An Official Website of the Commonwealth of Kentucky
The information listed here is for Dove, Wood Duck, Teal, Woodcock, Snipe and Crow. Before hunting migratory birds, hunters must go fill out the Harvest Information Program (HIP) survey before they are legal migratory bird hunters. See below for detailed information.
This fall, the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources will host four dove quota hunts and three traditional mentor/youth dove quota hunts. The application period is 8 a.m. (ET) Aug. 5, 2024, to 4:30 p.m.(ET) Aug. 16, 2024.
Four dove quota hunts are being held at Big Rivers Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Crittenden County and on the Welch Tract of Kentucky River WMA in Henry County. A hunt will be held at each location on Sept. 1 and again on Sept. 7. Three mentor/youth dove quota hunts will all be held on Sept. 1, with one each at Higginson-Henry WMA in Union County, Mullins WMA in Kenton County and at a private land cooperator field in Green County.
Click the "Apply Here" button below to apply to the Dove Quota Hunts. Click the "Mentor Info" Button to learn more about the Dove Mentor Hunt program.
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MENTOR INFO
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Season Calendar
18 birds with no morethan 6 wood ducks
*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.
Unless license-exempt, hunters must possess a valid Kentucky hunting license when hunting the species listed on this page. Check the table below to see more information on what hunting license you may need.
Please Note: Licenses and permits are not required for youths under the age of 12.
A Kentucky Migratory Bird/Waterfowl Permit and a Federal Migratory Bird Stamp (Duck Stamp) authorize the holder to hunt all migratory game birds, including waterfowl (ducks, geese, coots, mergansers).
Only a Kentucky Migratory Bird/Waterfowl Permit is required for those who hunt migratory birds other than waterfowl.
Before hunting migratory birds, hunters must complete the Harvest Information Program (HIP) survey before they are legally 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.
Need Help with Licenses or Permits?
Hunters without Internet access or who have further questions may contact the Information Center for assistance at 1-800-858-1549 or Info.Center@ky.gov.
* Included in Youth Sportsman's License** Included in Resident Sportsman's License
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 shotshells. 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.
Baited Fields
Hunting doves or waterfowl over a “baited” field is illegal. 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 in these areas.
Wanton Waste
All migratory game birds shall be retrieved, if possible, and retained in the custody of the hunter in the field.
Shotgun 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.
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.
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:
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.
Kentucky will offer three mentor-youth dove hunting fields during the 2024 season in Union, Kenton, and Green counties. Fields set aside for Mentor/Youth hunts are only open Sept. 1 to pre-registered hunters. 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 in wildlife management areas reopen to the public on Sept. 2.
Click the "Apply Here" button to apply for a Mentor/Youth Quota Hunt opportunity and click the "Check Results" button to see if you were selected.
APPLY HERE
CHECK RESULTS
Eurasian collared doves resemble mourning doves but possess a black slash across the back of their necks (See Left Illustration). Mourning doves also typically have pointed tails and black spots on their back (See Right Illustration). There is no limit on Eurasian doves (leave head and/or wing on during transport for ID). However, hunters should stop after reaching the 15-bird daily limit of mourning doves because the two species cannot be easily distinguished on the wing.
Mechanical devices and electronic attracting devices for crow hunting may only be used during the open season. Federal law no longer allows for the shooting fo depredating crows outside the legal hunting seasons without specific federal authorization. Persons experiencing depredation problems with crows may apply online by via the Migratory Bird – Depredation Permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, email PermitsR4MB@fws.gov, or call (404) 679-7070 for more information.
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 hunting now includes two zones (Eastern and Western) with separate season dates.
The following areas are closed during the 2024 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. 23, 2024 and Feb. 8, 2025). Military seasons are for military on active duty and honorably discharged veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces only (Nov. 24, 2024 and Feb. 9, 2025). 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 a federal duck stamp.
Information about the Kentucky 2024 Public Dove Fields can be found on a new page. To access this page, click either the "Dove Fields" Tile at the top of the webpage or the "Public Dove Fields" button below.
Please Note: Dove field locations are subject to change depending on weather conditions and other factors. Before going out into the field, always check for potential closures.
Dove Fields
Mentor/Youth HuntMentor/Youth Hunt
Indicates a Mentor/Youth Hunt site where all or part of the area is reserved for Hunting participants on Sept. 1. Reservations are required for these hunts. Apply online from 8 a.m. Aug. 5 to 4:30 p.m. (Eastern) Aug. 16 for the 2024 season. Hunters are randomly selected regardless of when they applied. All Mentor/Youth Hunt fields are open to the general public on Sept. 2.
