KENTUCKY HUNTING

& TRAPPING GUIDE

AUGUST 2020 – MARCH 2021
!
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TELECHECK:
1-800-245-4263
Fish & Wildlife:
fw.ky.gov • 1-800-858-1549
Obie Williams photo

Report Game Violations:

1-800-25-ALERT
Text KFWLaw and details to Tip411.
Get the KFWLaw smartphone app!

KENTUCKY DEPARTMENT OF FISH & WILDLIFE RESOURCES #1 Sportsman’s Lane, Frankfort, KY 40601
 ®

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20-P-209
 NEW THIS YEAR
Commonwealth of Kentucky
Andy Beshear, Governor Changes from last season are printed sandhill crane permit.
in bright blue throughout this guide to as- Possession limit for early teal and
FISH AND WILDLIFE COMMISSION sist you in noticing those changes. Some of wood duck season is 18 birds with no
1st District: David L. Jones, Barlow the most notable are listed below. more than 6 wood ducks.
2nd District: Brian Fisher, Bowling Green From Nov. 26-29 and Dec. 7-17,
3rd District: Ralph Swallows, Louisville CARCASS TRANSPORTATION and 2020 the daily bag limit is 1 scaup. From
4th District: Kenny Knott, Glasgow CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE Dec. 18, 2020 – Jan. 31, 2021 the daily bag
5th District: Josh Lillard, Hebron
6th District: Rob Lear, Versailles Butchers, meat processors, and li- limit is 2 scaup.
7th District: Paul Horn, Prestonsburg censed taxidermists shall dispose of any
8th District: Doug Morgan, Morehead unused cervid carcass material or waste FURBEARER HUNTING and TRAPPING
9th District: Dr. Karl Clinard, Somerset
product by proper burial, removal by a Coyotes can be hunted year-round,
Department of duly licensed rendering establishment, day or night, but can only be hunted us-
FISH AND WILDLIFE RESOURCES or deposit into a contained landfill ap- ing lights or night vision equipment from
Commissioner: vacant proved pursuant to KRS Chapter 224 Dec. 1, 2020 – May 31, 2021. A night
Deputy Commissioner: Brian Clark (KRS 150.722). hunter may use a rifle of 6.5 mm or small-
Wildlife Director: Chris Garland er on private land from Dec. 1 – March
Fisheries Director: Paul Wilkes (acting) LICENSES and PERMITS 31. Shotguns using a multiple projectile
Law Enforcement Director: Col. Eric Gibson
Information & Education Director: Please see the License and Permit load (slugs are prohibited) may be used
Gabe Jenkins (acting) Fees chart in this guide for updated pric- to hunt coyotes after daylight hours from
Administrative Services Director: Lisa Cox ing information. Dec. 1 – May 31 on public or private land.
Engineering, Infrastructure and
Technology Director: Michael Scott
A night hunter shall not use any firearm
Marketing Director: Brian V. Blank CONCEALED CARRY other than a shotgun on public land.
Anyone who may legally possess fire- Lights or other night vision equipment
HUNTING AND TRAPPING GUIDE arms may carry any legal firearms while meant to make coyotes visible at night
Editor: Ciara Knisely hunting, but only legal methods may be cannot be connected to or cast from a
Art/Design Director: Adrienne Yancy used to take game. mechanized vehicle. Night hunting shall
Contributors: Dave Baker, Derek Beard, Tony not be allowed in a county or area where
Black, Nathan Brooks, John Brunjes, Terri
BEAR HUNTING a deer or elk firearm or muzzleloader sea-
Brunjes, Scott Buser, Maj. Shane Carrier,
Brian Clark, Bill Cooper, Zak Danks, Donnie Wayne County is now a separate bear son is open.
Franklin, Dave Frederick, Scott Freidhof, Chris hunting zone, the Wayne Zone.
Garland, Scott Harp, Ashley Harper, John In any bear zone, a dog can be used OTHER SPECIES
Hast, Wes Hodges, Gabe Jenkins, Kevin Kelly,
Joe Lacefield, Wes Little, Becky Littleton, Lee
to chase a bear on public hunting areas, Wild pigs are not considered game
McClellan, Joe McDermott, Kenny Morphew, except the chase-only and quota hunt in Kentucky, but an exotic, invasive spe-
Laura Palmer, Cody Rhoden, Kyle Sams, with dogs seasons are closed in McCrea- cies that pose serious threats to wildlife,
Michael Scott, Gary Sprandel, Jacob Stewart, ry County, the Daniel Boone National wildlife habitat, natural areas, agricul-
Michael Strunk, Wayne Tamminga, Ryan
Taylor, Daniel Vichitbandha, Chace Wallen, Forest, Miller-Welch Central Kentucky ture and Kentucky hunting traditions. In
Dale Weddle, Keith Wethington, David Yancy, WMA, Beaver Creek WMA, Cane Creek an effort to stop the spread of wild pigs,
Thomas Young WMA, Mill Creek WMA, Pioneer Kentucky Department of Fish and Wild-
Weapons WMA and Redbird WMA. life Resources discourages wild pig hunt-
ABOUT THE COVER Zone 2 West now has a quota of 1 fe- ing and asks the public to report sightings
Societal changes have resulted in long-term male during quota hunt with dogs season, and damage. The Department, in part-
declines in hunting and fishing participation in
Kentucky and nationwide. This trend threatens the 1 female during archery season and 2 fe- nership with USDA Wildlife Services,
sustainability of funding for fish and wildlife con- males during modern gun season. offers free professional trapping services
servation as well as related recreation programs. to anyone experiencing damage from wild
Take Someone Hunting with you this fall! MIGRATORY BIRD and WATERFOWL pigs. Trapping wild pigs is the most effi-
Fish and Wildlife office hours: Hunters must pass a migratory bird cient method of eradication. You can help
Monday - Friday, 8 AM - 4:30 PM ET identification test before receiving their by reporting wild pig sightings, damage,

KNOW THE LAW! Please read this guide carefully to prevent being cited for a violation. Make sure you understand Kentucky’s hunting
and trapping laws before going afield. If you need help understanding a law call 1-800-858-1549, weekdays, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET.
The top five most issued citations related to hunting and trapping are: 1) Hunting or trapping without a license 2) Hunting or trapping
without landowner’s permission 3) Illegal take of game 4) Taking more game than the bag limit and 5) Failure to tag or check game.
or the illegal possession, sale or release is archery and crossbow only. A waiver Revelation Energy Hunting Access
of wild pigs to the department by calling is required to access property. Go online is no longer open to public use.
1-800-858-1549. to fw.ky.gov and search under RH Group The Sauerheber Unit of Sloughs
for more information. WMA is closed to all public access Nov. 1
PUBLIC LANDS HUNTING Cumberland Forest WMA has been – March 15, as designated by signs, except
RH Group Hunting Access Area renamed to C. F. Ataya WMA. for waterfowl quota hunt permittees.
will be open to firearm seasons for elk, Meadow Creek WMA is now open
turkey and small game. Deer hunting under statewide hunting regulations.

Aug. 2020 – Mar. 2021

KENTUCKY HUNTING
& TRAPPING GUIDE
Obie Williams photo

2 GENERAL INFORMATION 16 MIGRATORY BIRDS

and WATERFOWL
2 Licenses and Permits


2 How to Buy Licenses and Permits
4 License and Permit Fees
17 ELK HUNTING
5 Resident Senior and Disability Licenses 20 FALL TURKEY HUNTING
6 Hunter Harvest Log
6 Telecheck 21 FURBEARER HUNTING
7 Landowner Permission and TRAPPING
8 Hunter Education Law
8 Hunter Orange Clothing Law 23 SMALL GAME HUNTING
8 Prohibited Hunting Methods and TRAPPING
9 Concealed Carry
9 Convicted Felons 25 OTHER SPECIES

10 DEER HUNTING 26 PUBLIC LANDS HUNTING

14 BEAR HUNTING 35 QUOTA HUNTS

ABOUT THIS GUIDE: This is a summary of the laws regarding hunting and trapping, intended solely for informational use. It is not a
reprint of any referenced Kentucky Revised Statute (KRS) or Kentucky Administrative Regulation (KAR) in its entirety and should not be
used as such. The exact wording of Kentucky’s hunting and trapping laws can be viewed online at fw.ky.gov. Click on Enforcement, then
Regulations, then scroll down to Administrative Regulations.
Throughout the year, Kentucky Fish and Wildlife also produces regulation guides for fishing and boating, and spring hunting. These
guides are available free wherever licenses are sold, and are posted online.
1
 GENERAL INFORMATION
GENERAL INFORMATION

LICENSES and PERMITS

General Hunter Licensing Wendell H. Ford Regional Training
Persons who take or attempt to take Other laws apply! Center in Muhlenberg County
game are considered hunters and there-
Hunters exempt from buying licens-
fore subject to licensing requirements. Shooting Preserve License
es and permits are required to follow
Unless license exempt, hunters and trap- A shooting preserve license, avail-
hunting season laws, bag limits, com-
pers must obtain and carry while in the able online only at fw.ky.gov, is valid
ply with the hunter orange clothing
field proof that they have met the license law, and follow hunter harvest record-
for one license year only, and only at the
requirements for the kind of activity ing, checking and tagging require- shooting preserve indicated at the time
they are doing. This proof can be either a ments. Kentucky landowners, their le- of purchase.
paper license or permit, or a license au- gal dependents and their tenants are
thorization number. subject to the usual license require- Hip Surveys
Persons who cannot show they are ments anytime they hunt somewhere In addition to purchasing a mi-
licensed properly while hunting risk be- other than their own lands. gratory bird/waterfowl permit, or any
ing issued a citation. license that includes it, hunters who
Each hunter and trapper must have intend to hunt migratory birds must
his or her own license or permit unless and adults who accompany a youth go online or make a phone call and fill
exempt. Paper licenses and permits must hunter but are not hunting themselves, out the Harvest Information Program
be signed before the hunter goes afield. are not required to have a license or (HIP) questions before they are legal
permit during these seasons migratory bird hunters. Only those who
License-Exempt Hunters • Kentucky resident owners of farm- plan to hunt migratory birds need to
In some cases, a resident hunter lands, their spouses and dependent complete the HIP survey.
may not be required to buy a hunting children hunting upon their own The process takes less than five
license or game permits. Here are those farmlands during an open season minutes. On the Kentucky Fish and
situations: • Tenants, their spouses and dependent Wildlife webpage at fw.ky.gov, click on
• Resident and nonresident children children hunting on farmlands where the “My Profile” tab. This takes you to
younger than 12 are not required to they reside and work a page that asks for some basic infor-
purchase licenses and permits, except • Kentucky residents on military leave of mation to confirm your identity. Af-
the elk hunt drawing application. more than three days in this state who ter completing the HIP questions, you
Hunters eligible to participate in the carry identification and papers verify- will receive a confirmation number that
free youth hunting and trapping week ing their leave status must be written on your hunting license
or free youth deer hunting weekend, • Members of the U.S. Armed Forces or Kentucky migratory bird/waterfowl
based in Kentucky engaged in hunting permit.
sport hunting or fishing on these Those without internet access may
Lose your license or permit? Kentucky National Guard prop- call the department at 1-800-858-1549,
Reprint your licenses or permits free any erties: Hidden Valley Training weekdays from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (East-
time in “My Profile” at fw.ky.gov. Area in Powell County, and the ern time) for assistance.

HOW TO BUY LICENSES and PERMITS

It is the hunter’s responsibility to know p.m. (Eastern time). card, or a Kentucky Fish and Wildlife
what type of license or permit is needed. gift certificate. Gift certificates are sold
When buying a license or permit Online online only at fw.ky.gov.
the hunter’s date of birth and Social Se- Licenses and permits can be pur- Hunters who buy licenses or per-
curity number must be provided. chased online at fw.ky.gov. mits online will not be mailed a paper
If you have licensing questions, call Hunters purchasing licenses or per- license or permit but will receive an au-
Kentucky Fish and Wildlife at 1-800- mits online must pay with a Visa, Mas- thorization number. The authorization
858-1549, weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 number or a computer printout of the
2 tercard, American Express or Discover
license or permit and a picture ID must disability license, elk drawing applica- license or permit.

GENERAL INFORMATION
be carried in the field while hunting. tions, department issued quota hunts The authorization number and a
and youth licenses and permits, can be picture ID must be carried in the field
In Person purchased by telephone 24 hours a day while hunting. Both the authorization
Licenses and permits can be pur- by calling toll-free at 1-877-598-2401. number and paper license are valid for
chased at various locations throughout Hunters purchasing licenses and per- the license year.
the state. A list of license agents can be mits by phone will be charged a small If requested, a paper license or per-
viewed online at fw.ky.gov. convenience fee, and must pay with a mit (except short-term licenses) will be
Visa, MasterCard, Discover card, or an mailed to the hunter. The paper license
By Phone e-check. Hunters will be issued an au- must be filled out and signed by the
All licenses and permits, except a thorization number, which serves as the hunter.

WHICH LICENSE OR PERMIT DO I NEED?

The tables below provide a quick exemptions and complete residency, species below are not required for chil-
overview of current licensing require- licensing and hunter education require- dren younger than 12.
ments. See the rest of this section for ments. Licenses and permits for the

Ages 65 and older OR

KENTUCKY RESIDENTS Ages 12-15 Ages 16-64
Disabled
Youth Hunting License* Annual Hunting License†
Deer Senior/Disabled License
+ Youth Deer Permit* + Statewide Deer Permit†
Youth Hunting License* Annual Hunting License†
Fall Turkey Senior/Disabled License
+ Youth Turkey Permit* + Fall Turkey Permit†
Youth Hunting License* Annual Hunting License†
Spring Turkey Senior/Disabled License
+ Youth Turkey Permit* + Spring Turkey Permit†
Small Game & Furbearer Youth Hunting License* Annual† or 1-Day Hunting License Senior/Disabled License
Annual Youth Annual or Landowner/Tenant Annual or Landowner/Tenant
Trapping
Trapping License Trapping License Trapping License
Migratory Birds Annual† or 1-Day Hunting License
(dove, snipe, woodcock, rails, Youth Hunting License* + Kentucky Migratory Bird/ Senior/Disabled License
gallinules, sandhill cranes) Waterfowl Permit†
Waterfowl Annual† or 1-Day Hunting License
Senior/Disabled License
(ducks, geese, coots and Youth Hunting License* + Kentucky Migratory Bird/Water-
+ Federal Duck Stamp
mergansers) fowl Permit† + Federal Duck Stamp
*Included in Youth Sportsman’s License †Included in Resident Sportsman’s License

NONRESIDENTS
Ages 12-15 Ages 16 and older
(must buy nonresident licenses/permits)
Youth Hunting License
Deer Annual Hunting License + Statewide Deer Permit
+ Youth Deer Permit
Youth Hunting License
Fall Turkey Annual Hunting License + Fall Turkey Permit
+ Youth Turkey Permit
Youth Hunting License
Spring Turkey Annual Hunting License + Spring Turkey Permit
+ Youth Turkey Permit
Small Game & Furbearer Youth Hunting License Annual, 1-Day or 7-Day Hunting License

Trapping Annual Trapping License Annual Trapping License

Migratory Birds (dove, snipe, woodcock, Annual, 1-Day or 7-Day Hunting License +
Youth Hunting License
rails, gallinules, sandhill cranes) Kentucky Migratory Bird/Waterfowl Permit
Waterfowl Annual, 1-Day or 7-Day Hunting License + Kentucky
Youth Hunting License
(ducks, geese, coots and mergansers) Migratory Bird/Waterfowl Permit + Federal Duck Stamp
3
GENERAL INFORMATION LICENSE AND PERMIT FEES
LICENSE / PERMIT Resident Nonresident
Annual Fishing $23 $55
Joint Married Couple Annual Fishing $42 Not available
1-Day Fishing $7 $15
3-Year Fishing (available online at fw.ky.gov only) $55 Not available
Nonresident 7-Day Fishing Not available $35
Trout Permit $10
LICENSES

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) Not available $65
Annual Youth Hunting (ages 12-15 only) $6 $10
Shooting Area License (available online at fw.ky.gov only) $5
Annual Trapping $20 $130
Annual Landowner/Tenant Trapping $10 Not available
Annual Youth (ages 12-15) Trapping $5 Not available
Annual Combination Hunting/Fishing $42 Not available
Senior/Disabled Sportsman’s License* (includes same license and permits
$12 Not available
as Resident Sportsman’s License, plus additional deer permits.)
COMBOS

Sportsman’s License* (Includes combination hunting/fishing license, state-

wide deer permit, spring and fall turkey permits, state migratory game bird- $95 Not available
waterfowl permit and trout permit.)
Youth (ages 12-15) Sportsman’s License* (Includes youth hunting license,
$30 Not available
youth deer permit and 2 youth turkey permits.)
Statewide Deer Permit (four deer) $35 $185
DEER

Youth (ages 12-15) Deer Permit (four deer) $10 $15

Additional Deer Permit (two deer) $15
Spring Turkey Permit (statewide) (two turkeys) $30 $85
Youth (ages 12-15) Turkey Permit (one turkey, spring or fall) $10 $15
Fall Turkey Permit (statewide)(four turkeys) $30 $85
BIRDS

Kentucky Migratory Bird/Waterfowl Permit $15

Federal Duck Stamp (available at post offices and online at www.duckstamp.com) $25
Pheasant Quota Hunt Permit (if drawn) $25
Sandhill Crane Permit (quota hunt, apply in Sept. at fw.ky.gov) $3 $3
Elk Drawing Application $10
Youth Elk Drawing Application $10
Quota Bull Elk Firearm Permit $100 $550
ELK

Quota Cow Elk Firearm Permit $60 $400

Quota (either sex) Archery/Crossbow Permit $100 $550
Youth Elk Permit $30 $200
Out-of-Zone Elk Permit $30 $400
Bear Permit $30 $250
BEAR

Youth Bear Permit $10 Not available

Bear Chase Permit $30 Not available
Youth Bear Chase Permit $10 Not available
Peabody WMA User Permit $15
Land Between The Lakes (LBL) Hunter Use Permit $25, or $75 with Backcountry Camping
AREAS

Otter Creek ORA Admission Fees (per person) Daily: $3, annual: $30,
(available online at fw.ky.gov) children under 12: free.
Otter Creek ORA Special Activity Fees (per person, for use of horse trails,
Daily: $7, annual: $70
mountain bike trails and shooting range) (available online at fw.ky.gov)
Temporary Hunter Education Exemption Permit (Hunter Apprentice
OTHER

Free (limited time only)

Opportunity; available online at fw.ky.gov only)
Habitat Improvement and Public Access Donation (voluntary; available at fw.ky.gov only) Any amount
*Peabody, LBL and Otter Creek permits, elk drawing application, elk quota hunt permit, out-of-zone elk permit, bear permit,
federal duck stamp and trapping license not included. An additional deer permit is not included with a Sportsman’s License.
Kentucky’s license year begins March 1 and continues through the last day of February. New licenses are required annually,
except for the 3-year fishing license. A 1-day or 7-day hunting license is valid only for the period shown on license. Resident and
4 nonresident youths under the age of 12 are not required to purchase licenses or permits (except the elk drawing application).
 LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

GENERAL INFORMATION
RESIDENT LICENSING permanent assignment in Kentucky. to the same license and permit require-
A resident is any person who has es- ments as resident youth hunters. A non-
tablished permanent domicile and legal NONRESIDENT LICENSING resident who owns land in Kentucky
residence, and has resided in Kentucky A person who does not meet the must purchase nonresident licenses and
for 30 days prior to buying a license, full- definition of a Kentucky resident is permits.
time students enrolled in a Kentucky considered a nonresident and must pur-
educational institution for at least six chase nonresident licenses and permits. YOUTH LICENSING
months, or military service personnel on Nonresident youth hunters are subject Resident and nonresident hunt-

