This page of Kentucky hunting seasons is updated annually. While Thepredatorhunter.com focuses on coyotes, fox, and bobcats, it is hoped other game hunters will take up predator hunting as well. We suggest you check out these predator hunting links specific to the state of Kentucky:
Purchase a hunting license in Kentucky here.
Learn the rules for hunting coyotes in Kentucky.
Learn the rules for hunting bobcats in Kentucky.
Learn the rules for hunting fox in Kentucky.
Kentucky hunting seasons: Future seasons planner
The following calendar framework reflects current regulations and can be used to anticipate future season dates. However, season regulations are subject to change. Always consult the current hunting or fishing guide to confirm the season you wish to hunt or fish.
Squirrel
Season Framework:
– 3rd Sat in May thru the 3rd Fri in June
Spring Turkey
Youth-Only Weekend:
– 1st Full Weekend (Consecutive Sat-Sun) in April, for youths 15 & younger
Spring Season:
– Sat closest to April 15, closes on Sun after 23 consecutive days
Fishing
Gigging and Snagging
– Feb 1 thru May 10
Free Fishing Days
– 1st Full Weekend (consecutive Sat-Sun) in June
Tickling and Noodling
– June 1 thru Aug 31 during daylight hours
Catch and Release Trout:
– Oct 1 thru March 31 (designated streams, except for Swift Camp Creek)
Oct 1 thru May 31 (Swift Camp Creek)
Bullfrog
Season Framework:
– Noon on 3rd Fri in May to midnight Oct 31
Kentucky hunting seasons for deer.
Archery:
– 1st Sat in Sept. thru 3rd Mon in January (MLK Day)
Muzzle-loading:
– Early: 3rd Full Weekend (consecutive Sat-Sun) in Oct
– Late: 2nd Sat in Dec for 9 consecutive days (closes Sun)
Modern Gun:
– 2nd Sat in Nov for 16 days (closes Sun)
Senior/Youth Crossbow:
– 1st Sat in Sept. thru 3rd Mon in January (MLK Day)
Crossbow:
– 3rd Sat in Sept thru 3rd Mon in January
Youth-Only Gun:
– 2nd Full Weekend (consecutive Sat-Sun) in Oct
Free Youth Weekend:
– 1st Full Weekend (consecutive Sat-Sun) after Christmas
– (No license or deer permit required for youths 15 & younger)
Kentucky hunting seasons for Fall Turkey
Archery:
– 1st Sat in Sept thru 3rd Mon in January
Crossbow:
– Oct 1 thru 3rd full weekend in Oct
– 2nd Sat in Nov thru Dec 31
Shotgun:
– 4th Sat in Oct for 7 consecutive days
– 1st Sat in Dec for 7 consecutive days
Dove
1st Segment:
– Sept 1 for 56 consecutive days
2nd Segment:
– Thanksgiving Day for 11 consecutive days
3rd Segment:
– Sat before Christmas for 23 consecutive days
Fall Squirrel
Season Framework:
– 3rd Sat in August thru February
– (Note: Closed the 1st weekend of modern gun deer season)
Free Youth Hunting
Season Framework:
– Sat after Christmas for 7 consecutive days (closes Fri),for youth ages 15 & younger
Kentucky hunting seasons for Elk.
Either-Sex Archery/Crossbow:- 2nd Saturday in Sept thru the 4th Friday in September
– 1st Sat in Dec thru 2nd Friday in Dec
Cow Firearms:
– Last Saturday in Nov for 5 consecutive days
– Last Saturday in Dec for 5 consecutive days
Bull Firearms:
– Last Saturday in Sept for 5 consecutive days
– 1st Saturday in Oct for five consecutive days
Kentucky hunting seasons for Bear.
Bear Chase with Dogs:
-June 1 thru Aug 31; and Sept 9 thru Sept 30
Bear Archery:
4th Saturday in Oct in all bear zones for 7 consecutive days, except Bear Zone 3
Bear Firearms:
– 2nd Saturday in Dec in all bear zones for 7 consecutive days
Bear Quota Hunt with Dogs:
– 3rd Monday in Oct for 14 consecutive days, in all bear zones, except McCreary Zone
Kentucky hunting seasons for Migratory Birds
Woodcock
– 4th Saturday in Oct for 47 consecutive days
– (but closed the first 2 days of modern gun deer season)
Snipe
– 3rd Wednesday in Sept for 40 consecutive days
– Thanksgiving Day for 67 consecutive days
Wood Duck
– 3rd Saturday in Sept for 5 consecutive days
Teal
– 3rd Saturday in Sept for 9 consecutive days
Rail and Gallinule
– Sept 1 for 70 consecutive days
Crow
-Sept 1 thru Nov 7
– Jan. 4 thru the last day of Feb
Sandhill Crane
-56 consecutive days ending on the last Sunday in January of the following year.
Canada Goose
– Sept 16 for 15 consecutive days
– Thanksgiving Day thru Feb 15
Cackling, White-fronted & Snow Goose & Brant
– Thanksgiving Day thru Feb 15
Light Goose Conservation Order
-Feb 16 thru March 31
Duck, Coot, Merganser
Thanksgiving Day for 4 consecutive days
– Dec 7 thru Jan 31
Youth Waterfowl Hunting
– Eastern Zone : 1st Saturday and Sunday of Nov
– Western Zone : 1st Saturday and Sunday of Feb
Kentucky Furbearers, Small Game and Upland Game seasons.
Rabbit
– Western Zone : 3rd day of modern gun deer season thru Feb. 10
– Eastern Zone : Nov. 1 thru Jan. 31 (Note: Closed the 1st weekend of modern gun deer season)
Quail
– Western Zone :3rd day of modern gun deer season thru Feb 10
– Eastern Zone : Nov 1 thru Jan 31 (Note: Closed the 1st weekend of modern gun deer season)
Grouse
– Nov 1 thru last day of Feb
– (Note: In grouse zone only; closed during the first 2 days of modern gun deer season)
Pheasant (Quota)
– Green River Lake WMA
– 3rd Friday in Nov for 3 consecutive days
– Clay & Yellowbank WMAs
– 1st Friday in Dec for 3 consecutive days
Raccoon and Opossum
– Oct 1 thru the last day of Feb
Coyote
– Year round
– Lights or night vision equipment allowed for night hunting: Dec. 1 thru May 31
Bobcat
– 4th Saturday in Nov thru the last day of Feb CHANGED IN 2022 TO THE THIRD SATURDAY IN NOV.
Other furbearers
– 3rd day of modern gun deer season thru last day of Feb
Groundhog
– Year Round
Falconry
– Sept. 1 thru March 30
Trapping
Furbearers
1/2 hour before sunrise on 3rd day of modern gun deer season thru last day of February
Squirrels
1/2 hour before sunrise on 3rd day of modern gun deer season thru last day of February
Rabbits
– Eastern Zone : 1/2 hour before sunrise on 3rd day of modern gun deer season thru Jan. 31
– Western Zone : 1/2 hour before sunrise on 3rd day of modern gun deer season thru Feb. 10
Free Youth Trapping
– Saturday after Christmas for 7 consecutive days
