Which License or Permit Do I Need to Hunt?

What Do I Need to Hunt?

Before heading into the field, hunters in Kentucky must ensure they have the correct combination of licenses and permits based on age, residency, and the species they plan to pursue. Requirements vary between small game, big game, and migratory birds, with some hunts requiring additional state or federal documentation. Use this guide to quickly determine what’s required so you can stay compliant and focus on your time outdoors.

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License Descriptions

A Hunting License is Generally Required

In general, you will need an Annual Hunting License. These licenses are organized by both age and by residency status in Kentucky. In addition, Hunter Education is required regardless of license for those born after Jan 1, 1975. You must carry proof of a license/permit while hunting. For a detailed description of all licenses and permits, please review the Licenses and Permits Descriptions page.

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For most game species, you will be required to have not only a hunting license, but also the appropriate game species permit. Read below to determine which type of hunting license and additional permits you may need.

Exempt Youth - Under 12

If you are under the age of 12, you will not need a Hunting License. However, some game species (i.e., Elk Lottery) will still require purchased permits.

Youth - Aged 12-15

Youth Hunting License + Additional Youth permit(s) by game species

Adult - Aged 16-64

Short Term Hunting License (1-Day or 7-Day) or Annual Hunting License + Additional Game Species Permit(s)

Senior - Aged 65+ or Disabled

Annual (Lifetime) Senior & Disabled License + Additional Game Species Permit(s)

Short Term - Time Limited Licenses

For those wanting to hunt without investing in an annual permit. You can purchase a 1-Day (both Resident and Non-resident) license or a 7-Day (Non-resident only) license. The license duration depends on the date printed on the license as specified by the purchaser during the transaction.

Some Exemptions Apply

If you are a resident landowner or a dependent hunting on your privately owned land only, you will not need a License. (However, you will need an Annual Landowner/Tenant Trapping License if trapping game animals.) Read more about exemptions on our License Requirements and Exemptions page.

License Terms & Conditions

Licenses may not be transferred, borrowed, changed, or altered. Licenses and permits must be carried by your person in the field (electronic licenses are allowed). Unless otherwise noted below, all licenses are valid from the beginning of March through the end of February.

For more information about licenses and permits, please call our Info Center at 1-800-858-1549.

SPORTSMAN'S LICENSE
(An Annual License Exclusive ONLY to Kentucky Residents)

One of the best deals we offer is the Sportsman’s License. It includes all the necessary state licenses and permits for deer and turkey hunting (PLUS other types of hunting and fishing) for Kentucky residents at a substantial discount. There are now several types:

Sportsman’s License includes:

Combination Annual Hunting and Fishing Licenses
Deer Permit, Spring Turkey Permit, Fall Turkey Permit, Migratory Bird/Waterfowl Permit, and Trout Permit.

First time Buyer Sportsman's License has the exact same value as the original Sportsman's License; however, this permit provides approximately a 60% discounted fee for individuals who have not purchased an Annual or combination license previously.

Youth Sportsman’s License offers tremendous value for youth ages 12-15.

Combination Youth Hunting and Fishing Licenses
Deer Permit, Spring Turkey Permit, Fall Turkey Permit, and Migratory Bird/Waterfowl Permit
Ballard WMA Waterfowl Hunt Permit for youths participating in waterfowl hunts on that WMA
Youths turning 16, youth licenses are valid for the entire license year (ends Feb. 28) if purchased before their 16th birthday.

The Senior & Disabled Sportsman's License provides the following value at approximately a 80% reduced annual fee. Seniors are eligible at 65 or older:

Combination Hunting and Fishing Licenses
Deer Permit, Spring Turkey Permit, Fall Turkey Permit, Migratory Bird/Waterfowl Permit, and Trout Permit

A Senior Lifetime Sportsman's License requires only one fee for the rest of your lifetime of hunting in the Commonwealth. Provides the same value as the annual Senior Sportsman's License.

Must remain a Resident of Kentucky.
Must be 65 or older to apply.

Please Note: Sportsman's Licenses do not include additional deer permits, Elk Hunt Drawing Application, elk permits, bear permits, recreational area permits (i.e., Peabody WMA User Permit), Trapping License, or the Federal Duck Stamp. Those permits must be purchased separately. For more information about current prices and fees, please review the Licenses and Permit Fees page.

Hunter Education Required

In order to hunt in Kentucky, anyone born on or after January 1, 1975, and age 12 or older must carry a Hunter Education card in their possession while hunting.

Learn More

Big Game (Deer, Turkey, Elk & Bear) Required Permits

You will ALWAYS need an Annual Hunting License* + species-specific permit. The Short-term (1-Day and 7-Day) licenses are not eligible for Bear, Deer, Elk, or Turkey.

