One-Year Hunter Education Exemption Permit

The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources’ Hunter Education regulation requires anyone born on or after January 1, 1975 and age 12 or older to have a hunter education course completion card in their possession while hunting. The KDFWR now has a permit that allows someone to hunt without a hunter education card for up to one year.


The Hunter Education Exemption Permit can be obtained by anyone and is valid for the twelve months following its purchase. This permit can only be obtained once in a lifetime and requires the permit holder to be accompanied by an adult (18 years or older) who meets Kentucky’s Hunter Education Law and is in a position to take immediate control of the bow or firearm. The exemption permit is free (for a limited time) and requires each applicant to complete a tutorial.

After completing the tutorial, personal information will have to be entered into the system, and payment collected via credit card. Finally, the applicant must print out the exemption permit and sign it. The exemption permit must be carried by the hunter in place of a hunter education card while hunting. Note: Ft Campbell, Blue Grass Army Depot, or any other state will not accept the permit.

Hunting Licenses and Permits Regulations

Regulations for hunting licenses and permits still apply. Click here for information on who needs a hunting license or permit.