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KENTUCKY SPRINGHUNTING GUIDERegulations Summary MARCH – JUNE 2022SoTELECHECK:1-800-245-4263Fish & Wildlife:1-800-858-1549 fw.ky.govOffice hours: Monday - Friday8 AM - 4:30 PM ETReport Game Violations:1-800-25-ALERTPhoto Tes Randle JollyekTanueHonem!gtinKENTUCKY DEPARTMENT OF FISH & WILDLIFE RESOURCES Serving People, Conserving Fish & Wildlife
NEW THIS YEARCommonwealth of KentuckyAndy Beshear, GovernorFISH AND WILDLIFE COMMISSION1st District: Robin Floyd, Murray2nd District: Brian Fisher, Bowling Green3rd District: Ralph Swallows, Louisville4th District: Brian Mackey, Sonora5th District: Josh Lillard, Hebron6th District: Jerry Ferrell, Richmond7th District: Paul Horn, Prestonsburg8th District: Doug Morgan, Morehead9th District: Dr. Karl Clinard, SomersetDepartment ofFISH AND WILDLIFE RESOURCESCommissioner: Rich StormDeputy Commissioner: Brian ClarkWildlife Director: Ben Robinson (acting)Fisheries Director: Dave DrevesLaw Enforcement Director: Col. Eric GibsonInformation & Education Director: Gabe JenkinsAdministrative Services Director: Lisa CoxEngineering, Infrastructure andTechnology Director: Michael ScottMarketing Director: Brian V. BlankSPRING HUNTING GUIDEEditor: Ciara KniselyArt/Design Director: Adrienne YancyContributors: Dave Baker, Derek Beard,Nathan Brooks, Terri Brunjes, Maj. ShaneCarrier, Dr. Christine Casey, Brian Clark,Rachel Crume, Zak Danks, Dave Frederick,Scott Freidhof, Col. Eric Gibson, NathanGregory, Scott Harp, Gabe Jenkins, KevinKelly, Lee McClellan, Jason Nally, LauraPalmer, Cody Rhoden, Ben Robinson, JacobStewart, Mike Strunk, Eric WilliamsChanges from last season are printedin bright blue throughout this guide to assist you in noticing those changes.LICENSES AND PERMITSHunter education courses are available in-person and online at fw.ky.gov.CWD ZONE SPECIAL REGULATIONSNo baiting or feeding of wildlifewithin the counties of Calloway, Fulton,Graves, Hickman and Marshall. Prohibited: grain, salt or other mineral; feedersholding or distributing foods or attractants for wildlife ingestion. Check onlineat fw.ky.gov/cwd for additional information and updates.PUBLIC LANDSHarris-Dickerson WMA in Hopkins County will be open under statewideregulations for spring turkey and springsquirrel hunting. Fort Campbell is opento spring squirrel hunting.OTHER WILDLIFECoyotes may be hunted after daylight hours with a bow, crossbow or shotgun loaded with a multiple projectileshell on public lands (if open to nighttime coyote hunting) and private lands.On private land from Dec. 1 – March 31,nighttime coyote hunters may also use:a rifle of 6.5mm (.264 caliber) or smallerbullet diameter; a muzzleloader of .54caliber or less; or a shotgun shell with asingle-projectile. Coyote hunters withvalid Mobility-Impaired Access Permitsor Hunting Methods Exemption VehiclePermits may use a stationary vehicle as ahunting platform and may use lights orother means designed to make wildlifevisible at night so long as the means usedare not connected to the vehicle.APPLY FOR AN ELK QUOTA HUNTKentucky has the largest elk herd ofany state east of the Rocky Mountains andoffers firearms and archery and crossbowquota hunts for elk each year.Residents and nonresidents are eligible to apply for these quota hunts. Applications for these hunts go on sale January 1.At least 90 percent of elk permits are drawnHunting on private land is a privilege. Alwaysfor residents. Up to 10 percent go to nonget permission and thank the landowner.residents. Hunters must buy their elk quotahunt applications before midnight (EastTake Someone Hunting. Please invite familyor friends afield. Mentor them to impart theern time) on April 30.skills and experience needed to hunt on theirElk quota hunt applications can beown. Then repeat with other new participants.purchasedvia Kentucky Fish and Wildlife’sThe future of hunting depends on it!website at fw.ky.gov or at anyvendor that sells KentuckyKNOW THE LAW!Fish and Wildlife licenses.Contact the department tollPlease read this guide carefully to prevent being citedfree at 1-800-858-1549 iffor a violation. Make sure you understand Kentucky’syou need assistance.hunting and trapping laws before going afield. If youHunters may submit oneneed help understanding a law call 1-800-858-1549,weekdays, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Eastern time).application for each of thethree permit