Kentucky 2025-2026 Outdoor Hunting Seasons – Deer, Elk & More
Welcome to your ultimate resource for the Bluegrass State’s wildlife seasons! Whether you’re a seasoned Kentucky outdoorsperson or planning your first excursion, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about timing your adventures. From prime whitetail opportunities to small game pursuits, we’ve gathered the official dates, tag requirements, and zone-specific regulations to help you plan the perfect outing in Kentucky’s diverse landscapes.
Kentucky Hunting Season Overview: 2025-2026
Kentucky offers exceptional opportunities for sportspeople throughout the year. Home to the largest elk herd east of the Mississippi and consistently ranking in the top five for Boone and Crockett Club trophy bucks, the Bluegrass State provides diverse wildlife adventures across its forests, fields, and mountains.
This guide covers all official season dates, methodologies, special youth opportunities, and license requirements established by the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources.
Key Species Season Summary Table
| Species | Season Type | Opens | Closes | Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deer | Archery | Sept 6, 2025 | Jan 19, 2026 | Bow |
| Deer | Crossbow | Sept 20, 2025 | Jan 19, 2026 | Crossbow |
| Deer | Youth-Only | Oct 11-12, 2025 | – | All Methods |
| Deer | Early Muzzleloader | Oct 18-19, 2025 | – | Muzzleloader |
| Deer | Modern Gun | Nov 8-23, 2025 | – | Firearms |
| Deer | Late Muzzleloader | Dec 13-21, 2025 | – | Muzzleloader |
| Turkey (Spring) | Youth-Only | Apr 5-6, 2025 | – | All Methods |
| Turkey (Spring) | General | Apr 12, 2025 | May 4, 2025 | All Methods |
| Turkey (Fall) | Shotgun | Oct 25-31, 2025 & Dec 6-12, 2025 | – | Shotgun |
| Turkey (Fall) | Archery | Sept 6, 2025 | Jan 19, 2026 | Bow |
| Squirrel | Spring | May 17, 2025 | June 15, 2025 | All Methods |
| Squirrel | Fall | Aug 16, 2025 | Feb 28, 2026* | All Methods |
| Rabbit | General | Nov 1, 2025 | Feb 10, 2026 | All Methods |
*Closed during November 8-9, 2025 (first weekend of modern gun deer season)
🦌 Big Game Seasons: Archery & Rifle
Deer Seasons
Kentucky’s deer population offers outstanding opportunities for hunters, with the state consistently producing trophy-class bucks. The deer population is managed through a zone system (1-4) that determines harvest limits.
Zone System Overview:
- Zone 1: Highest deer density; unlimited antlerless harvest allowed
- Zone 2: Good deer population; limited antlerless harvest
- Zone 3: Building deer population; stricter antlerless limits
- Zone 4: Lowest deer density; most restrictive regulations
Deer Season Dates by Method:
- Archery: September 6, 2025 – January 19, 2026
- Crossbow: September 20, 2025 – January 19, 2026
- Youth-Only Firearms: October 11-12, 2025
- Early Muzzleloader: October 18-19, 2025
- Modern Gun: November 8-23, 2025
- Late Muzzleloader: December 13-21, 2025
- Free Youth Weekend: December 28-29, 2025
Tag Information:
- Statewide limit of one antlered deer per season
- Zone-specific antlerless limits apply
- Statewide deer permit allows harvest of four deer
Equipment Regulations:
- Modern Gun: Any caliber centerfire rifle/handgun; shotguns no larger than 10-gauge (slugs only)
- Archery: Longbows, recurves, and compounds with fixed-blade or mechanical broadheads at least 7/8″ wide
- Crossbow: Any draw weight with working safety mechanism
- Muzzleloader: Any caliber with flint or percussion ignition
Elk Seasons
Kentucky maintains the largest elk herd east of the Mississippi River, with hunting access controlled through a quota drawing system.
Application Period: January through April
Drawing Results: Announced in May
Note: Specific elk season dates are announced after the drawing; check the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources website for current information.
🦃 Turkey Season: Spring, Fall, Youth
Kentucky offers dedicated turkey hunting in both spring and fall seasons.
Spring Turkey
Spring Season Bag Limit: Two bearded turkeys total for the season
- Youth-Only: April 5-6, 2025
- General Season: April 12 – May 4, 2025
Fall Turkey
- Archery: September 6, 2025 – January 19, 2026
- Shotgun: October 25-31, 2025 and December 6-12, 2025
- Crossbow: September 20, 2025 – January 19, 2026
Fall Season Bag Limit: Four turkeys total, no more than two may be taken with a shotgun
🦊 Furbearers
Kentucky allows year-round hunting for certain furbearers, with specific seasons for others.
