Kentucky Hunting Season 2025 Schedule, Rules&Licenses

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. 7, 2024  – Jan. 20, 2025	4 deer each season( 1 antlered deer and 3 antlerless deer ) An additional deer permit is needed for more than 4 deer Up to 2 additional deer with the permit within specific zones
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

Except for the deer season, you can also hunt the big elk in the state.

Archery & Crossbow season

• Sep 14, 2024 – Sep 27, 2024
• Dec 7, 2024 – Dec 13, 2024

Firearm season

• 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 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

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 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:

Hunting Regulations For Kentucky Deer Season

All deer hunters in Kentucky must follow specific guidelines to ensure safe and responsible hunting practices. These include:

1. 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.
2. Hunters must possess either a license or permit or a unique authorization number at all times during the hunt.
3. 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.
4. It is important to obtain permission from the landowner before hunting on private property.
5. 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.
6. All hunters are required to wear brightly orange clothing, visible from all angles when operating in daylight conditions.
7. Hunters cannot take off hunter orange clothing while on a stand or in a blind.
8. It is illegal to hunt from vehicles unless specifically allowed by regulations.
9. 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.
10. 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. Learn more about: which state you can hunt on your own land without a license?

Kentucky Hunting Seasons Summary

Click on the following tabs to check all the hunting seasons available in Kentucky for other big games and small games.

For more detailed information, please download the handbooks here: Kentucky hunting season 2024 2025 schedule pdf.

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!