We set out to create the most simplified guide to Kentucky hunting seasons for 2023.
Want to find out season dates, learn about regulations and bag limits, understand license requirements, and get access helpful links?
Then you’ll love the info outlined in today’s guide. Let’s dive right in.
Kentucky is know for it's amazing whitetail hunting, some might even consider it the best.
Kentucky has gorgeous scenery ranging from forest to fields to even high elevation geography. It truly does fuel passion for the outdoors!
Located East of the Mississippi there is a herd of nearly a million deer that keeps the state a prime hunting destination. There is so much this state has to offer and be sure to bring the entire family out and remember that safety always comes first.
Archery, Youth / Senior Crossbow: September 4 - January 17
Crossbow: September 18 - January 17
Muzzleloader Early Season: October 16 - October 17
Muzzleloader Late Season: October 11 - October 19
Modern Gun: November 13 - November 28
Youth-Only Gun: October 9 - October 10
Youth-Free Weekend: January 1 - January 2
Archery/Crossbow (either sex): September 9 - September 11, December 4 - December 10
Firearms (Bull): September 25 - September 29, October 2 - October 6
Firearms (Cow): November 27 - December 1, December 25 - December 29
Fall Archery: September 4 - January 17
Fall Shotgun: October 23 - October 29 and December 4 - December 10
Fall Crossbow: October 1 - October 17, November 13 - December 31
Youth Spring: April 3 - April 4
Spring: April 17 - May 9
Squirrel: August 21 - November 12, November 15 - February 28
See the map below for a breakdown of Alabama's hunting zones:
The statewide deer permit and youth deer permit allows for the harvest up to four deer.
Hunters are limited to harvest one (1) deer with visible antlers per license year. Total deer bag limits vary by zone.
Purchase a license at : fw.ky.gov You will need your DOB and Social Security Number as well as the license must be carried at all times along with a picture ID.
To hunt deer you will also need an annual hunting license and a statewide deer permit.This applies to Turkey as well as birds.
Hunters can use air guns of .35 caliber or larger during the modern gun deer season
Wearing orange is required except when hunting waterfowl or doves.
Official State Site: https://fw.ky.gov/Hunt/Pages/default.aspx
Deer, elk, bear, turkey, hog, coyote, bobcat, fox, duck, goose, dove, crow, groundhog, grouse, rabbit and quail.
You can buy them from the Kentucky's official site here: https://app.fw.ky.gov/Solar/
It depends where you are hunting. You can hunt over bait on private property but you cannot hunt over bait on public property.