Flock of Doves in a Field Banner image

Migratory Bird Hunting

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​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.​


NEW FOR 2022-23 HUNTING SEASON!

Youth/Military Waterfowl Days

​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.

​​

​SEASON DATES


MIGRATORY BIRDS (WEBLESS)​​​​​ Season Dates​ ​Daily Limit​​
​​Po​​ssession Limit
​Dove Sept. 1 - Oct. 26, Nov. 23 - Dec. 3, 2023 and Dec. 23, 2023 - Jan. 14, 2024
15 (including white-winged dove)
45
Virginia & Sora Rail Sept. 1 - Nov. 9, 2023
25 singly or combined 75
American Woodcock Oct. 28 - Nov. 10 and Nov. 13 - Dec. 13, 2023
3
9
Wilson's Snipe
Sept. 20 - Oct. 29, 2023 and Nov. 23, 2023 - Jan. 28, 2024
8 24
Common & Purple Gallinule Sept. 1 - Nov. 9, 2023
3 singly or combined 9
Crow Sept. 1 - Nov. 9​​​, 2023 and Jan. 4 - Feb. 28, 2024; one half hour before sunrise until sunset
none none
Early Wood Duck & Teal (Includes blue-winged, green-winged and cinnamon teal Sept. 16 - 20, 2023
6 birds with no more than 2 wood ducks 18 birds with no more than 6 wood ducks
Teal Only Sept. 16 - 24, 2023
6 18
September Canada Goose Sept. 16 - 30, 2023 (Eastern Region); Sept. 1 - 15, 2023 (Western Region)
5 15
Youth Waterfowl Days Nov. 18, 2023 and Feb. 110, 2024 (Youth)
Nov. 20, 2022 and Feb. 11, 2023 (Military) ​

Same as duck and goose seasons​​​ ​
​Sandhill Crane Dec. 7, 2023 - Jan. 31, 2024
1 or 2*
3

*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.

GENERAL REGULATIONS

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, 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 num​ber 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.

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 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.


WHICH LICENSE OR PERMIT DO YOU NEED?

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

KENTUCKY RESIDENTS
Migratory Birds (dove, snipe, woodcock, moorhens, rails, gallinules and SANDHILL CRANE)
Ages 12-15 Youth Hunting License*
Ages 16-64 Annual** or 1-Day Hunting License + Kentucky Migratory Bird/Waterfowl Permit **
Ages 65 and older OR Disabled Senior/Disabled License
Waterfowl (ducks, geese, coots and mergansers)
Ages 12-15 Youth Hunting License *
Ages 16-64 Annual** or 1-Day Hunting License + Kentucky Migratory Bird/Waterfowl Permit ** + Federal Duck Stamp
Ages 65 and older OR Disabled Senior/Disabled License + Federal Duck Stamp
NONRESIDENTS (must buy nonresident licenses/permits)
Migratory Birds (dove, snipe, woodcock, moorhens, rails, gallinules, and SANDHILL CRANE)
Ages 12-15 Youth Hunting License
Ages 16 and older Annual, 1-Day or 7-Day Hunting License + Kentucky Migratory Bird/Waterfowl Permit
Waterfowl (ducks, geese, coots and mergansers)
Ages 12-15 Youth Hunting License
Ages 16 and older Annual, 1-Day or 7-Day Hunting License + Kentucky Migratory Bird/Waterfowl Permit + Federal Duck Stamp

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

​​
HUNTING SEASONS

SHOOTING HOURS

Dove, private land:

September 1: 11 a.m. to sunset

Remainder of dove season: one-half hour before sunrise to sunset

Dove, public land (WMAs, leased fields):

September 1 - October 26: 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.

SHOOTING HOURS (MIGRATORY BIRDS)
Dove, private land Sept. 1 only: 11 a.m. to sunset. The remainder of dove season: one-half hour before sunrise to sunset
Dove, public land (WMAs, leased fields) Sept. 1 - Oct. 26: 11 a.m. to sunset. Second and third segments of dove season: one-half hour before sunrise to sunset
Sandhill crane Sunrise to sunset
All other species One-half hour before sunrise to sunset

OTHER SEASON NOTES

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.