types, but canThe top five most issued citations related to huntonly be drawn for one hunting and trapping are: 1) Hunting or trapping withing permit. Hunters drawnout a license 2) Hunting or trapping without landfor an elk quota hunt will beowner’s permission 3) Illegal take of game 4)blocked from re-applying forTaking more game than the bag limit, and 5) Failure to tag or check game.three years.Each entry costs 10,and only individuals may apply (no partyor group entries). Drawn hunters may usehelpers (non shooting) on their hunts.Hunters 15 years of age and youngermay apply for a youth-only quota huntduring the same application period as theregular elk quota hunt drawing.Applicants for this youth-only huntmay also purchase elk applications for theregular elk quota hunts. A youth may notbe drawn for the youth-only quota huntand the regular quota hunt for elk in thesame year, and if drawn for the youth-onlyhunt, will be permanently blocked from applying for the youth-only hunt again.A random computer drawing is heldin May to select the drawn hunters. Applicants can check fw.ky.gov to see if theywere drawn.By applying for the Kentucky elk draw,you are giving Kentucky Fish and Wildlifepermission to release your name and countyof residence if you are selected. This is partof the department’s ongoing open-doorpolicy concerning the elk draw procedure.Kentucky Fish and Wildlife uses elk drawapplication information solely for businesspurposes and will not release or discloseyour address or telephone number.
March - June 2022KENTUCKY SPRINGHUNTING GUIDEJohn Brunjes photo2GENERAL INFORMATION2 Licenses and Permits2 How to Buy Licenses and Permits3 Which License / Permit Do I Need?4 License and Permit Fees5 License Requirements5 Resident Senior / Disability Licenses6 Recording, Checking and Tagging6 Harvest Log6 Telecheck6 Carcass Tag7 General Hunting Regulations7 Landowner Permission7 Hunter Education Law7 Concealed Carry7 Convicted FelonsABOUT THIS GUIDEThis is a summary of hunting laws, intended solely for informational use.It is not a reprint of any referenced Kentucky Revised Statute (KRS) orKentucky Administrative Regulation (KAR) in its entirety and should notbe used as such. The exact wording of Kentucky’s hunting and trappinglaws can be viewed online at fw.ky.gov. Click on “Regulations (KAR) onFish, Wildlife & Boating” under “Important Info.”8WILD TURKEY HUNTING8 Spring Hunting Seasons9 Identifying Wild Turkeys9 Turkey Hunting Safety Tips10 SQUIRREL HUNTING10 Spring Hunting Season10 COYOTE and OTHER WILDLIFE10 Hunting Seasons11 PUBLIC LAND HUNTING11 Kentucky Fish & Wildlife Properties12 Other AreasOTHER GUIDES AVAILABLEKentucky Fish and Wildlife also produces regulationguides for fishing and boating and fall hunting and trapping at other times during the year. The fall Huntingand Trapping Guide includes waterfowl and other migratory bird hunting (dove, wood duck, teal, woodcock,snipe and crow).KENTUCKY DEPARTMENT OF FISH & WILDLIFE RESOURCES#1 Sportsman’s Lane, Frankfort, KY 40601 fw.ky.gov 1-800-858-1549 info.center@ky.gov1
GENERAL INFORMATIONGENERAL INFORMATIONLICENSES and PERMITSGENERAL HUNTER LICENSINGPersons who take or attempt to takegame are considered hunters and therefore subject to licensing requirements.Unless license exempt, huntersmust obtain and carry while in the fieldproof that they have met the license requirements for the kind of hunting theyare doing. This proof can be either a pa-Sportsman’s License Save 67Available to Kentucky residentsonly, the sportsman’s licenseincludes a combination huntingand fishing license, spring and fallturkey permits, statewide deer permit, state migratory bird/waterfowlpermit and trout permit. A federalduck stamp (available at post offices and online at www.duckstamp.com) is required for waterfowlhunting.per license or permit, or a license authorization number.Persons who cannot show they arelicensed properly while hunting risk being issued a citation.Each hunter must have his or herown license or permit unless exempt.Paper licenses and permits must besigned and the hunter information portion (signature, address, eye and haircolor, sex, height and weight) completedbefore going afield.LICENSE-EXEMPT HUNTERSIn some cases, a resident huntermay not be required to buy a huntinglicense or game permits.Here are those exemptions: Resident and nonresident childrenyounger than 12 are not required topurchase licenses