Kentucky Bag Limits
Complete daily limits, possession limits, and season limits for hunting and fishing in Kentucky.
Kentucky Bag Limits
Complete guide to daily limits, possession limits, season limits, and size restrictions for hunting and fishing in Kentucky. Updated for the current season.
Big Game
3 species
Game Birds
6 species
Fish Species
4 species
Total Species
15
Big Game
3 species in Kentucky
| Species | Daily | Possession | Season | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White-tailed Deer | 1 | - | 4 deer | Only 1 antlered; zone variations |
| Elk | 1 | - | 1 per lifetime | Eastern KY; highly competitive draw |
| Black Bear | 1 | - | 1 per year | Eastern zone; quota hunts |
Upland Birds
4 species in Kentucky
| Species | Daily | Possession | Season | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wild Turkey | 1 | - | 2 per year | Bearded birds only |
| Dove | 15 | 45 | - | - |
| Quail | 8 | 16 | - | - |
| Grouse | 4 | 8 | - | Limited populations; difficult terrain |
Fish
4 species in Kentucky
| Species | Daily | Possession | Season | Size Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | 6 | - | - | 15" minimum | - |
| Smallmouth Bass | 6 | - | - | 12" minimum | - |
| Crappie | 15 | - | - | - | - |
| Channel Catfish | 15 | - | - | - | - |
Kentucky Special Notes
Kentucky restored elk successfully. Draw odds are low but improving as herd grows.
Kentucky Regulations Overview
State wildlife agency and regulations information
- Species Covered
- 15 species with regulations
- Big Game Species
-
- White-tailed Deer
- Elk
- Black Bear
- Wildlife Agency
- Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources
This information is for reference only. Always verify regulations with your state wildlife agency before hunting or fishing.
Last verified: January 2026
Kentucky Bag Limits FAQ
Common questions about harvest limits in Kentucky
What is the deer bag limit in Kentucky?
In Kentucky, the daily deer limit is 1 with a season limit of 4 deer. Only 1 antlered; zone variations
What big game can I hunt in Kentucky?
Kentucky regulates: White-tailed Deer, Elk, Black Bear. Each species carries its own daily, possession, and (where applicable) season limit on the table above.
What are the headline fishing limits in Kentucky?
Top species in Kentucky: Largemouth Bass 6/day (15" minimum); Smallmouth Bass 6/day (12" minimum); Crappie 15/day; Channel Catfish 15/day. Water-body-specific regs can override the statewide line.
Are there Kentucky-specific regulations to flag?
Kentucky restored elk successfully. Draw odds are low but improving as herd grows.
Other States
View bag limits for more states
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