*The dates and rules have been updated for the latest 2025-2026 season!
Hi, fellow hunters! Are you as excited about the Kentucky Deer Season this year? 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
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 KY deer seasons last over 3 months, from September to December.
| Method | Dates | Bag Limits |
| Archery | Sept. 6, 2025 – Jan. 19, 2026 |
|
| Youth/Senior Crossbow | ||
| Crossbow | Sept. 20, 2025 – Jan. 19, 2026 | |
| Youth-only Gun | Oct. 11 – 12, 2025 | |
| Muzzleloader | Oct. 18 – 19, 2025 Dec. 13 – 21, 2025 |
|
| Modern Gun | Nov. 8 – 23, 2025 | |
| Free Youth Weekend | Dec. 27 – 28, 2025 |
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 to be qualified to hunt in that area.
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.
FAQs About 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. Learn more about: which state you can hunt on your own land without a license?
Kentucky Elk Seasons
Except for the deer season, you can also hunt the big elk in the state. To hunt Elk in the state, you will need to apply for the Elk permit from an ”Elk Hunt Drawing”. Each year, there will be 500 permits available. There are 4 permit types: Bull Firearm, Cow Firearm, Either-sex Archery and Crossbow. You can only be selected for one of them.
| Bull (antlered) Firearm | Sept. 27 – Oct. 1, 2025 Oct. 4 – 8, 2025 |
| Cow (antlerless) Firearm | Nov. 29 – Dec. 3, 2025 Jan. 3 – 7, 2026 |
| Either-Sex Archery/ Crossbow | Sept. 13 – 26, 2025 Dec. 6 – 12, 2025 |
Kentucky License Requirements and Fees
Before going on a deer hunt in Kentucky, hunters need to know what types of licenses or permits they will need. Take a quick look at the overview of the current requirements for the Kentucky hunting licenses:
For residents, different age groups of hunters will need:
- Ages 12-15: Youth Hunting License+Youth Deer Permit
- Ages 16-64: Annual Hunting License +Statewide Permit
- Ages 65 and older OR Disabled: Senior/Disabled or Senior Lifetime Sportsman’s License
For non-residents, hunters will need the following licenses and permits:
- Ages 12-15: Youth Hunting License +Youth Deer Permit
- Ages 16 and Older: Annual Hunting License +Statewide Permit
When purchasing licenses, hunters will need to provide the Social Security number. Licenses and permits can be purchased online at the official website: fw.ky.gov, or any license agents listed on the website.
The following are the corresponding costs for each type of license.
| 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 |
Hunting Regulations For Kentucky Seasons
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.
Kentucky Hunting Seasons Summary
Except for the popular deer seasons, there are a lot more to hunt in Kentucky. We have summarized the season schedules for you, and you can check all the hunting seasons available for other big game and small game:
Turkey Seasons
- Shotgun: Oct. 25 – Oct. 31 And Dec. 6 – 12, 2025
- Archery: Sept. 6, 2025 – Jan. 19, 2026
- Crossbow: Oct. 1 – 19 And Nov. 8 – Dec. 31, 2025
Turkey Bag Limits: You can hunt 1 turkey per day and 2 turkeys in total during the fall season. 1 turkey with a beard that is at least 3 inches long; and 1 turkey with no visible beard or a beard shorter than 3 inches.
Bear Seasons
Archery & Crossbow:
- Oct 25 – Oct 27, 2025 (Zone 1)
- Oct 25 – Oct 29, 2025 (Zone 2)
Chase-Only:
- Jun 1 – Aug 31, 2025
- Sep 9 – Sep 30, 2025
Firearm:
- Dec 13 – Dec 15, 2025(Zone 1)
- Dec 13 – Dec 17, 2025 (Zone 2)
Hunt with Dogs:
- Oct 20 – Oct 24, 2025 (Zone 1)
- Oct 20 – Oct 24, 2025 (Zone 2)
- Oct 30- Nov 7, 2025 (Zone 2)
Bear can only be hunted during daylight hours, and each hunter can only hunt One bear per year, regardless of which season.
Duck Seasons
Date:
- Nov. 27 – 30, 2025
- Dec. 7, 2025 – Jan. 31, 2026
Bag Limit: 6 daily and 18 in total.
Dove Seasons
Date:
- Sept. 1 – Oct. 26, 2025
- Nov. 27 – Dec. 7, 2025
- Dec. 20, 2025 – Jan. 11, 2026
Bag Limit: 15 daily and 45 in total
Rabbit&Squirrel Seasons
Rabbit
Date:
- Eastern Zone: Nov. 1-7 and Nov. 10, 2025 – Jan. 31, 2026
- Western Zone: Nov. 10, 2025 – Feb. 10, 2026
Bag Limit: The daily limit is 4 and 8 in total for the season.
Squirrel
Date:
- May 17 – June 15, 2025
- Aug. 16 – Nov. 7, 2025
- Nov. 10, 2025 – Feb. 28, 2026
Bag Limit: The daily limit is 6 and 12 in total for the whole season.
Waterfowl Seasons
| Species | Season Dates | Daily Limit | Possession Limit |
| Teal & Wood Duck | Sept. 20 – 24, 2025 | 6; may include no more than 2 wood ducks | 18; may include no more than 6 wood ducks |
| September Canada Goose, Western Zone | Sept. 1 – 15, 2025 (Western) | 5 | 15 |
| September Canada Goose, Eastern Zone | Sept. 16 – 30, 2025 (Eastern) | 5 | 15 |
| Canada/Cackling Goose,White-Fronted Goose & Brant | Nov. 27, 2025 – Feb. 15, 2026 | 5 (3 Canada geese) | 15 |
| Snow Goose (including Ross’ Goose) | Nov. 27, 2025 – Feb. 15, 2026 | 20 | None |
| Light Goose Conservation Order | Feb. 16 – March 31, 2026† | None | None |
| Youth-Only Waterfowl | Nov. 22, 2025 and Feb. 14, 2026 | Same as regular seasons | Same as regular seasons |
| Military/Veteran-only Waterfowl | Nov. 23, 2025 and Feb. 8, 2026 | Same as regular seasons | Same as regular seasons |
| Falconry (ducks, coots & mergansers) | Nov. 27, 2025 – Feb. 22, 2026 | 3 | 9 |
| Sandhill Crane | Dec. 7, 2025 – Jan. 31, 2026 | 1 or 2 | 3 |
Furbearer Seasons
| Species | Season Dates | Daily Limit |
| Raccoon & Opossum | Oct. 1, 2025 – Feb. 28, 2026, day* or night (exceptions apply) | No limit |
| Coyote | Year-round, day or night (exceptions apply) | No limit |
| Bobcat | One-half hour before sunrise on Nov. 15, 2025 – Feb. 28, 2026, daylight hours only** | 5 |
| River Otter, Muskrat, Mink, Beaver, Red Fox, Gray Fox, Weasel & Striped Skunk | One-half hour before sunrise on Nov. 10, 2025 – Feb. 28, 2026, daylight hours only | Otter:10 and no limit for the rest |
| Free Youth Hunting&Trapping Week | Dec. 27, 2025 – Jan. 2, 2026 | None |
For more detailed information, you can select any wildlife animals and see the Season Calendar here: Kentucky hunting season 2025-2026 schedule.
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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