Eurasian Collared Dove

Special Closings

Star 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.​



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 the 2022 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, and 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/MILITARY WATERFOWL DAYS

​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.


​​
Find a Public Dove Field Using Our Interactive Map!


PUBLIC HUNTING

2022 PUBLIC DOVE FIELDS (WMAs and Cooperative Fields)​

Star= youth field

 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.

WESTERN KENTUCKY 
Ballard County
Ballard Wildlife Management Area (WMA), four fields: Travel U.S. 60 west from Paducah about 16 miles then right onto KY 310. Travel about 6 miles to the stop sign and cross KY 358, continuing on KY 310 to the stop sign at KY 1105 onto Mitchell Lake Rd (Turner Landing Rd.) then travel about 1 mile. Go through the gate at Oscar. Field 1 is a wheat/sunflower field on the right. Field 2 is a milo field on your left after entering the gate. Field 3 is a sunflower field next to the grain bins. Travel past Field 1, crossing Mitchell Lake Dam, Field 4 is a wheat field on the left.  Signs will be posted for all fields.  U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS)-approved, non-toxic shot only for all fields.
​Carlisle County
Doug Travis WMA: 1 field, 10 acres in sunflowers. From Bardwell, take KY 123 west to Berkley, then turn right on Fish Lake Road for 5.3 miles.  Turn right onto gravel WMA road for 0.3 miles. Field is on the right. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS)-approved, non-toxic shot only.
Crittenden County
Big Rivers WMA: From Sturgis, take KY 365 south 2.5 miles into Crittenden County. Turn right on the first WMA road. Fields will be on the left, 100 yards from the highway entrance.

Cooperator Field: 1 field, 102 acres, corn sileage. From Marion head northeast on U.S. 60 for approximately 6 miles. Turn right onto KY 654. Continue for 1 mile then turn left onto Fishtrap Road. The parking area is approximately 0.5 mile down Fishtrap Road.
​Graves County
Cooperator Field: 50 acres hemp: From Mayfield, travel south on KY 303 for approximately 16.2 miles; fields will be on both sides of​ the road.  

McCracken County
West Kentucky WMA:

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.

Cooperator Field: From Exit 11 off I-24 at Paducah, travel south on KY 1954 (Husband Rd) approximately 0.5 mile and turn left onto Lyndon Rd. Travel 1.94 miles to intersection at the stop sign. Continue straight ahead onto Sheehan Bridge Rd. Dove field parking area will be 1.1 miles ahead on the left. 
Livingston County
Livingston County WMA: From Salem, take KY 133 N (Lola Rd) 13.8 miles. Turn left on Hughes Rd and parking area will be approximately 0.5 miles through the yellow gate and on the right. From Smithland, take U.S. 60 E 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 approximately 1.3 miles, turn right onto Hughes Rd and the parking area will be 0.5 miles ahead, through the yellow gate on the right.
WEST CENTRAL KENTUCKY
Barren County
Barren River Lake WMA:  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.
Breckinridge County
Yellowbank WMA: 20 miles north of Hardinsburg on KY 259; 20 miles west of Brandenburg on KY 144 to KY 259. Tract 1 field is 18 acres; Tract 4 field is 15 acres. On Tract 4, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)-approved, non-toxic shot only.
Henderson County
Sloughs WMA: Field 1: From the Sloughs WMA office on KY 268, field is located directly adjacent to office and running south along gravel road from KY 268. Parking available within office parking lot and along a gravel road shoulder.  U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS)-approved, non-toxic shot only. 
Muhlenberg/Ohio Counties
Peabody WMA: Sinclair Unit, 2 fields (6 acres) and Ken Unit, 3 fields (33 acres). User permit required for Peabody WMA access, call (270) 476-1889 for more information. 
Union County
Star Higginson-Henry WMA:
Field 1: is a Mentor/ Youth Field. (Apply online from August 1-12, 15 slots). ) Field is closed until Sept. 3 for the Mentor/Youth hunt. Field opens to the general public annually on Sept. 4. From the intersection of KY 56 for 0.8 miles and turn left on a gravel road. Travel 0.5 miles and the field is on the right.

Field 2: From the intersection of KY 56 and KY 141, go west on KY 56 for 2.9 miles and the field is on the left.