and permits, exceptthe elk hunt drawing application Kentucky resident owners of farmlands, their spouses and dependentchildren hunting upon their ownfarmlands during an open season Tenants, their spouses and dependentchildren hunting on farmlands wherethey reside and work Kentucky residents on military leaveof more than three days in this statewho carry identification and papersverifying their leave status Members of the U.S. Armed Forcesbased in Kentucky engaged in sporthunting or fishing on these KentuckyNational Guard properties: Hidden Valley Training Area in PowellCounty and the Wendell H. FordRegional Training Center in Muhlenberg CountyQ: Does a nonresident whoowns land in Kentucky have to buynonresident licenses and permits?A: Yes. All nonresidents mustpurchase nonresident licenses andpermits.HOW TO BUY LICENSES and PERMITSIt is the hunter’s responsibility toknow what type of license or permit isneeded.When buying a license or permit,the hunter’s date of birth and Social Security number must be provided.If you have licensing questions, callKentucky Fish and Wildlife at 1-800858-1549, weekdays from 8 a.m. – 4:30p.m. (Eastern time).ONLINE2Licenses and permits can be purchased online at fw.ky.gov.Hunters purchasing licenses or permits online must pay with a Visa, Mas-tercard, American Express or Discovercard, or a Kentucky Fish and Wildlifegift certificate. Gift certificates are soldonline only at fw.ky.gov.Hunters who buy licenses or permits online will not be mailed a paperlicense or permit but will receive anauthorization number. The authorization number or a computer printoutLose your license?Replacements can be printed at nocost from fw.ky.gov.of the license or permit and a pictureID must be carried in the field whilehunting.IN PERSONLicenses and permits can be purchased at various locations throughoutthe state. A list of license agents can beviewed online at fw.ky.gov.BY PHONELicenses and permits are not currently available by phone. Please go online to the Kentucky Fish and Wildlifewebsite at fw.ky.gov for updates.
The tables below provide a quickoverview of current licensing requirements. See the rest of this section forexemptions and complete residency, li-censing and hunter education requirements. Licenses and permits for the species below are not required for childrenyounger than 12.See page 5 for Senior/DisabledSportsman’s License eligibility.KENTUCKY RESIDENTSAges 12-15Ages 16-64Ages 65 and older ORDisabledDeerYouth Hunting License* Youth Deer Permit*Annual Hunting License† Statewide Deer Permit†Senior/Disabled LicenseFall TurkeyYouth Hunting License* Youth Turkey Permit*Annual Hunting License† Fall Turkey Permit†Senior/Disabled LicenseSpring TurkeyYouth Hunting License* Youth Turkey Permit*Annual Hunting License† Spring Turkey Permit†Senior/Disabled LicenseSmall Game & FurbearerYouth Hunting License*Senior/Disabled LicenseAnnual† or 1-Day Hunting LicenseBobcat permit required for bobcat huntersAnnual YouthTrapping LicenseAnnual or Landowner/TenantTrapping LicenseAnnual or Landowner/TenantTrapping LicenseMigratory Birds(dove, snipe, woodcock, rails,gallinules, sandhill cranes)Youth Hunting License*Annual† or 1-Day Hunting License Kentucky Migratory Bird/Waterfowl Permit†Senior/Disabled LicenseWaterfowl(ducks, geese, coots andmergansers)Youth Hunting License*Annual† or 1-Day Hunting License Kentucky Migratory Bird/Waterfowl Permit† Federal Duck StampSenior/Disabled License Federal Duck StampTrapping*Included in Youth Sportsman’s License †Included in Resident Sportsman’s LicenseSee page 4 for what’s included in Sportsman’s Licenses.NONRESIDENTSAges 12-15Ages 16 and olderDeerYouth Hunting License Youth Deer PermitAnnual Hunting License Statewide Deer PermitFall TurkeyYouth Hunting License Youth Turkey PermitAnnual Hunting License Fall Turkey PermitSpring TurkeyYouth Hunting License Youth Turkey PermitAnnual Hunting License Spring Turkey Permit(must buy nonresident licenses/permits)Small Game & FurbearerYouth Hunting LicenseAnnual, 1-Day or 7-Day Hunting LicenseBobcat permit required for bobcat huntersTrappingAnnual Trapping LicenseAnnual Trapping LicenseMigratory Birds (dove, snipe, woodcock,rails, gallinules, sandhill cranes)Youth Hunting LicenseAnnual, 1-Day or 7-Day Hunting License Kentucky Migratory Bird/Waterfowl PermitWaterfowl(ducks, geese, coots and mergansers)Youth Hunting LicenseAnnual, 1-Day or 7-Day Hunting License KentuckyMigratory Bird/Waterfowl Permit Federal Duck StampOther laws still apply!GENERAL INFORMATIONWHICH LICENSE OR PERMIT DO I NEED?All hunters, including those who are license-exempt or eligible to purchasereduced-price licenses, must abide by all other regulations outlined in this guide.Q: Can more than one youthturkey permit be purchased?A: Yes. Multiple youth turkeypermits may be purchased, but season bag limits must be followed.3
