Kentucky’s largest hunting season of the year begins this weekend.
Modern gun deer season opens Saturday, November 8, and continues for 16 days through Sunday, November 23.
Hunters have already been in the field since September with the start of archery and crossbow seasons, but the modern gun season brings the biggest participation statewide. Last year, hunters harvested nearly 150,000 deer, most of them during this period, providing an abundance of locally sourced, lean wild venison for Kentucky tables.
The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources offers information on public lands, season dates, and licenses at fw.ky.gov. The 2025–26 Fall Hunting and Trapping Guide is also available online to view, download, or print.
New this year is the Kentucky Deer & Elk App, a free tool available on the Apple App Store and Google Play. The app helps hunters identify public land boundaries, locate processors and taxidermists, store digital licenses, and access local hunting details.
Licenses and permits can be purchased online or from authorized license agents. All hunters born in 1975 or later must carry proof of hunter education certification, though a free one-year exemption is available for new hunters who are accompanied by a qualified adult.
Hunters must record and report each deer harvest before midnight on the day of recovery using Kentucky Fish and Wildlife’s telecheck system at 1-800-245-4263 or through the My Profile portal online.
Special regulations remain in effect in the Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Surveillance Zone, which includes 13 western Kentucky counties. Hunters in affected areas must follow carcass transport and baiting restrictions and take deer to check stations or sample drop-off sites Nov. 8–10.
Hunters statewide are encouraged to submit samples for free CWD testing. Those who participate through drop-off or mail-in kits are entered into the “Shoot for Samples” Giveaway with prizes from outdoor sponsors.
Kentucky Fish and Wildlife also encourages harvesting more does, especially in Zone 1 counties, to maintain herd balance and improve deer health. Hunters can donate processed venison through Kentucky Hunters for the Hungry, which distributes meat to local families in need.
Suspected poaching or illegal activity can be reported anonymously using the KFWLaw app, by texting “KFWLaw” to 847411, or by calling 1-800-25-ALERT.
For more information, visit fw.ky.gov or contact the department’s Information Center at 1-800-858-1549, weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern.