Quota Hunt OnlyQuota Hunt Site
All public dove fields will be closed to all access annually from August 15 until sunrise on September 1. When hunting in 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.
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. 1-2, and Sept. 7 - Oct. 26, 2024. Private cooperative fields are closed to public access except on the dates listed above. Before the season, hunters may drive by private cooperative fields but not leave their vehicles to scout.
Dove Quota Hunts: There will be two quota dove hunting opportunities in 2024-25. There will be a field at Big Rivers WMA and a field at Kentucky River WMA. Quota Hunt fields are closed, except to drawn hunters, September 1-7, 2024. These fields will open for public dove hunting beginning Sept. 8, 2024. Special Rules for quota hunts include:
Ballard Wildlife Management Area (WMA): Five Fields. Travel U.S. 60 west from Paducah about 16 miles then right onto KY 310. Travel about 6 miles to stop sign and cross KY 358, continuing on KY 310 to stop sign at KY 1105. Cross KY 1105 onto Mitchell Lake Rd. (Turner Landing Rd.) then travel about 1 mile. Go through the gate at Oscar. Field 1 is a sunflower field on the right. Field 2 is a milo field on your left after entering the gate turn left 0.2 miles on right. Field 3 is a sunflower field next to the grain bins. Travel past Field 1, crossing Mitchell Lake levee to crossroads, turn left, Field 4 is wheat/oat fields on both sides of the road or turn right, Field 5 is an oat field 0.5 miles on the right. Signs will be posted for all fields. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS)-approved, non-toxic shot only for all field.
Boatwright (WMA): One Field. U.S. 60 west from Paducah to Barlow. At the blinking light in Barlow turn right onto N 4th St. Go one block (0.1 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 0.1 miles, sunflower field on the left. Signs will be posted for all fields.U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS)-approved, non-toxic shot only for all field
Quota Hunt OnlyBig Rivers WMA: Closed, except for quota hunt only Sept. 1 and Sept. 9. Opens for all hunters beginning Sept. 10. From Sturgis, KY take highway 365 south 2.7 miles. Field will be located off of the highway, 200 yards south of the WMA office.
West Kentucky WMA:
Tract 4: Two fields totaling six acres of sunflowers. From I-24 exit 4 in Paducah, take U.S. 60 west for 10.5 miles to Bethel Church Rd. Take Bethel Church Road north for 3.4 miles and turn east (right) onto gravel WMA road. Fields will be on the north side of the WMA road behind the Disabled Access Pond.
Tract 5: Twenty-three acres of sunflowers in two fields. 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 2.3 miles to Boldry School Rd. Field 1: Turn north (right) onto Boldry School Rd for 0.8 miles to first gravel WMA road. Turn west (left) onto gravel WMA road and 12 acre field will be on the north (right) side of the gravel road. Field 2: Turn north (right) onto Boldry School Rd for 0.9 miles and take a 45-degree right onto gravel WMA road, 11 acres of sunflowers are on either side of this road behind Metzger Pond.
Tract 7A: five acres 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.
Livingston County WMA: From Salem, take KY 133 north (Lola Rd.) for 13.8 miles. Turn left onto Hughes Rd. Parking area will be approx. 0.5 miles through the yellow gate and on the right. From Smithland, KY take U.S. 60 east for 3.3 miles and turn left onto Ky 137 towards Birdsville/Bayou. Continue 15.3 miles and at the stop sign turn right onto KY 133 south (Lola Rd.) In approx. 1.3 miles turn right onto Hughes Rd. and parking area will be 0.5 mile ahead through yellow gate on right.
Barren River Lake WMA: Five fields. From U.S. 31 E, turn north on KY 1318 towards Lucas, turn left on S. Lucas Rd. Travel 1.6 miles to the Goose Island Unit entrance on the right, down gravel road, signs posted. All five fields are adjacent to each other (GPS: 36.882834, -86.072005).
Yellowbank WMA: 20 miles north of Hardinsburg on KY 259; 20 miles west of Brandenburg on KY 144 to KY 259. Tract 1 field (13 acres) (GPS: 38.0265, -86.5058). Tract 4 field (11 acres) (GPS: 37.9659, -86.5092). USFWS-approved, non-toxic shot only on Tract 4.