Note: Mentor Field 1 is 8 acres; Field 2 is 14 acres.
CENTRAL KENTUCKY
Franklin County
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” intersection with Owenton Rd. Turn left and travel 0.4 miles to a right onto KY 1262 (Sullivan Lane) for 0.75 miles to WMA. Follow signs to the field.
Grant County
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.
Harrison County
Griffith Woods WMA: From I-75, take Georgetown exit 126 and travel east on U.S. 62 toward Cynthiana. The field is on the left 0.5 miles past KY 353 (Russell Cave Rd). Located approximately 15 miles east of Georgetown and 25 miles northeast of Lexington.
Henry County

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.

LaRue County
Rolling Fork WMA:​ Take exit 21 off Bluegrass Parkway for U.S. 31E, turn left off the exit ramp towards Hodgenville, and travel south for 18 miles. Turn left onto KY 84E, in 12 miles turn right onto KY 462 then travel for 6.8 miles and turn right onto Levelwood Rd. The 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 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 the office) to dove fields on right.
Mercer County

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.

Nelson County
Rolling Fork WMA: From Exit 21 off Bluegrass Parkway for U.S. 31E, turn left off the exit ramp towards Hodgenville, and travel south for 18 miles. Turn left onto KY 84E, the field will be on the right in 8.5 miles.
Owen County
Kentucky River WMA: (3 tracts)

StarGilbert Tract (2 fields): Fields are closed until Sept. 3 for the Mentor/ Youth hunt (Apply online from Aug. 1-12, 20 slots). The field opens to the general public annually on Sept. 4. From U.S. 127, take KY 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 (1 field): From U.S. 127 take KY 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.

Chesney Tract (1 field): From U.S.127 take KY 355. Travel 2.6 miles to a parking area on the left. USFWS-approved, nontoxic shot only.

Shelby County
Cooperator Field: U.S. 60 to KY 395, travel north about 3 miles, take left onto KY 1005 for 2 miles, then left onto Harley-Thompson Rd. for 0.25 mile to field on right. 
Spencer County
Taylorsville Lake WMA: 2 fields. From Taylorsville, travel east on KY 248 for about 2.1 miles, turning right onto KY 2239 (Overlook Rd.). The field will be on the right and parking at the 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 miles to a parking area on right.

Cooperator Field: From Owingsville, take KY 111 north 6.5 miles. The field is on right off of Old Wyoming Rd.
​Fleming County
Clay WMA: Marietta Booth Tract: From Carlisle, take KY 32 east for about 12 miles then right at the WMA sign. Go 0.3 miles to the WMA parking area on left.
Greenup County
South Shore WMA: From South Shore take U.S. 23 east to a left (north) at the South Shore WMA sign for 0.4 miles. The field is adjacent to a parking area. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)-approved, non-toxic shot only.
Morgan County
Paintsville Lake WMA: Fields near the 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.
SOUTHEASTERN KENTUCKY
Adair County
Green River Lake WMA: One field, 12 acres. From Columbia take KY 55 north for 1.6 miles, turn right onto KY 551. Travel on KY 551 for 4.3 miles to Snake Creek Rd. Turn right on Snake Creek Rd. and travel 2.2 miles to Snake Creek Boat Ramp Rd. Turn left on Snake Creek Boat Ramp Rd. Field is located on the left side of Snake Creek Boat Ramp Rd.​
Green County
Star Cooperator Field: Field is closed annually until Sept. 3 for Mentor/Youth hunt, (Apply online from Aug.1- 12, 25 slots). Field opens to the general public on Sept. 4. 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 the road on right.

Cooperator Field: From Greensburg, take KY 61 north for 8.1 miles, turn left onto KY 569 for 5.3 miles, and turn right onto KY 566 for 2.5 miles to designated parking areas. Fields are on the right (east) side of KY 566.
Lincoln County
Cooperator Field: From Stanford, take US 27 north for 0.16 miles to a left onto KY 590. Travel 1.5 miles to a gravel lane on left. Turn left and proceed to the marked parking area.
Pulaski County
Rockcastle River WMA: From Somerset, take KY 80 east for 13.2 miles, turn right onto Rocky Tree Road for 292 feet and then turn left onto KY 1675 for 4.7 miles to Acorn-Ano Road. Turn left onto Acorn-Ano Road and travel 3 miles to the marked gravel parking area.
Taylor County
Green River Lake WMA (Elkhorn): From Campbellsville, take KY 70 east for 4.1 miles. Gravel parking lot will be on the left.

