Hi, fellow hunters! Are you as excited about the Kentucky Deer Season in 2024 – 2025? Kentucky offers fantastic chances for deer hunting. Before you start, make sure to check the season dates, limits, and regulations to ensure a legal hunt in the state.
In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know before heading out on your adventure: from important dates and regulations to top hunting locations and pro tips for making sure you come back with a prize-winning buck.
Kentucky Deer Season Dates
Kentucky is one of the top 10 states for pursuing deer. The state has a large population of deer to sustain the hunting of over 130,000 of them annually. The deer seasons last more than 3 months, from September to December.
Method | Dates | Bag Limits |
Archery | Sept. 7, 2024 – Jan. 20, 2025 |
|
Youth/Senior Crossbow | ||
Crossbow | Sept. 21, 2024 – Jan. 20, 2025 | |
Youth-only Gun | Oct. 12 – 13, 2024 | |
Muzzleloader | Oct. 19 – 20, 2024 Dec. 14 – 22, 2024 |
|
Modern Gun | Nov. 9 – 24, 2024 | |
Free Youth Weekend | Dec. 28 – 29, 2024 |
Kentucky Elk Seasons
Archery & Crossbow:
- Sep 14, 2024 – Sep 27, 2024
- Dec 7, 2024 – Dec 13, 2024
Firearm:
- Sep 28, 2024 – Oct 2, 2024
- Oct 5, 2024 – Oct 9, 2024
- Nov 30, 2024 – Dec 4, 2024
- Dec 28, 2024 – Jan 1, 2025
Kentucky License Requirements And Fees
Before going afield, hunters need to know the types of licenses or permits they will need. The table below is a quick overview of the current requirements for the Kentucky hunting licenses.
RESIDENTS | Ages 12-15 | Ages 16-64 | Ages 65 and older OR Disabled |
Youth Hunting License+Youth Deer Permit | Annual Hunting License +Statewide Permit | Senior/Disabled or Senior Lifetime Sportsman’s License |
NONRESIDENTS | Ages 12-15 | Ages 16 and Older |
Youth Hunting License +Youth Deer Permit | Annual Hunting License +Statewide Permit |
Hunters will need to provide your Social Security number when purchasing the license. Licenses and permits can be purchased online at the official website: fw.ky.gov, or any license agents listed on the website.
LICENSE / PERMIT | Resident fee | Nonresident fee |
Statewide Deer Permit (four deer) | $35 | $185 |
(ages 12-15) Youth Deer Permit (four deer) | $10 | $15 |
Additional Deer Permit (two deer) | $15 | $15 |
Annual Hunting | $27 | $150 |
1-Day Hunting (not valid for deer, elk, turkey or bear) | $7 | $25 |
7-Day Hunting (not valid for deer, elk, turkey or bear) | / | $65 |
Annual Youth Hunting (ages 12-15 only) | $6 | $10 |
Kentucky Deer Hunting Zones
Kentucky has over 1.5 million acres of public hunting lands with maps available to help you navigate these hunting areas. However, you must familiarize yourself with the specific regulations for each piece of land before heading out to hunt.
Some public areas implement “quota” hunts. To hunt in these areas, hunters will need to go through an application process.
In contrast, other public lands may be open for various hunting seasons according to local county regulations.
Deer Bag Limits for Different Zones:
ZONE 1: A hunter may harvest an unlimited number of antlerless deer using the statewide deer permit and additional deer permits.
ZONE 2: A hunter may harvest no more than four deer.
ZONE 3: A hunter may harvest no more than four deer. Only one antlerless deer can be taken using a firearm or air gun.
ZONE 4: A hunter may harvest no more than two deer in total with no more than one being antlerless. Antlerless deer cannot be taken during certain seasons, including the modern gun season, the early muzzleloader season, or the first six days of the late muzzleloader season. The statewide bag limit of one antlered deer still applies.
⚠️Note: Only one antlered deer may be harvested statewide, regardless of zone or method.
Hunting Regulations For Kentucky Deer Season
All deer hunters in Kentucky must follow specific guidelines to ensure safe and responsible hunting practices. These include:
- All deer must be telechecked. Hunters need to check in with the state hotline(1-800-245-4263) or complete an online check-in process before heading out on their hunt.
- Hunters must possess either a license or permit or a unique authorization number at all times during the hunt.
- Youth under the age of 12, both resident and non-resident, do not need to purchase a license, and adults accompanying young hunters who are not hunting themselves are exempt from this requirement.