LICENSESCOMBOSDEERBIRDSOTHERAREASBEARELKGENERAL INFORMATION4LICENSE / PERMIT FEESResidentNonresidentAnnual FishingJoint Married Couple Annual Fishing1-Day Fishing3-Year Fishing (available online at fw.ky.gov only)Nonresident 7-Day FishingTrout PermitAnnual Hunting1-Day Hunting (not valid for deer, elk, turkey or bear)7-Day Hunting (not valid for deer, elk, turkey or bear)Annual Youth Hunting (ages 12-15 only)Shooting Area License (available online at fw.ky.gov only)Annual TrappingAnnual Landowner/Tenant TrappingAnnual Youth (ages 12-15) TrappingAnnual Combination Hunting/FishingSenior/Disabled Sportsman’s License* (includes same license and permitsas Resident Sportsman’s License, plus additional deer permits.)Sportsman’s License* (Includes combination hunting/fishing license, statewide deer permit, spring and fall turkey permits, state migratory game birdwaterfowl permit and trout permit.)Youth (ages 12-15) Sportsman’s License* (Includes youth hunting license,youth deer permit and 2 youth turkey permits.)Statewide Deer Permit (four deer)Youth (ages 12-15) Deer Permit (four deer)Additional Deer Permit (two deer)Spring Turkey Permit (statewide) (two turkeys)Youth (ages 12-15) Turkey Permit (one turkey, spring or fall)Fall Turkey Permit (statewide)(four turkeys)Kentucky Migratory Bird/Waterfowl PermitFederal Duck Stamp (available at post offices and online at www.duckstamp.com)Pheasant Quota Hunt Permit (if drawn)Sandhill Crane Permit (quota hunt, apply in Sept. at fw.ky.gov)Elk Drawing ApplicationYouth Elk Drawing ApplicationQuota Bull Elk Firearm Permit (if drawn)Quota Cow Elk Firearm Permit (if drawn)Quota (either sex) Archery/Crossbow Permit (if drawn)Quota Youth Elk Permit (if drawn; youth drawn for other permits pay full cost)Out-of-Zone Elk PermitBear PermitYouth Bear PermitBear Chase PermitYouth Bear Chase PermitBallard WMA 1-Day Waterfowl PermitPeabody WMA User PermitLand Between The Lakes (LBL) Hunter Use Permit(other LBL permits available online at www.landbetweenthelakes.us)Otter Creek ORA Admission Fees (per person)(available online at fw.ky.gov)Otter Creek ORA Special Activity Fees (per person, for use of horse trails,mountain bike trails and shooting range) (available online at fw.ky.gov)Bobcat Permit (required for hunters)Temporary Hunter Education Exemption Permit (Hunter ApprenticeOpportunity; available online at fw.ky.gov only)Habitat Improvement and Public Access Donation (voluntary; available at fw.ky.gov only) 23 42 7 55Not available 55Not available 15Not available 35 10 27 7Not available 6 150 25 65 10 5 20 10 5 42 130Not availableNot availableNot available 12Not available 95Not available 30Not available 35 10 185 15 15 30 10 30 85 15 85 15 25 25 3 3 10 10 100 60 100 30 30 30 10 30 10 550 400 550 200 400 250Not availableNot availableNot available 15 15 25Daily: 3, annual: 30,children under 12: free.Daily: 7, annual: 70FreeFree (limited time only)Any amount*Peabody, LBL and Otter Creek permits, elk drawing application, elk quota hunt permit, out-of-zone elk permit, bear permit,federal duck stamp and trapping license not included. An additional deer permit is not included with a Sportsman’s License.Kentucky’s license year begins March 1 and continues through the last day of February. New licenses are required annually,except for the 3-year fishing license. A 1-day or 7-day hunting license is valid only for the period shown on license. Resident andnonresident youths under the age of 12 are not required to purchase licenses or permits (except the elk drawing application).