RESIDENT SENIOR OR DISABLED SPORTSMAN’S LICENSES

The following are eligible to birth, benefit amount and indicate disabled from a recognized authority,
purchase the Senior or Disabled that you are disabled. Next, choose and show a current address.
Sportsman’s License (which includes “Apply to letter” and then “Print.”
the same license and permits as the If you contact Social Security, To send disability paperwork to
Resident Sportsman’s License, plus please request all of this informa- Kentucky Fish and Wildlife:
additional deer permits): tion to be included on the BEVE. • By mail: KDFWR Disability License,
• Kentucky residents ages 65 or older. The BEVE will only include the last #1 Sportsman’s Lane,
Seniors need only show proof of age four digits of your claim number(s). Frankfort, KY 40601
and residency to purchase this license. We ask that you write your entire • By fax: (502) 564-9845
• Kentucky residents certified totally Social Security Number (SSN)
and permanently disabled by the on the BEVE before sending it to Once the proper documentation is
federal Social Security Administra- Kentucky Fish and Wildlife. The full processed, applicants will receive their
tion, a state workers’ compensa- SSN is required in order to process authorization card by mail.
tion board, the Kentucky Teachers’ the Hunting/Fishing License applica- The authorization card is not a
Retirement System or the U.S. tion. The BEVE that you send to us license. It must be presented to the
Railroad Retirement Board. should not be over six months old license seller, or the authorization num-
• Kentucky resident employees of the from its date of issue. ber entered online, at the time of license
U.S. Office of Personnel Manage- • Veterans Affairs: Contact your local purchase.
ment declared totally and perma- VA office and request a letter that License vendors cannot sell a dis-
nently disabled by a recognized verifies you are at least 50 percent ability license using an expired autho-
authority. disabled as a result of a service- rization card. The Senior or Disabled
• Kentucky resident veterans at least connected disability. The letter should Sportsman’s License is valid through
50 percent disabled as the result of also have your current address and the end of February each year. If you
a service-connected disability. your Social Security number. lose your card or license, you can print
Persons with disabilities listed • State Workers’ Compensation a copy of both online using the “My
above must first obtain a disability Board: Request an application from Profile” feature at fw.ky.gov.
authorization card from Kentucky Kentucky Fish and Wildlife and
Fish and Wildlife. send the completed form to the state
Workers’ Compensation Board.
To obtain a disability license • U.S. Railroad Retirement Board: Q: How long is a disability
authorization card: Contact the Board and request a let- authorization card valid?
If your disability is through the – ter stating you are permanently and
• Federal Social Security Adminis- totally disabled and show current A: A disability authorization
tration: To request a Benefit Veri- address. card is good for three years (check
fication Letter (BEVE), you may: • Kentucky Teachers’ Retirement the expiration date). Every three
(1) go to www.socialsecurity.gov/ System: Contact the Teachers’ years you must provide updated
myaccount, (2) call 1-800-772-1213 Retirement System and request writ- paperwork (following the instruc-
or (3) contact your local office. To ten documentation stating you are tions on this page) and get a new
request the BEVE on the Social on disability retirement and show a card. Those who already have a dis-
Security website, choose “Create current address. ability authorization card through
an Account” or “Sign In.” Next, • U.S. Office of Personnel Manage- Veterans Affairs, U.S. Railroad
click the “Get a Benefit Verification ment: Contact the federal Office of Retirement Board or U.S. Office of
Letter” link. Next select “Custom- Personnel Management and obtain Personnel Management may call
ize your letter.” The BEVE should certification of employment, obtain 1-800-310-1873 to get a new card.
include your name, address, date of certification of being 100 percent

5
 ers younger than 12 are not required to The annual youth
GENERAL INFORMATION purchase licenses and permits, except hunting license autho- Sportsman’s License - Save $67
for the elk drawing application. rizes the holder to hunt
Resident and nonresident hunt- all small game species, Available to Kentucky residents only, the sportsman’s
ers ages 12-15 are eligible to purchase furbearers and migra- license includes a combination hunting and fishing
discounted youth licenses and permits, tory bird species. Hunt- license, spring and fall turkey permits, statewide deer
permit, state migratory bird/waterfowl permit and
which are valid for the entire license ers 15 and younger are
trout permit. A federal duck stamp (available at post
year if they are purchased before the exempt from purchasing
offices and online at www.duckstamp.com) is required
youth is 16. a state migratory bird/
for waterfowl hunting.
Persons 15 years of age and young- waterfowl permit, and a
er who hunt turkey, elk, deer or bear duck stamp.
with a firearm must always be accompa- A youth deer permit allows the resident-only youth sportsman’s license
nied by an adult. Persons under 12 years hunter to take four deer. To harvest includes the annual youth hunting li-
old, who have passed a hunter education more than four deer, a youth hunter cense, youth deer permit and two (2)
course, may hunt small game, furbear- must purchase an additional deer per- youth turkey permits.
ers and migratory birds/waterfowl with- mit. The youth turkey permit may be
out being accompanied by an adult. used during any turkey season. The

RECORDING, CHECKING,
TAGGING and TRANSPORTING
The following regulations apply to dropdown menu. the carcass of a harvested deer or elk be-
all deer, elk, turkey, bear, bobcat and ot- License-exempt hunters, children fore the animal is telechecked, the hunt-
ter taken by hunters or trappers, includ- younger than 12 years old, and those er must demonstrate proof of the sex
ing landowners and other license-ex- who only have a license authoriza- of the deer or elk. See the deer and elk
empt hunters. tion number may create their own har- hunting sections in this guide for details.
vest log by writing the information on Telecheck is available 24 hours a
HARVEST LOG a piece of paper or index card. Hunters day while hunting seasons are open. Lis-
All successful hunters and trappers, and trappers must have the completed ten to each question carefully and pro-
including those who are license exempt, harvest log in their possession whenever vide the requested information using the
must fill out a harvest log as soon as the afield during the current season. keypad on any touch tone phone.
animal is harvested and prior to moving Callers will be asked their Social Se-
the carcass. Information that must be TELECHECK curity number and code for the county in
written on the harvest log includes the 1-800-CHK-GAME (1-800-245-4263) which the animal was taken. All youth
species and sex of animal taken, date and All deer, turkey, elk, bobcat, riv- hunters must use their Social Security
county where taken. A telecheck confir- er otters and sandhill cranes harvested number when telechecking an animal.
mation number must be obtained and must be telechecked through the toll- Callers must also indicate the ani-
recorded on the harvest log. A harvest free, automated check-in system. Hunt- mal’s species and sex. Deer hunters who
log is included with any paper license or ers may also check in harvested animals take male fawns (button bucks) should
permit purchased from a license agent. online at fw.ky.gov. check the deer as “male” and then choose
A printable harvest log is accessible by Entering false information is un- “no visible antler” when prompted.
clicking the “Hunt” tab on the Kentucky lawful. Multiple animals may be telech- Next, callers will be asked about the
Fish and Wildlife online homepage and ecked during the same call. type of equipment they used to harvest the
choosing “Hunting Home” from the Hunters who harvest a bear dur- animal, whether the land was private or
ing any bear hunting season must tele- public, and the type of license they used.
check the bear by 8 p.m. Eastern time Youths under 12, youths who check
Q: Due to a cell phone the day that it was harvested, and also
call 1-800-858-1549 within 24 hours of
deer during the Free Youth Deer Hunt-
ing Weekend, or license exempt mili-
dropped call, a hunter loses a
confirmation number. Should the harvest to arrange for a physical check tary personnel should select “statewide
animal be checked in again? of the animal and receive a tag issued by license.”
the department. All other harvested an- Once the harvest information has
A: Try again until you get the imals must be telechecked by midnight
on the day the animal is recovered and
been entered correctly, the caller will be
asked to hold for several seconds while
confirmation number, and then
contact the department at 1-800- prior to processing the carcass. Bobcats the system submits the survey infor-
858-1549 the next business day to and river otters must be telechecked pri- mation. The hunter then will be given
report the incident. or to leaving Kentucky. a confirmation number, which is proof
If the hide or head is removed from that the harvested animal was legal-
6
 GENERAL INFORMATION
KENTUCKY COUNTY CODE NUMBERS FOR TELECHECK
001 Adair 021 Carroll 041 Grant 061 Knox 081 Mason 101 Robertson
002 Allen 022 Carter 042 Graves 062 LaRue 082 Meade 102 Rockcastle
003 Anderson 023 Casey 043 Grayson 063 Laurel 083 Menifee 103 Rowan
004 Ballard 024 Christian 044 Green 064 Lawrence 084 Mercer 104 Russell
005 Barren 025 Clark 045 Greenup 065 Lee 085 Metcalfe 105 Scott
006 Bath 026 Clay 046 Hancock 066 Leslie 086 Monroe 106 Shelby
007 Bell 027 Clinton 047 Hardin 067 Letcher 087 Montgomery 107 Simpson
008 Boone 028 Crittenden 048 Harlan 068 Lewis 088 Morgan 108 Spencer
009 Bourbon 029 Cumberland 049 Harrison 069 Lincoln 089 Muhlenberg 109 Taylor
010 Boyd 030 Daviess 050 Hart 070 Livingston 090 Nelson 110 Todd
011 Boyle 031 Edmonson 051 Henderson 071 Logan 091 Nicholas 111 Trigg
012 Bracken 032 Elliott 052 Henry 072 Lyon 092 Ohio 112 Trimble
013 Breathitt 033 Estill 053 Hickman 073 McCracken 093 Oldham 113 Union
014 Breckinridge 034 Fayette 054 Hopkins 074 McCreary 094 Owen 114 Warren
015 Bullitt 035 Fleming 055 Jackson 075 McLean 095 Owsley 115 Washington
016 Butler 036 Floyd 056 Jefferson 076 Madison 096 Pendleton 116 Wayne
017 Caldwell 037 Franklin 057 Jessamine 077 Magoffin 097 Perry 117 Webster
018 Calloway 038 Fulton 058 Johnson 078 Marion 098 Pike 118 Whitley
019 Campbell 039 Gallatin 059 Kenton 079 Marshall 099 Powell 119 Wolfe
020 Carlisle 040 Garrard 060 Knott 080 Martin 100 Pulaski 120 Woodford

ly reported. This number must be re- CITES TAG instructions included with the mailed
corded on the hunter’s log and retained A Convention on International tag and remain attached until it is pro-
throughout the season. Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) cessed or exported outside the United
tag, issued by Kentucky Fish and Wild- States.Possession of an unused CITES
CARCASS TAG life, must be attached immediately tag is prohibited.
A hunter shall attach a handmade upon receipt to the raw fur, pelt or un-
tag to the carcass of any harvested deer, skinned carcass of any bobcat or river TRANSPORTING
elk, turkey, bear, bobcat, or otter if trans- otter taken in Kentucky if the hunter HARVESTED ANIMALS
ferring possession of the harvested ani- or trapper intends to sell it or export it Hunters bringing any deer or elk, or
mal to another person. internationally. parts of deer or elk, into Kentucky shall
For example, a carcass tag is re- To request a CITES tag, log on have proof that the animal was legally
quired if the hunter gives the animal to to “My Profile” from the department’s harvested elsewhere and shall do so in
another person, drops it off to be pro- homepage at fw.ky.gov. Those with- compliance with the carcass importation
cessed, or takes the head and cape to a out internet access may call 1-800-858- law (see page 11).
taxidermist. 1549 weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. An unchecked animal taken in
A harvested animal in a hunter’s (Eastern) and provide the animal’s tele- Kentucky may not be transported out of
possession is assumed theirs, unless the check confirmation number. Kentucky.
carcass tag states otherwise. CITES tags must immediately be Furs and hides may only be sold
The carcass tag must include the attached to the animal or pelt per the to a licensed fur buyer, fur processor or
hunter’s name, phone number and tele- taxidermist.
check confirmation number. Butchers, meat processors, and
Hunters who harvest a bear during We need your help! licensed taxidermists shall dispose of
any bear season must attach a depart- Kentucky Fish & Wildlife is collect- any unused cervid carcass material or
ment-issued carcass tag after having the ing lower canines from harvested waste product by proper burial, remov-
bear inspected by department personnel. bobcats and river otters for a popula- al by a duly licensed rendering estab-
Call 1-800-858-1549 within 24 hours tion study. Please contact the depart- lishment, or deposit into a contained
of harvest to arrange for the bear carcass ment at 1-800-858-1549 to request landfill approved pursuant to KRS
to be inspected and the carcass tag to be a sample packet and instructions. Chapter 224 (KRS 150.722).
issued.

GENERAL HUNTING REGULATIONS

LANDOWNER PERMISSION ational purposes without the verbal or mission are subject to arrest and prosecu-
A person shall not enter upon the written permission of the landowner, ten- tion. Railroad tracks and rights-of-way
lands of another to shoot, hunt, trap and ant, or person who has authority to grant are privately owned property and permis-
fish or for other wildlife-related recre- permission. Those who fail to obtain per- sion to hunt, trap or fish must be obtained
7
 prior to entry. Landowners are under no tucky. It is not accepted at Blue Grass so it is visible from all sides. Hunter or-
GENERAL INFORMATION obligation to allow hunters to retrieve Army Depot or Fort Campbell. ange clothing requirements still apply
game or hunting dogs from their property. Resident landowners, spouses for anyone inside the blind.
and dependent children, tenants, their Hunters are not required to wear
HUNTER EDUCATION spouses and their dependent children are hunter orange clothing or display hunter
Persons born on or after Jan. 1, 1975 only hunter education exempt on prop- orange on ground blinds during a fire-
must carry a valid hunter education card erty they own, or the property where arms season on a state owned or man-
or hunter education exemption permit they reside and work. When hunting aged WMA where firearms hunting for
while hunting. Persons not required to elsewhere, they must comply with Ken- deer, elk or bear is prohibited.
have licenses or permits are exempt from tucky’s hunter education law.
hunter education certification. Hunter SHOOTING HOURS
education courses are held throughout REPLACEMENT HUNTER Shooting hours for all species listed
the state. Pre-registration must be done EDUCATION CARDS in this guide, except raccoons, opossums
online at fw.ky.gov. More information Free replacement hunter education and frogs, are during daylight hours only
about the registration process is avail- cards can be printed online at fw.ky.gov. – 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 min-
able on the website or by calling Ken- On the homepage, click on the “Educa- utes after sunset. However, hunters may
tucky Fish and Wildlife. Children must tion” tab and select “Hunter Education” be in the field or stands before and after
be at least 9 years old to take the hunter from the drop down menu. shooting hours.
education test. People who complete the Raccoons and opossums may be
course are issued an orange certifica- HUNTER ORANGE CLOTHING LAW taken day or night, except during mod-
tion card. Hunter education cards issued All hunters, and persons accompa- ern gun deer season when raccoon and
by other states are valid in Kentucky. nying them, must wear outer garments opossum hunting is permitted only at
Children younger than 12 years old are of hunter orange color visible from all night.
exempt from hunter education certifi- sides on the head, back and chest when Exceptions also apply for coyotes.
cation, but must be accompanied by an hunting during daylight hours for any See the Furbearer Hunting & Trapping
adult who meets the hunter education species during modern gun, muzzle- section.
requirement. The adult must be in a po- loader and youth firearm deer seasons,
sition to take immediate control of the or a firearm elk or firearm bear season. HUNTING METHOD EXEMPTIONS
bow or firearm at all times while hunt- Waterfowl and dove hunters are ex- The department grants exemptions
ing. One adult cannot accompany more empt from this requirement. to hunters with certain physical dis-
than two hunters younger than 12 years Hunter orange garments can be of abilities to hunt with a crossbow during
old at the same time. mesh type material, as long as openings archery-only seasons, or to use a station-
in the mesh weave are no wider than ary vehicle as a hunting platform. How-
APPRENTICE HUNTING one-quarter inch by any measurement. ever, persons with qualifying physical
OPPORTUNITY Garments may display a small portion disabilities must first have an exemption
Persons new to hunting who have of another color. form completed and signed by a licensed
not taken the hunter education course The following are common exam- physician certifying why the exemption
may obtain a one-time temporary hunt- ples of violations related to hunter or- is necessary.
er education exemption permit online ange clothing: Forms are available online or by
for free (limited time only) at fw.ky.gov. •  Wearing camouflage-patterned hunt- calling the department. A completed
This apprentice hunting opportu- er orange garments without additional exemption form serves as the hunter’s
nity allows new hunters in Kentucky to solid hunter orange clothing on the exemption permit. It should not be re-
hunt for up to one year (from date of head, back and chest. turned to the department. Persons who
purchase) without a hunter education •  Wearing hunter orange clothing while obtain an exemption are still required to
card. The permit must be carried while walking to a stand and taking it off have the appropriate hunting license and
hunting and requires its holder to hunt when you get there. permits, and must carry the signed ex-
with a licensed, adult hunter (at least 18 •  Hunting squirrel, rabbit or quail when emption form with their hunting license
years old) who meets the hunter educa- and where a firearm deer or elk season and permits while in the field.
tion requirement. The adult shall be in also is open without wearing hunter
a position to take immediate control of orange clothing. PROHIBITED HUNTING METHODS
the exempted hunter’s bow or firearm at Hunters using archery or crossbow •  No person shall discharge any fire-
all times while hunting. This law applies equipment during deer firearms seasons arm, bow and arrow, crossbow or other
even if the exemption permit holder is must wear hunter orange clothing. similar device, upon, over, or across any
an adult. Whenever gun deer hunting is al- public roadway.
After the hunter education exemp- lowed on a wildlife management area, •  No person shall take or attempt to
tion permit expires, the hunter is no lon- state park or Otter Creek Outdoor Rec- take any wildlife, protected or unpro-
ger exempt and must successfully com- reation Area, a person who will be hunt- tected, from an automobile, or other
plete a hunter education course. ing from inside a ground blind must first vehicle, except as prescribed by regula-
The temporary hunter education attach a hat or vest made of solid, unbro- tion. Hunting from boats is permitted
exemption permit is valid only in Ken- ken hunter orange material to the blind for small game and furbearers.
8
•  A person shall not pursue, chase or SPOTLIGHTING animals confiscated or destroyed.

