KENTUCKY DEPARTMENT of
FISH & WILDLIFE RESOURCES

Before hunting doves, ducks or any other migratory birds, hunters must now go online to My Profile and fill out the Harvest Information Program (HIP) survey to be legal to hunt.

HUNTING SEASONS AND REGULATIONS

SEASON DATES

Searchable application

SHOOTING HOURS

DAILY BAG AND POSSESSION LIMITS

YOUTH WATERFOWL SEASONS

Hunters age 15 and younger can hunt ducks, coots, mergansers and geese on these days (Eastern Zone: November 7-8, 2020; Western Zone: February 6-7, 2021). Youth hunting during these seasons must comply with hunter education and hunting license requirements and be accompanied by an adult (at least 18 years of age).

Bag limits are the same as for regular duck and goose seasons.

SANDHILL CRANE SEASON

Sandhill crane season opens Dec. 7, 2020 and closes Jan. 31, 2021. The daily  bag limit is two birds. Hunters must apply for a sandhill crane permit online from Sept. 1 through Sept. 30, 2020 and pay a $3 application fee. 

Applicants must have a valid Kentucky hunting license or be license exempt when they apply. Results are posted to individual applicants online following the drawing. Drawn hunters must pass an online identification exam before receiving a sandhill crane hunting permit.

Hunters must telecheck harvested birds on the day taken. 

Hunters participating in the sandhill crane hunting season must complete a post-season survey no later than 14 days after the close of the season or lose eligibility to apply the following year.

SHOT SIZE, TYPE, SHOTSHELL LENGTH RESTRICTIONS

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service- approved nontoxic shot no larger than size “T” is required for all waterfowl and sandhill crane hunting. Shot larger than size “T”, or shotshells longer than 3.5 inches, MAY NOT BE POSSESSED OR USED while hunting waterfowl or sandhill cranes.  The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service may approve other types of nontoxic shot which, if approved, will be permitted for waterfowl and sandhill crane hunting. Possession or use of any lead shot or any shot not approved by USFWS while hunting or attempting to take waterfowl or sandhill cranes is prohibited statewide. https://www.fws.gov/birds/bird-enthusiasts/hunting/nontoxic.php

REPORTING BIRD BANDS

To report bird bands, visit www.reportband.gov. Many existing bands list a toll-free number that can no longer be used for reporting.  Consequently, hunters may now only report bands online.

Banding plays a critical role in the management of migratory bird species. The data you provide by reporting bands gives wildlife biologists information on harvest rates and movements of migratory game birds. Please report the bands you recover.

LICENSES AND PERMITS

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

LICENSE AND PERMIT FEES

HUNTING LICENSE

Unless license-exempt under KRS 150.170, all hunters must possess a valid Kentucky hunting license when waterfowl hunting. Persons using a license authorization number in lieu of a paper license must have the authorization number and a picture ID with them while hunting. All Kentucky residents 65 years of age and older and Kentucky residents who are certified totally and permanently disabled by the Federal Social Security Administration, by a state Workers Compensation Board, by the Kentucky Teacher’s Retirement System, by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, by the United States Railroad Retirement Board, or Kentucky resident veterans who have a permanent 50 percent disability as the result of military-related injuries are required to purchase the Senior/Disabled combination hunting and fishing license ($12) and carry it while hunting or fishing. This license includes all the following state permits: deer, turkey, migratory bird, waterfowl and trout.) and carry it while hunting or fishing. This license includes all the following state permits: deer, turkey, migratory bird, waterfowl and trout.

KENTUCKY MIGRATORY BIRD/WATERFOWL PERMIT

Any person required to possess a hunting license, except children under the age of 16, taking or attempting to take waterfowl must possess a Kentucky Migratory Bird/Waterfowl Permit. (This permit is included with the Senior/Disabled and Sportsman’s License). The waterfowl permit covers all species of migratory birds. Those who buy a Kentucky Migratory Bird/Waterfowl  Permit, senior/disabled license, or Sportsman's license MUST COMPLETE a Harvest Information Program Survey (HIP) by going online here before they are legal waterfowl hunters. This takes you to a page that asks for some basic information to confirm your identity. Then, click on the “HIP Migratory Bird Survey” on the right of the page. After completing the HIP survey, you receive a confirmation number that must be written on your hunting license or Kentucky Migratory Bird/Waterfowl Permit.  Hunters may call 1-800-858-1549 for questions.

