Migratory Bird Hunting

Find the latest information on public dove fields online at fw.ky.gov. Always check before hunting, as fields are subject to change due to weather conditions or crop failures.

Hunters must pass a migratory bird identification test before receiving their sandhill crane permit.

HUNTING LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

License: Unless license exempt, hunters must possess a valid Kentucky hunting license when hunting the species listed in this guide.

A Kentucky Migratory Bird/Waterfowl Permit, along with a federal migratory bird stamp, authorize the holder to hunt all types of migratory game birds including waterfowl (ducks, geese, coots, mergansers).

For those who hunt migratory birds other than waterfowl, only a Kentucky Migratory  Bird/Waterfowl Permit is required. Before hunting migratory birds, hunters must now go online or call 1-800-858-1549 weekdays 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and fill out the Harvest Information Program (HIP) survey before they are legal migratory bird hunters.

The process takes less than 5 minutes. Go to "My Profile" to fill out the survey. This takes you to a page that asks for some basic information to confirm your identity. After completing the HIP survey, you will receive a confirmation number that must be written on your hunting license or Kentucky Migratory Bird/Waterfowl Permit.

BAITED FIELDS

It is illegal to hunt doves or waterfowl over a “baited” field. Baited fields are areas where grain, salt or other attractants have been placed other than those that occur by legitimate agricultural practices. Mature wildlife food plots grown to attract doves are legal hunting areas, as long as no additional attractants have been placed on these areas.

FIELD DRESSING

When field dressing, or otherwise preparing for transportation, any of the species on this page, except doves, one fully feathered wing or the head must be left on each bird for identification.

HUNTING REQUIREMENTS

All shotguns used to hunt any game species in Kentucky (except deer) must be plugged to hold three shells total; one in the chamber and two in the magazine. Shotguns of 10 gauge or smaller are permitted.

TAGGING

No person shall give, put or leave any migratory game birds at any place or in the custody of another unless the birds are tagged by the hunter with the following: 1) The hunter’s signature and address; 2) The total number of birds involved, by species; 3) The dates such birds were taken. Tagging is required if birds are being transported by another person for the hunter, or if birds have been left for cleaning, storage (including temporary storage), shipment or taxidermy services.

WANTON WASTE

All migratory game birds shall be retrieved, if possible, and retained in the custody of the hunter in the field.

NON-TOXIC SHOT

Possession or use of any lead shot while hunting or attempting to take waterfowl or Sandhill cranes is prohibited statewide. Non-toxic shot is required for hunting waterfowl. Most major manufacturers offer non-toxic shot shells. A list of non-toxic shot currently approved by the USFWS can be found at: https://www.fws.gov/birds/bird-enthusiasts/hunting/nontoxic.php.   

Only USFWS-approved non-toxic shot may be possessed and used to hunt doves, gallinules, rails, woodcock, snipe or other migratory birds on the following WMA’s: Ballard, Boatwright, Doug Travis, Duck Island, Kaler Bottoms, Sloughs, Kentucky River, Ohio River Islands, South Shore, Yatesville Lake, and other areas as posted by signs.

NOTE: Licenses and permits are not required for kids under the age of 12.

* Included in Youth Sportsman's License
** Included in Resident Sportsman's License
NOTE: HIP survey required for all migratory bird hunters 16 and older

SHOOTING HOURS

Dove, private land:

September 1, 2020: 11 a.m. to sunset
Remainder of dove season: one-half hour before sunrise to sunset

Dove, public land (WMA's, leased fields):

September 1 - October 26, 2020: 11 a.m. to sunset.
Second and third segments of dove season: one-half hour before sunrise to sunset

All other species:

One-half hour before sunrise to sunset

DAILY BAG AND POSSESSION LIMITS

Daily Bag Limit − The total limit of a specific migratory game bird species that may be taken during legal shooting hours for one calendar day.

Possession Limit − The total limit of a specific migratory game bird species that may be in your possession at any time, whether on your person or stored in another location(including your home or taxidermist). 

Note: Migratory birds shot in another state, count toward a hunter’s daily and possession limits.

DOVE

Eurasian collared doves resemble mourning doves but possess a black slash across the back of their necks. Hunters should not continue to hunt for Eurasian collared doves after reaching the 15-bird daily dove bag limit. Eurasian collared doves cleaned in the field count toward the 15-bird daily dove bag limit. If the head and/or wing remains attached during transport or in the field, hunters may take unlimited numbers of Eurasian collared doves.