GENERAL INFORMATION
take a deer, elk or turkey (during the No person may deliberately cast the
spring turkey season) with the aid of rays of a spotlight or other artificial light DOG TRAINING
dogs; while on horseback; or when a into any field, pasture, woodlands or and HUNTING WITH DOGS
deer, elk or bear is swimming. Dogs forest, whether public or private, where Hunters may run or train dogs
may be used to locate and flush turkeys wildlife or domestic livestock may rea- for rabbits, foxes, coyotes, raccoons and
during the fall turkey seasons only. sonably be expected to be located. Shin- opossums year-round but game may
•  It is illegal to feed bears directly or in- ing artificial lights into private residenc- only be harvested during an open hunt-
directly for any reason. es or other structures also is prohibited. ing season.
•  No person shall take wildlife with the This does not apply to: headlights Some WMAs have special restric-
aid of fire, explosives, smoke or gas. of vehicles engaged in a normal course tions on using dogs, so check ahead of
•  Baiting is prohibited on all WMAs, of travel; lights being used in legitimate time. All members of the party must
Big South Fork National River and agricultural activities; anyone involved have a valid hunting license (unless li-
Recreation Area, Daniel Boone Na- in activities legitimate to his or her busi- cense-exempt) to pursue rabbits or fur-
tional Forest, Jefferson National For- ness or occupation; circumstances in- bearers, even when training dogs with-
est, Land Between The Lakes and cluding lawful hunting activities; or any out taking game.
state parks open to hunting. landowner, his or her immediate family, Dogs may not be used to chase,
•  Deer and elk hunters shall not use or any paid employee while working on molest or hunt deer and elk. Dogs may
electronic decoys or calls. his or her land at that time. be used to chase or hunt bears if a legal
•  No person shall take a turkey when No person shall take wildlife, ex- season is open.
the turkey is roosting. A roost is the cept raccoons, opossums, frogs and fish, Dogs are permitted for locating
place, typically a tree, where a turkey using lights or other means designed to and flushing turkeys during the fall
spends the night. blind wildlife or make wildlife visible at turkey season only, and dogs on leash
•  A person hunting wild turkeys shall night. Exceptions also apply for coyotes. are permitted for tracking and locat-
not use live turkeys as decoys. See the Furbearer Hunting & Trapping ing wounded deer, elk and bear. Except
•  Wild turkey or bears shall not be hunt- section. during the hunting season, raccoon and
ed by the aid of bait, nor shall areas be opossum hunters shall not use any de-
hunted where bait is present. This in- GAME CALLING DEVICES vice to force a raccoon or opossum from
cludes private lands baited for deer. An and RESTRICTIONS trees or dens. Raccoon squallers may be
area is considered baited for 30 days af- •  Hand or mouth-operated calls may be used year-round.
ter all bait has been removed. A baited used in hunting all species.
area is any place where feed, grains or •  A hunter may use electronic calls or BOBWHITE SHOOT-TO-TRAIN
other substances capable of luring wild attracting devices for furbearers dur- SEASON
turkeys or bears have been placed. An ing the furbearer season. For the purpose of bird dog train-
area where grains or other feeds exist •  Mechanical or electronic calls may be ing on private lands only, pen-reared
as the result of legitimate agricultural used to take crows during crow season. bobwhite quail may be harvested Aug.
practices, or as the result of growing or •  Deer, turkey and elk hunters shall not 15 through May 15 (excluding bobwhite
manipulating a crop for wildlife man- use or possess electronic calling devices. hunting season), provided that prior to
agement is legal for hunting. shooting a person must:
TRANSPORTATION and HOLDING •  Submit a completed application to the
CONCEALED CARRY DEADLY OF LIVE NATIVE WILDLIFE department
WEAPONS A person may not take or possess •  Possess a valid hunting license, or be
Anyone who may legally possess live wildlife without first obtaining a license-exempt
firearms may carry any legal firearms permit when prescribed by regulation. •  Possess proof of the sale/ownership of
while hunting, but only legal methods A person shall not hold live native the birds
may be used to take game. wildlife in captivity that was not legally •  Possess a captive wildlife permit for
taken or possessed. A person shall not pen-reared bobwhite if more than 100
CONVICTED FELONS buy or sell, offer to buy or sell, trade, or birds are in possession, or if kept for
A person convicted of a felony is barter native wildlife or parts thereof ob- more than 10 days
prohibited from possessing or hunt- tained from the wild. Wildlife acquired •  Make sure that the training area is free
ing with a firearm in Kentucky. Breech prior to obtaining the proper permits of wild quail
and muzzle-loading rifles, shotguns and may be confiscated and the holder fined. •  Band pen-reared birds before release
handguns are all considered firearms. Orphaned wildlife may only be with No. 7 leg bands or department-
The prohibition on handguns applies to possessed by a licensed wildlife rehabili- supplied bands.
those convicted after Jan. 1, 1975. The tator. Persons transporting live deer or
prohibition on other firearms applies to other types of cervids (members of the
those convicted after July 15, 1994. See deer family) without proper documen-
KRS 527.040 for more details, or con- tation or permits, or holding live deer
tact your County Attorney. captive in unpermitted facilities or pens,
are subject to fines and may have their
9
DEER HUNTING
DEER HUNTING
2020-21 DEER HUNTING ZONES and SEASONS
DEER Early Season Late Season
Archery
Sept. 5, 2020 - Jan. 18, 2021
Youth/Senior Crossbow
Crossbow Sept. 19, 2020 - Jan. 18, 2021

Cam
Kento
Boo
Youth-only Gun Oct. 10-11, 2020

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Muzzleloader Oct. 17-18, 2020 Dec. 12-20, 2020 Ga
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Pe
Bra

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Carroll

Tr
Modern Gun Nov. 14-29, 2020 Grant

let
Mason

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Lewis

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Owen Robert- Greenup
Free Youth Weekend Dec. 26-27, 2020 Henry Harrison son
Oldham Nic Fleming Boyd
hola Carter
Scott s

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Shelby Bourbon Rowan
Jefferson

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Bath

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Woo
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Me der

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Clark

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Jessa-

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Han

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Nelson to M Martin
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Henderson Breckinridge
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Union Daviess Hardin W Estill fin

Ga
Boyle Lee

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Floyd
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Breathitt

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Webster Marion
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Ohio Pike
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Grayson Lincoln
Rock- Jackson Owsley
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Crittenden Taylor Perry Knott

Livi

Casey castle
Hopkins Mu Ed Hart
hle Green
ngst

Ca nbe Butler mo
ldw rg ns Clay
Mc ell on Letcher
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Cra Pulaski Laurel Leslie

Ballard cke Adair
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Russell
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Warren Barren
Christian
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Carlisle Marshall Logan Knox

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Todd Harlan
Trigg Cumber-
Hickman Graves Simpson land o n Wayne Whitley
Allen Monroe int Bell
Calloway Cl McCreary
Fulton

Zone 1 Zone 2 Zone 3 Zone 4

DEER BAG LIMITS GENERAL INFORMATION

Only one antlered deer may be harvested statewide,
• The statewide deer permit and youth deer permit
regardless of zone or method.
allow for the harvest of up to four deer. Hunters
A hunter may harvest an unlimited number of may take up to one antlered deer and three antler-
ZONE 1 antlerless deer in Zone 1 using the statewide less deer, or four antlerless deer using the state-
deer permit and additional deer permits. wide deer permit.
• The statewide season limit for antlered deer is one
A hunter may harvest no more than four deer per hunter.
ZONE 2
in Zone 2. • A hunter may take as many deer as allowed for each
A hunter may harvest no more than four deer zone. In order to take more than four deer state-
ZONE 3 in Zone 3. A firearm or air gun cannot be wide, an additional deer permit must be purchased.
used to take more than one antlerless deer. • An additional deer permit allows a hunter to take
up to two additional deer beyond the four deer al-
A hunter may harvest no more than two lowed by the statewide or youth deer permits. Zone
deer in Zone 4. Only one can be antlerless. bag limits apply. Hunters who did not harvest an
Antlerless deer cannot be harvested antlered deer using their statewide or youth deer
ZONE 4 during the modern gun season, the early permits can take one antlered deer and up to one
muzzleloader season or the first six days of antlerless deer, or up to two antlerless deer with the
the late muzzleloader season. The statewide additional deer permit.
bag limit of one antlered deer still applies.

10
BAG LIMITS

DEER HUNTING
Bag limits and harvest restrictions Carry proof
apply to all hunters. There is no daily CHRONIC WASTING
Hunters who buy their license or
bag limit on deer. A person may take
permit by phone or internet must DISEASE
no more than one (1) deer with visible carry while hunting: a picture ID
antlers, excluding male fawns (button and proof of purchase (an authoriza-
If you hunt big game outside of
bucks). However, on some federally Kentucky, you may not bring any
tion number, paper license or com-
controlled areas, including Reelfoot Na- member of the deer (Cervidae)
puter print out). Paper licenses/per-
tional Wildlife Refuge, Fort Campbell family, which includes deer,
mits must be signed and all informa-
and Fort Knox military reservations and caribou, moose and elk, back
tion completed before hunting.
Blue Grass Army Depot, a bonus ant- into Kentucky unless the brain
lered deer may be taken, as determined and spinal column have been
and carry proof of purchasing an annual removed.
by the governing agency for each area.
hunting license and a statewide deer
Allowed parts from other states and
CHECKING and TAGGING permit while deer hunting. The permit
provinces include: quarters or other
All deer must be telechecked. allows a hunter to take four deer: one portions of meat with no part of the
Hunters must call 1-800-245-4263 or antlered and three antlerless, or four spinal column or head attached,
complete the online check-in process at antlerless. It does not matter if the ant- boned-out meat, antlers, antlers
fw.ky.gov. See the “Recording, Check- lered or antlerless deer is taken first. attached to a clean skull plate, a
ing, Tagging and Transporting” portion clean skull, clean teeth, hides and
of this guide’s “General Information” ADDITIONAL DEER PERMIT finished taxidermy products.
section for full details. To take more than four deer, an ad-
If the hide or head is removed be- ditional deer permit must be purchased. CWD has not been detected in
fore the harvested deer is checked in – The additional deer permit is valid for Kentucky.
to quarter the animal, for example – it deer of either sex. The additional deer
is necessary to demonstrate proof of sex permit allows a hunter to take up to two Donations sought for testing
by retaining the head or keeping the additional deer beyond those allowed The department seeks donations of
genitalia attached to the carcass. In such by the statewide permit in the follow- deer heads from hunter harvested
cases, it is still necessary to fill out the ing combinations: one antlered and one animals for CWD testing. This will
harvest log immediately after harvest antlerless, or two antlerless. Regardless allow Kentucky Fish and Wildlife to
of what permit a deer hunter carries, the better manage an outbreak should
and telecheck the animal before mid-
CWD be detected. Bucks or does
night on the day the deer is harvested statewide season limit for antlered deer
are needed. Hunters should cut
or recovered. is one per hunter. The additional deer
off the head a couple inches below
A carcass tag is required if a har- permit is not valid unless the hunter the base of skull, then freeze the
vested deer leaves the hunter’s posses- has first purchased an annual hunting head. Contact your local biologist
sion for any reason. license and statewide deer permit and is to arrange for submission. Online:
able to show proof of that in the field. A fw.ky.gov/disease
STATEWIDE DEER PERMIT statewide or additional deer permit may
All deer hunters ages 16 and older, be used on public and private land, and Up-to-date news regarding
unless license exempt, must first buy during some quota hunts. CWD can be found online at
cwd-info.org.

HUNTING EQUIPMENT Antler traps

RESTRICTIONS Devices designed to entangle or trap

the antlers of a deer cannot be used.

MODERN GUN SEASON nying hunters, must wear hunter orange son must follow all firearms deer season
During modern gun deer season, clothing during modern gun season. restrictions, zone guidelines and other
hunters may hunt with any centerfire Persons ages 15 and younger hunt- hunting requirements, and must wear
rifle or pistol, including air guns of .35 ing deer with a firearm must be accom- hunter orange clothing. The only ex-
caliber or larger charged by an external panied by an adult who shall be in a po- ception is on state-owned or managed
tank, muzzleloaders, and archery and sition to take immediate control of the WMAs where firearms hunting for deer
crossbow equipment, and must follow youth’s firearm at all times. or elk is prohibited.
season restrictions, zone guidelines and
other hunting requirements. ARCHERY SEASON CROSSBOW SEASON
All hunters, including archery and Hunters using archery equipment Hunters using crossbows during a
crossbow hunters, and persons accompa- during a deer, elk or bear firearms sea- deer, elk or bear firearms season must
11
 follow all firearms deer season restric-
DEER HUNTING tions, zone guidelines and other hunting
LEGAL DEER HUNTING EQUIPMENT
requirements, and must wear hunter or-
ange clothing. The only exception is on
state-owned or managed WMAs where MODERN GUN EQUIPMENT cally treated.
firearms hunting for deer or elk is pro- • Any caliber centerfire rifle or • Fixed blade or mechanical broad-
hibited. A legal resident hunter age 65 centerfire handgun. heads at least 7/8” wide (when
years or older and a youth hunter age 15 • Rifle, handgun or shotgun maga- blades extended), but broadheads
or younger may hunt deer with a cross- zines may not be capable of hold- may not be chemically treated.
bow from the first Saturday in Septem- ing more than 10 rounds.
ber through the third Monday in January. • Rifles or handguns may not be CROSSBOW EQUIPMENT
fully automatic (capable of firing • Crossbows of any draw weight (no
MUZZLELOADER SEASON more than one round with one minimum), with a working safety.
Muzzleloaders, archery and cross- trigger pull). • Wood, carbon or metal arrows
bow equipment may be used during this • Full metal jacketed or tracer bul- (bolts), but arrows (bolts) may not
season. All hunters must comply with let ammunition is prohibited. be chemically treated.
the hunter orange clothing law. Youths • Shotguns, no larger than • Fixed blade or mechanical broad-
ages 15 and younger hunting deer with 10-gauge, shooting slug ammuni- heads at least 7/8” (when blades
a muzzleloader must be accompanied by tion only (includes saboted bullets). extended), but broadheads may
an adult who shall remain able and in • Muzzle-loading rifles, handguns, not be chemically treated.
a position to take immediate control of or shotguns shooting round balls,
the youth’s muzzleloader at all times. conical bullets, or saboted bullets. MUZZLELOADING EQUIPMENT
• Air guns of .35 caliber or larger • Muzzle-loading rifles or handguns
TREE STANDS charged by an external tank, of any caliber, shooting round
Construction and use of tree stands shooting single projectile ammu- balls, conical bullets or saboted
on private lands is regulated by land- nition designed to expand upon bullets.
owners. impact. • Muzzle-loading firearms equipped
with open sights or telescopic
ARCHERY EQUIPMENT sights (scopes).
Hunter orange required!
• Longbows, recurves and com- • Muzzle-loading shotguns no larger
pound bows of any draw weight than 10-gauge, shooting round
Hunters and people accompany- (no minimum). balls, conical bullets or saboted
ing them must wear solid, unbro- • Wood, carbon or metal arrows, bullets.
ken hunter orange color visible from but arrows may not be chemi-
all sides on the head, back and chest
when hunting for any species dur-
ing modern gun, muzzleloader and
youth gun deer seasons, or a firearm
elk or firearm bear season. However,
hunter orange is not required when
YOUTH DEER HUNTING
hunting waterfowl or doves dur-
ing a gun deer, elk or bear season, YOUTH DEER HUNTING Youth hunters may take deer with fire-
or when hunting furbearers at night Youths may hunt deer during any arms, or any other legal method, state-
during a legal furbearer season. open season, including two special deer wide. During the October youth-only
seasons for resident and nonresident firearms season, the appropriate hunt-
hunters who have not reached their 16th ing license and deer permits are re-
birthday. quired for hunters ages 12-15. Youth
Q: Can a hunter take a deer Adults accompanying youth deer
hunters during either of these hunts may
hunters younger than age 12 are not re-
quired to have a hunting license or deer
for someone else?
not use firearms to take deer. permit. On the first weekend follow-
A: No. Hunters must claim any Adults accompanying youth hunt-
ers are not required to possess a hunt-
ing Christmas, resident and nonresi-
dent youth 15 years of age and younger,
deer they take as their own. They
ing license or deer permit if the adult is who are accompanied by an adult, are
must use their own license/permit
and harvest log, and telecheck the not deer hunting, but by law, the hunter eligible to participate in the free youth
deer using their own Social Secu- and the accompanying adults must wear weekend. Youth hunters may hunt deer
rity number. hunter orange clothing. with firearms, or any other legal meth-
od, statewide without a hunting license
YOUTH-ONLY GUN SEASON/ FREE or deer permit. All bag limits, zone re-
YOUTH DEER HUNTING WEEKEND strictions and deer hunting require-
The first special youth deer season ments apply during the special youth
is on the second weekend of October. deer seasons.
12
 DEER HUNTING
KENTUCKY’S
TROPHY
BUCKS
175 6/8
Jeff Screws
Estill County
Typical
Modern gun

Photo submitted

BOONE & CROCKETT TROPHY DEER BOONE & CROCKETT TROPHY DEER
2019 SEASON - TYPICAL 2019 SEASON - NON-TYPICAL
SCORE Hunter County Method SCORE Hunter County Method
175 6/8 Jeff Screws Estill Modern Gun 274 5/8 Jonathan Davenport Christian Found
173 1/8 Matthew Belcher Boyle Modern Gun 216 5/8 Steven L. Harrison Trigg Modern Gun
172 5/8 Mark Belcher Logan Crossbow 215 3/8 John Doan Allen Crossbow
172 2/8 Alexander Hines Grayson Modern Gun 215 1/8 Spencer Loftus Christian Archery
172 2/8 Marvin Miller Todd Found 213 4/8 Jimmy Tapp Webster Crossbow
171 0/8 John Higdon Graves Crossbow 206 3/8 Keith Miller Hardin Modern Gun
170 7/8 Ryan Coates Grayson Modern Gun 197 7/8 Jaccob Dillon Boone Shelby Archery
170 2/8 Chris Rogers Estill Crossbow 196 5/8 Jason Terry Ohio Archery
170 0/8 Todd Lawhorn Casey Modern Gun 194 5/8 Bradley VanderEspt Oldham Archery
167 6/8 Joe McCoy Pendleton Archery 192 5/8 Hunter Young Grayson Modern Gun
166 3/8 Tony Shoemake Logan Modern Gun 192 4/8 Turner Curtis Madison Archery
165 3/8 Lyndsey Fannin Elliott Modern Gun 188 3/8 Jim Brewton Ohio Modern Gun
165 1/8 David Blythe Hancock Modern Gun 187 6/8 Todd Haley Butler Modern Gun
164 2/8 Phillip Irwin Clinton Modern Gun 187 5/8 Chris Hargett Bracken Crossbow
161 0/8 Ryleigh Campbell Warren Crossbow 185 2/8 Kenny Yates Logan Crossbow
160 6/8 William Evans Woodford Modern Gun This list includes deer scored and reported to Kentucky Fish and
160 5/8 William Jameson Grayson Archery Wildlife. It is possible that unreported bucks taken last year in
160 2/8 Daniel Groeschen Butler Modern Gun Kentucky may have scored 160 typical or 185 non-typical or
higher.
HOW TO GET ON NEXT YEAR’S TROPHY LIST
To be eligible for next year’s trophy list a hunter must take a white-tailed deer in Kentucky this season that officially net
scores 160 or higher typical, or net scores 185 or higher non-typical, as determined by the Boone and Crockett scoring system.
No later than May 1, send the completed and signed score sheet with a photo to Kentucky Hunting & Trapping Guide, #1
Sportsman’s Lane, Frankfort, KY 40601. Include the county in which the deer was taken, and the equipment used to harvest the
deer. Please send a copy as score sheets and photos will not be returned. Emailed submissions to info.center@ky.gov also will be
accepted. To get a list of official Boone and Crockett Club scorers in Kentucky visit: www.boone-crockett.org.
13
 BEAR HUNTING
BEAR HUNTING

SEASON DATES and RESTRICTIONS

McCreary Wayne Harlan Letcher West East
BEAR Zone Zone
Bell Zone
Zone Zone Zone 2 Zone 2
Zone 3

Chase-Only* Closed June 1 - Aug. 31 and Sept. 9-30, 2020

Quota Hunt with Dogs** Closed Oct. 19 - Nov. 1, 2020
Archery/Crossbow Oct. 24-30, 2020 Closed
Modern Gun Dec. 12-18, 2020
*Bear chase only is not permitted on WMAs until the third Saturday in August (Aug. 15, 2020).
**Any legal equipment may be used during the Quota Hunt with Dogs.
Note: Chase-Only season continues after quota is met.

BEAR HARVEST McCreary Wayne Harlan Letcher West East

Bell Zone Zone 3
QUOTAS Zone Zone Zone Zone Zone 2 Zone 2
Quota Hunt with Dogs Closed 2 females 1 female 2 females 2 females 1 female 2 females 1 female
Archery/Crossbow 1 female 2 females 2 females 2 females 2 females 1 female 2 females Closed
Modern Gun 1 female 2 females 2 females 2 females 2 females 2 females 3 females 2 females
No quota limit on male bears, but once the female quota is met in a zone, the season closes in that zone.