FEDERAL DUCK STAMP

In addition to the Kentucky Migratory Bird/Waterfowl Permit requirement listed above, all persons age 16 or older must carry a valid federal migratory bird hunting stamp (commonly called duck stamp) to hunt waterfowl. Hunters younger than 16 must possess a youth hunting license but the Federal Duck Stamp and Kentucky Migratory Bird/Waterfowl Permit are not required. The federal stamp must be validated by the hunter’s signature written across the face of the stamp in ink.

HUNTER EDUCATION

All hunters born on or after January 1, 1975, must carry a valid hunter education course completion card while hunting, in addition to the appropriate Kentucky hunting license, federal duck stamp and Kentucky Migratory Bird/Waterfowl Permit. Hunters not required to have a hunting license are not required to possess the hunter education card. Hunters under the age of 12 may hunt without a course completion card, but must be accompanied by an adult at least 18 years of age who remains in a position to take immediate control of the child’s firearm.

BALLARD ZONE

BALLARD ZONE BOUNDARY

Starting at the northwest city limits of Wickliffe in Ballard County to the middle of the Mississippi River, then north along the Mississippi to the low water mark of the Ohio River along the Illinois shore to the Ballard-McCracken County line; then along the county line south to KY 358, then south along KY 358 to its junction with U.S. 60 at LaCenter; then following U.S. 60 southwest to the northeast city limits of Wickliffe.

 All constructed or used blinds (including boats) must be at least 100 yards apart and at least 50 yards from any property line. A waterfowl hunter shall not possess more than one shotgun while in the blind. 

FEDERAL REGULATIONS

In addition to the state regulations, the following federal laws apply to the taking, possession, shipping, transporting and storing of migratory game birds.

Note: The material below is only a summary. Each hunter should also consult the actual federal regulations, which may be found in Title 50, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 20.

RESTRICTIONS

No person shall take migratory game birds:

• With a trap, snare, net, rifle, pistol, swivel gun, shotgun larger than a 10 gauge, punt gun, crossbow,  battery gun, machine gun, fishhook, poison, drug, explosive or stupefying substance;
• With a shotgun capable of holding more than three shotshells, unless it is plugged with a one-piece filler which is incapable of removal without disassembling the gun;
• From a sink box (a low floating device, having a depression affording the hunter a means of concealment beneath the surface of the water);
• From or with the aid or use of a car or other motor-driven land conveyance, or any aircraft, except that paraplegics and single or double amputees of the legs may take from any stationary motor vehicle or stationary motor-driven land conveyance. “Paraplegic” means an individual afflicted with paralysis of the lower half of the body with involvement of both legs, usually due to disease of or injury to the spinal cord;
• From or by means of any motor boat or sail boat unless the motor has been completely shut off and/or the sail furled, and its progress therefrom has ceased;
• By the use or aid of live decoys. All live, tame or captive ducks and geese shall be removed for a period of 10 consecutive days prior to hunting, and confined within an enclosure which substantially reduces the audibility of their calls and totally conceals such tame birds from the sight of migratory waterfowl;
• Using records or tapes of migratory bird calls, or sounds, or electrically amplified imitations of bird calls (except electronic calls may be used during the Snow Goose Conservation Order);
• By driving, rallying or stirring birds with any motor-driven land, water or air conveyance or any sail boat to put them in the range of the hunters; or
• By the aid of baiting (placing feed such as corn, wheat, salt or other feed to constitute a lure or enticement), or on or over any baited area. Hunters should be aware that a baited area is considered to be baited for 10 days after the removal of the bait.
• Areas manipulated for dove hunting are not legal for waterfowl hunting.
• Over areas where farmers feed livestock or areas where grain is stored, such as grain bins and elevators.

CLOSED SEASON

No person shall take migratory game birds during the closed season.