Special Closings

Indicates a Mentor/Youth Hunt site, where all or part of the area is reserved for Mentor/Youth Hunt participants on certain dates. Reservations are required for these hunts. Call 1-800-858-1549 for more information.

CROW

Mechanical devices and electronic attracting devices for crow hunting may only be used during the open season.

EARLY WOOD DUCK, TEAL AND CANADA GOOSE

USFWS-approved non-toxic shot no larger than size T is required for all waterfowl hunting. Hunters may not possess or use lead shot while hunting or attempting to take waterfowl.

SEPTEMBER CANADA GOOSE

The following areas are closed during this season:

1. Cave Run Lake: Cave Run Lake and the public land inside the boundary of KY 801, KY 1274, KY 36, KY 211, U.S. 60 and KY 826 remain closed during the September Canada Goose season. The other areas of the Northeast Goose Zone are now open to hunting during the September Canada Goose season.
2. Ballard Zone: Private lands in this zone are now open during this season, public lands remain closed. The portion of Ballard County north or west of the Ballard-McCracken County line to Hwy. 358; Hwy. 358 to U.S. 60; U.S. 60 to the city limits of Wickliffe; the city limits of Wickliffe to the center of the Mississippi River.
3. West Kentucky WMA: This wildlife management area is closed during the September Canada Goose season.

Areas manipulated for dove hunting ARE NOT legal for waterfowl hunting.

YOUTH WATERFOWL DAYS

Two weekends, one in each duck zone, have been designated for youth only to waterfowl hunt. Hunters under age 16 may take a legal limit of ducks, coots, mergansers and geese on these days. See the Waterfowl Hunting section for more information.

2020 PUBLIC DOVE FIELDS (WMA's and Cooperative Fields)​

= youth field

 All public dove fields will be closed to all access from August 15 until sunrise on September 1. ​

To view a map of the 2020 Kentucky Dove Fields Click Here .

Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) are open during regular seasons under statewide regulations unless otherwise specified in this guide. Field conditions may vary considerably, even on the same WMA. Kentucky Fish and Wildlife recommends hunters scout fields listed below to ensure they are ready for the time you plan to hunt. From August 15 until sunrise on September 1, there is no access allowed in the dove fields. All scouting must be done from the road or parking lot.

Cooperator fields in the cooperative dove field program are open for public dove huntingSept. 1, but will be closed Sept. 2 - 4, reopening Sept. 5 - Oct. 26, 2020. Private cooperative fields are closed to public access except on the dates listed above. Prior to the season, hunters may drive by private cooperative fields but may not leave their vehicles to scout.

When hunting a public area, hunt safely and be courteous of others. Do not leave trash behind. The future of the cooperative dove field program depends on you.

WESTERN KENTUCKY

Ballard County

Ballard Wildlife Management Area (WMA): Travel US 60 west from Paducah about 16 miles then right onto Hwy 310. Travel about 6 miles to stop sign and Cross Hwy 358, continuing on Hwy 310 to stop sign at Hwy 1105. Cross Hwy 1105 onto Mitchell Lake Rd (Turner Landing Road) then travel about 1 mile. Go through the gate at Oscar. Field 1 is a millet field on the right .  Field 2 is a millet field next to grain bin .  Field 3 is the millet field to the North of Field 1.  Field 4:  Travel past field 1, crossing Mitchell Lake Dam, and continue striate at the crossroads, cross Butler bridge and turn left at the big pump discharge, continue north past goose pond and the sunflower field is on the right.  Signs will be posted for all fields. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS)-approved, non-toxic shot only for all fields.

Boatwright WMA: Sunflower field​ US 60 west from Paducah to Barlow. At The blinking light in Barlow turn right onto N 4th St. Go one block (.1 miles) and turn left on Holloway Landing road. Stay on it 2.8 miles and turn right on Sallie Crice Rd. In 1.6 miles turn left at Olmsted unit sign and follow for .9 miles to yellow gate. Parking lot is on left.  Walk through the gate and field is on the right. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS)-approved, non-toxic shot only.

Caldwell County

Cooperator Field, From Princeton, take KY HWY 91 South East 4.8 Miles. Turn right onto Dripping Springs Road for 1.8 miles. Turn right onto Otter Pond Road for 1.5 miles to destination. Field will be open Sept 1, but will be closed Sept. 2 through 4, reopening Sept. 5 and remaining open until October 26.