CHASE-ONLY SEASON WITH DOGS

Unless license exempt, participants LEGAL BEAR HUNTING EQUIPMENT
must purchase a bear chase permit or
youth bear chase permit and an annual • A modern rifle of .270 caliber or • Firearms may not be fully auto-
hunting license. larger, with a magazine capable of matic (capable of firing more than
In any bear zone, a dog can be used holding no more than 10 rounds one round with one trigger pull)
to chase a bear on public hunting ar- • A muzzle-loading rifle of .50 • Full metal jacketed or tracer bul-
eas or on private land with permission caliber or larger let ammunition is prohibited
of the landowner, but chase-only and • A muzzle-loading or breech- • Archery and crossbow equipment
quota hunt with dogs seasons are closed loading shotgun no larger than that is legal for deer hunting
in McCreary County, the Daniel Boone 10-gauge, and no smaller than • A person shall only harvest a bear
National Forest, Miller-Welch Cen- 20-gauge, firing a single projectile using a legal weapon with the
tral Kentucky WMA, Beaver Creek (slug, round ball, conical bullet or assistance of unleashed dogs that
WMA, Cane Creek WMA, Mill Creek saboted bullet) only are actively pursuing, chasing,
WMA, Pioneer Weapons WMA and • A handgun loaded with centerfire baying or treeing a bear prior
Redbird WMA. cartridges with a case length of to harvest. Dogs must be on the
Bears can be chased during legal 1.285 inches or larger, firing department-approved breed list
daylight hours only. Hunters cannot bullets of .270 caliber or larger for bear season. Find the list
chase bears from a baited area while bait designed to expand upon impact online at fw.ky.gov.
is present or for 30 days after the bait
has been removed.
The bear quota hunt with dogs sea- must purchase and possess proof of the of the animal and receive a tag issued
son also is open as a chase-only season for appropriate valid bear permit(s) in addi- by Kentucky Fish and Wildlife. Bears
any person with a valid bear chase permit, tion to an annual hunting license. physically checked during any hunt-
even if the quota for the bear quota hunt Hunters who harvest a bear during ing season must include a carcass or an
with dogs season has been met. any bear hunting season must telecheck intact hide that contains the skull and
it by 8 p.m. Eastern time, and also call proof of sex (i.e. intact hide or genitalia
HUNTING SEASONS 1-800-858-1549 within 24 hours of attached to removed hide).
Unless license exempt, hunters harvest to arrange for a physical check Hunters must call 1-800-858-1549
14
BEAR HUNTING ZONES

BEAR HUNTING
Zone 3
East Zone 2
West Zone 2 Greenup
Lewis
Wayne Zone
McCreary Zone Fleming Boyd
Carter
Bell Zone
Harlan Zone Rowan
Bath Elliott
Letcher Zone

M
on
Lawrence

tg
Public Land

om
Clark Menifee

er
Bear Reserves Morgan

y
(closed to bear hunting) Johnson Martin
Powell
Madison Wolfe
Magoffin
Estill
Ga

Lee
rr

Floyd
ar

Breathitt Pike
d

Lincoln Jackson Owsley

Knott
Rockcastle
Casey Perry

Clay
Pulaski Letcher
Laurel Leslie
Adair
ell
ss
Ru

Knox
Harlan
Cumberland Wayne
Whitley Bell
Clinton McCreary

after 9 p.m. (Eastern) on each day of a • Bear hunting and bear chase is pro- • Dogs may not be used to hunt bears
bear hunting season to check if the quo- hibited in the following areas within during the archery/crossbow or mod-
ta for that season has been reached. If the bear zone: Big South Fork Na- ern gun seasons, but leashed tracking
the quota has not been reached, the sea- tional River and Recreation Area, dogs may be used to recover wounded
son will continue through the next day. Cumberland Gap National Historical bears.
If a harvest quota limit is reached, Park, Kingdom Come State Park, and • Hunters 15 years old and younger
the season will close 30 minutes after the Hensley-Pine Mountain WMA. who use a firearm must be accompa-
sunset that day. • The chase-only and bear quota hunt nied by an adult, who shall remain in
with dogs seasons are closed in Mc- a position to take immediate control
HUNTER RESTRICTIONS Creary County, the Daniel Boone of the youth’s firearm.
• The bag limit is one bear per person National Forest, Miller-Welch Cen-
per license year, regardless of season. tral Kentucky WMA, Beaver Creek HUNTER ORANGE REQUIREMENT
• Hunters and houndsmen may not dis- WMA, Cane Creek WMA, Mill Bear hunters and those who accom-
turb or take bears from dens. Creek WMA, Pioneer Weapons pany them, or any other person hunting
WMA and Redbird WMA. on public or private lands in the bear
• Hunters may not take female bears hunting zones during a firearm season
Q: Is it legal to shoot a bear with cubs, or any bear weighing less for bears, must comply with the hunter
that is feeding at a trash can or than 75 pounds. orange clothing law. This requirement
dumpster? • Hunters may not use bait or other also applies to any person chasing bears
substances capable of luring black during the bear quota hunt with dogs
A: No. Garbage is considered bait. bears. season.
15
 TRAPPING
WATERFOWL
MIGRATORY BIRDS and WATERFOWL
HUNTING SEASONS
MIGRATORY BIRDS Season Dates Daily Limit Possession Limit
(WEBLESS)
Sept. 1 - Oct. 26, Nov. 26 - Dec. 6, 2020
Dove 15 45
BIRDS andand

and Dec. 19, 2020 - Jan. 10, 2021

Virginia & Sora Rail Sept. 1 - Nov. 9, 2020 25 singly or combined 75
Woodcock Oct. 24 - Nov. 13 and Nov. 16 - Dec. 9, 2020 3 9
Sept. 16 - Oct. 25, 2020 and
Snipe 8 24
MIGRATORY HUNTING

Nov. 26, 2020 - Jan. 30, 2021

Common & Purple Gallinule Sept. 1 - Nov. 9, 2020 3 singly or combined 9
Sandhill Crane Dec. 7, 2020 - Jan. 31, 2021 2 3
Find the latest information on public dove fields online at fw.ky.gov. Always check before hunting, as fields are subject to
change due to weather conditions or crop failures.
Sandhill Crane permits available only through quota hunt drawing in September at fw.ky.gov.

WATERFOWL Season Dates Daily Limit Possession Limit

6; may include no more 18; may include no more

Early Teal & Wood Duck Sept. 19-23, 2020
than 2 wood ducks than 6 wood ducks
FURBEARER

Teal Only Sept. 24-27, 2020 6 18

September Canada Goose (all zones) Sept. 16-30, 2020 5 15
6; may include no more
than 4 mallards (only 2 of
which may be hens),
3 wood ducks, 2 redheads,
Duck 1 pintail, 2 black ducks, Triple the daily bag limit
Nov. 26-29 and and 2 canvasback.
Dec. 7, 2020 - Jan. 31, 2021 1 scaup Nov. 26-29 and
Dec. 7-17; and 2 scaup
Dec. 18 - Jan. 31.
Coot 15 45
Merganser 5; only 2 may be hooded Triple the daily bag limit
5 combined; 3 Canada
Canada/Cackling Goose,
geese, 2 white-fronted Triple the daily bag limit
White-Fronted Goose & Brant Nov. 26, 2020 - Feb. 15, 2021 geese and 1 brant
Snow Goose (including Ross’ Goose) 20 none
Eastern Zone: Nov. 7-8, 2020
Youth Waterfowl Same as regular season
Western Zone: Feb. 6-7, 2021
Nov. 30 - Dec. 6, 2020 and
Falconry (ducks, coots & mergansers) 3 9
Feb. 1-15, 2021
Falconry (geese) Same as regular season Same as regular season
Snow Goose Conservation Order Feb. 16 - Mar. 31, 2021 none none
Notes: The Northeast Goose Zone now mirrors the rest of the state. The Cave Run Lake refuge area remains closed to goose hunting.
16 See the "Quota Hunts" section in this guide for waterfowl hunting information pertaining to public lands and blind drawings.
DAILY BAG and double daily bag limit in the field. Find information not covered in this

ELK HUNTING
POSSESSION LIMITS printed guide in the hunting guide for
Daily limit refers to the number MORE DETAILS ONLINE dove and early waterfowl, which is post-
of birds which may be taken during a The Kentucky Department of Fish ed online at fw.ky.gov. This page covers
one-day period. Possession limit applies and Wildlife Resources has migrated basic information.
to transporting birds after two or more much of its waterfowl and migratory
days of hunting but does not permit a bird hunting information to its website.

SHOOTING HOURS (MIGRATORY BIRDS) SHOOTING HOURS (WATERFOWL)

Sept. 1 only: 11 a.m. to sunset. Remainder of One-half hour before sunrise

Dove, private land Regular
dove season: one-half hour before sunrise to sunset to sunset
Sept. 1 - Oct. 26: 11 a.m. to sunset. Second exceptions
Dove, public land
and third segments of dove season: one-half hour
(WMAs, leased fields) Snow Goose
before sunrise to sunset One-half hour before sunrise
Conservation
Sandhill crane Sunrise to sunset (quota hunt only) to one-half hour after sunset
Order
All other species One-half hour before sunrise to sunset One half-hour before sunrise
Wildlife to sunset, unless otherwise
Note: Dove and waterfowl hunters must complete the HIP migratory bird Management noted in the Waterfowl Hunt-
harvest survey before hunting each year. Visit fw.ky.gov (see “My Profile”) Areas ing Guide, available in fall
for details. online at fw.ky.gov.

ELK HUNTING
DATES, RESTRICTIONS and HOW TO APPLY
QUOTA ELK Bull (antlered) Cow (antlerless)
Week 1: Sept. 26-30, 2020 Week 1: Nov. 28 - Dec. 2, 2020
Firearms
Week 2: Oct. 3-7, 2020 Week 2: Dec. 26-30, 2020
Archery / Crossbow (either sex) Sept. 12-25 and Dec. 5-11, 2020

Youth-only Quota (either sex) All seasons as noted above

Note: Hunters must follow deer season regulations and use only the legal elk hunting equipment described on this page to take
elk from any county not included in the 16-county elk zone (out-of-zone), and must have an Out-of-Zone Elk Permit.

HOW THE QUOTA HUNTS WORK day, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.) for assistance. •  Applicants for the youth-only hunt
•  Applications go on sale January 1 for •  Residents and nonresidents are eligi- may also purchase elk applications for
the upcoming season’s Kentucky elk ble to apply for each of the three per- the regular elk quota hunts. A youth
quota hunts. Hunters must buy their mit types (bull firearm, cow firearm or may not be drawn for the youth-only
elk quota hunt applications before either sex archery/crossbow) but can quota hunt and the regular quota hunt
midnight Eastern time on April 30. only be drawn for one. for elk in the same year, and if drawn
•  Elk quota hunt applications can be •  Each application costs $10. Only indi- for the youth-only hunt, will be per-
purchased online at fw.ky.gov or any- viduals may purchase elk applications, manently blocked from applying for
where licenses are sold. A person who not a party of hunters together. the youth-only hunt again.
does not have access to the depart- •  Hunters 15 years of age and younger •  A random computer drawing is held
ment’s website to apply for any quota may apply for a youth-only quota hunt in May to select the drawn hunters.
hunt may contact the department toll during the same application period as Applicants may check to see if they
free at 1-800-858-1549 (Monday-Fri- for the regular elk quota hunt drawing. were drawn on fw.ky.gov.
17
ELK HUNTING LEGAL ELK HUNTING EQUIPMENT
• A modern rifle of .270 caliber or cartridges with a case length of bow) loaded with a fixed blade or
larger with a magazine capable of 1.285 inches or larger, firing bullets mechanical broadheads at least
holding no more than 10 rounds of .270 caliber or larger designed to 7/8” wide (when blades extended),
• A muzzle-loading rifle of .50 cali- expand upon impact but broadheads may not be chemi-
ber or larger • Firearms may not be fully-automatic cally treated. Crossbows must
• A muzzle-loading or breech- (capable of firing more than one have a working safety.
loading shotgun no smaller than round with one trigger pull) • Note: Hunters may use archery or
20-gauge, firing a single projectile • Full metal jacketed or tracer bullet crossbows during the bull or cow
(slug, round ball, conical bullet or ammunition is prohibited firearms hunts.
saboted bullet) only • Crossbows or archery equipment
• A handgun loaded with centerfire (long bows, recurves or compound

•  It is the hunter’s responsibility to find on public or private lands within the Once an elk is harvested, a hunter
a place to hunt in the unit they are elk zone. However, it is legal to hunt elk may remove the head of the animal to
assigned to hunt. Hunters must get over bait outside the elk zone. facilitate its removal from the field prior
landowner permission to hunt on pri- to the elk being telechecked. It is still
vate land. CALLING necessary to fill out the harvest log im-
•  There is no limit to the number of as- A person shall not mimic the sound mediately after harvest and telecheck the
sistants an elk hunter may take into of an elk on public land open to elk animal before midnight on the day the
the field, but only the permit holder is hunting from Sept. 1 until the opening elk is harvested or recovered. If the hide
allowed to hunt. of the elk archery/crossbow season. or head of the elk is removed in the field
•  Fishtrap Lake WMA in Pike County – to quarter the animal, for example – it
and Paul Van Booven WMA in Brea- SHOOTING HOURS is now necessary to demonstrate proof of
thitt County are designated as a viewing Elk may only be hunted during sex by retaining the head or keeping the
areas and are off limits to elk hunting. daylight hours, from 30 minutes before genitalia attached to the carcass.
•  Quota elk permits must be pur- sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. A carcass tag is required if a har-
chased from the department’s website vested elk leaves the hunter’s possession
(fw.ky.gov) or through any license BAG LIMIT/HUNTER ORANGE for any reason.
vendor prior to hunting. The season bag limit on elk is one
•  Unless license exempt, hunters drawn per hunter per season, regardless of per- VOUCHER COOPERATOR ELK
for a quota elk permit are required to mit type. Hunters may not take an elk PERMIT PROGRAM
buy an elk quota hunt permit in addi- during a quota elk hunt and also take an An access program by the Kentucky
tion to an annual hunting license. elk out-of-zone during the same season. Department of Fish and Wildlife Re-
•  Hunters awarded an elk permit will be Elk hunters and those who accompany sources has created additional elk hunt-
blocked from reapplying for three years. them, or any other person hunting pub- ing opportunity for drawn elk hunters.
• Up to three drawn hunters may apply lic or private lands in the elk zone during The Voucher Cooperator Elk Per-
for their unit choices as a party. Those firearm elk seasons, must comply with mit Program links people who own or
applying for a regulated area must do the hunter orange clothing law. lease elk hunting land with hunters who
so individually, not as a party. have drawn an elk tag. Hunter access is
ELK HUNTING OUTSIDE accomplished by offering landowners/
QUOTA HUNTS WITHIN THE ELK ZONE lessees an elk tag when they accumulate
THE ELK ZONE Elk may be taken from any county 10 points (harvested bull = 1 point, har-
The elk zone includes the following outside the zone by hunters who possess vested cow = 1 point). Interested land-
16 counties: Bell, Breathitt, Clay, Floyd, an annual Kentucky hunting license and owners and lessees may contact Kentucky
Harlan, Johnson, Knott, Knox, Leslie, an Out-of-Zone Elk Permit. These hunt- Fish and Wildlife at 1-800-858-1549 to
Letcher, Magoffin, Martin, McCreary, ers must follow deer season regulations learn more about the Voucher Coopera-
Perry, Pike and Whitley. Inside this and use only the legal elk hunting equip- tor Elk Permit Program.
4.1 million-acre zone, elk may only be ment outlined above, but are not required
taken by hunters drawn for a quota hunt to possess a Statewide Deer Permit. ELK RESTORATION PERMIT
as previously described. All elk hunters Landowners or lessees who allow
must display a department-issued hang CHECKING and TAGGING Kentucky Fish and Wildlife to capture
tag in their vehicles while hunting. All elk must be telechecked. Hunt- elk on their property for restoration and
ers must call 1-800-245-4263 and re- restocking purposes are eligible to earn
BAITING port the harvest. See the “General Infor- an Elk Restoration Permit (ERP).

18 Elk may not be hunted over bait mation” section for details. The landowner or lessee accrues
one point for each captured elk. Upon ERP recipient must provide the hunter’s The post-season survey will be accessible

ELK HUNTING
accruing 10 total points, the landowner name, address, phone number and Social to elk hunters through the “My Profile”
or lessee will receive one either-sex elk Security number. feature on the department’s website.
permit from the department that must Any elk hunter who fails to complete
be used the following hunting season. POST-SEASON ELK HUNTING and submit the post-season survey will
The ERP can be used only on property SURVEY be ineligible to apply for any quota hunt
the recipient owns or leases. The recipi- All elk hunters must complete and or no-hunt option the following year.
ent can transfer the permit to any per- submit a post-season elk hunting survey
son eligible to hunt in Kentucky. The no later than the last day of February.

WHERE TO HUNT ELK

6
Johnson
Martin
Magoffin
MTN. PKW
Y
Floyd
7
.
23
Breathitt
80 .
119

4
Pike
Paul Van

7
Booven
WMA
ELK ZONE 7
Fishtrap
80
Elk Zone Counties Perry Lake WMA
Knott

5
Elk Hunting Units Y
PKW 15
Public Hunting Areas Clay G ERS 317
RO
.
7
119
Elk Regulated Areas Letcher
Leslie 699

3
Viewing Areas (No elk hunting) 66
463
160
Knox Maps online

2
2011 221 Harlan

1
NO HUNTING
g75

Whitley
Bell .
421 See statewide harvest maps,
hunting zones, current elk
hunting areas and more at
fw.ky.gov. Click the “Maps”
McCreary Appalachian tab and choose “Game Maps.”
Wildlife Center

KENTUCKY’S TROPHY BULLS

* Non-typical
SCORE Hunter County Method Season
This list includes the 10 largest bull
*416 5/8 Lisa Parsley Martin Found 2016 elk scored and reported to Kentucky
*392 0/8 Sam Billiter Pike Modern Gun 2016 Fish and Wildlife. The department is
compiling a list of the top 100 elk taken
*377 5/8 David Giles Knott Modern Gun 2015
in Kentucky. Please send copies of of-
*373 4/8 Anthony Brown Letcher Archery 2015 ficial (signed) score sheets to: Kentucky
*372 6/8 Terrell Royalty Knott Modern Gun 2009 Trophy Elk List, KDFWR, 1 Sportsman’s
Lane, Frankfort, Ky 40601. Emailed
371 0/8 Greg Neff Bell Modern Gun 2007
submissions to info.center@ky.gov also
* 369 5/8 Bryan Barton Bell Modern Gun 2016 will be accepted.
368 4/8 Jeff Cornett Pike Modern Gun 2017
368 4/8 Bill Krider Knott Modern Gun 2015
*367 7/8 Kelvin Jackson Harlan Modern Gun 2008
19
FALL TURKEY HUNTING
FALL TURKEY HUNTING
SEASON DATES and RESTRICTIONS
Shotgun Archery Crossbow
FALL TURKEY Oct. 24-30 and
Sept. 5, 2020 - Jan. 18, 2021
Oct. 1-18 and
Dec. 5-11, 2020 Nov. 14 - Dec. 31, 2020

BAG LIMITS archery, crossbow and shotgun turkey OTHER RESTRICTIONS

•  Four birds total, no more than two (2) seasons and allows a hunter to harvest Turkey hunters may not use firearms
of which may be taken with a shotgun. up to the fall season bag limit of turkeys. to take turkeys during archery or cross-
• No more than one (1) bird may have Youth hunters: Youths younger bow-only seasons. On some WMAs,
a beard length of three (3) inches or than 12 are exempt from license and special equipment restrictions may apply.
longer. turkey permit requirements. Youths ages
•  No more than one (1) bird may be 12-15 are eligible to purchase a youth YOUTH SUPERVISION
taken per day. turkey permit, which is valid during Firearm turkey hunters 15 years old
any turkey season for one turkey. Youth and younger must be accompanied by
PERMIT REQUIREMENTS hunters must abide by season bag lim- an adult, who shall remain in a position
Adult hunters: Unless exempt, all its and harvest restrictions but can use to take immediate control of the youth’s
fall turkey hunters ages 16 and older the youth permit throughout the license firearm at all times.
must carry with them in the field proof year. The youth sportsman’s license in-
of purchase of a valid Kentucky hunt- cludes two (2) youth turkey permits. HARVEST RECORDING and
ing license and a valid fall turkey per- Anyone may call turkeys, or assist in TAGGING REQUIREMENTS
mit. Short-term (1- or 7-day) hunting the hunt. Callers and assistants are not The process and requirements for re-
licenses are not valid for turkey hunting. required to possess a hunting license or cording, checking and tagging harvested
The fall turkey permit is valid for the fall turkey permit, and may carry equipment turkeys are the same as for deer and elk.
while in the field. See the “Recording, Checking, Tagging

LEGAL FALL TURKEY

HUNTING EQUIPMENT ATTENTION TURKEY HUNTERS!
• Breech-loading or muzzle-
loading shotguns no larger than
10 gauge and no smaller than
.410.
• Breech-loading shotguns must
be plugged to hold a maximum
of three shells (two in magazine
and one in chamber)
• Lead or non-toxic shot no
larger than No. 4
• Longbows, recurve bows and
compound bows of any draw
weight (no minimum). You can help the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources’ efforts
• Crossbows of any draw weight to manage the wild turkey resource by participating in the Summer Brood
(no minimum) with a working Survey. In July and August, record all observations of turkeys, including
safety device. broods (hens and poults) and gobblers.
• Non-barbed broadheads with a
minimum cutting diameter of Visit the department’s website at fw.ky.gov for more details about this survey,
which will help Kentucky Fish and Wildlife better track trends in turkey popu-
7/8-inch, whether expandable
lations. Enter “Fall Turkey Hunting” in the search box on the department’s
or non-expandable.
homepage. Only summarized results will be reported.
20
and Transporting” guidelines in the “Gen- reasons, domestic or pen-raised turkeys have been placed. An area is considered

FALL TURKEY HUNTING

eral Information” section of this guide. should not be released into the wild. baited until 30 days after the bait has
been removed. An area where grain, feed
POSSESSION/RELEASE HUNTING TURKEYS or other substances exists as the result
OF LIVE TURKEYS OVER BAIT IS ILLEGAL of a bona fide agricultural practice or
Because of potential disease prob- It is illegal to hunt turkeys over manipulation of a crop (food plot) for
lems and genetic pollution, it is illegal to bait – an area where feed, grains or other wildlife management purposes is legal
possess live wild turkeys. For the same substances capable of luring wild turkeys for turkey hunting.

