The Guide to Kentucky Hunting Seasons 2024

However, before you can gather your gear, grab your rifle or bow, and get your hunting buddies together, make sure you know when the season starts for the game you’re after. You’ll also need to know about the bag limits and how to get a license.

In this guide, we’ve gathered the details you need to hunt Kentucky – no matter the game you’re after. Plus, our app is the best tool for marking the best spots to hunt the game on your list this season. 

Why Do Hunters Hunt in Kentucky?

We’ve already mentioned the potential to bring home a big buck when hunting in Kentucky, but that’s not the only reason hunters love this state. If you’re after other trophies – like a bear or elk – Kentucky can deliver.

If you prefer something more traditional, there’s plenty of turkey, dove, duck, and geese to hunt, too. 

Where Should I Hunt?

Kentucky has a good balance of flatlands and mountain terrain. So, depending on what you hunt, you could encounter rivers, pastures, or mountain ridges. 

To make sure you’re prepared for any land your game runs across, use HuntWise to find and mark the best hunting areas to tag out. Our satellite imagery and topographic map layers help you understand different terrains. With these insights, hunters can bring the right gear and get in shape for a successful day in the field. 

When Can I Hunt?

Depending on the game you’re after, your wait for the next open-season dates could already be over! 

We’ve researched and put together some season and bag limit information in this resource. However, be sure to do your homework and check with state agencies to confirm the latest information about season dates and bag limits before getting out into the field. 

Deer Season

Restrictions and regulations for deer hunting apply per zone, so be sure to check with the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources for the latest information. 

• Archery (Statewide): September 7 – January 20
   
• Crossbow (Statewide): September 21 – January 20
   
• Modern Gun:
  • Zones 1, 2, 3: November 9 – 24
  • Zone 4: November 9 – 24
     
• Muzzleloader: 
  • Statewide: October 19 – 20
  • Statewide: December 14 – 22
     
• Youth-Free (Statewide): December 28 – 29
   
• Youth-Only (Statewide): October 12 – 13

Turkey Season

Turkey seasons are also defined by Zones and firearm vs. bow. Hunters can enjoy two opportunities to hunt turkeys: spring and fall. 

Fall Dates

• Archery (Statewide): September 7 – January 20
   
• Crossbow (Statewide):
  • October 1 – 20
  • November 9 – December 31
     
• Shotgun (Statewide):
  • October 26 – November 1
  • December 7 – 13

Spring Dates

• Statewide: April 13 – May 5
• Youth Only: April 6 – 7

Bear

To legally hunt bear in Kentucky, confirm the dates for various zones and methods (firearm, chase, or with dogs). 

• Archery & Crossbow:
  • Bear Zone 1: October 26 – 28
  • Bear Zone 2: October 26 – 30
     
• Chase-Only:
  • Bear Zones: June 1 – August 31
  • Bear Zones: September 9 – 30
     
• Firearm:
  • Bear Zone 1: December 14 – 16
  • Bear Zone 2: December 14 – 18
     
• Hunt With Dogs:
  • Bear Zones 1 & 2: October 21 – 25
  • Bear Zone 2: October 31 –  November 8

Dove

Hunters have three seasons for hunting dove in Kentucky. 
 

• Statewide: September 1 – October 26
• Statewide: November 28 – December 8
• Statewide: December 21 – January 12

Elk

Hunters must follow specific regulations for hunting elk. 

• Archery & Crossbow:
  • Early Season: September 14 – 27
  • Late Season: December 7 – 13
     
• Firearm:
  • Bull Hunt 1: September 28 – October 2
  • Bull Hunt 2: October 5 – 9
  • Cow Hunt 1: November 30 – December 4
  • Cow Hunt 2: December 28 – January 1

Waterfowl

• Duck:
  • Statewide: November 28 – December 1
  • Statewide: December 7 – January 31
     
• Goose:
  • Canada (Early Season Western Zone): September 1 – 15
  • Canada (Early Season Eastern Zone): September 16 – 30
  • Canada/Cackling, White-Fronted, Brant (Statewide): November 28 – February 15
  • Snow & Ross: November 23 – February 15
  • Conservation Order: February 16 – March 31
     
• Rail: September 1 – November 9
   
• Dove: September 28 – October 20, November 9 – December 1, and December 19 – January 31

Coyote

• Hunting: January 1 – December 31
• Trapping: November 13 – February 29

For additional information on these and other species, visit the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources website. You can also find more details about species and season dates through eRegulations. 

What Do I Need to Know About Hunting Licenses?

All hunters in Kentucky need a license. To determine the license you need by species or based on other factors like resident vs. nonresident, youth, ages 65 or older, or hunting with a disability, check the online Kentucky guide for hunting licenses. 

For some species, like elk, you’ll also need a permit. For this season, there are 500 available permits. 

What Are the Bag Limits for Kentucky Hunting?

How many ducks, bears, coyotes, or deer can you bring home this season? To comply with Kentucky’s hunting regulations, follow the bag limits for everything you plan to hunt. 

For more details on bag limits, visit the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources website.

What Else Do I Need Before I Can Hunt?

Hunters born after January 1, 1975, and age 12 or older need a hunter safety certification before purchasing a hunting license. However, the state also has a permit that allows someone to hunt without a safety certification for up to one year. 

Along with your license and safety certification, you also need the right gear, including hunter orange based on the state’s requirements. From clothing to trail cams, binoculars, and more, HuntWise users save hundreds on gear from our partners. Use this discount to grab everything you need to tag out in Kentucky! 

Have a Better Hunt in Kentucky With HuntWise

HuntWise wants every hunter to tag out this season! So, we hope the information we provided today helps you do that in Kentucky. 

You’ll also want to download the HuntWise app before you head out into the field. It will provide up-to-date information on hunting in Kentucky, including season dates, regulations, and license information. 

Plus, with the map layers, landowner information, and features like WindCast and RutCast, you can strategically plan your hunt to gain an advantage over other hunters. 

Download the app and start your free trial now! You’ll be ready to get out in the field on opening day.