New way to support wildlife conservation could reward hunters

​FRANKFORT, Ky. (Sept. 15, 2025) — Hunters have an exciting new way to support wildlife conservation efforts in Kentucky, and it could reward them with special opportunities to hunt elk or harvest a bonus deer, black bear and wild turkey.

From now through May 30, 2026, the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources is selling entries for a limited number of special agency fundraising permit packages.

Two of the available packages include exclusive elk hunting privileges not offered through the standard Kentucky Elk Hunt Drawing. Each package also includes a complimentary two-night lodge stay at any Kentucky state resort park, courtesy of Kentucky State Parks (subject to availability).

Winners will be selected in a random electronic drawing and announced online at fw.ky.gov no later than June 10, 2026.

The permit packages are as follows:

• Elk Hunt Sweepstakes Permit: One elk of either sex
• Premium Combination Big Game Permit: One elk of either sex plus a bonus deer, bear and spring turkey permit
• Standard Combination Big Game Permit: A bonus deer, bear and spring turkey permit

Kentucky residents and nonresidents can enter for a chance to win an Elk Hunt Sweepstakes Permit or a Premium Combination Big Game Permit. Only one of each will be awarded.

In addition, one Standard Combination Big Game Permit will go to a Kentucky resident and one to a nonresident.

Entries can only be purchased online through the department’s website. On the homepage, click on the “Buy Licenses” button to access the department’s online licensing and permit agent.

Entry fees are as follows:

Elk Hunt Sweepstakes and Premium Combination Big Game permits

• Residents: $5 for one application; $10 for a bundle of three; $25 for a bundle of 10
• Nonresidents: $10 for one application; $20 for a bundle of three; $50 for a bundle of 10

Standard Combination Big Game Permit

• Residents: $3 for one application; $8 for a bundle of three; $20 for a bundle of 10
• Nonresidents: $6 for one application; $16 for a bundle of three; $40 for a bundle of 10

The drawing packages will be for use during the fall 2026 (elk, deer, bear) and spring 2027 (wild turkey) Kentucky hunting seasons.

The two drawing permits that include elk hunting privileges can be used in any elk hunting unit, with any legal equipment, during any elk season and they will be transferrable to an immediate family member under certain conditions.

The other big game privileges conferred to winners will be “bonus” permits, meaning they will afford the holder to harvest an additional deer (either sex), bear and turkey beyond the statewide bag limits that each of the standard, stand-alone permits include, and for recipients their winning drawing entry price will include at no added cost the corresponding special permit.

A statewide hunting license available “over the counter” from the department will be required for the recipients at standard pricing.

An informational video on the special agency fundraising permits is available at https://youtu.be/LnMQmpLjx3Q.​