FURBEARER HUNTING and TRAPPING

SEASON DATES and RESTRICTIONS
FURBEARERS Hunting Trapping
Raccoon & Opossum Oct. 1, 2020 - Feb. 28, 2021, day* or night (exceptions apply)
Coyote Year-round, day or night (exceptions apply) One-half hour
before sunrise on
Bobcat One-half hour before sunrise Nov. 28, 2020 - Feb. 28, 2021 Nov. 16, 2020 -
River Otter, Muskrat, Mink, Beaver, Red Feb. 28, 2021
One-half hour before sunrise Nov. 16, 2020 - Feb. 28, 2021
Fox, Gray Fox, Weasel & Striped Skunk
Free Youth Hunting & Trapping Week Dec. 26, 2020 - Jan. 1, 2021
*See exception in Special Hunting Restrictions
FURBEARER BAG LIMITS
Raccoon & SPECIAL HUNTING RESTRICTIONS on March 1 through September 30: a
No limit (Daylight hours are defined as 30 firearm, a slingshot, tree climber or any
Opossum
minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes device to kill, injure, or force a raccoon or
Coyote No limit after sunset.) opossum from a tree or den.
5; no more than 3 During modern gun deer season, rac- Coyotes may be hunted year-round,
Bobcat of which shall be coon and opossum hunters may not hunt day or night, with no bag limit. However,
taken with a gun during daylight hours. Night hunting on they can only be hunted using lights or
Friday, Nov. 13, 2020 shall conclude by 30 night vision equipment from Dec. 1 –
10; only 6 of
minutes before sunrise on Saturday, Nov. May 31. A night hunter may use a rifle
which can be
River Otter 14, 2020, which is when shooting hours of 6.5 mm or smaller on private land
taken from Otter
open for modern gun deer season. from Dec. 1 – March 31. Shot-
Zone 2
A hunter shall not use a light from guns using a multiple projectile
Muskrat, Mink, a boat to take raccoon or opossum. load (slugs are prohibited)
Ca
Boo

Kento
mp

Beaver, Red Fox,

ne

be

A person shall not use the

ll
n

No limit llat
in Br
Gray Fox, Weasel ac
Pe

following while chasing rac- Ga ke

nd

l
Carrol Grant n
Tr

let

& Striped Skunk

im

on

Mason
coon or opossum from noon
bl

Robertson Lewis Greenup

e

Owen
Henry Harrison
Oldham Ni Fleming
ch Boyd
ola Carter
s
k lin Scott
Shelby an Bourbon Rowan
Jefferson Fr Bath Elliott
Woo

Lawrence
on

Spencer so n Fayette
tg

M
der
dford

om

ea Bullitt Clark
An Menifee Morgan
Jes

de
er
Han

RIVER OTTER ZONES

y
sam

Johnson
on Powell M Martin
gt
coc

Henderson Nelson Mercer

ine

Breckinridge hin Wolfe ag

as Madison of
k

Zone 1: shaded counties Union

Daviess Hardin W Estill fin
Ga

Boyle Lee
rr

Floyd
Zone 2: all other counties Webster
ar

McLean LaRue Marion Breathitt

d

Pike
Ohio Grayson Lincoln
Crittenden Jackson Owsley
Taylor Rockcastle Knott
Casey Perry
Liv

Hopkins Mu Hart
hle Butler Green
in

nbe Edmonson
gst

Mc Caldwell rg Clay Letcher

on

Ballard Cra M Adair Pulaski Laurel Leslie

cke et
n Lyon ca
Warren Barren Russell
Christian lfe
Carlisle Marshall Todd Logan Knox
Cumberland Harlan
Trigg Wayne
Hickman Graves Whitley
Cl

Simpson Allen Monroe Bell

in

McCreary
to

Calloway

21
n

Fulton
FURBEARER HUNTING and TRAPPING LEGAL METHODS LEGAL METHODS and EQUIPMENT FOR TRAPPING FURBEARERS
and EQUIPMENT FOR
HUNTING FURBEARERS Trappers may use lights from boats spread of 7½ inches measured
or vehicles to check traps. parallel with the trigger
(see Special Hunting Restrictions Traps may not be placed in trails • On wildlife management and out-
section for exceptions) or paths commonly used by people door recreation areas, a body-
or domestic animals. gripping trap with a maximum in-
• Centerfire or rimfire gun
There are no restrictions on the side jaw spread of 5¼ inches
• Muzzle-loading rifle or handgun
size or type of trap used as a water • Snare. A snare means a wire, cable,
• Muzzle-loading or breech-
set, except that any body-gripping or string with a knot, loop, or a sin-
loading shotguns no larger
trap greater than 20 inches wide gle piece closing device, the deploy-
than 10 gauge. Breech-loading
must be placed so the trap is com- ment of which is or is not spring-
shotguns must be plugged to
pletely submerged under water. A assisted, but any spring-assisted
hold a maximum of three shells
water set is a trap placed in the wa- device is not for the purpose of ap-
(two in magazine and one in
ter of a river, stream, pond, lake, plying tension to the closing device
chamber). There is no limit on
wetland or other body of water so
shot size. Shotguns must be
that a portion of the trap body is On wildlife management and out-
shoulder fired
underwater. door recreation areas, dry land sets
• Shot shells with a single pro-
The following equipment is per- may not be placed closer than 10
jectile may only be used during
mitted for dry land sets. A dry land feet apart.
daylight hours
set is a trap placed so that no por- On private land, dry land sets
• Bow and arrow or crossbow
tion of the trap touches the water of may not be placed closer than 10
• Air guns with pellets that are
a river, stream, pond, lake, wetland feet apart unless the person trap-
at least .22 caliber in size
or other water course. ping has written permission from
• Hand or mouth operated calls,
• Deadfall the landowner or the landowner’s
electronic calls, or attracting
• Wire cage or box trap designee, except there shall not be
devices
• Foothold traps with a maximum more than three traps placed within
• Falconry
inside jaw spread of 6 inches mea- any 10-foot spacing. The trap spac-
sured perpendicular to the hinges ing requirement does not apply to
may be used to hunt coyotes after day- • On private land, a body-gripping wire cage or box traps or on proper-
light hours from Dec. 1 – May 31 on pub- trap with a maximum inside jaw ties of 5 acres of less.
lic or private land. A night hunter shall
not use any firearm other than a shotgun
on public land. Lights or other night vi- wildlife on all WMAs, Big South Fork • All traps must be visited at least once
sion equipment meant to make coyotes National River and Recreation Area, every twenty-four (24) hours and all
visible at night cannot be connected to or Daniel Boone National Forest, Jeffer- animals removed.
cast from a mechanized vehicle. son National Forest, Land Between The • Coyotes can only be trapped during
Night hunting shall not be allowed Lakes and state parks open to hunting. furbearer trapping seasons.
in a county or area where a deer or elk • Trappers must harvest furbearers upon
firearm or muzzleloader season is open. SPECIAL TRAPPING capture, unless they possess a captive
Night hunting for coyotes is pro- RESTRICTIONS wildlife permit from Kentucky Fish
hibited on Kentucky lands managed by • All traps must bear a metal tag giv- and Wildlife.
Big South Fork National River and Rec- ing either the name and address of • Spotted skunks are protected year
reation Area, Daniel Boone National the trapper, or a wildlife identifica- round and may not be taken or pos-
Forest, George Washington and Jeffer- tion number for trap tags issued sessed. Report incidental trappings to
son National Forests, Land Between The by the department as well as the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife.
Lakes National Recreation Area, Clarks 1-800-25-ALERT phone number. • It is illegal to intentionally obstruct or
River National Wildlife Refuge and • Any trap found without a tag can be disrupt the right of a person to law-
Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge, in- immediately confiscated by the de- fully take wildlife by trapping.
cluding Beaver Creek, Cane Creek, Mill partment without a court order.
Creek, Pioneer Weapons and Redbird TELECHECK and CITES TAGGING
wildlife management areas (WMAs). Harvested bobcats and otters must
Hand or mouth-operated calls and be telechecked by calling 1-800-245-
electronic calls that imitate wounded 4263 by midnight on the day the ani-
prey or coyote calls are legal. It is legal mal is recovered, before processing the
to hunt coyotes over animal carcasses. carcass and before transporting the
Animal carcasses are considered bait. raw fur, pelt or unskinned carcass out
A hunter shall not place or distribute of Kentucky. A hunter or trapper who
wants to have a bobcat or otter mounted
22 bait or otherwise participate in baiting Sample trap tags
shall provide his or her name, telephone Possession of an unused bobcat or FREE YOUTH WEEK

FURBEARER HUNTING and TRAPPING

number and telecheck confirmation otter CITES tag is prohibited. Resident and nonresident youth
number to the taxidermist. Taxidermists A person who transfers, but does hunters and trappers ages 15 and young-
cannot legally accept an unchecked otter not sell, a river otter or bobcat to anoth- er may hunt and trap applicable game
or bobcat for mounting. er person or taxidermist, is not required and furbearers, and hunt migratory birds
A Convention on International to request a CITES tag. But, this per- in season without a hunting or trapping
Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) son must attach a handmade carcass tag license for seven consecutive days start-
tag, issued by Kentucky Fish and Wild- to the animal that contains the telech- ing the Saturday after Christmas.
life, must be attached to the raw fur of eck confirmation number and the hunt- Please refer to the hunter orange
any bobcat or river otter taken in Ken- er or trapper’s name and phone number. clothing law section for guidelines.
tucky if the hunter or trapper intends to Youth hunters must comply with all
sell or export internationally. BUYING and SELLING HIDES equipment regulations and bag limits for
To complete and submit a CITES There is no time restriction on the furbearers when hunting or trapping. Hunt-
tag request form online, access the “My holding of raw furs of furbearers by a er education is not required for license-ex-
Profile” feature on Kentucky Fish and trapper or hunter after the close of fur- empt hunters. Adults accompanying youth
Wildlife’s website at fw.ky.gov. Those bearer season. Raw furs may be sold only hunters/trappers during the free youth
without internet access may call the de- to licensed taxidermists, licensed fur hunting and trapping week do not need a
partment at 1-800-858-1549 on week- buyers or licensed fur processors. license if they are not hunting/trapping.
days from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Eastern
time) and provide the animal’s telecheck
confirmation number. FURBEARER HUNTERS AND TRAPPERS:
A CITES tag must be attached to WE NEED YOUR HELP!
the raw fur, pelt or unskinned carcass of Kentucky Fish & Wildlife is collecting lower
any bobcat or river otter taken in Ken- canines from harvested bobcats and river ot-
tucky upon receipt of the tag from Ken- ters for a population study. Please contact the
tucky Fish and Wildlife per the instruc- department at 1-800-858-1549 to request a
tions provided by the department and sample packet and instructions. Thank you for
remain attached until it is processed or your contribution to furbearer management.
exported outside the United States.

SMALL GAME HUNTING and TRAPPING

SEASON DATES and RESTRICTIONS
SMALL GAME Hunting Trapping
Aug. 15 - Nov. 13 and One-half hour before sunrise
Squirrel
Nov. 16, 2020 - Feb. 28, 2021 Nov. 16, 2020 - Feb. 28, 2021
One-half hour before sunrise on
Eastern Zone Nov. 1-13 and Nov. 16, 2020 - Jan. 31, 2021
Nov. 16, 2020 - Jan. 31, 2021
Rabbit
One-half hour before sunrise on
Western Zone Nov. 16, 2020 - Feb. 10, 2021
Nov. 16, 2020 - Feb. 10, 2021
Eastern Zone Nov. 1-13 and Nov. 16, 2020 - Jan. 31, 2021
Quail
Western Zone Nov. 16, 2020 - Feb. 10, 2021
No trapping
Grouse* Nov. 1-13 and Nov. 16, 2020 - Feb. 28, 2021
Falconry Sept. 1, 2020 - March 30, 2021
Free Youth Hunting & Trapping Week Dec. 26, 2020 - Jan. 1, 2021
* In Grouse Hunting Zone only. Information about grouse hunting on public areas is available online at fw.ky.gov.

SMALL GAME northern bobwhite (quail) and grouse. be trapped. Hunting bag limits apply.
The following animals are con- Only rabbits and squirrels may Trapping equipment and restrictions
sidered small game: squirrels, rabbits, be trapped. Quail and grouse may not are the same as those listed in the fur-
23
SMALL GAME HUNTING and TRAPPING RABBIT and QUAIL ZONES LEGAL SMALL GAME

H an
Western Zone = shaded counties. HUNTING EQUIPMENT and

c oc
Henderson
Eastern Zone = all other counties. METHODS

k
Daviess
Union
Rabbit trapping permitted Webster McLean Hunters may only use the follow-
only when rabbit hunting Ohio
ing to take small game during the
Crittenden
season is open in fall and winter seasons:

Liv
Hopkins Mu
each zone. hle Butler

ing
nbe
rg

sto
Mc Caldwell
Cra • A rimfire gun or rimfire handgun

n
Ballard cke
n Lyon
Warren • .410 gauge handgun
Christian
Carlisle Marshall Todd Logan • Muzzle-loading or breech-
Trigg
Hickman Graves Simpson Allen loading shotguns no larger than
Fulton
Calloway 10-gauge. Breech-loading shot-
guns must be plugged to hold a
maximum of three shells (two in
magazine and one in chamber)
Grouse hunting is also allowed GROUSE HUNTING ZONE • Lead or non-toxic shot no larger
on Pennyrile State Forest, Shaded counties only. than No. 2
Tradewater WMA and Ft. • Muzzle-loading rifles
Ca
mp

Knox during the month of • Archery or crossbow equipment

be
ll

December, except Br
ac • Pellets fired from .177, .20, .22
Pe

during quota ke
ndl

n
or .25 caliber air guns
et

deer hunts.
on

Mason
Greenup
Harrison
Robertson Lewis
• Falconry
Ni
ch
ola
Fleming
Carter
Boyd • Slingshots with manufactured
s
Rowan hunting ammunition
Bath Elliott
• Dogs may be used to aid in the
M

Lawrence
on
tg

hunt
om

Clark Menifee Morgan

er
y

Johnson
Powell M Martin
Wolfe ag
Madison Estill of
fin
Ga

Lee
rr

Floyd
ar

Breathitt
d

Lincoln Jackson Owsley

Pike
urday after Christmas.
Knott
Rockcastle Perry Hunter orange clothing must be
Clay Letcher
worn by all hunters Dec. 28-29, 2019
Laurel
Adair
Russell
Pulaski Leslie
since youth hunters are also permitted
Knox to hunt deer with firearms at that time.
Harlan
Cumberland
Wayne Whitley Youth hunters must comply with all
Cl

Bell
equipment regulations and bag limits for
in

McCreary
to
n

small game when hunting or trapping.

Hunter education is not required for
managed by Kentucky Fish and Wildlife license-exempt hunters. Adults accom-
Q: Do I have to telecheck my may be different from statewide seasons.
Individual area listings are available on-
panying youth hunters/trappers during
the free youth hunting and trapping
small game?
line at fw.ky.gov. week do not need a license if they are
A: No. However, you can help BAG LIMITS
not hunting/trapping.
Kentucky Fish and Wildlife by
filling out the hunter cooperator • Squirrel: Daily limit is 6; possession FALCONRY SEASON
surveys for small game. Click limit is 12. The limit for this hunting method
the “Hunt” tab on fw.ky.gov and • Rabbit: Daily limit is 4; possession is two (2) of any small game or furbearer
choose “Game Species” from the limit is 8. species per falconer per day, except dur-
dropdown menu. • Quail: Daily limit is 8; possession limit ing the fall and winter hunting season
is 16. when the limits are the same as for
• Grouse: Daily limit is 4; possession other methods. Falconers must possess
bearer section. limit is 8. a falconry permit, which costs $75 and
A trapping license is required for is valid for three years, as well as a valid
anyone 12 years of age and older. FREE YOUTH WEEK Kentucky hunting license, unless license
Trappers must harvest squirrels and Resident and nonresident youth exempt, and obey all applicable state and
rabbits upon capture, unless they possess hunters and trappers ages 15 and young- federal laws.
a captive wildlife permit from Kentucky er may hunt and trap small game with-
Fish and Wildlife. Seasons on WMAs out a hunting or trapping license for
and other public hunting lands not seven consecutive days starting the Sat-
24
 OTHER SPECIES
OTHER SPECIES
SEASON DATES and RESTRICTIONS
OTHER SPECIES Hunting
One-half hour before sunrise Sept. 1 - Nov. 7, 2020
Crow
and Jan. 4 - Feb. 28, 2021, daylight hours only
Bullfrog Noon May 15 - Midnight Oct. 31, 2020
Groundhog Year-round
Turtles* Year-round, day or night
* Alligator snapping turtles may not be harvested.