SHOOTING HOURS

No person shall take migratory game birds except during the hours open to shooting as prescribed.

DAILY BAG LIMIT

No person shall take in any one day more than one daily bag limit.

FIELD POSSESSION LIMIT

No person shall possess more than one daily bag limit while in the field or while returning from the field to one’s car, hunting camp, home, etc.

WANTON WASTE

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

TAGGING

No person shall put or leave any migratory game birds at any place or in the custody of another person unless the birds are tagged by the hunter with the following information: a) the hunter’s signature; b) the hunter’s address; c) the total number of birds involved, by species; d) the dates such birds were killed.

Tagging is required if the birds are being transported by another person for the hunter, or if the birds have been left for cleaning, storage (including temporary storage), shipment or taxidermy services.

POSSESSION OF LIVE BIRDS

Wounded birds reduced to possession shall be immediately killed and included in the daily bag limit.

DRESSING

No person shall completely field dress any migratory game bird (except doves and  pigeons) and then transport the birds from the field. The head or one fully feathered wing must remain attached to all such birds while being transported from the field to one’s home or to a migratory bird preservation facility.

SHIPMENT

No person shall ship migratory game birds unless the package is marked on the outside with: a) the name and the address of the person sending the birds; b) the name and the address of the person to whom the birds are being sent; and the number of birds, by species, contained in the package.

IMPORTATION

For information regarding the importation of migratory birds killed in another country hunters should consult 50 CFR 20.61 through 20.66. One fully feathered wing must remain attached to all migratory game birds being transported between the port of entry and one’s home, or to a migratory bird preservation facility. No person shall import migratory game birds killed in any foreign country, except Canada, unless such birds are dressed (except as required in 20.63), drawn, and the head and feet are removed. No person shall import migratory game birds belonging to another person.

DUAL VIOLATION

Violation of state migratory game bird regulations is also a violation of federal regulations.

PUBLIC LAND HUNTING

BLIND REGISTRATION

On the following areas, hunt sites must be registered on a permit issued by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers or Kentucky Fish & Wildlife before the blind is constructed: Barkley Lake, Barren River Lake, Buckhorn Lake, Doug Travis, Green River Lake, Nolin River Lake, Rough River Lake, and Sloughs. Applicants must show a valid hunting license, Kentucky Migratory Bird/Waterfowl Permit, and Federal Migratory (Duck) Bird Stamp when applying. An applicant may designate one other person as a partner and shall not hold more than one permit per area. Hunt sites registered on these areas not occupied by one hour before sunrise of any day are considered open to other hunters, first-come, first- served basis for that day. Permittees shall not lock blinds to prevent use by other hunters in absence of the permittee. Hunt sites on the above listed areas must be constructed by November 20 and removed within 30 days of the close of the season. Permittees who fail to remove their blind as stated will forfeit the opportunity to obtain a blind the following year. Hunters selected for a waterfowl blind at Sloughs Wildlife Management Area must complete a hunter survey report or lose eligibility for a blind the following year. 

On Barkley, Barren River, Doug Travis, Green River and Sloughs WMAs, hunters who want hunt sites must register and be selected by random drawing. Drawings are held August through October and applicants must be 18 years of age and show a valid Kentucky hunting license, a Kentucky waterfowl permit and a Federal migratory bird stamp at that time. Each person drawn may select a partner of the hunt site for hunting in the absence of the person drawn. Partners must be present at the drawing. Drawn hunters may use their hunt site the entire season and may use a boat or a portable blind or construct a permanent blind. Each hunt site must be pinned with a permanent marker identifying the permit holders for the hunt site. If drawn hunters do not occupy a blind or hunt site by one- hour before sunrise that day, the blind or hunt site is open to other hunters on a first-come, first-served basis.

BLIND RESTRICTIONS

Unless otherwise stated under the CLOSED AREAS AND SPECIAL REGULATIONS FOR WMAs, the following restrictions apply to all open WMAs:

• permanent blinds are not permitted;
• decoys and temporary blinds must be removed from the WMA at the end of each hunting day;
• hunt sites must be at least 200 yards from any other hunt site or waterfowl refuge area;
• no more than 4 persons shall occupy a single hunt site at any one time; and
• designated recreation areas and access points are closed to all waterfowl hunting.
• discharge of firearms is prohibited within 100 yards of a residence or occupied building whether or not the building is on the WMA.