- It is important to obtain permission from the landowner before hunting on private property.
- New hunters in Kentucky can opt to take a one-time temporary exemption permit online, which allows them to hunt for one year without attending a hunter education course.
- All hunters are required to wear brightly orange clothing, visible from all angles when operating in daylight conditions.
- Hunters cannot take off hunter orange clothing while on a stand or in a blind.
- It is illegal to hunt from vehicles unless specifically allowed by regulations.
- Baiting is strictly prohibited in all hunting parks and areas. Hunters are not permitted to use electronic calls or decoys to attract deer and elk.
- Hunters cannot use dogs to pursue or hunt deer and elk.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kentucky Deer Season
Let’s take a quick look at some frequently asked questions about the Kentucky deer season.
What are the dates for deer season in KY?
The dates vary from different hunting methods. It usually starts from September to January of the next year. Check the above details of deer season dates.
How many deer can you harvest in KY?
In Kentucky, each hunter is allowed to hunt 4 deer ( 1 antlered deer and 3 antlerless deer).
How many deer can you shoot on your own property in Kentucky?
Only one antlered deer may be harvested statewide, regardless of zone or method.
Can I bait deer in Kentucky?
No. Baiting is prohibited in all wildlife management areas in Kentucky.
How much is a Kentucky deer tag?
For residents, the fee is $35; for non-residents, the fee is $185.
Can you use a deer decoy in Kentucky?
No. Hunters cannot use electronic calls or decoys to trick deer into coming close for shooting.
What county in Kentucky has the most deer?
According to the 2022 hunting report, a total of 3,172 deer were hunted and killed in Hardin County during the season.
Can you hunt on your own property without a license in KY?
No. You will need to have a hunting license if you want to hunt in the state, no matter whether it is public land or your own property.
Kentucky Hunting Seasons Summary
Click on the following tabs to check all the hunting seasons available in Kentucky.
Archery & Crossbow:
- Oct 26, 2024 – Oct 28, 2024 (Zone 1)
- Oct 26, 2024 – Oct 30, 2024 (Zone 2)
Chase-Only:
- Jun 1, 2024 – Aug 31, 2024
- Sep 9, 2024 – Sep 30, 2024
Firearm:
- Dec 14, 2024 – Dec 16, 2024 (Zone 1)
- Dec 14, 2024 – Dec 18, 2024 (Zone 2)
Hunt with Dogs:
- Oct 21, 2024 – Oct 25, 2024 (Zone 1)
- Oct 21, 2024 – Oct 25, 2024 (Zone 2)
- Oct 31, 2024 – Nov 8, 2024 (Zone 2)
- Nov 28, 2024 – Dec 1, 2024
- Dec 7, 2024 – Jan 31, 2025
- May 16, 2024 – Jun 30, 2024
- Jul 1, 2024 – Nov 30, 2024
- Mar 1, 2024 – Feb 28,, 2025
- Nov 11, 2024 – Feb 28, 2025
- Dec 1, 2024 – Mar 31, 2025
- Sep 1, 2024 – Oct 26, 2024
- Nov 28, 2024 – Dec 8, 2024
- Dec 21, 2024 – Jan 12, 2025
Rabbit:
- Nov 1, 2024 – Nov 8, 2024
- Nov 11, 2024 – Jan 31, 2025
- Nov 11, 2024 – Feb 10, 2025
Squirrel:
- Aug 17, 2024 – Nov 8, 2024
- Nov 28, 2024 – Feb 15, 2025
Archery:
- Sep 7, 2024 – Jan 20, 2025
Crossbow:
- Oct 1, 2024 – Oct 20, 2024
- Nov 9, 2024 – Dec 31, 2024
Shotgun:
- Oct 26, 2024 – Nov 1, 2024
- Dec 7, 2024 – Dec 13, 2024
Military Waterfowl Season:
- Nov 24, 2024
- Feb 9, 2025
Youth Waterfowl Season:
- Nov 23 2024
- Feb 8 2025
Conclusion
Each hunting season in Kentucky brings unique opportunities and experiences. Keep in mind that the information can be changed over time and you need to double-check the latest updates before going on your trip.
With our post, you can keep updated with the latest season dates, necessary license requirements and fees, and regulations.
As you venture into the wilderness, always prioritize safety and respect for the environment. By following these principles, you can have unforgettable hunting memories.
So, put on your favorite blaze orange attire, secure your rifle, and get ready to enjoy the time-honored traditions of Kentucky deer hunting!
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