CROW SEASON A hunting license is required if tur- GROUNDHOGS

A hunting license is required unless tles are taken by gun or bow and arrow. Groundhogs may be hunted state-
the hunter is license exempt. A Migra- Consult the Kentucky Fishing & Boat- wide, year-round, with no bag limit. A
tory Bird/Waterfowl permit or comple- ing Guide for information on other legal hunting license is required unless the
tion of the HIP survey is not required. means of harvest. hunter is license exempt. Shooting hours
Electronic or mechanical calling are 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 min-
devices may be used during the open WILD PIGS utes after sunset.
seasons. Shooting hours are 30 minutes Wild pigs are not considered
before sunrise until sunset. game species in Kentucky. They are BIRDS
There is no daily or possession limit an exotic, invasive species that pose • English sparrows and starlings may be
on crows. serious threats to wildlife, wildlife hunted year-round, with no bag limit,
habitat, natural areas, agriculture and but a hunting license is required, un-
BULLFROG SEASON Kentucky hunting traditions. Hunting less license exempt.
The daily limit (noon to noon) is fails as an eradication tool for wild pigs • Pheasants released during quota hunts
15. The possession limit is 30. If bull- due to their high reproductive rate and are not open to year-round hunting on
frogs are taken by gun or bow and ar- intelligence. Disturbances associated Green River Lake WMA, Yellowbank
row, a hunting license is required. If with human activity, especially hunt- WMA and Clay WMA.
taken by pole and line, a fishing license ing pressure, cause wild pigs to leave • All birds of prey and native songbirds
is required. If frogs are taken by gig or by the area and become nocturnal, limit- are protected under state and federal
hand, either a hunting or fishing license ing other more effective eradication laws and may not be taken.
is valid. methods.
It is illegal to possess a gig on a In an effort to stop the spread of HOOFED STOCK (OTHER THAN
stream or lake, or in a boat, from Nov. 1 wild pigs, Kentucky Department of WHITE-TAILED DEER and ELK)
through Jan. 31. Fish and Wildlife Resources discour- • Exotic, non-native hoofed stock may
ages wild pig hunting and asks the be hunted year-round.
TURTLES public to report sightings and damage. • No license required.
Snapping turtles (except alligator The department, in partnership with • No bag limit or checking requirement.
snapping turtles) and soft shell turtles USDA Wildlife Services, offers free • Fallow deer are not legal to hunt on
may be taken year-round with no bag professional trapping services to any- Land Between The Lakes National
limit but may not be harvested for com- one experiencing damage from wild Recreation Area.
mercial purposes. pigs. Trapping wild pigs is the most
efficient method of eradica- MAMMALS and OTHER WILDLIFE
tion. You can help by report- • The spotted skunk, a rare species found
The “My Profile” feature at ing wild pig sightings, dam- in eastern Kentucky, is protected and
fw.ky.gov provides fast and
age or the illegal possession, may not be taken.
easy access to your Kentucky
Fish and Wildlife records.
sale or release of wild pigs to • All federally threatened or endangered
Scan this symbol with your the department by calling species are protected under state and
smartphone to access it. 1-800-858-1549 or visiting federal laws and may not be harvested.
www.fw.ky.gov/wildpigs.
25
 PUBLIC LANDS HUNTING
PUBLIC LANDS HUNTING

OVERVIEW
is permitted.
The Wildlife Management Area
& Public Lands Search feature
5.  Unless otherwise noted, persons shall During quota hunts...
not allow unleashed dogs from March
on fw.ky.gov is a go-to source for 1 until the third Saturday in August, During a WMA deer quota hunt,
information about where to hunt, except during department-authorized and the open firearm deer hunts at
fish, hike and more in Kentucky. field trials, or when training a retriever Grayson Lake and West Kentucky
or other water dog if the activity is au- WMAs, only participating hunters
thorized by a sign at the body of water. and accompanying non-hunting as-
WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREAS The dog must remain leashed except sistants (limit one per hunter) are
allowed to be on those WMAs, ex-
Kentucky Fish and Wildlife owns, while training, or within 100 feet of
cept waterfowl hunters in some ar-
leases or manages more than 85 wildlife the water, or as stated under the area
eas that may be open, or if a part of
management areas (WMAs) for public listing or posted on the WMA.
the WMA is otherwise open as noted
use. On some areas, a user permit is re- 6. Quota hunts for pheasant, deer, wa-
in the following area listings. Non-
quired. It also has agreements to provide terfowl and elk hunts require advance hunting assistants must check in and
public access on certain privately owned application. (Refer to “Quota Hunts” check out with the quota hunter that
lands, known as Hunting Access Areas. and “Elk Hunting” sections.) Advance they are accompanying and abide by
Many public-use areas have special reg- application is not required for other hunter orange requirements.
ulations and hunting season dates that listed hunts.
are different from statewide seasons. 7. Camping is permitted only in desig-
On some public-use areas, a user per- nated areas. Check WMA maps on- 10. A person shall not discharge a fire-
mit is required. Please refer to specif- line at fw.ky.gov or call the WMA of- arm within 100 yards of a residence
ic area listings for that information. The fice for camping availability through or occupied building located on or
rest are open to hunting free of addition- Kentucky Fish and Wildlife or other off the area.
al charge. campgrounds. Parking must be con- 11. A person shall not distribute or
The information here applies to us- fined to designated parking areas if place bait, hunt over bait or other-
ers of all WMAs owned or managed by such areas exist. If no parking area is wise participate in baiting wildlife
Kentucky Fish and Wildlife. If you in- designated, parking is generally al- on a WMA.
tend to hunt (or otherwise visit) public lowed alongside maintained roads in 12. A group of ten (10) or more people
lands listed under “Wildlife Manage- such a manner that does not block a who gather for any event or orga-
ment Areas,” you must comply with the road or gate or prevent access to a por- nized activity on a WMA shall apply
following guidelines. tion of the area. Unless otherwise au- to the department at least 30 days
1. For game listed in this guide, hunt- thorized by the department, mecha- before the date of the event. Groups
ing seasons on the WMAs listed on nized vehicles (excluding wheelchairs) shall apply on a form provided by the
the following pages are open only as are permitted only on maintained department. The department shall
stated. roads open to public use. It is unlawful retain the authority to deny events,
2. County zone deer bag limits apply to to cut trees or fences, dump trash or or otherwise restrict, institute addi-
all WMAs unless otherwise noted un- litter, or damage any property or hab- tional requirements for, or direct the
der the area listing. itat in any fashion. rescheduling of, any event to avoid
3. Quota deer hunters may take up to 8. Before trapping on a WMA or Out- user conflicts or for other legitimate
two (2) deer on a quota hunt in Zones door Recreation Area, a Public Area reasons. Permit requests for events
2, 3 and 4, only one of which may be Trapping Registration Form must that do not meet WMA user guide-
antlered, unless otherwise noted un- be completed. The form is available lines shall be denied, and events may
der the area listing. See the deer quo- at department offices and online at be canceled in progress if partici-
ta hunt listings on page 37 for more fw.ky.gov. Click the “Hunt” tab on pants fail to comply with user guide-
details. the homepage and choose “Trapping” lines or create hazards or disruption
4. Squirrel, rabbit, quail, grouse and from the dropdown menu. for others.
furbearer hunting is closed the first 9. Hunters shall not enter or hunt in ar- 13. Horseback riding is permitted on
two days of modern gun deer sea- eas that have been designated closed some WMAs during certain times
son on WMAs, if gun deer hunting by signs. of the year and under certain restric-
26
 A qualified assistant shall not:

PUBLIC LANDS HUNTING

tions. Unless hunting, horses shall access permit shall fill out the required
only be ridden on designated horse information on the application and ob- • Operate his or her own ATV; or hunt
riding trails or a maintained public tain the attestation and signature from a or shoot from an ATV.
road open to vehicular traffic. Horses licensed physician describing the mobil-
may not be ridden on WMAs dur- ity impairment. A mobility-impaired in- STATE PARK and OTHER
ing firearms seasons for turkey, deer, dividual shall have a completed mobili- OPEN DEER HUNTS
bear or elk unless participating or as- ty-impaired access permit application on Open deer hunts are offered on the
sisting in a legal elk hunt. his or her person at all times while par- following state parks on the following
14. On all WMAs, Otter Creek Out- ticipating in such activities, along with dates. Contact the host state park for
door Recreation Area and Dan- the appropriate hunting licenses and complete details, including the number
iel Boone National Forest, a person permits. Mobility-impaired access areas of available slots, equipment restrictions,
shall not use a nail, spike, screw-in have been designated on portions of the bag limits and check-in and check-out
device, wire, or tree climber for at- following WMAs: Barren River (Goose procedures.
taching a tree stand or climbing a Island Unit), Fishtrap Lake, Green Riv- • Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort
tree. A portable stand or climbing er Lake, Griffith Woods, Kentucky Riv- Park (859-289-5507): Archery and
device that does not injure a tree er, Lake Cumberland, Mill Creek, Mill- crossbow only starting the first Thursday
may be used. Stands must be marked er Welch-Central Kentucky, Mullins, in November for four consecutive days;
with the hunter’s name and address, Peabody (Sinclair Unit), Redbird, Tay- Modern gun starting the second Satur-
placed no more than two (2) weeks lorsville Lake, West Kentucky, Yatesville day in January for two consecutive days.
before the opening of the season and Lake and Yellowbank WMAs. The mo- • Lake Barkley State Resort Park
removed within one (1) week fol- bility-impaired access permit allows the (270-924-1131): Archery and cross-
lowing the last day of each hunting following activities by a mobility-im- bow only the first Monday in Novem-
period. A person shall not use an ex- paired individual: ber for five consecutive days; Modern
isting permanent tree stand. • Discharge of a firearm or other legal gun starting the first Tuesday in Janu-
15. Whenever gun deer hunting is al- hunting device from a motor vehicle ary for two consecutive days.
lowed on a wildlife management when the vehicle is motionless and has • Taylorsville Lake State Park (502-
area, state park or Otter Creek Out- its engine turned off. The motor vehi- 477-8713): Archery and crossbow
door Recreation Area, a person who cle shall be used as a place to wait or only the first Thursday in November
will be hunting from inside a ground watch for game and shall not be used for four consecutive days; Modern gun
blind must first attach a hat or vest to chase, pursue, or drive game. the first Saturday in December for two
made of solid, unbroken hunter or- • May operate electric wheelchairs, consecutive days; Muzzleloader the
ange material to the blind so it is vis- ATVs, and other passenger vehicles second Saturday in January for two
ible from all sides. Hunter orange on or off gated, ungated or open-gat- consecutive days.
clothing requirements still apply for ed roads otherwise closed to vehicular • Yatesville Lake State Park and Law-
anyone inside the blind. traffic, but only on designated tracts of rence County Recreation Area (606-
16. Hunters are not required to wear designated WMAs. 673-1492): Muzzleloader starting
hunter orange clothing or display • Roads may be accessed March 1 the second Monday of December for
hunter orange on ground blinds through the third Friday in August. three consecutive days.
during a firearms season on a state • Tracts designated as mobility-impaired Other open deer hunts
owned or managed WMA where access areas shall be posted with signs. • Jenny Wiley State Resort Park (1-
firearms hunting for deer, elk or bear • Vehicular access shall not be permit- 800-325-0142): Open the second
is prohibited. ted on fields, openings, roads, paths, or Saturday of January for two consecu-
17. For information about migratory trails planted with annual grains or ag- tive days, limit two deer, only one of
bird and waterfowl hunting on pub- ricultural crops. which may be antlered. Limited to
lic lands, please visit fw.ky.gov. • It shall be permissible to access areas the first 15 mobility-impaired hunters
which are not roads the third Saturday who check in at the park the day be-
MOBILITY-IMPAIRED HUNTER of August until the end of February. fore the hunt. Hunters must meet the
ACCESS TO WMAs • ATV users shall adhere to manufactur- mobility-impaired eligibility require-
Kentucky Fish and Wildlife offers er recommendations including wear- ments outlined on page 36. (Mobili-
special exceptions to hunting and fish- ing a helmet, wearing safety glasses, ty-impaired access permit required at
ing regulations for persons who are mo- and restricting riding to one (1) per- check-in.) Hunters must also check in
bility-impaired and want to hunt and son, while using ATVs on WMAs. and out on hunt days, and must tele-
fish on select WMAs. (Eligibility re- A person with a mobility-impaired check deer taken. Hunters may be ac-
quirements appear in the Quota Hunts access permit may designate one (1) companied by another person, but that
section.) Persons interested in applying qualified assistant. The assistant may: person will not be permitted to hunt.
for a mobility-impaired access permit • Track and dispatch a wounded animal, • An open youth hunt is held at Gray-
should contact the department for an retrieve an animal, or render other as- son Lake WMA on the first Saturday
application or print one from the agen- sistance in accordance with all oth- in November for two consecutive days
cy’s website at fw.ky.gov. er Kentucky Fish and Wildlife and and is limited to youths ages 15 and
Applicants for a mobility-impaired WMA laws and regulations. younger. See page 32 for details.
27
 Boo
Note: Area listings are

Ca m
Kento
PURCHASE REGION
PUBLIC LANDS HUNTING

ne
3 10

pbe
numbered or lettered

n
GREEN RIVER REGION

ll
according to how they 17 lati
n
Gal cke
n
1

Pe
BLUEGRASS REGION Bra 18 B 11

nd
appear on region pages. Carroll

Tri

let
Grant

on
Mason

m
NORTHEAST REGION 13 Lewis Greenup

ble
Owen Robertson
5
SOUTHEAST REGION Henry 7 2 Harrison 1 17 19
Scott 4
Oldham Ni
ch Fleming
Carter Boyd
11 5 14
ola A
s
Rowan 15
6

lin
DANIEL BOONE NATIONAL FOREST Shelby Bourbon
Jefferson 12

nk
Bath tt

a
llio Lawrence

Wood
Fr
10 E

M me
M er son Fayette
Spenc

go
on ry
ea r
9 de Bullitt de
8

t-
Clark
12 An

fo
Menifee Morgan
6 A 8 Nelson 10 A

rd
Jessa- on
8 11 Johns

Han
mine
t on
s o n Powell M 2 Martin

c
Henderson Breckinridge 6 n g Mercer
ad A
i a

ock
i Wolfe go
Union Daviess as
h
M 22 ffi 7
3 14 Hardin W Estill n 3 13

Ga
2 16 15 Boyle 9 Lee tt Floyd 14

rr
Webster 12 thi 19

ar
Mc
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d
r
13 Lincoln 7 12 Owsley B
16 9

Le
Grayson LaRue t
Ohio
14 not

an
6 Crittenden 10 5 Taylor 5 castle Jackson
Rock- K 23 4
7 Casey 26 Perry 28
1 7 Green 8 6
Hopkins Muhle Ed Hart
Liv

10 Caldw n ber
Butler mo
nso 16 27 43 33 15
ing

ell
Ballard McCr 12 9
g n 17 Pulaski 20 Laurel Clay 18 Letcher
sto

Adair Leslie
2 ack
25 9 35

M
32
n

Lyon
en 8 4 36

etc
Russell
16 3 A C
Warren Barren
24

alf
4 Carlisle
13 Marshall Trigg Christian Logan 1 11 40 2 Knox 1 Harlan

e
Todd 4 Cumber-
land 21 37 Bell 38 42
Hickman Graves 5 B ton Wayne
Simpson Allen Monroe 13 C l i n 3 Whitley 41 30
15
D Fulton Calloway
31 McCreary
29 34 39
11 14

PUBLIC HUNTING AREAS IN KENTUCKY

PURCHASE REGION (pg. 29) 4. Griffith Woods WMA 4. Cane Creek WMA
1. Ballard WMA 5. John A. Kleber WMA 5. Cedar Creek Lake WMA
2. Boatwright WMA 6. John C. Williams WMA 6. Dennis-Gray WMA
3. Coil Estate WMA 7. Kentucky River WMA 7. Dix River WMA
4. Doug Travis WMA 8. Knobs State Forest & WMA 8. Green River Lake WMA
5. Lake Barkley WMA 9. Miller Welch-Central Kentucky WMA 9. Hensley-Pine Mountain WMA
6. Livingston County WMA & SNA 10. Mullins WMA 10. Hidden Valley Training Area
7. Ohio River Islands WMA 11. T. N. Sullivan WMA 11. Lake Cumberland WMA
8. Pennyrile State Forest 12. Taylorsville Lake WMA 12. Mill Creek WMA
9. Tradewater WMA 13. Twin Eagle WMA 13. Mud Camp Creek WMA
10. West Kentucky WMA 14. Veterans Memorial WMA 14. Paul Van Booven WMA
11. Beechy Creek WMA 15. Marion County WMA & State Forest 15. Pike Elkhorn Hunting Access
12. Jones-Keeney WMA 16. Rolling Fork WMA 16. Ping-Sinking Valley WMA
13. Kaler Bottoms WMA 17. Stephens Creek WMA 17. R. F. Tarter WMA
14. Kentucky Lake WMA A. Bluegrass Army Depot 18. Redbird WMA
15. Obion Creek WMA 19. Robinson Forest WMA
16. Winford WMA NORTHEAST REGION (pg. 32) 20. Rockcastle River WMA
A. Clarks River Nat. Wildlife Refuge 1. Clay WMA 21. RH Group Hunting Access
B. Fort Campbell Military Reservation 2. Czar Hunting Access 22. Ashland WMA
C. Land Between The Lakes NRA 3. Dewey Lake WMA 23. Betterment Wildlife Hunting Access
D. Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge 4. Fishtrap Lake WMA 24. Boone Forestlands WMA
5. Fleming WMA 25. Buck Creek WMA
GREEN RIVER REGION (pg. 30) 6. Grayson Lake WMA 26. Buckhorn Lake WMA
1. Barren River Lake WMA 7. Legacy-LLC Hunting Access 27. Burchell-Beech Creek WMA
2. Big Rivers WMA & State Forest 8. Paintsville Lake WMA 28. Carr Creek Lake WMA
3. Higginson-Henry WMA 9. Pike Elkhorn Hunting Access 29. C.F. Ataya WMA
4. Marrowbone State Forest & WMA 10. Pioneer Weapons WMA 30. Cranks Creek WMA
5. Nolin River Lake WMA 11. South Shore WMA 31. Dale Hollow Lake WMA
6. Otter Creek Outdoor Recreation Area 12. Yatesville Lake WMA 32. Elk Forest WMA
7. Peabody WMA 13. RH Group Hunting Access 33. Elk Horn Coal Hunting Access
8. Sloughs WMA 14. Betterment Wildlife Hunting Access 34. Fortner-Davis WMA
9. Yellowbank WMA 15. Ed Mabry-Laurel Gorge WMA 35. Jefferson National Forest
10. Clear Creek WMA 16. Elk Horn Coal Hunting Access 36. Kentenia State Forest
11. Green River State Forest 17. Old Trace Creek WMA 37. Kentucky Ridge Forest WMA/
12. L.B. Davison WMA 18. Simon Kenton WMA Kentucky Ridge State Forest
13. Lee K. Nelson WMA 19. Tygarts State Forest 38. Martins Fork Lake WMA
14. Rough River Lake WMA A. Daniel Boone National Forest 39. Martins Fork WMA & SNA
A. Fort Knox Military Reservation B. Ohio R. Islands Nat. Wildlife Refuge 40. Meadow Creek WMA
41. Shillalah Creek WMA
BLUEGRASS REGION (pg. 31) SOUTHEAST REGION (pg. 34) 42. Stone Mountain WMA & SNA
1. Curtis Gates Lloyd WMA 1. Asher Hunting Access 43. Wells Hunting Access
2. Dr. James R. Rich WMA 2. Beaver Creek WMA A. Daniel Boone National Forest
28 3. Dr. Norman & Martha Adair WMA 3. Big South Fork NRRA
 PUBLIC HUNTING AREAS QUICK REFERENCE

PUBLIC LANDS HUNTING

The charts in this section should be have different dates and regulations, as de- lands may have areas that are off-limits to
used as a quick reference only. WMAs and termined by the managing agency. For all hunting or trapping, as noted by signs, and
other public lands may be open to hunting the details on these public lands visit fw.ky. that units within these areas may have dif-
and trapping during statewide seasons or gov. Also note that some of these public ferent season dates or regulations.

Deer - Archery/ Crossbow

PURCHASE REGION

Deer - Muzzleloader
PUBLIC HUNTING AREAS

Deer - Modern Gun

Deer - Youth Gun

Open under statewide regulations
Closed

Elk Quota
Furbearer
Squirrel
Quota hunt

Grouse

Turkey
Rabbit

Other
Quail
# Open with exception(s)

Bear
MAP # and AREA NAME PHONE
1 Ballard WMA* Main Unit (270) 224-2244 1 3 2
2 Boatwright WMA* Swan Lake Unit (270) 224-2244 1 3 2
3 Coil Estate WMA* (270) 224-2244
4 Doug Travis WMA* (270) 488-3233
5 Lake Barkley WMA* Duck Island Refuge (270) 753-6913 1 4 3 2 1
6 Livingston County WMA & SNA (270) 753-6913 5
Ohio River Islands WMA*
7 (270) 753-6913 1 4 3 2 1
Stewart Island Unit
8 Pennyrile State Forest (270) 797-3241
9 Tradewater WMA (270) 753-6913
10 West Kentucky WMA* (270) 488-3233 6 7 8 8

OPEN UNDER STATEWIDE REGULATIONS FOR ALL SPECIES in accordance with the county in which they are located:
11. Beechy Creek WMA (270-753-6913); 12. Jones-Keeney WMA (270-753-6913); 13. Kaler Bottoms WMA (270-753-6913);
14. Kentucky Lake WMA (270-753-6913); 15. Obion Creek WMA (270-210-9774) and 16. Winford WMA (270-224-2244).
CALL FOR DETAILS: A. Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge (270-527-5770); B. Fort Campbell Military Reservation
(270-798-9824); C. Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area (270-924-2065); D. Reelfoot National Wildlife
Refuge (731-538-2481).

EXCEPTIONS: OTHER RESTRICTIONS: Nov. 1 - March 15.