McCracken County

West Kentucky WMA, Tract 1: From Paducah, U.S. 60 west to Future City, right (north) onto Hwy. 996 for 1.5 miles. Left at stop sign onto Hwy. 725 for 1 mile. Field on right. Tract 4 and 4A: Two fields. U.S. 60 west from Paducah for 10.5 miles from I-24, turn right (north) onto Bethel Church Rd., travel about 3.25 miles, turn right onto gravel road for 0.6 mile to mobility- impaired accessible pond. Fields directly north and east of pond. Tract 5: One field. U.S. 60 west from Paducah to Future City, then right (north) onto Hwy 996, for 3.5 miles, then left (west) onto Hwy 358 for 1.7 miles. Turn right (north) onto Boldry School Rd for about 1 mile, turn left onto first gravel road for 0.25 mile to field on the right. Other fields are about 0.25 mile farther north on Boldry School Road, on the right (east) side of Boldry School Rd. Hunters on Tracts 4A must sign-in at check in-box before hunting.  Tract 7A - U.S. 60 west from Paducah to Future City, then right (north) onto Hwy 996, for 3.5 miles, then left (west) onto Hwy 358 for 1.25 miles, field is on the north (right) side of Hwy 358. Hunters in Tract 7 A must sign in at the yellow sign-in box at the parking area.​

WEST CENTRAL KENTUCKY

Barren County

Barren River Lake WMA: From US 31 E, turn north on Hwy 1318 towards Lucas, turn left on S. Lucas Rd., travel 1.6 miles to the Goose Island Unit entrance on the right.

Breckinridge County

Yellowbank WMA: 20 miles north of Hardinsburg on Hwy. 259; 20 miles west of Brandenburg on Hwy. 144 to Hwy. 259. 2 fields, see map at WMA kiosks. On Tract 4, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)-approved, non-toxic shot only (marked by signs).

Crittenden County

Big Rivers WMA and State Forest: From Sturgis, KY take HWY 365 South 2 miles into Crittenden County. Turn right onto the first WMA road and go 0.5 miles. Field will be on the right. 1-Field (50 acres)

Henderson County

Sloughs WMA: Two fields. Field 1: From Sloughs WMA office, travel west on HWY 268 approximately ¼ mile and turn left on gravel WMA road. Continue on gravel road for 1 mile, field will be immediately on the right. Parking available along gravel WMA road. Field 2: From Mt Vernon/Uniontown Rd, turn on Grant Line Road heading toward Grassy Pond. Travel 1.5 miles until road ends at Grassy Pond. Field will be on the left. Parking available along gravel road.  Field 1 (25 acres) Field 2 (10 acres)  U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)-approved, non-toxic shot only.

Muhlenberg/Ohio Counties

Peabody WMA: User permit required for Peabody WMA access, call (270) 476-1889 for more information. Sinclair Unit, 3 fields (24 acres) Ken Unit, 3 fields (33 acres)

Union County

H&H WMA dove fields are in new locations this year. Higginson-Henry WMA: Mentor/Youth Field (Apply Online): closed by signs through Sept. 4th with Mentor/Youth hunt held on Sept. 5th, open to the public on Sept. 6th. From the intersection of Hwy 56 and 141, go South on Hwy 141 for 0.6 mile field is on the right. Field 2: From the intersection of Hwy 56 and 141, go East on Hwy 56 for 0.8 mile and turn Left on gravel road. Field 3: From the intersection of Hwy 56 and 141, go North on Hwy 141 for 0.2 mile and turn right on gravel road. Field 4: From the intersection of Hwy 56 and 141, go North for 0.8 mile and turn right on gravel road. *Mentor Field (28 acres) Field 2 (18 acres) Field 3 (3 acres) Field 4 (3 acres)

CENTRAL KENTUCKY

Franklin County

T.N. Sullivan WMA: (1 Field) From Frankfort, take US 127 north for 4.1 miles to a right onto Steele Branch Rd and proceed to the “T” (Owenton Rd). Turn left and travel 0.4 mile to a right onto Hwy 1262 (Sullivan Lane) for 0.75 mile to WMA. Follow signs to field.

Grant County

Curtis Gates Lloyd WMA: Two fields. Take Crittenden exit from I-75. Follow US 25 south to Hwy 491. Turn left across railroad tracks and take immediate right onto Wildlife Rd. Both fields are open to general public under statewide regulations.

