Transportation and Holding of Captive Cervids

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Captive Cervid Permit

Operating a captive cervid facility in Kentucky requires compliance with state wildlife and animal health regulations before any animals may be housed. Permitting and oversight for captive cervid facilities are jointly administered by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. The process includes constructing an approved facility, passing inspections, obtaining permits from both agencies, and maintaining compliance through tagging and annual inspections. Read more for the general requirements.

Captive White-tailed deer from Salato Wildlife Education Center, Photo Credit: Devon Stivers, KDFWR​

Important Links

Permits and Reports

General Information​​

Before beginning the permitting process, applicants should review the requirements established by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture to understand facility standards, inspection procedures, and animal health regulations. Follow the five steps below to ensure a smooth process.  

1. Build a Compliant Facility

Begin by constructing a facili​ty that complies with current Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) regulations for captive cervids (301 KAR 2:083).

2. Schedule a Facility Inspection

Once you have a facility that meets all regulatory specifications (301 KAR 2:083):

• Contact your local game warden to schedule an inspection. 
• If approved, the completed Captive Cervid Permit Inspection Form will be mailed to KDFWR Headquarters in Frankfort. 
  
• Keep the pink copy for your records.
  

If your facility is not approved, the inspection form will explain why. Make the required corrections and schedule another inspection.

3. Obtain Required Permits

Before placing any animals in the facility, you must obtain permits from both:

• Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources
• Kentucky Department of Agriculture from the State Veterinarian’s Office

Important: Animals may not be moved into the facility until both permits are issued.​​

Captive cervids must have a visible ear "flop tag" and all tagging requirements set by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. ​Photo Credit: Rachel Cummings, KDFWR.

4. Adding Animals to Your Facility

Once permits are approved:

•  You may add cervids that are not on the prohibited species list.​
• All deer and elk 6 months of age or older must:
• Have a visible ear "flop tag."  
• Meet all tagging requirements set by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture.

5. Annual Inspections and Renewals

KDFWR provides annual renewal inspections each February. The Kentucky Department of Agriculture also performs annual inspections of animals in your facility; however, scheduling may vary.

Application Process

Two applications are required: one with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources and one with the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. After your fence is constructed and has passed inspection by your regional game warden, follow the steps below.​ Please note: Captive Cervid Permits must be renewed annually by the last day of February of the calendar year. 

Submit Your KDFWR Application

Mail your completed Application and payment (Please refer to the License and Permit Fees page) to:​

Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources
ATTN: Captive Cervid Permit
#1 Sportsman's Lane
Frankfort KY 40601​​

You may mail your application and payment before the inspection; however, please note that processing cannot begin until all three items have been received:​

• ​Completed Captive Cervid Permit Application form
  
• Correct payment
  
• Completed inspection form
  

Submit Your KDA Application

At the same time you apply to KDFWR, submit a Farmed Cervids Application to the Kentucky Department of Agriculture State Veterinarian’s Office.

For questions, contact KDA at 502-573-0282.

KDA will issue a permit for your facility only after you have been issued a permit from KDFWR.​​

Application Review and Approval

If your KDFWR application is approved, you will receive a copy of your valid Captive Cervid Permit.

If your application is denied, you will be notified of the reason and given 60 days​ to correct any deficiencies.

​Grandfathered Non-Commercial Permit

Grandfathered Non-Commercial permitted facilities are managed under the same regulations as standard captive cervid facilities, with the following exceptions:​

• The application fee is different (please refer to the License and Permit Fees page), and the permit must be renewed every three (3) years rather than annually.
• Cervids in grandfathered non-commercial facilities may NOT​ be sold, bartered, or traded.
• The herd owner must prevent breeding by either implementing herd management practices or separating males and females within the facility.
  
• Herd owners may NOT purchase or add additional animals to their existing herd.

The same application and inspection forms used for standard captive cervid permits also apply to grandfathered non-commercial facilities.​