An Official Website of the Commonwealth of Kentucky
Seasons are statewide. Youths must be under the age of 16 on the day of the hunt. Military seasons are for military on active duty and honorably discharged veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces only. Per federal rule, National Guard members and reservists are only eligible if they are on active duty. Participants must have a proper license and permit, including federal duck stamp.
*Note: The daily bag limit for Sandhill Cranes is 2 cranes for permit holders with 2 or more tags or 1 crane for permit holders with one tag. Sandhill Crane permits are available only through quota hunt drawings in September at the Quota Hunts page.
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, authorizes 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 complete the Harvest Information Program (HIP) survey before they are legal migratory bird hunters.
The process takes less than 5 minutes. Click "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. Hunters without Internet access may call Kentucky Fish and Wildlife for assistance at 1-800-858-1549. Phones are staffed on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Eastern). Offices are closed during the holidays.
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.
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.
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.
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.
All migratory game birds shall be retrieved, if possible, and retained in the custody of the hunter in the field.
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 is described in "Nontoxic Shot Regulations For Hunting Waterfowl and Coots in the U.S." from April 19, 2022.
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.
* Included in Youth Sportsman's License** Included in Resident Sportsman's LicenseNOTE: HIP survey required for all migratory bird hunters 16 and older
September 1: 11 a.m. to sunset Remainder of dove season: one-half hour before sunrise to sunset
September 1: 11 a.m. to sunset
Remainder of dove season: one-half hour before sunrise to sunset
September 1 - October 26: 11 a.m. to sunset. Second and third segments of dove season: one-half hour before sunrise to sunset
September 1 - October 26: 11 a.m. to sunset.
Second and third segments of dove season: one-half hour before sunrise to sunset
One-half hour before sunrise to sunset
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.
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.
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. Apply online from 8 a.m. Aug. 1 to 4:30 p.m. (Eastern) Aug. 12 for the 2022 season. Hunters are randomly selected regardless of when they applied.
Mechanical devices and electronic attracting devices for crow hunting may only be used during the open season.
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.
The following areas are closed during the 2022 season:
Areas manipulated for dove hunting ARE NOT legal for waterfowl hunting.
Seasons are statewide. Youths must be under the age of 16 on the day of the hunt (Nov. 19, 2022 and Feb. 11, 2023). Military seasons are for military on active duty and honorably discharged veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces only (Nov. 20, 2022 and Feb. 12, 2023). Per federal rule, National Guard members and reservists are only eligible if they are on active duty. Participants must have a proper license and permit, including federal duck stamp.
All public dove fields will be closed to all access annually from August 15 until sunrise on September 1.
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 the 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.
Private fields in the Cooperative Dove Field Program are open for public dove hunting Sept. 1, but will be closed Sept. 2, reopening Sept. 3 - Oct. 26, 2022. 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.
Tract 4: 3 fields totaling 20 acres of sunflowers. From I-24 exit in Paducah, take U.S. 60 west for 10.5 miles to Bethel Church Rd, turn right (north) onto Bethel Church Rd for 3.4 miles and turn right (east) onto gravel WMA road. Field 3 will be immediately on the south of WMA road, Fields 1 and 2 will be on the north side of the WMA road behind the Disabled Access Pond.
Tract 4A: 5 acres sunflowers in 1 field across Rice Springs Road (east) of Disabled Access Pond. Check in is required before hunting at the 'A' tract check in box.
Tract 5: 11 acres sunflowers in 1 field behind WMA Shop. From 1-24 exit 4 in Paducah, take U.S. 60 west for 7.1 miles to KY 358 (Ogden Landing Rd), turn left (west) onto KY 358 for 2.3 miles to Boldry School Rd. Turn right (north) onto Boldry School Rd for 0.8 miles to first gravel WMA road. Turn left (west) onto gravel WMA road and field will be on the right (north) side of the gravel road.
