Kentucky Hunting Season Dates
Complete hunting calendar for Kentucky including deer, elk, turkey, and more.
Kentucky Hunting Season Calendar
Find all hunting season dates for Kentucky including deer, elk, turkey, and waterfowl. Filter by species and hunting method.
Coming Up in Kentucky
Seasons opening in the next 60 days
Apr 18 - May 3, 2026
Opens in 46 days
Complete Season Calendar
All Kentucky hunting seasons organized by species
Deer 5 seasons
| Method | Dates | Zone | Status | Notes | Add to Calendar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Archery | Sep 6, 2025 - Jan 20, 2026 | Statewide | Closed | Crossbow included | |
| Rifle/Firearm | Nov 8-23, 2025 | Statewide | Closed | Modern gun - first | |
| Rifle/Firearm | Dec 13-31, 2025 | Statewide | Closed | Modern gun - second | |
| Muzzleloader | Oct 18-19, 2025 | Statewide | Closed | Early muzzleloader | |
| Muzzleloader | Dec 7-12, 2025 | Statewide | Closed | Late muzzleloader | |
Turkey 1 season
| Method | Dates | Zone | Status | Notes | Add to Calendar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Any Legal Method | Apr 18 - May 3, 2026 | Statewide | Upcoming | Spring season | |
Elk 1 season
| Method | Dates | Zone | Status | Notes | Add to Calendar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Any Legal Method | Sep 13-21, 2025 | Statewide | Closed | Draw hunt - quota | |
Bear 1 season
| Method | Dates | Zone | Status | Notes | Add to Calendar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Any Legal Method | Oct 18-24, 2025 | Statewide | Closed | Limited areas in SE Kentucky | |
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Kentucky Hunting Regulations
License year, species, and agency information
- License Year
- Mar 1, 2025 - Feb 28, 2026
- Available Species
-
- Bear
- Deer
- Elk
- Turkey
- Hunting Methods
-
- Archery
- Rifle/Firearm
- Muzzleloader
- Any Legal Method
- 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
Important Note for Kentucky
Kentucky has excellent elk hunting opportunities through draw.
Hunting Method Legend
Kentucky Hunting FAQ
Common questions about hunting seasons in Kentucky
What are the hunting season dates for Kentucky?
Kentucky offers hunting seasons for Bear, Deer, Elk, Turkey. The license year runs from Mar 1, 2025 to Feb 28, 2026. Check our complete calendar above for specific dates by species and method.
When does deer season start in Kentucky?
Deer season in Kentucky typically begins with archery season starting Sep 6, 2025, followed by firearms/rifle season starting Nov 8, 2025.
Does Kentucky require a draw for hunting?
Yes, Kentucky uses a draw or lottery system for some hunts. Check the specific species and hunt area requirements with the state wildlife agency.
What hunting seasons are open now in Kentucky?
The next season to open is Turkey starting Apr 18, 2026.
What should I know about hunting in Kentucky?
Kentucky has excellent elk hunting opportunities through draw.
Other States
Compare hunting seasons across states
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