restrictions |
Night vision equipment permits are available for coyote targeting during specified periods, excluding regular firearms deer dates.
Small Game Schedule
Kansas small game provides consistent action throughout much of the year:
Upland Birds
Mourning Dove: September 1 – November 29, 2025
- Daily bag: 15 birds
- Possession limit: 45 after opening day
- Excellent early-schedule opportunity
Northern Bobwhite Quail: November 1, 2025 – January 31, 2026
- Daily bag: 8 birds
- Possession limit: 24
- Prime cover in WIHA areas
Greater Prairie Chicken: September 15, 2025 – January 31, 2026
- Special unit restrictions apply
- Limited permits required in designated areas
- Unique Kansas experience
Mammals
Fox Squirrel/Gray Squirrel: June 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026
- Daily bag: 5 squirrels
- Possession: 20 total
- Extended opportunity window
Cottontail/Jackrabbit: Year-round open
- Daily bag: 10 rabbits
- Possession: 30 total
- No closed period statewide
🦆 Waterfowl Migration Windows
Kansas sits in the heart of the Central Flyway, offering exceptional duck and goose opportunities across multiple management zones:
Duck Framework
High Plains Unit:
- First Segment: October 11, 2025 – January 4, 2026
- Second Segment: January 16-25, 2026
Low Plains Early Zone:
- First Segment: October 11 – December 7, 2025
- Second Segment: December 20, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Required Stamps
All waterfowl participants 16+ need:
- Federal Migratory Bird Stamp ($29.00)
- Kansas State Waterfowl Stamp ($10.00)
- Kansas HIP Stamp ($2.50)
Sandhill Crane
Special permits required with annual identification certification. Contact KDWP for current availability and unit assignments.
🐗 Additional Game Species
Bullfrogs: July 1 – October 31, 2025
- Daily bag: 8 frogs
- Great family activity option
Crow: November 10, 2025 – March 10, 2026
- No bag limit
- Effective pest management
Controlled Shooting Areas: September 1 – April 30
- Special CSA license available
- Alternative to wild game pursuit
Management Units & Access
Kansas divides game management into numbered units designed to maintain healthy populations and provide quality experiences. The state’s crown jewel for public access remains the Walk-in Access (WIHA) program, encompassing nearly 1.05 million acres of enrolled private lands.
WIHA Access Periods:
- September 1 – January 31
- November 1 – January 31
- September 1 – March 31
- April 1 – May 31
Different properties operate under different access windows, so check the official KDWP atlas for specific tract information.
Key Public Areas:
- Wildlife Areas: 54 locations statewide
- State Parks: Limited opportunities with special regulations
- Federal Areas: Corps of Engineers and Wildlife Refuges
- Walk-in Access: Nearly 1,500 individual tracts
Check unit maps before your trip, as boundaries and regulations can vary significantly between adjacent areas. Some units have specific weapon restrictions or extended periods that might affect your planning.
Similar to Alabama’s management approach, Kansas emphasizes sustainable harvest while maintaining access opportunities, though the Sunflower State’s extensive WIHA program sets it apart from most other regions.