Harrison County

Griffith Woods WMA: From I-75, take Georgetown exit 126 and travel east on US 62 toward Cynthiana. Field is on the left 0.5 mile past Hwy 353/Russell Cave Rd. Located approximately 15 miles east of Georgetown and 25 miles northeast of Lexington.

Henry County

Kentucky River WMA: Welch Tract: US 421 to Hwy 561, 1 mile west of Gest (near Lock 3).  Follow signs for parking.  U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)-approved, non-toxic shot only on both tracts. Boone Tract. Hwy 355 to Gratz. Turn left onto KY 22. Cross the KY River then take a right onto KY 389 and travel about 3 miles. Follow signs for parking. USFWS-approved, non-toxic shot only

LaRue County

Rolling Fork WMA: Take exit 21 off Bluegrass Parkway for US-31E, turn left off exit ramp towards Hodgenville, and travel south for 18 miles. Turn left onto KY-84E, in 12 miles turn right onto State Hwy 462 then travel for 6.8 miles and turn right onto Levelwoods Rd. Field will be on your left in 3.2 miles just past Warren Rd.

Madison County

Miller Welch-Central Kentucky WMA: 9 miles southeast of Richmond. From US 421 at Kingston, take a left (east) onto Hwy 3376 (Dreyfus Rd) for about 2 miles. Turn right (south) onto Muddy Creek Rd (just past WMA office) to dove fields on right.

Mercer County

Cooperator Field, Take exit 59A off Bluegrass Parkway (towards Harrodsburg/Danville), travel south on US 127 for 2 miles, turn right onto Wheat School Rd and travel 1.4 miles to a right turn onto Bondville Rd for approximately 2 miles, turn right onto Hawkins Lane and follow signs to field on the right. Field will be open Sept 1, but will be closed Sept. 2 through 4, reopening Sept. 5 and remaining open until October 26.

Cooperator Field, Take exit 59A off Bluegrass Parkway (towards Harrodsburg/Danville), travel south on US 127 for 3.8 miles and turn right onto Kirkwood Road and travel ¼ mile and turn right onto Bondville Road, turn right onto Crews Street, field will be on the right. Field will be open Sept 1, but will be closed Sept. 2 through 4, reopening Sept. 5 and remaining open until October 26.​

Owen County

Kentucky River WMA (2 tracts) Gilbert Tract: Field is closed by signs through Sept. 4th for Mentor/Youth hunt held on Sept. 5th, open to the public on Sept. 6th, apply online. From Hwy 127 take Hwy 355. Travel 5.5 miles and turn onto Browns Bottom Road. Travel 2.4 miles to WMA and follow signs to parking. USFWS-approved, non-toxic shot only.  Roberts Tract: From US Hwy 127 take Hwy 355 and turn onto Old Landing Rd. Travel approx. 1 mile to WMA parking area on the left. Follow signs for parking. USFWS-approved, non-toxic shot only on both tracts.

Shelby County

Cooperator Field, US 60 to Hwy 395, travel north about 3 miles, take left onto Hwy 1005 for 2 miles, then left onto Harley Thompson Rd for 0.25 mile to field on right. Field will be open Sept 1, but will be closed Sept. 2 through 4, reopening Sept. 5 and remaining open until October 26.

Spencer County

Taylorsville Lake WMA: Two Fields. From Taylorsville, travel east on Hwy 248 about 2.1 miles, turning right onto Hwy 2239/Overlook Rd. Field will be on the right and parking at first and second gravel parking lot.

NORTHEASTERN KENTUCKY

Bath County

Clay WMA: Justice Tract: From I-64 at exit 110, take KY 11 north for 17.8 miles to a left onto Little Flat-Ledford Rd. Travel 0.7 mile to parking area on right. 26.

Cooperator Field, From Owingsville, take Hwy 111 north 6.5 miles. Field is on right off of Old Wyoming Rd. Field will be open Sept 1, but will be closed Sept. 2 through 4, reopening Sept. 5 and remaining open until October 26

Fleming County

Marietta Booth tract of Clay WMA: From Carlisle take Hwy. 32 east for about 12 miles then right at WMA sign. Go 0.3 mile to WMA parking area on left.

Greenup County

South Shore WMA: From South Shore take US 23 east to a left (north) at the South Shore WMA sign for 0.4 mile. Field is adjacent to parking area. USFWS-approved, non-toxic shot only. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)-approved, non-toxic shot only.

Morgan County

Paintsville Lake WMA: From Paintsville, take Hwy. 40 west for 1.5 miles, turn right onto Hwy. 172 (west) for 14 miles to field on left. From Morehead, take Hwy. 519 south to a left onto U.S. 460, then left onto Hwy. 172 (east) for 15 miles to field on right. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)-approved, non-toxic shot only.

