Kentucky Hunting Seasons & Prices
2026 big-game season dates and license/tag prices.
Kentucky offers 2026 hunting seasons for whitetail across archery, muzzleloader, and firearm methods. Seasons run from September 5, 2026 through January 18, 2027. A annual hunting license costs $28.54 for residents and $169.12 for nonresidents.
Planning reference only — always confirm dates and prices with the state wildlife agency before applying, buying a license, or hunting.
Season dates
License & tag prices
| License | Resident | Nonresident | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Hunting License | $28.54 | $169.12 | |
| Statewide Deer Permit | $37 | $248.40 | |
| Spring Turkey Permit | $31.71 | $116.27 | |
| Resident Sportsman's License (all-inclusive) | $100.42 | — |
Hunters need an annual hunting license plus a species permit (deer, turkey). The resident Sportsman's License is an all-inclusive package that bundles the hunting license and most permits. License year runs March 1 – end of February.
Source: Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources License & Permit Fees (fw.ky.gov/Licenses)
Kentucky hunt units
Explore harvest history, success rates, and draw odds by unit.
Kentucky hunting FAQ
- When does whitetail season open in Kentucky in 2026?
- Kentucky's 2026 whitetail archery season opens September 5 and runs through January 18. Always confirm exact dates with the state wildlife agency before hunting.
- What big-game species can you hunt in Kentucky?
- In 2026, Kentucky has hunting seasons for whitetail.
- How much is a Kentucky hunting license for nonresidents?
- A annual hunting license in Kentucky is $169.12 for nonresidents and $28.54 for residents.
📊 Kentucky harvest trends
How Kentucky's harvest has moved season to season, from official state reports.