1. Open under statewide archery/crossbow * Ballard WMA: The main unit is closed * Lake Barkley WMA: North Island Ref-
seasons through Oct. 14 only. to unauthorized public access Oct. 15 uge is closed Nov. 1 - Feb. 15; Duck Is-
2. Open Aug. 15 - Oct. 14, 2020. - March 15; The area west of Hwy land Refuge is closed Oct. 15 - March 15,
3. Open during the youth-only gun season; 473 within the two-mile driving loop is with the exception of the October muzzle-
closed for free youth weekend. closed to all hunting as marked by signs; loader deer season; All non-refuge tracts
4. Open for October muzzleloader sea- The 400-acre tract located south of Sal- open under statewide regulations.
son only. lie Crice/Terrell Landing Road is open * Ohio River Islands WMA: Remainder
5. Any weapon other than a modern gun under statewide regulations for hunting of WMA (Pryor, Rondeau and Sisters is-
that is legal to take deer may be used and trapping seasons. lands) open under statewide regulations
during the modern gun season. * Boatwright WMA: Olmsted, Peal and for all hunting and trapping seasons.
6. Open shotgun/muzzleloader deer hunt all other units open under statewide reg- * West Kentucky WMA: Check-in re-
from Jan. 16-18, 2021; Limited to 140 ulations for all hunting and trapping quired before entering any area marked
hunters; Check in and check out required. seasons, except some portions may be with an “A”; Only shotguns may be used
7. Open only for youth-mentor quota hunt closed to public access as marked by for small game or furbearer hunting;
on “A” tracts. Closed for all other youth signs. Hunters may not use centerfire rifles or
firearm seasons. * Coil Estate WMA: Eastern portion handguns to take deer.
8. Tracts 1, 4, 5 and “A” tracts open open under statewide regulations for all
Jan. 1-10 except if harvest limits are hunting and trapping seasons; Western NOTE: Before trapping on a WMA or
reached before Jan. 10; Tracts 2, 3, 6 portion closed to all hunting and trap- Outdoor Recreation Area, a Kentucky Fish
and 7 open with statewide seasons and ping as marked by signs. and Wildlife Public Area Trapping Regis-
close Dec. 31. * Doug Travis WMA: Some areas closed tration Form must be completed. See page

29
to public access as marked by signs 26 for details.
PUBLIC LANDS HUNTING

Deer - Archery/ Crossbow

GREEN RIVER REGION

Deer - Muzzleloader
PUBLIC HUNTING AREAS

Deer - Modern Gun

Deer - Youth Gun

Open under statewide regulations
Closed

Elk Quota
Furbearer
Squirrel
Quota hunt

Grouse

Turkey
Rabbit

Other
Quail
# Open with exception(s)

Bear
MAP # and AREA NAME PHONE
1 Barren River Lake WMA* (270) 646-5167 1 1 2
2 Big Rivers WMA & State Forest (270) 374-3025 3
3 Higginson-Henry WMA (270) 389-3580 3 4 4 5
4 Marrowbone State Forest & WMA (270) 646-5167 13
5 Nolin River Lake WMA (270) 646-5167 1 1
6 Otter Creek Outdoor Recreation Area* (502) 942-9171 6
7 Peabody WMA* (270) 476-1889 7 8
8 Sloughs WMA - Sauerheber Unit* (270) 827-2673 9 9 9 10 9
9 Yellowbank WMA (270) 547-6856 11 1 1 12

OPEN UNDER STATEWIDE REGULATIONS FOR ALL SPECIES in accordance with the county in which they are located:
10. Clear Creek WMA (270-476-1889); 11. Green River State Forest (270-797-3241); 12. L.B. Davison WMA (270-476-
1889); 13. Lee K. Nelson WMA (270-389-3580); 14. Rough River Lake WMA (270-646-5167).
CALL FOR DETAILS: A. Fort Knox Military Reservation (502-624-7311 or 502-624-2712).

EXCEPTIONS: Saturdays. On either unit, the daily rimfire gun to take small game unless
1. Rabbit and quail hunting seasons bag limit for quail is four. participating in the deer quota hunt.
open Nov. 1 - Dec. 31. At Yellowbank 9. On the Sauerheber Unit, the archery, Trapping season open Jan. 1 through
WMA, no small game hunting allowed crossbow, muzzleloader and youth the last day in February.
on designated pheasant quota hunt gun deer seasons open under state- * Peabody WMA: Any person ages
units during pheasant quota hunt wide regulations through Oct. 31. 16 and older entering the area must
period. The unit is closed to all public access obtain and carry a Peabody WMA
2. On the Peninsula Unit, including Nar- Nov. 1 - March 15, as designated by user permit. Individual permits may
rows, Goose and Grass islands, hunt- signs, except for waterfowl quota hunt be obtained through any license
ers may use a muzzle-loading shotgun permittees. vendor. An event permit is available
or crossbow during the fall firearm 10. Open Aug. 17 - Oct. 31. from Kentucky Fish and Wildlife to
season and may use a crossbow during 11. Open for December muzzleloader any organization to use the area for
the fall archery season. season only. any allowable activity. Permits are
3. During quota hunts, all deer hunt- 12. Pheasant quota hunts, either sex, nontransferable. Rabbit and quail
ing seasons on this WMA are closed, limit two, Dec. 4, 5 and 6; Open hunters on the Sinclair and Ken units
except to drawn hunters. Archery/ Dec. 7 only to drawn pheasant quota must check in and check out at a
crossbow quota hunt from the third hunters, either sex, limit three; Open self-service kiosk and clearly display a
Monday in October through Nov. 30, Dec. 8-31, either sex, daily limit department-provided vehicle hang-
except when closed during the quota three. tag in a vehicle. Hang-tags available
hunt that starts the first Saturday in 13. Open only in bear zone. in advance through the department’s
November. website.
4. Rabbit and quail hunting seasons open OTHER RESTRICTIONS: * Sloughs WMA: Ash Flats, Grassy
Nov. 16 - Dec. 31. * Barren River Lake WMA: On the Pond, Powells Lake, Jenny Hole,
5. Wild turkeys may not be harvested Peninsula Unit, including Narrows, Highland Creek, and Cape Hills units
with a firearm (archery/crossbow Goose and Grass islands, hunters shall are open for all hunting and trapping
only). not use a modern firearm to take seasons.
6. Open Dec. 1-31, except during deer game.
quota hunts. * Otter Creek Outdoor Recreation NOTE: Before trapping on a WMA or
7. Open under statewide regulations Area: User permit required. A person Outdoor Recreation Area, a Kentucky
for 10 consecutive days starting the shall not enter the area during the Fish and Wildlife Public Area Trapping
second Saturday in November. deer quota hunt without a valid quota Registration Form must be completed.
8. On the Sinclair Unit, quail hunting hunt confirmation number. All small See page 26 for details.
allowed between 7:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. on game and turkey seasons closed during
Thursdays and Sundays; On the Ken the quota deer hunt. Hunters may not
Unit, quail hunting allowed between use rifles or ball or slug ammunition

30
7:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Wednesdays and to take furbearers and may not use a
 PUBLIC LANDS HUNTING
Deer - Archery/ Crossbow
BLUEGRASS REGION

Deer - Muzzleloader
PUBLIC HUNTING AREAS

Deer - Modern Gun

Deer - Youth Gun

Open under statewide regulations
Closed

Elk Quota
Furbearer
Squirrel
Quota hunt

Grouse

Turkey
Rabbit

Other
Quail
# Open with exception(s)

Bear
MAP # and AREA NAME PHONE
1 Curtis Gates Lloyd WMA* (859) 428-2262 1 2 2
2 Dr. James R. Rich WMA (502) 535-6335 1
3 Dr. Norman & Martha Adair WMA (859) 428-2262
4 Griffith Woods WMA (859) 428-2262 1
5 John A. Kleber WMA (502) 535-6335 1 2 2
6 John C. Williams WMA (502) 477-9024 1
7 Kentucky River WMA (502) 535-6335 1 5
8 Knobs State Forest & WMA (502) 477-9024 1
9 Miller Welch-Central Kentucky WMA* (859) 986-4130 3 4
10 Mullins WMA (859) 428-2262 1 2 2
11 T. N. Sullivan WMA (502) 535-6335 1
12 Taylorsville Lake WMA (502) 477-9024 1 2 2
13 Twin Eagle WMA (502) 535-6335 1
14 Veterans Memorial WMA* (859) 428-2262 1

OPEN UNDER STATEWIDE REGULATIONS FOR ALL SPECIES in accordance with the county in which they are located:
15. Marion County WMA & State Forest (502-477-9024); 16. Rolling Fork WMA (502-477-9024); 17. Stephens Creek
WMA (859-428-2262). CALL FOR DETAILS: A. Bluegrass Army Depot (859-779-6651).

EXCEPTIONS: 5. Check-in, check-out required at John * Veterans Memorial WMA: Access

1. Open for December muzzleloader A. Kleber WMA office. within the WMA may be restricted due
season only. to construction.
2. Open Nov. 1 - Dec. 31. OTHER RESTRICTIONS
3. Open archery hunt, either sex, Monday * Curtis Gates Lloyd WMA: Unleashed NOTE: Before trapping on a WMA or
through Thursday only, from the first dogs are prohibited April 1 until the Outdoor Recreation Area, a Kentucky
Saturday in September through Dec. third Saturday in August, except dur- Fish and Wildlife Public Area Trapping
17 and daily from Dec. 18 through the ing department-authorized field trials Registration Form must be completed.
third Monday in January; Open cross- and the spring squirrel season. See page 26 for details.
bow hunt, either sex, Monday through * Miller Welch-Central Kentucky
Thursday only, Sept. 21 through WMA: Unleashed dogs are prohibited

Maps online
December 17 and daily from Dec. 18 April 1 until the third Saturday in
through third Monday in January; August, except during department-
Closed during scheduled field trials authorized field trials and the spring See statewide harvest maps, hunting
as posted on bulletin board at WMA squirrel season. At other times of the zones and more at fw.ky.gov. Click
office. year, unleashed dogs are permitted on the “Maps” tab and choose “Game
4. Open for furbearer trapping; Closed Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Maps.”
for furbearer hunting. Sundays.

Public shooting ranges are available on Curtis Gates Lloyd WMA, Higginson-Henry WMA, John A. Kleber WMA,
Jones-Keeney WMA, Miller Welch-Central Kentucky WMA, Otter Creek Outdoor Recreation Area, Peabody WMA,
Taylorsville Lake WMA and West Kentucky WMA. The ranges are self-serve and all users must comply with the rules
posted by sign. Shooting ranges are closed on Mondays and during deer quota hunts at applicable WMAs. Ranges can
be reserved for special events by contacting the WMA manager 30 days in advance of the event. For more informa-
tion, visit www.arcgis.com and type “Kentucky Shooting Ranges on Public Hunting Areas” in the search box. Public
shooting ranges also are available on Daniel Boone National Forest. Details are available online at www.fs.usda.gov/
dbnf by clicking on “Recreation” and then “Other Activities.”
31
PUBLIC LANDS HUNTING

Deer - Archery/ Crossbow

NORTHEAST REGION

Deer - Muzzleloader
PUBLIC HUNTING AREAS

Deer - Modern Gun

Deer - Youth Gun

Open under statewide regulations
Closed

Elk Quota
Furbearer
Squirrel
Quota hunt

Grouse

Turkey
Rabbit

Other
Quail
# Open with exception(s)

Bear
MAP # and AREA NAME PHONE
1 Clay WMA* (859) 289-8564 2 3 4 4 21 5/6
2 Czar Hunting Access* (606) 780-0854 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 16
3 Dewey Lake WMA (606) 783-8634 15/20 15 15 15 15
4 Fishtrap Lake WMA (606) 783-8634 20
5 Fleming WMA (859) 289-8564 7 8 7
6 Grayson Lake WMA* (606) 474-8535 9 20 10
7 Legacy-LLC Hunting Access (606) 783-8634 16
8 Paintsville Lake WMA (606) 783-8634 11/20 11 11 11
9 Pike Elkhorn Hunting Access (606) 783-8634 16
10 Pioneer Weapons WMA (606) 784-6428 17 12 12 12 19 19 19 19 17 19
11 South Shore WMA* (606) 474-8535 18 13 13
12 Yatesville Lake WMA (606) 686-3312 14
13 RH Group Hunting Access* (606) 783-8634 23 23 23 22
A Daniel Boone National Forest (859) 745-3100 16

OPEN UNDER STATEWIDE REGULATIONS for all species in accordance with the county in which they are located:
14. Betterment Wildlife Hunting Access (606-783-8634); 15. Ed Mabry-Laurel Gorge WMA (606-474-8535);
16. Elk Horn Coal Hunting Access* (606-783-8634); 17. Old Trace Creek WMA (606) 780-0854; 18. Simon Kenton WMA
(859-289-8564); 19. Tygarts State Forest (502-564-4496).
CALL FOR DETAILS: B. Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge (304-375-2923).

EXCEPTIONS Feb. 24-27 except for those registered eastward along the southern edge of
1. Only the Beech Fork Tract is open to to participate in quota fox hunting the lake from the drainage of Shoal
hunting under statewide rules and reg- field trials on those days. Branch to the No Hunting Area sur-
ulations. Portions open during elk 7. Open Nov. 1 - Dec. 31. rounding the dam and ranger station,
quota hunts to permit holders. 8. Open Oct. 1 - Dec. 31. and extending downslope to the edge
2. Archery and crossbow hunting pro- 9. Crossbows legal during entire archery of the lake.
hibited on main tract during the quota season, except closed during the No- 12. Hunters cannot use a modern gun
fox hunting field trials. vember open youth hunt. or in-line muzzleloading gun. Hunters
3. Open Nov. 1 - Dec. 31, except 10. Youth gun seasons open. An open shall use only open or iron sights on
closed Nov. 7-8 for the deer quota youth hunt is held on the first Satur- any weapon.
hunt and in the pheasant quota hunt day in November for two consecutive 13. Centerfire rifles and handguns may
units during pheasant quota hunts days and is limited to youths ages 15 not be used to take deer.
Dec. 4-7. and under. Check in and check out re- 14. Open under statewide regulations for
4. Open until 3 p.m. (local time) on quired. Limit of two deer, only one 10 consecutive days starting the sec-
Tuesdays and Saturdays from Nov. 1 of which may be antlered. Closed to ond Saturday in November.
- Dec. 31, except closed Nov. 7-8 for all other hunting during the two-day 15. Firearms are prohibited for deer,
the deer quota hunt and in the pheas- event. bear, and elk hunting on two areas
ant quota hunt units during pheasant 11. Firearms prohibited for deer and near the dam: 1) on the east side of
quota hunts Dec. 4-7. Daily bag limit elk hunting on three areas near the the dam, the area extending south-
is four quail and two grouse. dam: 1) the area extending eastward ward from the dam to old Shore-
5. Pheasant quota hunts, either sex, from the drainage of Glade Branch, line Campground No. 1, and 2) on the
limit two, Dec. 4, 5 and 6; Open along the north edge of the lake, to west side of the dam, the area extend-
Dec. 7 only to drawn pheasant quo- the No Hunting Area surrounding ing westward from the dam along Ky
ta hunters, either sex, limit three; Rocky Knob Recreation Area and en- 302 to Terry Boat Ramp.
Open Dec. 8-31, either sex, daily lim- closing all property from the WMA 16. Portions open during quota elk hunts
it three. boundary downslope to the lake edge, to persons who possess the appropri-
6. The Upper and Lower Units of the and 2) the islands visible from the ate elk hunting permit.
management area are closed to pub- state park boat ramp at the end of 17. Hunters may use a crossbow dur-

32 lic use Sept. 9-12, Sept. 23-26 and Ky 2275, and 3) the area extending ing the archery season but shall
 PUBLIC LANDS HUNTING
use only open or iron sights on any are Zone 3 for bear. baiting, livestock production and the
weapon. * Czar Hunting Access: Beech Fork use of screw-in steps or tree stands
18. Open for October muzzleloader sea- Tract: Open to hunting under statewide that have screws and spikes, which
son only. and countywide rules and regulations. may injure trees, are not permitted on
19. Hunters shall not use any type of Bow Tract: Open during elk quota the property.
breech-loading firearm. hunts to those who possess the appro- * RH Group Hunting Access: Com-
20. Open for December muzzleloader priate elk hunting permit. Closed to all mercial guiding, camping, ATV use,
season only. other hunting. Czar Tract and Area 3 horseback riding, fishing, night hunt-
21. Open only in bear zone. Tract: Open during elk quota hunts to ing, baiting, livestock production and
22. Portions open during the archery/ those who possess the appropriate elk the use of screw-in steps or tree stands
crossbow quota elk hunts only to per- hunting permit. Quota hunt for rabbit that have screws and spikes which
sons who possess the appropriate elk and spring turkey. Closed to all oth- may injure trees are not permitted on
hunting permit. er hunting. the property. Waiver required to ac-
23. Archery/crossbow only. Applicants must contact Mintha Jen- cess property. Go online to fw.ky.gov
kins via email (Mintha@czarky.net) for and search under RH Group for more
OTHER RESTRICTIONS further requirements before access- information.
* Clay WMA: During the pheasant quo- ing the area or to apply for the quota
ta hunt period, pheasant quota hunt hunts. NOTE: Before trapping on a WMA or
units close to small game hunting for * Grayson Lake WMA: Some portions Outdoor Recreation Area, a Kentucky
four consecutive days starting the first of the WMA are closed to all hunting Fish and Wildlife Public Area Trapping
Friday in December. Rabbit, quail or have special weapons restrictions. Registration Form must be completed.
and grouse hunters must check in and * South Shore WMA: Closed to all See page 26 for details.
check out at a self-service kiosk and hunting and public access November
clearly display a department-provided 15 - January 15, except open for wa-
vehicle hang-tag in a vehicle. Hang- terfowl and dove hunting when state-
tags available in advance through the wide seasons are open.
department’s website. Portions of this * Elk Horn Coal Hunting Access:
WMA in Fleming and Bath counties Camping, ATV use, horseback riding,

Kentucky Hunters for the Hungry (KHFH) is a nonprofit, volun-

teer organization that encourages hunters to harvest and donate
deer each season for distribution to homeless shelters and food
banks throughout the state.

Hunters in Zone 1 counties have a unique opportunity to help. They

may take an unlimited number of antlerless deer so long as they
have purchased the appropriate additional deer permits.

You can also donate $2 when renewing your car or truck’s registra-
tion and help pay the cost of turning venison into a nutritious meal
for the less fortunate in communities across Kentucky.

Approved processors are located in the following counties: Adair,

Anderson, Boone, Boyd, Bracken, Campbell, Casey, Christian,
Kentucky Whitetail Access is a new Clark, Clay, Crittenden, Garrard, Grant, Graves, Grayson, Jeffer-
KHFH program that pairs landown- son, Kenton, Lewis, Lincoln, Marion, Marshall, McCreary, Meade,
ers who need assistance controlling
Menifee, Mercer, Oldham, Owen, Pulaski, Scott, Shelby, Spencer,
depredating deer with hunters who
can help. Visit the KHFH website for Webster, Warren, Wayne and Wolfe. Contact the processor in ad-
more information about this program vance to confirm shop hours and which seasons the processor will be
and application forms. accepting deer. Every processing shop is independently owned and
operated and not under control of Kentucky Hunters for the Hungry.