Sloughs WMA: Two fields. Field 1 (25 acres) (GPS: 37.851993, -87.794056) From the Sloughs WMA office, travel west on Hwy 268 approximately 0.3 miles and turn left onto a gravel road (signs will be posted). Field is located 1 mile down gravel road on the left. Parking available along gravel road. Field 2 (10 acres)(GPS: 37.797210, -87.899980). From Uniontown, take Mt Vernon Road 2.1 miles north to the gravel road leading to Highland Creek Unit (signs will be posted). Turn right and travel 0.5 miles and field will be on the right. Parking available along gravel road. USFWS-approved, non-toxic shot only.
Harris-Dickerson WMA: One Field (7 acres) (GPS: 37.320637, -87.362838) Entrance to WMA is in the northeast junction of HWY 70 and the Pond River. Field is located 0.3 miles from the entrance on the right.
Peabody WMA (Sinclair Unit): Three fields (14 acres) located on the north and south side of the PM Haul Road just west of KY 176. Field 1 (4 acres) (GPS: 37.249291, -87.031519), Field 2 (7 acres)(GPS: 37.249462, -87.027743), and Field 3 (3 acres)(GPS: 37.247583, -87.030361).
Peabody WMA (Ken Unit): Three fields (33 acres) located on the west side of KY 369 just south of the K1 Road junction. Field 1 (9 acres)(GPS: 37.277685, -86.889265), Field 2 (11 acres)(GPS: 37.274167, -86.889351), and Field 3 (13 acres)(GPS: 37.272528, -86.889522). User permit required for Peabody WMA access; call (270) 476-1889 for more information.
Mentor/Youth HuntHigginson-Henry WMA: Field 1 is a Mentor/Youth Field. Closed Sept. 1; Mentor/Youth quota hunt only Sept. 2 (Apply online Aug. 7-18. Fifteen Slots are Available). Opens for public hunting beginning Sept. 3. From the intersection of KY 56 and 141, go north on KY 141 for 0.25 miles, turn right and watch for signs(GPS: 37.631111, -87.822386). Field 2 (30 acres): From the intersection of KY 56 and 141, go west on KY 56 for 2.7 miles, field is on the left (GPS: 37.641541, -87.871121).
Big Rivers WMA: From Sturgis, Kentucky at the intersection of U.S. 60 and KY 109, travel north on KY 109 for 1.65 miles, turn left (west) onto KY 1508 and proceed 1 mile to the first Union County WMA entrance on the left.
T.N. Sullivan WMA: From Frankfort, take U.S. 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 KY 1262 (Sullivan Lane) for 0.75. mile to WMA. Follow signs to field.
Curtis Gates Lloyd WMA: Two fields. Take the Crittenden exit from I-75. Follow U.S. 25 south to KY 491. Turn left across railroad tracks and take an immediate right onto Wildlife Rd.
Griffith Woods WMA: From I-75, take Georgetown exit 126 and travel east on U.S. 62 toward Cynthiana. Field is on the left 0.5 mile past KY 353 (Russell Cave Rd.) located approximately 15 miles east of Georgetown and 25 miles northeast of Lexington.
Quota Hunt OnlyKentucky River WMA: Three fields, Welch Tract. Closed, except for quota hunt only Sept. 1 and Sept. 9. Opens for all hunters beginning Sept. 10. U.S. 421 to KY 561, 1 mile west of Gest (near Lock 3). USFWS-approved, non-toxic shot only.
Miller Welch-Central Kentucky WMA: 9 miles southeast of Richmond. From U.S. 421 at Kingston, take a left (east) onto KY 3376 (Dreyfus Rd.) for about 2 miles. Turn right (south) onto Muddy Creek Rd. (just past WMA office) to dove fields on right.
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 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.
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 Rd. and travel 0.25 mile and turn right onto Bondville Rd., turn right onto Crews Street, field will be on the right.
Rolling Fork WMA: From exit 21 off Bluegrass Parkway for U.S. 31E, turn left off exit ramp towards Hodgenville, and travel south for 18 miles. Turn left onto KY 84E, field will be on the right in 8.5 miles.
Mentor/Youth HuntKentucky River WMA: Two tracts.
Gilbert Tract (2 fields): Closed Sept. 1; Mentor/Youth quota hunt only Sept. 2 (Apply online from Aug. 7-18. 20 slots are available). Opens for public hunting beginning Sept. 3. From U.S. 127 take KY 355. Travel 5.5 miles and turn onto Browns Bottom Rd. Travel 2.4 miles to WMA and follow signs to parking. USFWS-approved, non-toxic shot only.
Chesney Tract (1 field): From U.S. 127 take KY 355. Travel 2.6 miles to parking area on the left. USFWS approved, non-toxic shot only.