Green River Lake WMA (Robinson Creek): From Campbellsville, take KY 70 east for 5.0 miles. A gravel parking lot will be on the right.

CLOSED AREAS

CLOSED TO MIGRATORY GAME BIRD HUNTING

  1. The main block of Robinson Forest WMA
  2. The portion of Grayson Lake WMA within three-quarters of a mile of the dam, the Deer Creek Branch, the shores of Camp Webb and the state park
  3. the Greenbrier Creek Branch of Yatesville Lake​, including all islands, north of the mouth of Greenbrier Creek Branch.
  4. ​Land Between The Lakes NRA is open from annually Sept. 30 - Nov. 30.

CLOSED TO WATERFOWL HUNTING

All designated goose refuge lakes within the Western Kentucky coalfields region are closed to all waterfowl hunting.

WATERFOWL REFUGES

The following areas are waterfowl refuges: 

  • Portions 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 annually from 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 annually from Oct. 15 - March 15 and Stewart Island is closed to the public annually from Oct. 15 - March 15.
  • On Peabody WMA, portions of Sinclair and Homestead mines marked by signs are closed to the public annually from October 15 - March 15.
  • On Sloughs WMA, the Sauerheber Unit is closed to the public annually from Nov. 1 - March 15 except for the Crenshaw and Duncan tracts which are open for waterfowl hunting only.
  • The area of Yellowbank WMA posted by signs is closed to the public annually from Oct. 15 - March 15.​

SPECIAL WMA RESTRICTIONS

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, 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.

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.)


OTHER HUNTING AREAS

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 Road
Ft. Campbell, KY 42223-5000
(270) 798-9824
https://ftcampbell.isportsman.net​​

FORT KNOX MILITARY RESERVATION ​​
Hunt Control Office
​4916 Wilson Road, Building 9297
Fort Knox, KY 40121-5719
(502) 624-7311 or (502) 624-2712
https://ftknox.isportsman.net

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

OHIO RIVER ISLANDS NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE ​​
3982 Waverly Road
Williamstown, WV 26187
(304) 375-2923, ext. 117
​www.fws.gov/refuge/ohio-river-islands

REELFOOT NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE​​​
4343 Hwy. 157
Union City, TN 38261
(731) 538-2481
http://reelfoot.fws.gov


YOUTH HUNTING​

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.

MENTOR/YOUTH DOVE HUNTS APPLY HERE

​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.

2022 MENTOR/YOUTH HUNT RULES

  1. ​​Open only to adults accompanied by a youth (ages 15 and younger), though not necessary for the youth to hunt.
  2. Both mentor and youth can hunt, but must do so from the same field location (stake). All hunters must stay within 15 feet of their assigned shooting location. One adult may take two youths to these hunts. Two shotguns are allowed per stake. Each hunter is allowed 15 doves.
  3. The number of hunters in Mentor/ Youth Hunt fields will be strictly limited to insure a safe and quality hunt.
  4. Field slots for 2022 will be available only by advanced registration from 8 a.m. (Eastern) Aug. 1, until 4:30 p.m. (Eastern)​, Aug. 12. Unreserved slots will be available on a first come, first served basis at the field on the day of the hunt until all slots are filled.
  5. Hunting groups must check in prior to hunting and check out prior to leaving the field with Kentucky Fish and Wildlife staff.
  6. After the field is filled, no new hunting groups will be allowed in.
  7. Hunting groups in the field may move to different staked sites when the assigned group vacates that site.
  8. Hunters must leave their guns at their shooting location (stake) when retrieving downed birds.
  9. Shooting hours limited to 2 - 7 p.m., local time. All hunting groups must be out of the field by 7:30 p.m., local time.
  10. All hunters will be responsible for cleaning up their shooting location (including empty shells) prior to leaving the field.
  11. Mentors and youth must conduct themselves in a safe manner and abide by these and other rules posted at the hunt field. Failure to do so will result in termination of hunting privilege for that field that day.
  12. Hunter education and licensing requirements apply.
    ​​















​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​