Ky Deer Season Starts September 7th

   Lee County is a ZONE 4 on deer bag limits meaning, “a hunter may harvest no more than two deer in total with no more than one being antlerless. Antlerless deer cannot be taken during certain seasons, including the modern gun season, the early muzzleloader season, or the first six days of the late muzzleloader season. The statewide bag limit of one antlered deer still applies”.

    Hunters will need to provide their Social Security number when purchasing a license. Licenses and permits can be purchased online at the official website: fw.ky.gov. 

     Statewide deer permit (4 deer) $35 for KY residents, non resident: $185

    Youth deer permit ages 12-15 (4 deer) $10 KY residents, $15 non residents

    Additional deer permit (2 deer) $15 both KY residents and non. 

Annual hunting $27 KY residents, $150 non residents

    1 day permit (not valid; deer, elk, turkey, bear) $7 KY residents, $25 non residents

   7 day permit (not valid; deer, elk, turkey, bear) $65 both Ky residents and non

     Annual youth (ages 12-15) $6 KY residents, $10 non residents   

     All deer hunters in Kentucky must follow specific guidelines to ensure safe and responsible hunting practices. These include:

w    All deer must be telechecked. Hunters need to check in with the state hotline(1-800-245-4263) or complete an online check-in process before heading out on their hunt.

    Hunters must possess either a license or permit or a unique authorization number at all times during the hunt.

    Youth under the age of 12, both resident and non-resident, do not need to purchase a license, and adults accompanying young hunters who are not hunting themselves are exempt from this requirement.

   It is important to obtain permission from the landowner before hunting on private property.

New hunters in Kentucky can opt to take a one-time temporary exemption permit online, which allows them to hunt for one year without attending a hunter education course.

    All hunters are required to wear brightly orange clothing, visible from all angles when operating in daylight conditions. Hunters cannot take off hunter orange clothing while on a stand or in a blind.

    It is illegal to hunt from vehicles unless specifically allowed by regulations. Baiting is strictly prohibited in all hunting parks and areas. Hunters are not permitted to use electronic calls or decoys to attract deer and elk.

    Hunters cannot use dogs to pursue or hunt deer and elk.

      What county in Kentucky has the most deer? According to the 2022 hunting report, a total of 3,172 deer were hunted and killed in Hardin County during the season.

   Can you hunt on your own property without a license in KY? No. You will need to have a hunting license if you want to hunt in the state, no matter whether it is public land or your own property.