Cooperator Field: U.S. 60 to KY 395, Travel north about 3 miles, take a left onto KY 1005 for 2 miles, then left onto Harley-Thompson Rd. for 0.25 miles to field on the right.
Taylorsville Lake WMA: Two fields. From Taylorsville, travel east on KY 248 about 2.1 miles, turning right onto KY 2239 (Overlook Rd.). Field will be on the right and parking at first and second gravel parking lot.
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.
Cooperator Field: From Owingsville, take KY 111 north 6.5 miles. Field is on right off Old Wyoming Rd.
Grayson Lake WMA: Rosedale Fields: From KY 60 in the town of Grayson, follow KY 7 south towards Grayson Lake for 8 miles and turn left onto WMA access road. USFWS-approved, non-toxic shot only.
Clay WMA: Marietta Booth Tract: From Carlisle, take KY 32 east for about 12 miles then right at WMA sign. Go 0.3 mile to WMA parking area on left.
South Shore WMA: From South Shore take U.S. 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.
Paintsville Lake WMA: Fields near intersection of KY 172 and Patoker Rd. at Relief, KY. From West Liberty follow KY 172 east for 20 miles. Dove field will be on the right side of KY 172. From Paintsville travel KY 40 west for 1.5 miles to Staffordsville, turn right (west) on KY 172 and continue for 14 miles. Dove field will be on the left along KY 172. USFWS-approved, non-toxic shot only.
Green River Lake WMA (Snake Creek): From Columbia head north on HWY 55 for 1.6 miles, turn right onto HWY 551. Stay on HWY 551 for 4.3 miles and turn right onto Snake Creek Road, travel 2.2 miles to field on the left.
Mentor/Youth HuntCooperator Fields: Closed Sept. 1; Mentor/Youth quota hunt only Sept. 2 (Apply online from Aug. 7-18. 25 slots are available). Opens for public hunting beginning Sept. 3. Take U.S. 68/70 south from Greensburg 5.9 miles; turn right onto KY 218 for 2 miles, then left onto Roy Bagby Rd. Fields at the end of road on right.
Cooperator Field: From Greensburg, take KY 61 north for 8.1 miles, turn left onto KY 569 for 5.3 miles, turn right on to KY 566 for 2.5 miles to designated parking areas. Fields are on the right (east) side of KY 566.
Cooperator Field: From Greensburg, take KY-61 north 0.9 miles. Turn left onto KY-88 for 7.8 miles. Turn left onto Pierce-Donansburg Rd. for 2.7 miles. Turn left onto R. L. Gentry Rd. to dove fields on both sides of R.L. Gentry Rd. 37.20577, -85.60290
Cooperator Field: From Stanford, take U.S. 27 north for 0.16 mile to a left onto KY 590. Travel 1.5 miles to a gravel lane on the left. Turn left and proceed to the marked parking area.
Rockcastle River WMA: From Somerset, take KY 80 east for 13.2 miles, turn right onto Rocky Tree Rd. for 292 ft. and then turn left on KY 1675 for 4.7 miles to Acorn-Ano Rd. Turn left on Acorn-Ano Rd. and travel 3.0 miles to the marked gravel parking area.
Green River Lake WMA (Elkhorn): From Campbellsville, take KY 70 east for 4.1 miles. Gravel parking lot will be on the left through gate to top of the hill.
Green River Lake WMA (Robinson Creek): From Campbellsville, take KY 70 east for 5.3 miles. Gravel parking lot will be on the right, go through gate to field.
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, 2024 Snipe: Sept. 21 - Oct. 13, 2024 Rails, Moorhen, Gallinules: Sept. 1 - Oct. 13, 2024
Dove: Sept. 1 - Oct. 13, 2024
Snipe: Sept. 21 - Oct. 13, 2024
Rails, Moorhen, Gallinules: Sept. 1 - Oct. 13, 2024
No woodcock hunting is permitted. Areas designated by signs are closed to all hunting.
Dove: Sept. 1 - Oct. 13, 2024 Snipe: Sept. 18 - Oct. 13, 2024 No woodcock hunting is permitted.
Snipe: Sept. 18 - Oct. 13, 2024
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(270) 798-9824 https://ftcampbell.isportsman.net
LAND BETWEEN THE LAKES NATIONAL RECREATION AREA100 Van Morgan Drive Golden Pond, KY 42211(270) 924-2000 www.landbetweenthelakes.us
OHIO RIVER ISLANDS NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE 3982 Waverly RoadWilliamstown, WV 26187 (304) 375-2923, ext. 117 www.fws.gov/refuge/ohio-river-islands