ELK HUNTING
Quota Hunts
Changes to the 2004 Elk Quota process were proposed
& passed by the Wildlife Commission in the December 4th,
2003 commission meeting. The regulation changes are being processed at the
present time and should be considered tentative.
Kentucky’s quota elk hunts occur in October and
December. To apply, you must purchase
an elk application permit between December 1 and July 31 for a cost of
$10.00. An individual hunter may apply only one time. Multiple
applications will result in disqualification.
For 2004, a total of 40 elk permits will be issued. 38
elk permits will be randomly drawn, 18 Bull and 20 Cow. 2 bull permits are
awarded annually to conservation organizations that agree to auction the
permits to raise money for wildlife conservation in Ky. The remaining
permits will be drawn electronically. Successfully drawn hunters will be
assigned to either limited entry areas or zone-wide areas.
Drawn hunters will be required to have a valid annual
Kentucky hunting license when the hunt begins. They will also be required
to purchase Elk tags. Cost of a resident elk tag is $25.00, non-resident
is $300.00.
Residents and nonresidents are eligible to apply;
however, only up to 10% nonresidents may be drawn. Drawn hunters will be
assigned to either limited entry areas or zone-wide areas (in the elk zone
but outside the limited entry areas).
Have your social security or driver’s license
number handy. Hunters may apply at any license outlet, over the internet
or toll free by phone at 1-877-598-2401.
ELK HUNTING OUTSIDE THE RESTORATION
AREA
Kentucky has established a
16-county restoration zone. (Bell, Breathitt, Clay, Floyd, Harlan,
Johnson, Knott, Knox, Leslie, Letcher, Magoffin, Martin, McCreary,
Perry, Pike, Whitley) 8 northeastern previously listed buffer counties
have been eliminated.
With the opening of the 2004-05
deer season, a legal deer hunter will be permitted to take either sex
elk from counties not listed above.
Elk taken in counties OTHER THAN
THOSE LISTED ABOVE do not count toward the deer season limit. There is
no season bag limit on Out of Zone Elk and they do not have to be
telechecked. However, these animals must be immediately reported to
the KDFWR and checked on site before the carcass is moved. Hunters
should, and are recommended to, field dress the animal. However, it
cannot be transported from the spot where it was taken until checked
by a KDFWR enforcement officer or biologist.
Hunters who harvest an elk outside the
restoration zone must call (800) 252-5378 and report the kill. Hunters, who
fail to properly report harvested elk taken in counties open to hunting, are
subject to severe fines and other penalties.