RESIDENT LICENSINGA resident is any person who hasestablished permanent domicile andlegal residence, and has resided in Kentucky for 30 days prior to buying a li-cense, full-time students enrolled in aKentucky educational institution forat least six months, or military servicepersonnel on permanent assignment inKentucky.NONRESIDENT LICENSINGA person who does not meet thedefinition of a Kentucky resident isconsidered a nonresident and must purchase nonresident licenses and permits.RESIDENT SENIOR OR DISABLED SPORTSMAN’S LICENSESThe following are eligible topurchase the Senior or DisabledSportsman’s License (which includesthe same license and permits as theResident Sportsman’s License, plusadditional deer permits): Kentucky residents ages 65 orolder. Seniors need only showproof of age and residency topurchase this license. Kentucky residents certifiedtotally and permanently disabledby the federal Social SecurityAdministration, a state workers’compensation board, the KentuckyTeachers’ Retirement System orthe U.S. Railroad RetirementBoard. Kentucky resident employeesof the U.S. Office of PersonnelManagement declared totally andpermanently disabled by a recognized authority. Kentucky resident veterans at least50 percent disabled as the result ofa service-connected disability.Persons with disabilities listedabove must first obtain a disabilityauthorization card from KentuckyFish and Wildlife.To obtain a disability licenseauthorization card:If your disability is through the – Federal Social Security Administration: To request a BenefitVerification Letter (BEVE), youmay: (1) go to www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount, (2) call 1-800772-1213 or (3) contact yourlocal office. To request the BEVEon the Social Security website,choose “Create an Account” or“Sign In.” Next, click the “Geta Benefit Verification Letter”link. Next select “Customizeyour letter.” The BEVE shouldinclude your name, address, dateof birth, benefit amount andindicate that you are disabled.Next, choose “Apply to letter”and then “Print.” If you contactSocial Security, please request allof this information to be includedon the BEVE. The BEVE will onlyinclude the last four digits of yourclaim number(s). We ask that youwrite your entire Social Security Number (SSN) on the BEVEbefore sending it to KentuckyFish and Wildlife. The full SSNis required in order to process theHunting/Fishing License application. The BEVE that you send tous should not be over six monthsold from its date of issue. Veterans Affairs: Contact yourlocal VA office and request a letter that verifies you are at least50 percent disabled as a resultof a service-connected disability.The letter should also have yourcurrent address and your SocialSecurity number. State Workers’ CompensationBoard: Request an applicationfrom Kentucky Fish and Wildlifeand send the completed form tothe state Workers’ CompensationBoard. U.S. Railroad Retirement Board:Contact the Board and request aletter stating you are permanentlyand totally disabled and show current address. Kentucky Teachers’ RetirementSystem: Contact the Teachers’Retirement System and requestwritten documentation stating youare on disability retirement andshow a current address. U.S. Office of Personnel Management: Contact the federal Office ofPersonnel Management and obtaincertification of employment, obtaincertification of being 100 percentdisabled from a recognized authority, and show a current address.To send disability paperwork toKentucky Fish and Wildlife: By mail: KDFWR Disability License,#1 Sportsman’s Lane,Frankfort, KY 40601 By fax: (502) 564-9845Once the proper documentationis processed, applicants will receivetheir authorization card by mail.The authorization card is not alicense. It must be presented to thelicense seller, or the authorizationnumber entered online, at the time oflicense purchase.License vendors cannot sell a disability license using an expired authorization card. The Senior or DisabledSportsman’s License is valid throughthe end of February each year. If youlose your card or license, you canprint a copy of both online using the“My Profile” feature at fw.ky.gov.GENERAL INFORMATIONLICENSE REQUIREMENTSQ: How long is a disabilityauthorization card valid?A: A disability authorizationcard is good for three years (checkthe expiration date). Every threeyears you must provide updatedpaperwork (following the instructions on this page) and get a newcard. Those who already have a disability authorization card throughVeterans Affairs, U.S. RailroadRetirement Board or U.S. Office ofPersonnel Management may call1-800-310-1873 to get a new card.5