ermits, Tags & License Structure
Resident Options
| License Type | Fee | Age Requirements | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Hunt | $27.50 | 16-74 years | Standard requirement |
| Senior Hunt | $15.00 | 65-74 years | Reduced rate |
| Youth Multi-Year | $42.50 | 16-20 years | Valid until 21st birthday |
| Combination Hunt/Fish | $47.50 | 16+ years | Popular option |
| Lifetime Hunt | $502.50 | All ages | One-time purchase |
Nonresident Structure
| License Type | Fee | Age Requirements | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Hunt | $127.50 | 16+ years | 365 days from purchase |
| Youth Hunt | $42.50 | Under 16 | Same validity period |
| Combination Hunt/Fish | $192.50 | 16+ years | Both activities covered |
Special Permits & Add-ons
Deer Permits (in addition to base license):
- Resident Any-Season Whitetail: $42.50
- Nonresident Whitetail: $477.50 (includes $27.50 application fee)
- Antlerless-only permits: $22.50 (resident), $52.50 (nonresident)
Turkey Permits:
- Resident Spring Turkey: Over-counter in most units
- Nonresident Spring Turkey: $75.00 (lottery draw required)
- Unit 4 Special: $32.50 (residents), competitive draw
Additional Stamps:
- Prairie Chicken Permit: $2.50
- Night Vision Equipment: $2.50
- Waterfowl stamps: See waterfowl section above
Military & Disabled Veteran Benefits
Kansas provides free permits for qualifying military and disabled veterans:
- Active Kansas National Guard: Free permits based on available funding
- Disabled Veterans (30%+ disability): Free licenses with proper documentation
Purchase options include online at gooutdoorskansas.com, licensed vendors statewide, or KDWP offices. Most licenses remain valid for 365 days from the purchase date.
❓ Kansas Game Quick FAQ
Q: Can nonresidents purchase over-counter deer permits?
A: No, nonresidents must apply through the lottery draw system for most deer permits, with applications due April 25, 2025. Some landowner and tenant options exist.
Q: What’s the difference between WIHA and iWIHA?
A: WIHA (Walk-in Access) provides traditional access to enrolled private lands. iWIHA (improved Walk-in Access) offers enhanced habitat management and typically better game concentrations.
Q: Do I need hunter education to purchase a Kansas license?
A: Yes, unless you qualify for an exemption. Kansas accepts education certificates from all states and Canadian provinces. Apprentice licenses are available for first-time participants.
Q: When do turkey permit applications open?
A: Spring turkey applications typically open January 14 and close February 14, though exact dates may vary. Unit 4 operates under a separate competitive draw.
Q: Can I use a crossbow during archery periods?
A: Kansas allows crossbows during archery opportunities for all participants, not just those with disabilities. Check equipment regulations for specific requirements.
Q: What’s the bag limit for antlerless deer permits?
A: Residents may purchase up to 10 antlerless whitetail permits, though unit restrictions apply to permits 2-10. Different units have different validity periods.
Q: Are there any free opportunities?
A: Youth under 16 don’t need licenses for most activities. Some military and disabled veteran exemptions exist. Rabbit and crow offer year-round periods with standard license requirements only.
🔗 Essential Resources & Links
Official KDWP Resources:
Mobile Applications:
- GoOutdoorsKS: Official KDWP app for license management and harvest reporting
- E-tagging capabilities for paperless permits
- Real-time regulation updates
Contact Information:
- License Help: 1-833-587-2164
- General Information: Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks, Pratt Operations Office
Regional Comparisons:
For context on how Kansas compares to neighboring states, you might also review Colorado’s approach to see different management philosophies in action.
Conclusion
Kansas continues to offer some of the Midwest’s most diverse and accessible opportunities for 2025-2026. From trophy whitetails in the eastern timber to mule deer in western wheat country, plus exceptional small game and waterfowl prospects, the Sunflower State delivers consistent action across multiple species.
The key to success lies in understanding the unit system, securing proper permits early, and taking advantage of the extensive WIHA program. Whether you’re after a November buck, spring gobbler, or just want to introduce kids to small game traditions, Kansas provides the framework for memorable experiences.
Remember that regulations can change, unit boundaries occasionally shift, and permit availability varies from year to year. Always verify current information through official KDWP channels before finalizing your plans. Get your applications submitted early for competitive draws, and don’t forget those required stamps and certifications.
Most importantly, respect the private landowners who make programs like WIHA possible, follow all regulations carefully, and help maintain Kansas’s reputation as a hunter-friendly destination for future generations.
Bookmark this guide for easy reference throughout the year, and check back regularly for any regulatory updates or changes that might affect your planned activities.