Waterfowl Hunting on Public Lands

Not all lands managed by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) are open to statewide seasons and bag-limits for waterfowl hunting.  This section will list any special season dates, limits and requirements that are in effect for the following areas. If specific season dates are given for an area, then that is the only time waterfowl hunting is permitted. Otherwise, hunting is open under statewide season dates and regulations in that waterfowl zone.  This section also lists any areas that are closed to hunting or public access. Areas owned or managed by the KDFWR that are not listed below are open to statewide seasons and limits, based on the zone in which they are located.

STATE PARKS

Regulations for  Greenbo Lake, Lake Barkley, Lincoln Homestead, Nolin River Lake, Paintsville Lake,  and Yatesville Lake state parks are as follows:

• Open waterfowl hunt Dec. 13, 2020 - Jan. 31, 2021.
• Selected portions of the lake and adjacent shoreline only.
• Statewide waterfowl hunting regulations apply.
• Hunters shall check in each day at the designated check-in location no earlier than 4 a.m.
• During check-in, hunters will be provided a map showing portions of the area that are open.
• Hunters shall check out each day at the designated check-in location.

MENTOR / MOBILITY-IMPAIRED HATCHERY HUNTS

Apply here for Mentor/Mobility-Impaired Hatchery Hunts

MINOR CLARK AND PFEIFFER FISH HATCHERIES

Open for waterfowl Mentor quota hunts Jan. 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24, 30 and 31, 2021.

1. Hunts by advance registration only. No standby hunting. Only youths and mobility-impaired hunters may apply.
2. Mentor hunt only, limited to youths younger than 16.
3. Youth(s) must be accompanied by an adult (mentor) at least 18 years or older.
4. Hunters drawn to hunt must carry postcard notification with them during the hunt.
5. Limited to 4 hunters with no more than two hunting adults. One mentor may have two youth but one youth may not have more than 1 mentor in a blind.
6. Hunters cannot enter blinds until 5:30 a.m.
7. Bag limits same as statewide.
8. Hunting only permitted from established blinds assigned by random pre-season draw.
9. Hunters may only discharge firearms from the blind.
10. Hunters may not change blinds.
11. Hunters may only have 15 shotshells each.
12. Hunters must immediately retrieve downed birds. Chasing or harassing waterfowl outside the blinds is strictly prohibited.
13. Firearms must be encased when traveling to and from the blind.
14. Hunting ends at noon and hunters must be off the area by 1 p.m.
15. All decoys and equipment must be removed at the end of each day’s hunt.
16. Hunters must report harvest by dropping hunt permit at designated location.
17. Those participating in a KDFWR waterfowl quota hunt must follow state and federal regulations or the hunter will be prohibited from participating in any other waterfowl quota hunts that year and the following year.
18. Mobility-impaired hunters are also eligible to participate in the Minor Clark Mentor Hatchery Hunt. Hunters must supply a copy of their mobility-impaired access permit from Kentucky Fish and Wildlife when applying for the hunt and must abide by hunt rules. Mobility-impaired hunters may only have one assistant.

HUNT APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Individuals wishing to be drawn for one or more of the Mentor Hatchery Waterfowl hunts must apply online between Nov. 1 - 15.  A youth may apply for more than one date. A mentor and youth selected may invite two additional youth or one youth and one mentor to hunt with them. The names of guests do not have to be listed on the application. By the end of November, individuals selected will be mailed a quota hunt permit for the date(s) they are drawn, a map showing hatchery location, blinds and other instructions concerning the hunt. Unsuccessful applicants will not be notified. An individual drawn for one quota hunt during a season will have lower preference to be drawn for a second quota hunt during the same season.  Duplicate applications for the same hunt day will result in disqualification.​

MENTOR / MOBILITY-IMPAIRED HATCHERY HUNTS

MINOR CLARK AND PFEIFFER FISH HATCHERIES

Apply HERE​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​