GENERAL INFORMATIONNonresident youth hunters are subject tothe same license and permit requirementsas resident youth hunters. A nonresidentwho owns land in Kentucky must purchase nonresident licenses and permits.YOUTH LICENSINGResident and nonresident hunters younger than 12 are not required topurchase licenses and permits, except forelk hunt drawing applications.Resident and nonresident hunters ages 12-15 are eligible to purchasediscounted youth licenses and permits,which are valid for the entire licenseyear if they are purchased before theyouth is 16.Persons 15 years of age and youngerSportsman’s License –Save 67Available to Kentucky residentsonly, the sportsman’s licenseincludes a combination hunting andfishing license, spring and fall turkey permits, statewide deer permit,state migratory game bird-waterfowl permit and trout permit.A federal duck stamp (available at post offices and onlineat www.duckstamp.com) also isrequired for waterfowl hunting.RECORDING, CHECKING and TAGGINGHARVEST LOGAll successful turkey hunters, including those who are license exempt,must fill out a harvest log as soon as theanimal is harvested and prior to movingthe carcass.Information that must be writtenon the harvest log includes the speciesand sex of animal taken, date and countywhere taken.A telecheck confirmation numbermust be obtained and recorded on theharvest log.A harvest log is included with anypaper license or permit purchased froma license agent. A printable harvest logis accessible by clicking the “Hunt” tabon Kentucky Fish and Wildlife’s online homepage and choosing “HuntingHome” from the dropdown menu.License-exempt hunters, childrenQ: Due to a cell phonedropped call, a hunter loses aconfirmation number. Should theanimal be checked in again?A: Try again until you get the6who hunt turkey, elk, deer or bear with afirearm must always be accompanied byan adult.Persons under 12 years old, whohave passed a hunter education course,may hunt small game and furbearerswithout being accompanied by an adult.The annual youth hunting licenseauthorizes the holder to hunt all smallgame species, furbearers and migratorybird species.The youth turkey permit allows thehunter to harvest one turkey. The youthturkey permit may be used during anyturkey season. The resident-only youthsportsman’s license includes the annualyouth hunting license, youth deer permitand two (2) youth turkey permits.confirmation number, and thencontact the department at 1-800858-1549 the next business day toreport the incident.younger than 12 years old, and thosewho only have a license authorizationnumber may create their own harvestlog by writing the information on apiece of paper or index card. Huntersmust have the completed harvest log intheir possession whenever afield duringthe current season.TELECHECK1-800-CHK-GAME(1-800-245-4263)All turkeys harvested must be telechecked through the toll-free, automated check-in system. Hunters mayalso check in harvested turkeys online atfw.ky.gov.Entering false information is unlawful. All harvested turkeys must betelechecked by midnight on the day theanimal is recovered and prior to processing the carcass.Telecheck is available 24 hours aday while hunting seasons are open. Listen to each question carefully and provide the requested information using thekeypad on any touch tone phone.Callers will be asked their SocialSecurity number and code for the countyin which the animal was taken. Countycodes are listed on the “Telecheck Info”page online at fw.ky.gov. All youth hunters must use their Social Security number when telechecking an animal.Callers must also indicate the animal’s species and sex. Next, callers willbe asked about the type of equipmentthey used to harvest the animal, whetherthe land was private or public, and thetype of license they used.Once the harvest information hasbeen entered correctly, the caller willbe asked to hold for several secondswhile the system submits the surveyinformation. The hunter then will begiven a confirmation number which isproof that the harvested turkey was legally reported. This number must be recorded on the hunter’s log and retainedthroughout the season.CARCASS TAGA hunter shall attach a handmadetag to the carcass of any harvested turkeyif transferring possession of the harvested animal to another person. The carcasstag must include the hunter’s name,phone number and telecheck confirmation number.For example, a carcass tag is required if the hunter gives the turkey toanother person, drops it off to be processed, or takes it to a taxidermist.A harvested turkey in a hunter’spossession is assumed to be theirs, unlessthe carcass tag states otherwise.
