An Official Website of the Commonwealth of Kentucky
Peabody, LBL and Otter Creek permits, Elk Hunt 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 nonresident youth under the age of 12 are not required to purchase licenses or permits (except the Elk Hunt Drawing application). Youth Sportsman's License is valid for youths turning 16 during the license year (ends Feb. 18), if purchased before their 16th birthday; this license also includes the Ballard WMA water hunt permit for youths participating in waterfowl hunt on that WMA.
A Federal Duck Stamp is required for hunters aged 16 and older to hunt ducks, geese, rails and gallinules.