SOUTHEASTERN KENTUCKY

Adair County

Cooperator Field, From Columbia take KY-551 north for 2.4 miles, turn left onto KY-682 (Holmes Bend Rd.) for 3.3 miles, turn left onto Demsey Land and travel 0.4 miles to farm access at the end of the road. Field will be open Sept 1, but will be closed Sept. 2 through 4, reopening Sept. 5 and remaining open until October 26. ​

Lincoln County

Cooperator Field, From Stanford, take US 27 north for 0.16 mile to a left onto Hwy 590. Travel 1.5 miles to a gravel lane on left. Turn left and proceed to marked parking area.Field will be open Sept 1, but will be closed Sept. 2 through 4, reopening Sept. 5 and remaining open until October 26.

Pulaski County

Rockcastle River WMA​: Field is closed by signs through Sept. 4th for Mentor/Youth hunt held on Sept. 5th, open to the public on Sept. 6th, apply online. From Somerset, take KY 80 east for 13.2 miles, turn right onto Rocky Tree Road for 292 ft. and then turn left on HWY 1675 for 4.7 miles to Acorn-Ano Road. Travel 3.0 miles on Acorn-Ano Road to the marked gravel parking area.

CLOSED TO MIGRATORY GAME BIRD HUNTING

CLOSED TO WATERFOWL HUNTING

WATERFOWL REFUGES

The following areas are waterfowl refuges: portion of Lake Cumberland WMA including Wesley Bend (bounded by Fishing Creek, Fishing Creek Road and Beech Grove Road) and Yellowhole (bounded by Fishing Creek Road and Hickory Nut Road) are closed to the public Oct. 15 - March 15. Ohio River Waterfowl Refuge (From Smithland Lock and Dam upstream to powerline crossing at river mile 911.5) is closed to hunting Oct. 15 - March 15 and Stewart Island is closed to the public Oct. 15 - March 15. On Peabody WMA, portions of Sinclair and Homestead mines as marked by signs are closed to the public Oct. 15 - March 15. On Sloughs WMA, the Sauerheber Unit is closed to the public Nov. 1-March 15 except the Crenshaw and Duncan tracts which are open for waterfowl quota hunt permittes. The area of Yellowbank WMA posted by signs is closed to the public Oct. 15 - March 15.

Wildlife Management Areas not listed here or in the “Closed Areas” section are open under statewide regulations.

BALLARD WMA and SWAN LAKE PORTION of BOATWRIGHT WMA (Ballard County)

Dove: Sept. 1 - Oct. 13, 2020
Snipe: Sept. 18 - Oct. 13, 2020
Rails, Moorhen, Gallinules: Sept. 1 - Oct. 13, 2020

No woodcock hunting permitted. Areas designated by signs are closed to all hunting.

MILLER WELCH-CENTRAL KENTUCKY WMA (Madison County)

Dove: Sept. 1 - Oct. 13, 2020
Snipe: Sept. 18 - Oct. 13, 2020

No woodcock hunting permitted.

PIONEER WEAPONS AREAS

Breech- and muzzle-loading shotguns may be used to take wood ducks and teal on the shoreline portions of the Pioneer Weapons Areas at 1) Cave Run Lake, and 2) all waterfowl at Barren River Lake.

WEST KENTUCKY WMA (McCracken County)

Dove, snipe and woodcock: Open under statewide seasons, except closed during gun deer seasons.

(WMA closed to September Canada goose season.)

The following areas have special seasons and regulations for all hunting. Contact the individual areas at the addresses and telephone numbers listed below.

FORT CAMPBELL MILITARY RESERVATION
Outdoor Recreation Branch, Bldg. 6645
101st Airborne Div. Ave.
Ft. Campbell, KY 42223-5000
(270) 798-9824

FORT KNOX MILITARY RESERVATION
Hunt Control Office
Fort Knox, KY 40121-5719
(502) 624-7311

LAND BETWEEN THE LAKES NATIONAL RECREATION AREA
100 Van Morgan Drive
Golden Pond, KY 42211-9001
(270) 924-2065

OHIO RIVER ISLANDS NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
3982 Waverly Road
Williamstown, WV 26187
(304) 375-2923, ext. 117

REELFOOT NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
4343 Hwy. 157
Union City, TN 38261
(731) 538-2481