LANDOWNER PERMISSIONA person shall not enter upon thelands of another to shoot, hunt, trap,fish or for other wildlife-related recreational purposes without the verbal orwritten permission of the landowner,tenant, or person who has authority togrant permission.Those who fail to obtain permissionare subject to arrest and prosecution.Railroad tracks and rights-of-wayare privately owned property and permission to hunt, trap or fish must be obtained prior to entry.Landowners are under no obligation to allow hunters to retrieve game orhunting dogs from their property.HUNTER EDUCATIONPersons born on or after Jan. 1, 1975,must carry a valid hunter education cardor hunter education exemption permitwhile hunting. Persons not required tohave licenses or permits are exempt fromhunter education certification.Hunter education courses areavailable in-person and online atfw.ky.gov. More information about theregistration process is available on thewebsite or by calling Kentucky Fish andWildlife.Children must be at least 9 years oldto take the hunter education test. Peoplewho complete the course are issued anorange certification card. Hunter education cards issued by other states are validin Kentucky.Children younger than 12 years oldare exempt from hunter education certification, but must be accompanied by anadult who meets the hunter educationrequirement. The adult must be in a position to take immediate control of thebow or firearm at all times while hunting. One adult cannot accompany morethan two hunters under 12 years old atthe same time.APPRENTICE HUNTINGOPPORTUNITYPersons new to hunting who havenot taken the hunter education coursemay obtain a one-time temporary huntereducation exemption permit online forFREE (limited time only) at fw.ky.gov.This apprentice hunting opportu-nity allows new hunters in Kentucky tohunt for up to one year (from date ofpurchase) without a hunter educationcard. The permit must be carried whilehunting and requires its holder to huntwith a licensed, adult hunter (at least 18years old) who meets the hunter education requirement. The adult shall be ina position to take immediate control ofthe exempted hunter’s bow or firearm atall times while hunting. This law applieseven if the exemption permit holder isan adult.After the hunter education exemption permit expires, the hunter is no longer exempt and must successfully complete a hunter education course.The temporary hunter educationexemption permit is valid only in Kentucky. It is not accepted at Blue GrassArmy Depot or Fort Campbell.Resident landowners, spousesand dependent children, tenants, theirspouses and their dependent children areonly hunter education exempt on property they own, or the property wherethey reside and work. When huntingelsewhere, they must comply with Kentucky’s hunter education law.archery-only seasons, or to use a stationary vehicle as a hunting platform. However, persons with qualifying physicaldisabilities must first have an exemptionform completed and signed by a licensedphysician certifying why the exemptionis necessary.Forms are available online or bycalling the department. A completedexemption form serves as the hunter’sexemption permit. It should not be returned to the department. Persons whoobtain an exemption are still required tohave the appropriate hunting license andpermits, and must carry the signed exemption form with their hunting licenseand permits while in the fie
berg County It is the hunter’s responsibility to know what type of license or permit is needed. When buying a license or permit, the hunter’s date of birth and Social Se-curity number must be provided. If you have licensing questions, call Kentucky Fish and Wildlife at 1-800-858-1549
