An Official Website of the Commonwealth of Kentucky
Here is your one-stop shop to discover and download the latest edition of our Hunting, Trapping and Fishing Regulation Summaries Guides. Each guide provides a SUMMARY of the latest rules and regulations to help keep every hunter and angler safe and legal during the outdoor seasons.
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Check out the latest issue of the Kentucky Fall Hunting & Trapping Guide (2024-25) - Regulations Summary.
Deer Hunting:
Increased CWD Surveillance Requirements:
Due to the detection of CWD in western Kentucky, special hunting restrictions are in place. For more information, including live updates, please consult the Chronic Wasting Disease pages.
Other Updates:
Public Lands:
Wild Pigs:
Wild pig hunting is no longer allowed. Landowners may remove wild pigs that cause property damage per KRS 150.170, but they are encouraged to contact Kentucky Fish and Wildlife for trapping assistance to eliminate all pigs. Report wild pig sightings, damages, or releases online at Wild Pigs pages or call 1-800-858-1549.
FALL HUNTING GUIDE
Check out the latest issue of the Kentucky Fishing & Boating Guide (2024- 25) - Regulations Summary. Para la Guía de Española.
BARREN RIVER and all tributaries (including Barren River Lake):
Walleye: There is a 2-fish daily limit and an 18- to 26-inch protective slot limit. All walleye caught from 18 to 26 inches long must be immediately released.
Smallmouth Bass: There is a 15-inch minimum size limit.
Yatesville Lake (Lawrence County):
Blue and Channel Catfish: There is a 15-fish daily limit in the aggregate; only one fish may be longer than 25 inches. Anglers using non-traditional fishing methods (hand grabbing) will now have a 5-fish daily limit on blue and channel catfish in the aggregate, and only one fish may be longer than 25 inches.
Fishing Guide
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Check out the latest issue of the Kentucky Hunting Guide for Migratory Birds and Waterfowl (2024-25) - Regulations Summary.
Combined Guides
The Kentucky Migratory Bird Hunting Guide, commonly called the "Dove Guide," and the Kentucky Waterfowl Hunting Guide are combined into one guide. When you download the guide, please refer to the table of contents to find season dates, license information, public land hunting, and other information.
Public Dove Fields:
All current and updated information on the Public Dove Fields can be found on our website; it is no longer listed in the guide. Check out our Migratory Birds page and select the "Public Dove Fields" tile.
Please Note: The 2024 Kentucky Dove Fields locations and information are subject to change. The field information will be updated as it is received. Fields are also subjected to change depending on the weather. Please continue to check this page before heading out into the field.
Migratory Bird& Waterfowl GUIDE
Kentucky manages wildlife for conservation and provides hunters, anglers, and outdoors enthusiasts with exciting experiences in the field. As part of its management strategy, the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources sets seasons, bag limits, hunting areas, and other regulations based on science, research, and input from the people who enjoy using these resources. Our guides are a SUMMARY of hunting, fishing, boating, and trapping regulations. These guides are intended solely for informational use. It is not a reprint of any referenced statute or regulation and should not be used as such.
Questions about the information in these guides should be directed to the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources at 1-800-858-1549 BEFORE engaging in the referenced activities.
GET YOUR HUNTING ANDFISHING LICENSE
A person shall not enter upon the lands of another to hunt, fish or trap without the oral or written permission of the landowner, tenant or person who has the authority to grant permission. Those who fail to obtain permission are subject to arrest and prosecution. Railroad tracks and rights of way are privately owned property and permission to hunt, fish or trap must be obtained prior to entry. (KRS 150:092)