Tract 7A: 5 arces of sunflowers in the field behind the Tracts 7A check-in box on the north side of KY 358 (Ogden Landing Rd). From I-24 exit 4 in Paducah, take U.S. 60 west for 7.1 miles to KY 996 (Metropolis Lake Rd). Turn right (north) onto Metropolis Lake Rd for 3.2 miles to KY 358 (Ogden Landing Rd), turn left (west) onto KY 358 for 1.2 miles to field on the right (north) side of KY 358. Check in is required before hunting at the 'A' tract check in box.
Kentucky River WMA: 3 fields. Welch Tract: U.S. 421 to KY 561, 1 mile west of Gest (near Lock 3). USFWS-approved, non-toxic shot only.
Cooperator Field: From New Castle, travel north on U.S. 421 for 0.5 miles then turn right (east) on KY 202 (Drennon Rd) for 4.8 miles, then turn right (south) onto Bullitt Hill Rd for 2.1 miles, then turn left (north) onto KY 1360 (Franklinton Rd) for 0.4 miles, then turn right (east) onto Baugh Rd. for 1 mile. Drive to the house and beyond, the parking lot for Field 1 is at the barns behind the house.
Cooperator Field: From New Castle, travel north on U.S 421 for 0.5 miles then turn right (east) on KY 202 Drennon Rd for 4.8 miles, then turn right (south) onto Bullitt Hill Rd. for 2.1 miles then turn left (north) onto KY 1360 (Franklinton Rd) for 1.2 miles, then turn right (east) onto Penny Winkle Rd for 0.9 miles, the field will be on your right to the south.
Cooperator Field: From exit 59A off Bluegrass Parkway (towards Harrodsburg/Danville), travel south on U.S. 127 for 2 miles, turn right onto Wheat School and travel 1.4 miles to a right turn onto Bondville Rd. Travel for approximately 2 miles, turn right onto Hawkins Lane, and follow signs to the field on the right.
Cooperator Field: From exit 59A off Bluegrass Parkway (towards Harrodsburg/Danville), travel south on U.S. 127 for 3.8 miles and turn right onto Kirkwood Road. Travel 0.25 mile and turn right onto Bondville Road, then turn right onto Crews Street. The field will be on the right.
The following areas are waterfowl refuges:
Wildlife Management Areas not listed here or in the “Closed Areas” section are open under statewide regulations.
Dove: Sept. 1 - Oct. 13, 2022 Snipe: Sept. 21 - Oct. 13, 2022 Rails, Moorhen, Gallinules: Sept. 1 - Oct. 13, 2022
Dove: Sept. 1 - Oct. 13, 2022
Snipe: Sept. 21 - Oct. 13, 2022
Rails, Moorhen, Gallinules: Sept. 1 - Oct. 13, 2022
No woodcock hunting is permitted. Areas designated by signs are closed to all hunting.
Dove: Sept. 1 - Oct. 13, 2022 Snipe: Sept. 18 - Oct. 13, 2022 No woodcock hunting is permitted.
Snipe: Sept. 18 - Oct. 13, 2022
No woodcock hunting is permitted.
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.
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 6645 101st Airborne Division RoadFt. Campbell, KY 42223-5000 (270) 798-9824 https://ftcampbell.isportsman.net
LAND BETWEEN THE LAKES NATIONAL RECREATION AREA100 Van Morgan Drive Golden Pond, KY 42211-9001(270) 924-2065www.landbetweenthelakes.us
OHIO RIVER ISLANDS NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE 3982 Waverly Road Williamstown, WV 26187 (304) 375-2923, ext. 117www.fws.gov/refuge/ohio-river-islands
Kentucky will offer three mentor-youth dove hunting fields during the 2022 season in Union, Owen and Green counties. Click here for locations and directions to fields.
Fields set aside for Mentor/Youth hunts are open Sept. 3 to pre-registered hunters only. On this day, adult dove hunters can introduce a young hunter to the challenge and tradition of the early season dove hunt. Hunts require pre-registration (see rules below for details). Thereafter, unreserved slots will be available on a first come, first served basis. Mentor/Youth dove fields on wildlife management areas reopen to the public Sept. 4.