Once again, Kentucky hunters have proven themselves to be sound managers of our deer resource. You responded to our call for an increased deer harvest with a record number of 115,057 harvested at a nearly 1 to 1 male:female harvest rate. We are well on our way to maintaining our deer herd at a biologically and socially appropriate level.

To help keep us on track, we have made a few changes in this year’s hunting season. The biggest change is the transition to only one "Bonus Antlerless" permit, useable in all zones according to weapon and limit restrictions. While this new bonus permit (actually good for a pair of antlerless deer) is available in all zones, only the Zone 2 bag limit has changed. Hunters are now allowed to harvest up to 4 deer (still only 1 antlered) in Zone 2 counties. This change was made to create more of a graduated bag limit between the zones, and because this level of harvest is necessary to keep Zone 2 counties stable. After all, Zone 2 is our target zone. This change, coupled with extremely good harvest over several years, will cause some Zone 1 counties to drop down to Zone 2. This move is exactly what we wanted. Growing deer herds have been stabilized and the zone can now be reduced. The increased bag limit in Zone 2 counties may cause some Zone 2 counties from last year to decline to Zone 3. These counties can be stabilized with a slightly lower harvest. If you hunt in counties that have moved up in zone, don’t be alarmed. We have been very successful at growing deer herds in certain counties, and now they need to be controlled.

Further changes include an earlier archery opening date. Beware that this change necessitated a refinement of the definition of antlered deer to include bucks with velvet antler. Button bucks are still antlerless. There was also a little shifting of the early youth and early muzzleloader weekends and the addition of a December youth firearms weekend. But don’t let the changes fool you. The partnership of hunters and the KDFWR is doing a great job managing deer in Kentucky. A few, small annual changes are necessary to keep things moving in the right direction.

So keep up the good work and continue harvesting does. Make sure you have read and understand this Guide and all the changes to the season framework before hunting. Don’t forget your ink pen and the Telecheck phone number when hunting. Thanks for all you do.