Deer (Resident/Non-Resident)

Ages 12-15: Youth Hunting License + Youth Deer Permit
Ages 16-64: Annual Hunting License + Statewide Deer Permit
Ages 65+/Disability: Senior/Disabled Sportsman's License

Deer Hunting Info

Spring/Fall Turkey
(Resident/Non-Resident)

Ages 12-15: Youth Hunting License + Youth Turkey Permit
Ages 16-64: Annual Hunting License + Seasonal Turkey Permit
Ages 65+/Disability: Senior/Disabled Sportsman's License

Turkey Hunting Info

Elk Quota (If Drawn)

Ages 12-15: Youth Hunting License + Quota Youth Elk Permit
Ages 16-64: Annual Hunting License + Quota Elk Permit
Ages 65+/Disability: Senior/Disabled Sportsman's License + Quota Elk Permit

Elk Hunting Info

Bear Hunting
(Resident/Non-Resident)

Ages 12-15*: Youth Hunting License + Bear Permit
Ages 16-64: Annual Hunting License + Bear Permit
Ages 65+/Disability: Senior/Disabled Sportsman's License + Bear Permit

*Not eligible for non-resident youth hunters.

Bear Hunting Info

Bear Chase (Resident Only)

Ages 12-15*: Youth Hunting License + Bear Chase Permit
Ages 16-64: Annual Hunting License + Bear Chase Permit
Ages 65+/Disability: Senior/Disabled Sportsman's License + Bear Chase Permit

Bear Hunting Info

Small Game (Squirrel, Rabbit, etc.) and Furbearers (Coyote, Raccoon, etc.)

For these species, the Short-term (1-Day and 7-Day) licenses are acceptable in exchange for the annual hunting license.

Small Game
(Resident/Non-Resident)

(Squirrels, Rabbits, Quail and Grouse)

Ages 12-15: Youth Hunting License
Ages 16-64: Annual or Short Term Hunting License
Ages 65+/Disability: Senior/Disabled Sportsman's License

Squirrel Hunting Info

Furbearer
(Resident/Non-Resident)

(Raccoon, Opossum, Coyote, Bobcat, Beaver, Gray Fox, Mink, Muskrat, Red Fox, River Otter, Striped Skunk, and Weasel)

Ages 12-15: Youth Hunting License
Ages 16-64: Annual or Short Term Hunting License
Ages 65+/Disability: Senior/Disabled Sportsman's License

Bobcat permit is required for bobcat hunters

Furbearer Hunting Info

Trapping
(Resident/Non-Resident)

(Furbearers, Squirrels, and Rabbits)

Ages 12-15: Annual Youth Trapping License
Ages 16-64: Annual or Landowner/Tenant Trapping License
Ages 65+/Disability: Annual or Landowner/Tenant Trapping License

Furbearer Trapping Info

Migratory Birds (Dove, Woodcock, etc) and Waterfowl (Ducks, Geese, etc.)

Migratory Birds and Waterfowl are federally protected species. Additional permits are required when hunting these species. Before hunting, you will be required to fill out a mandatory Harvest Information Program (HIP) survey. The harvest estimates generated by HIP provide biologists with the information they need to make sound decisions about hunting seasons, bag limits, and population management. For these species, the Short-term (1-Day and 7-Day) licenses are acceptable in exchange for the annual hunting license.

Migratory Bird Hunting
(Resident/Non-Resident)

(Dove, Snipe, Woodcock, Moorhens, Rails, Sandhill Cranes and Gallinules)

Ages 12-15: Youth Hunting License + HIP Survey
Ages 16-64: Annual or Short Term Hunting License + Kentucky Migratory Bird/Waterfowl Permit + HIP Survey
Ages 65+/Disability: Senior/Disabled Sportsman's License + HIP Survey

Migratory Bird Hunting Info

Waterfowl Hunting
(Resident/ Non-Resident)

(Ducks, Geese, Coots and Mergansers)

Ages 12-15: Youth Hunting License + HIP Survey
Ages 16-64: Annual or Short Term Hunting License + Kentucky Migratory Bird/Waterfowl Permit + Federal Duck Stamp + HIP Survey
Ages 65+/Disability: Senior/Disabled Sportsman's License + Federal Duck Stamp + HIP Survey

Waterfowl Hunting Info

What Do I Need to Hunt?

A Hunting License is Generally Required

License Information

Exemptions & Special Permits

Commercial Licenses

Hunting & Fishing Regulations​​

License Terms & Conditions

​SPORTSMAN'S LICENSE(An Annual License Exclusive ONLY to Kentucky Residents)

Hunter Education Required

Big Game (Deer, Turkey, Elk & Bear) Required Permits

Small Game (Squirrel, Rabbit, etc.) and Furbearers (Coyote, Raccoon, etc.)

Migratory Birds (Dove, Woodcock, etc) and Waterfowl (Ducks, Geese, etc.)

Hunting & Fishing Regulations

SPORTSMAN'S LICENSE
(An Annual License Exclusive ONLY to Kentucky Residents)