Year-Round (No Bag Limit):
- Coyote
- Groundhog
Furbearer Trapping Season:
- November 11, 2025 – February 28, 2026
Night Hunting with Lights (Coyotes):
- December 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026
- May 16, 2025 – June 30, 2025
Special regulations apply for night hunting on public lands and during deer/elk firearm seasons.
🐇 Other Small Game
Kentucky’s diverse landscape supports abundant small game opportunities throughout the year.
| Species | Season | Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Squirrel | Spring: May 17 – June 15, 2025 Fall: Aug 16 – Feb 28, 2026* | 6 daily |
| Rabbit | November 1, 2025 – February 10, 2026 | 4 daily |
| Quail | November 1, 2025 – February 10, 2026 | 8 daily |
| Grouse | November 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026 | 4 daily |
*Closed during certain deer firearm seasons
Free Youth Small Game Week: December 28, 2025 – January 3, 2026
🦆 Waterfowl Seasons
Kentucky’s position along the Mississippi Flyway makes it an excellent destination for waterfowl hunting. Season dates generally follow federal frameworks with some state-specific adjustments.
Early Wood Duck and Teal Season: Mid-September 2025 (5 days)
Duck, Coot and Merganser:
- November – January (60-day split season, exact dates set in summer 2025)
Canada Goose:
- September season: Early September 2025
- Regular season: Mid-November 2025 through January 2026
White-fronted Goose, Brant and Snow Goose:
- Mid-November 2025 through January 2026
Youth Waterfowl Weekend: Typically in February
All waterfowl hunters must complete the HIP survey before hunting and possess a valid Kentucky hunting license, Federal Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp, and Kentucky Migratory Bird/Waterfowl Permit.
🎲 More Game Seasons
Rough Fish
- Gigging and Snagging: February 1 – May 10, 2025
- Tickling and Noodling: June 1 – August 31, 2025
Sandhill Crane
- Quota hunt by permit only, generally December through January
Check the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources website for permit application dates.
🗺️ Kentucky Hunting Zones
Kentucky uses a zone management system for deer and various other species to optimize wildlife populations and tailor regulations to habitat conditions.
Deer Management Zones:
- Zone 1: Highest deer densities; unlimited antlerless harvest
- Zone 2: Good deer numbers; up to four deer may be taken
- Zone 3: Building populations; up to four deer, with limits on antlerless
- Zone 4: Lowest deer densities; more restrictive, emphasis on buck harvest
For detailed zone maps, visit the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources website.
🎟️ License Details
Resident License Options:
- Annual Hunting License: $27
- Youth Hunting License (12-15): $6
- Senior/Disabled Sportsman’s License: $5
- Sportsman’s License (includes hunting, fishing, deer and turkey permits): $95
Non-Resident License Options:
- Annual Hunting License: $150
- Youth Hunting License (12-15): $10
- 1-Day Hunting License: $25
- 7-Day Hunting License: $65
Permits (Additional):
- Statewide Deer Permit (four deer): $35 resident/$235 non-resident
- Spring Turkey Permit: $35 resident/$85 non-resident
- Migratory Bird/Waterfowl Permit: $15
Youth under 12 are generally exempt from license requirements. Landowners hunting on their own property may also qualify for exemptions.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need a license to hunt on my own property in Kentucky?
A: Kentucky residents hunting on their own property, along with their spouses and dependent children, are exempt from license and deer permit requirements.
Q: Is Sunday hunting allowed in Kentucky?
A: Yes, Sunday hunting is permitted throughout Kentucky.
Q: What are the hunter orange requirements?
A: During modern gun, muzzleloader, and youth firearm deer seasons, all hunters (including archery) must wear solid hunter orange head covering and vest, jacket, or coveralls visible from all sides.
Q: Can I hunt deer at night in Kentucky?
A: No, deer hunting at night is prohibited. Night hunting is only permitted for certain species like coyotes, under specific regulations.
Q: Where can I find public hunting land in Kentucky?
A: Kentucky offers numerous Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), state forests, and federal lands. Visit the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Public Lands search tool for details.
Related Resources
- Deer Hunting Tips & Regulations
- Tennessee Hunting Seasons
- Ohio Hunting Seasons
- Indiana Hunting Seasons
Final Thoughts
Kentucky offers tremendous opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts throughout the year. From world-class whitetail experiences to exciting small game and waterfowl adventures, the Bluegrass State has something for every outdoorsperson. Before heading afield, always check the current regulations, verify your zone, and ensure you have the proper licenses and permits. Good luck and safe hunting!
Remember that regulations can change, and this guide serves as a general reference. For the most up-to-date information, always consult the official Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources website or call their information line at 800-858-1549.
