An Official Website of the Commonwealth of Kentucky
Kentucky Afield Outdoors is a monthly column written for outdoors enthusiasts. Click the articles below to learn more about more exciting opportunities to get out and enjoy the Great Outdoors!
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Ciara KniselyFrankfort, KY
Every year, millions of people throughout the country go hunting. They’re in search of locally sourced, healthy meat. During the era of flashy entertainment, food delivery services, virtual reality – all those instantaneous things - there’s something special about immersing yourself in nature and calling yourself a hunter.
Whether taking aim involves drawing a bow, lining up iron sights or peering through a scope, hunting seasons for more than a dozen game species open in Kentucky each fall.
Before you take to the field, familiarize yourself with the rules. Consult the 2024-25 Kentucky Hunting and Trapping Guide for a comprehensive summary of fall hunting regulations for game species such as squirrels, rabbits, deer, turkey and more. The 2024-25 Kentucky Hunting Guide for Migratory Birds and Waterfowl expands upon regulations for species including doves, ducks and geese.
To carry out its mission, the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources relies upon the support of its constituents. However, purchasing a license isn’t the only way to support crucial statewide conservation. With a focus on Kentucky’s more vulnerable critters that aren’t hunted, trapped or fished, the department’s Kentucky Wild program supports further research toward at-risk species.
Membership dues to Kentucky Wild help pay for various conservation efforts around the state. In turn, members have the chance to take a behind-the-scenes look at current research work through the Kentucky Wild Member Experiences program. “Kentucky Wild members are given a front row seat to view conservation in action,” said Geoff Roberts, program coordinator for Kentucky Wild.
Lee McClellan • May 10, 2024
Power vs Action
The terms “rod action” and “rod power” are not interchangeable when it comes to fishing rods. Understanding the difference can help you have a better day on the water.
summer story
Ciara Knisely • May 10, 2024
Turkey harvest high for spring season
With the early arrival of spring came another productive wild turkey hunting season in Kentucky, totaling an overall harvest of 33,460 birds – the third highest harvest on record for the state and 9% higher than Kentucky’s 5-year average.
spring story
Lee McClellan • March 25, 2024
Remember Small Lakes this Crappie Season
Every spring, anglers pursuing crappie during April’s spawn flock to large reservoirs such as Kentucky Lake, Lake Barkley, Barren River Lake or even Green River Lake. However, crappie fishing in the big lakes is tough if you don’t have a good-sized power boat
Ciara Knisely • March 14, 2024
Spring wild turkey hunting season opens in April
Spring is coming, and we’re all picturing it: trekking under budding trees, brushing past blooming daffodils, eyes and ears on...
Lee McClellan • February 12, 2024
Catch your trophy in February
Not long ago, wind chills bottomed out at 15 degrees below zero. After this arctic wave passed, Kentuckians endured monsoon rains that prompted rivers and streams to jump up quickly and run high for weeks.
winter story
Lee McClellan • December 26, 2023
Fly fishing the Cumberland tailwater
While winter slows down most fishing in Kentucky, trout angling remains hot in the tailwater below Lake Cumberland’s Wolf Creek Dam.
Ciara Knisely • November 29, 2023
Gifts for the Outdoor Enthusiast
No matter what your age or circumstance, no one can deny that receiving a thoughtful gift from a friend or loved one leaves us with a warm feeling. If you’re stumped about what to give the outdoors enthusiast in your life for Christmas, however, here are some gift suggestions to consider.
fall story
Lee McClellan • November 9, 2023
Give Thanks For Waterfowl Seasons
Variability in weather patterns is a good predictor of success for the upcoming waterfowl seasons that open on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 23.
Ciara Knisely • October 26, 2023
Fall Hunting Opportunities Abound
As the weather transitions into cooler temperatures, fall is a beautiful time to spend outdoors. Many people take advantage of the season by heading afield with bows, muzzleloaders, shotguns and rifles. Many are seeking the white-tailed deer that put Kentucky on the hunting map.
Ciara Knisely • September 01, 2023
Kentucky's DeerSeason Starts
Archery season for deer opens Sept. 2, the official launch of Kentucky’s 2023-24 season. The state is home to a bountiful herd of white-tailed deer, offering many enjoyable hunting opportunities and providing a sustainable source of healthy meat for the table.
Ciara Knisely • August 14, 2023
Dove SeasonTakes Flight
On the first of September each year, thousands of hunters flock to Kentucky’s fields with shotguns slung over their shoulders. Despite the particularly heavy summer heat we’ve trudged through, this year will be no different.
Lee McClellan • August 07, 2023
Lake CumberlandStriped Bass Update
For farmers, crops do well when the rain falls at just the right time. In other years, when there’s too much or too little rain, not so much.
summer story
Lee McClellan • July 10, 2023
Kayak FishingTips For Summer
The meat of the summer heat is here and will remain until late September. For many paddlers, the first days of summer mean the start of kayak fishing season and time to get their boats wet for the first time in months.