Detailed instructions about how to donate your deer and

a list of participating processors are available online at kyhuntersforthehungry.info
33
PUBLIC LANDS HUNTING

Deer - Archery/ Crossbow

SOUTHEAST REGION

Deer - Muzzleloader
PUBLIC HUNTING AREAS

Deer - Modern Gun

Deer - Youth Gun

Open under statewide regulations
Closed

Elk Quota
Furbearer
Squirrel
Quota hunt

Grouse

Turkey
Rabbit

Other
Quail
# Open with exception(s)

Bear
MAP # and AREA NAME PHONE
1 Asher Hunting Access (606) 654-2533 8
2 Beaver Creek WMA (606) 376-8083 1 2 1 8
3 Big South Fork NRRA* (606) 376-5073 1 2 1 8
4 Cane Creek WMA (606) 376-8083 1 2 1
5 Cedar Creek Lake WMA (270) 465-5039 1 6
6 Dennis-Gray WMA (270) 465-5039 1 1
7 Dix River WMA (270) 465-5039 1 2 1
8 Green River Lake WMA* (270) 465-5039 1 1 5
9 Hensley-Pine Mountain WMA (606) 654-2533 8
10 Hidden Valley Training Area* (606) 878-9595 7
11 Lake Cumberland WMA (606) 376-8083 1 2 1 8
12 Mill Creek WMA (606) 878-9595 3 1 1
13 Mud Camp Creek WMA (270) 465-5039
14 Paul Van Booven WMA (606) 878-9595
15 Pike Elkhorn Hunting Access* (606) 654-2533 8
16 Ping-Sinking Valley WMA (606) 376-8083 4
17 R. F. Tarter WMA (270) 465-5039
18 Redbird WMA (606) 878-9595 3 8
19 Robinson Forest WMA* (606) 878-9595 8
20 Rockcastle River WMA* (606) 677-1098) 3 1 9 9
21 RH Group Hunting Access* (606) 878-9595 11 11 11 10
A Daniel Boone National Forest (859) 745-3100 8

OPEN UNDER STATEWIDE REGULATIONS for all species in accordance with the county in which they are located:
22. Ashland WMA (606-878-9595); 23. Betterment Wildlife Hunting Access, Knott & Letcher portions: (606-654-2533),
Leslie & Perry portions: (606-877-8409); 24. Boone Forestlands WMA (606-654-2533); 25. Buck Creek WMA (606-376-
8083); 26. Buckhorn Lake WMA (606-878-9595); 27. Burchell-Beech Creek WMA (606-878-9595); 28. Carr Creek Lake
WMA (606-654-2533); 29. C.F. Ataya WMA (606-654-2533); 30. Cranks Creek WMA (606-654-2533); 31. Dale Hollow
Lake WMA (270-465-5039); 32. Elk Forest WMA (606-654-2533); 33. Elk Horn Coal Hunting Access* (606-654-2533);
34. Fortner-Davis WMA (606-654-2533); 35. Jefferson National Forest (888-265-0019); 36. Kentenia State Forest (502-
564-4496); 37. Kentucky Ridge Forest WMA (606-654-2533)/Kentucky Ridge State Forest (502-564-4496); 38. Martins
Fork Lake WMA (606-654-2533); 39. Martins Fork WMA & State Natural Area (606-654-2533); 40. Meadow Creek WMA
(606-376-8083); 41. Shillalah Creek WMA (606-654-2533); 42. Stone Mountain WMA & State Natural Area (606-654-
2533); 43. Wells Hunting Access (606-435-6229).

EXCEPTIONS 6. Furbearer trapping open with permis- crossbow quota elk hunts only to per-
1. Open Nov. 1 – Dec. 31. sion; Closed for furbearer hunting. sons who possess the appropriate elk
2. Open Oct. 1 – Dec. 31. 7. Open from Sept. 1 through the last hunting permit.
3. Open under statewide regulations for day of February. 11. Archery/crossbow only.
two consecutive days starting the sec- 8. Portions open during quota elk hunts
ond Saturday in November. to persons who possess the appropri- OTHER RESTRICTIONS
4. Open for December muzzleloader sea- ate elk hunting permit. * Big South Fork NRRA: Open for wild
son only. 9. Open until 3 p.m. on Tuesdays and pigs from the first Saturday in Sep-
5. Pheasant quota hunts, either sex, lim- Saturdays from Nov. 1 - Dec. 31, ex- tember through the end of February,
it two, Nov. 20, 21, 22; Open Nov. 23 cept when closed during the modern but a Big South Fork hog hunting per-
to drawn pheasant quota hunters, ei- gun deer season. Daily bag limit is mit is required at times. Call for spe-
ther sex, limit three; Open Nov. 24 - four quail and two grouse. cific dates and details. Permits may

34
Dec. 31, either sex, daily limit three. 10. Portions open during the archery/ be purchased at park visitor centers or
 online at www.nps.gov/biso/planyour-

PUBLIC LANDS HUNTING

block of this area is closed to all hunt- horseback riding, fishing, night hunt-
visit/hunting.htm. ing. The remainder of this WMA is ing, baiting, livestock production
* Green River Lake WMA: During the open under statewide requirements. and the use of screw-in steps or tree
pheasant quota hunt period, pheas- * Rockcastle River WMA: Rabbit, stands that have screws and spikes
ant quota hunt units closed to small quail and grouse hunters must check which may injure trees are not per-
game hunting for four consecutive days in and check out at a self-service ki- mitted on the property. Waiver re-
starting the third Friday in November. osk and clearly display a department- quired to access property. Go online
A person shall not hunt sandhill cranes provided vehicle hang-tag in their ve- to fw.ky.gov and search under RH
within 100 yards of the normal sum- hicle. Hang-tags available in advance Group for more information.
mer pool level of 675 feet, east of the through the department’s website. * Pike Elkhorn Hunting Access: Ac-
Hwy. 551 Bridge in the following em- * Elk Horn Coal Hunting Access: cess to the Letcher County property
bayments: Green River to the Snake Camping, ATV use, horseback rid- via Wright’s Fork Road of US 23 is
Creek Boat Ramp; and Casey Creek to ing, baiting, livestock production and not permitted.
the Hwy. 76 bridge. the use of screw-in steps or tree stands
* Hidden Valley Training Area: Area that have screws and spikes, which NOTE: Before trapping on a WMA or
closes periodically for training exercis- may injure trees, are not permitted on Outdoor Recreation Area, a Kentucky
es. Call (606) 878-9595 for more in- the property. Fish and Wildlife Public Area Trapping
formation about training dates. * RH Group Hunting Access: Com- Registration Form must be completed.
* Robinson Forest WMA: The main mercial guiding, camping, ATV use, See page 26 for details.

QUOTA HUNTS
OVERVIEW
INTRODUCTION
Kentucky Fish and Wildlife con- Complete details for all quota Follow the rules!
ducts quota hunts for deer, pheasant and hunts are available online. Click
the “Hunt” tab on fw.ky.gov, Hunters who do not comply with
migratory birds (waterfowl and mourn- quota hunt requirements are ineli-
choose “Quota Hunts” from the
ing doves). dropdown menu and scroll to the gible to apply for any quota hunt the
Some hunts are mentored hunts for appropriate hunt. following year (including deer, pheas-
youth and accompanying adults. Some ant and waterfowl), and will lose any
hunts are open to mobility-impaired accumulated preference points.
hunters only. pleted, results will be posted online at
Any resident or nonresident may fw.ky.gov.
apply for quota hunts. Only the person(s) Applicants may also call Kentucky If applying for a deer quota hunt
successfully drawn for quota hunts may Fish and Wildlife weekdays 8 a.m. to as a group, each applicant’s preference
hunt. Substitutions are not allowed. 4:30 p.m. (Eastern time) at 1-800-858- points will be used to calculate an aver-
Applicants drawn for quota hunts 1549 and provide either their confirma- age point total for the group. A group
must purchase applicable licenses and tion number or order number to find out with a higher preference point average
permits to legally hunt during the quo- if they were selected. will be randomly selected before a group
ta hunts. with a lower preference point average.
QUOTA DEER HUNTS A maximum of 10 percent nonresi-
HOW TO APPLY Deer quota hunts are held on 16 dents can be drawn in each deer quota
To apply for quota hunts: Go on- WMAs, five state parks (Dale Hol- hunt pool.
line to fw.ky.gov. The non-refundable low Lake, Greenbo Lake, Green River Drawn quota hunters may bring one
fee is $3 per hunter to apply. Lake, Kenlake, Kincaid Lake), and Ot- non-hunting person along on their hunt.
The application period is Septem- ter Creek Outdoor Recreation Area. The non-hunting person is not required
ber 1-30 only. Hunters may apply for Additionally there are quota deer hunts to have applied for the quota hunt but
multiple quota hunts for different spe- for mobility-impaired hunters on Green must check in and check out with the
cies at the same time. River Lake WMA, Taylorsville Lake drawn quota hunter. Participants must
Applicants will receive a confirma- WMA and Zilpo-Twin Knobs Camp- abide by hunter orange requirements.
tion number. When the drawing is com- Ground blinds used during gun
grounds (on Cave Run Lake).
35
 quota hunts for deer must have a hat MOURNING DOVE MENTOR HUNTS one (1) leg;
QUOTA HUNTS or vest made of solid, unbroken hunter Youth hunters and an accompany- • Has at least one (1) foot amputated;
orange material attached to the blind so ing adult may participate in mentor dove • Is permanently confined to a wheel-
that it is visible from all sides. Hunter hunts on a limited number of public chair or must use crutches, or a walker
orange clothing requirements still apply fields. as a means of support to pursue daily
for any persons inside the blind. Locations of mentor hunts are activities;
published in the hunting guide for dove • Is restricted by a lung disease to such
PHEASANT QUOTA HUNTS and early waterfowl. This new guide is an extent that the person’s forced re-
Pheasant quota hunts are held on available for download from the depart- spiratory expiratory volume for one (1)
Yellowbank WMA, Green River Lake ment’s website, or by calling 1-800-858- second, when measured by spirometry,
WMA and Clay WMA. See the “Public 1549 in early August. is less than one (1) liter, or the arterial
Hunting Areas Quick Reference” charts oxygen tension is less than sixty (60)
for dates. All drawn pheasant hunters MOBILITY-IMPAIRED QUOTA HUNTS mm/hg on room air at rest;
must buy (regardless of attendance) and Persons with one of the following • Requires portable oxygen;
carry while hunting a pheasant quota physical conditions are eligible to apply • Has a cardiac condition to the extent
hunt permit, which is $25 and may be for a mobility-impaired quota hunt. At that the person’s functional limitations
purchased online or from license ven- check in, drawn hunters must show a are classified in severity as Class 3 or
dors anytime before the hunt. Permits WMA Mobility-Impaired Access Per- Class 4 according to standards set by
are not transferrable. mit, available in advance of the hunt the American Heart Association; or
date from Kentucky Fish and Wildlife. • Has a diagnosed disease which creates
• Has permanent paralysis of at least a severe mobility impairment.

WATERFOWL QUOTA HUNTS

WATERFOWL/MIGRATORY BIRD for individual dates only. MENTOR/MOBILITY-IMPAIRED
QUOTA HUNTS • Apply for quota hunts Sept. 1-30 on- HATCHERY HUNTS
The Kentucky Department of Fish line at fw.ky.gov. Minor Clark and Pfeiffer
and Wildlife Resources is migrating Sloughs WMA - Sauerheber Unit Fish Hatcheries
much of its waterfowl and migratory bird (Union and Henderson counties) • Open to mobility-impaired hunters
hunting information to its website. Find Hunters are not required to hunt with access permit, and youths under
information not covered in this printed from blinds maintained by Kentucky the age of 16 accompanied by an adult
guide online at fw.ky.gov, including a Fish and Wildlife. Successfully drawn mentor. A mentor may hunt.
form downloadable to smartphones. This hunters will be assigned one of 12 hunt- • Hunters must apply online between
page covers basic information. ing units. The hunter who draws that Nov. 1-15.
Season-long blind drawings are unit can hunt anywhere within the unit. • Hunt dates available Jan. 2, 3, 9, 10, 16,
available at Barkley Lake, Barren River • Hunts available through quota draw 17, 23, 24, 30 and 31 (2021).
Lake, Buckhorn Lake, Doug Travis, for individual dates only. • Mentor/youth hunt groups limited to
Green River Lake, Nolin River Lake, • Apply for quota hunts Sept. 1-30 on- four hunters, with no more than two
Rough River Lake and Sloughs WMA. line at fw.ky.gov. hunting adults.
Drawings are typically held from August • Hunters must check-in the Sunday pri- Doug Travis WMA
through October. These are separate from or to the hunt. Mobility-impaired Hunt
general quota hunt drawings held in Sep- Sloughs WMA - Jenny Hole Unit • Two blinds available.
tember. Kentucky Fish and Wildlife an- (Henderson County) • Applications accepted by mail,
nounces dates and locations for these wa- Unit is a quota hunt-only area. Sept. 1-30.
terfowl blind drawings in August. Check • Hunting spots (9) assigned by week-
online at fw.ky.gov for more information. ly drawings held Monday evenings SANDHILL CRANES
at Sloughs WMA office. Only one • Quota hunt application period is dur-
PUBLIC LAND HUNTING member of a hunting party needs to ing the month of September.
Ballard WMA (Ballard County) be present at the drawing. • Hunters may be drawn for up to three
Hunters are not required to hunt • One spot available through quota draw permits a season.
from blinds maintained by Kentucky for individual dates only. • Portions of Green River Lake and Bar-
Fish and Wildlife. Hunters will be • Apply for quota hunts Sept. 1-30 on- ren River Lake are refugee areas and
drawn for one of 14 hunting units. The line at fw.ky.gov. closed to crane hunting.
party who draws that unit can hunt any- • Access is limited to drawn hunters only, • Hunters must pass a migratory bird
where within the unit. and only on quota hunt days, with no identification test before receiving
• Hunts available through quota draw access after 2 p.m. (local time). their sandhill crane permit.
36
 2020-21 DEER QUOTA HUNT CHOICES

QUOTA HUNTS
Min. #
# of pref. pts. Hunt Remarks (Quota hunts are for
WMA - Outdoor Recreation Area choices Dates
slots of 2019 either sex deer unless otherwise noted)
participants
Hunters awarded one preference point for each
1 Ballard Nov. 7-8 100 3 female deer harvested, up to four. Scouting
permitted through Oct. 14.
2 Beaver Creek Nov. 7-8 330 0 Antlered deer only.
Archery and crossbow only. Closed during the
Oct. 19- two-day quota hunt that starts the first Satur-
3 Big Rivers WMA & State Forest #1 130 0
Nov. 30 day in November. Department issued hang tags
required. Must telecheck harvested deer.
4 Big Rivers WMA & State Forest #2 Nov. 7-8 100 0.75
Limit four, only one of which may be antlered, dur-
5 Clay Nov. 7-8 225 1 ing quota hunt. Hunters awarded one preference
point for each female deer harvested, up to four.
6 Dewey Lake Nov. 7-8 150 0 Limit one during quota hunt.
7 Fishtrap Lake Nov. 21-22 200 0 Limit one during quota hunt.
8 Green River Lake & Dennis-Gray Nov. 7-8 400 0
Green River Lake & Dennis-Gray
9 Nov. 7-8 15 0 Open only to mobility-impaired persons.
Mobility-Impaired*
Archery and crossbow only. Closed during the
Oct. 19- two-day quota hunt that starts the first Satur-
10 Higginson - Henry WMA #1 60 0
Nov. 30 day in November. Department issued hang tags
required. Must telecheck harvested deer.
11 Higginson - Henry WMA #2 Nov. 7-8 45 0.333
12 Kentucky River Nov. 7-8 65 0.75
13 Kleber and Rich #1 Nov. 7-8 200 0
14 Kleber and Rich #2 Dec. 5-6 200 0
15 Otter Creek Outdoor Recreation Area Dec. 12-13 30 0 User permit required.
16 Paintsville Lake Nov. 7-8 200 0
17 Pennyrile State Forest/Tradewater WMA Nov. 7-8 300 0
Hunters awarded one preference point for each
18 Taylorsville Lake #1 Nov. 7-8 268 0
female deer harvested, up to four.
Open only to mobility-impaired persons. Hunters
19 Taylorsville Lake Mobility-Impaired* #1 Nov. 7-8 7 0 awarded one preference point for each female
deer harvested, up to four.
Hunters awarded one preference point for each
20 Taylorsville Lake #2 Dec. 5-6 268 0
female deer harvested, up to four.
Open only to mobility-impaired persons. Hunters
21 Taylorsville Lake Mobility-Impaired* #2 Dec. 5-6 7 0 awarded one preference point for each female
deer harvested, up to four.
22 Veterans Memorial #1 Nov. 7-8 75 0.75
Antlerless deer only. Hunters awarded one
23 Veterans Memorial #2 Dec. 5-6 100 0 preference point for each female deer harvested,
up to four.
24 West Kentucky Nov. 21-24 160 0 Shotgun and muzzleloader only.
Shotgun only, youth mentor hunt on “A” tracts.
Only youth hunters apply. No more than two youth
25 West Kentucky youth mentor Nov. 21-24 10 0 hunters may accompany an adult mentor. No
more than one adult can mentor a youth hunter.
An adult mentor may take a deer during the hunt.
– CHART CONTINUES ON NEXT PAGE –
*Only hunters who are mobility-impaired as described on page 27 can apply and be drawn for this hunt.
Antlered deer taken during quota hunts count against the statewide limit of one antlered deer per hunter, per season.
37
 – DEER QUOTA HUNT CHOICES 2020-21, CONTINUED –
QUOTA HUNTS
Min. #
# of pref. pts. Hunt Remarks (Quota hunts are for
State park, other public lands choices Dates
slots of 2019 either sex deer unless otherwise noted)
participants
Archery and crossbow only. Must telecheck
26 Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park #1 Nov. 2-6 60 0
harvested deer.
27 Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park #2 Dec. 12-13 40 0 Youth only. Must telecheck harvested deer.
28 Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park #3 Jan. 9-10 50 0 Must telecheck harvested deer.
Archery and crossbow only. Must telecheck
29 Greenbo Lake State Resort Park #1 Nov. 6-8 40 0
harvested deer.
Archery and crossbow only. Must telecheck
30 Greenbo Lake State Resort Park #2 Nov. 13-15 40 0
harvested deer.
31 Greenbo Lake State Resort Park #3 Jan. 5-6 20 0 Must telecheck harvested deer.
Archery and crossbow only. No check in or out.
32 Green River Lake State Park #1 Dec. 10-13 55 0
Must telecheck harvested deer.
Archery and crossbow only. No check in or out.
33 Green River Lake State Park #2 Dec. 17-20 55 0
Must telecheck harvested deer.
Archery and crossbow only. Must telecheck
34 Kenlake State Resort Park #1 Nov. 12-15 20 0
harvested deer.
Archery and crossbow only. Must telecheck
35 Kenlake State Resort Park #2 Jan. 9-10 20 0
harvested deer.
36 Kincaid Lake State Park #1 Dec. 3-6 10 1 Must telecheck harvested deer.
37 Kincaid Lake State Park #2 Dec. 10-13 10 0.8 Must telecheck harvested deer.
38 Zilpo Mobility-Impaired* Dec. 12 12 0 Open only to mobility-impaired persons.

CHRONIC
WASTING DISEASE
has not been detected in Kentucky,
but it’s on our doorstep

Go online to learn more about the disease fatal to deer and elk:
FW.KY.GOV/CWD
Photo courtesy Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources
38
HUNTER ASSISTANCE NEEDED
Heads from hunter harvested deer sought for Chronic Wasting Disease
(CWD) testing. CWD has not been detected in Kentucky. However, robust
testing is essential for early detection and limiting the spread of this always
fatal disease of deer. Hunters should cut the head of a harvested buck or
doe off a couple inches below the base of the skull and freeze. Contact a
local biologist to submit it.

ELK
Liver samples sought for trace mineral testing of healthy animals. Cut a
sample at least 3 inches by 3 inches, freeze and then submit to a local
biologist.

RABBITS
Report the location of any site with multiple dead rabbits to a local
biologist. The department is monitoring for Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease,
and Wildlife Resources needs samples which has been found in the Southwestern United States, but not in Kentucky.
from game animals to assist its wildlife Humans are not at risk for this disease. However, people should not
handle rabbit carcasses which are not hunter-harvested, as other diseases
allow the department to better manage transmissible to humans may be present.
any potential disease outbreak.
fw.ky.gov Your assistance could include freezing
portions of a carcass until it can be TAKE PRECAUTIONS
Wear gloves, keep your knife clean and wash your hands when processing wild game.
out more or to locate your local biologist, go online to
fw.ky.gov/disease or call 1-800-858-1549
guidance. Finally, don’t eat an animal that appeared sick before its harvest.