Kentucky hunting seasons 2026-27
11 hunting seasons are open in Kentucky today, including deer, wild turkey, coyote. Dates come from the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources and were read yesterday.
Dates only. Bag limits, legal methods, licences and zone boundaries: Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. Read yesterday.
11open today
30species
86dated seasons
Big game
- Deer Open open now, last season closes Jan 18, 2027
- Black bear Upcoming opens Dec 12, 2026 (Firearm)
- Elk Opens soon opens Nov 28, 2026 (Firearm, cow (antlerless))
Turkey
- Wild turkey Open open now, last season closes Jan 18, 2027
Waterfowl
Migratory birds
- Dove Opens soon opens Nov 26, 2026 (Hunting)
- Crow Upcoming opens Jan 4, 2027 (Hunting)
- Rails and gallinules Closed closed, last season ended Nov 9, 2026
- Sandhill crane Upcoming opens Dec 7, 2026 (Hunting)
- Snipe Opens soon opens Nov 26, 2026 (Hunting)
- Woodcock Opens soon opens Nov 16, 2026 (Hunting)
Upland birds
Small game
- Squirrel Opens soon opens Nov 16, 2026 (Trapping)
- Rabbit Opens soon opens Nov 16, 2026 (Trapping)
- Groundhog Open open now, last season closes Feb 28, 2027
- Small game Upcoming opens Dec 26, 2026 (Hunting)
Furbearers
- Beaver Opens soon opens Nov 16, 2026 (Trapping)
- Bobcat Opens soon opens Nov 16, 2026 (Trapping)
- Coyote Open open now, closes Feb 28, 2027
- Fox Opens soon opens Nov 16, 2026 (Trapping)
- Mink Opens soon opens Nov 16, 2026 (Trapping)
- Muskrat Opens soon opens Nov 16, 2026 (Trapping)
- Opossum Open open now, closes Feb 28, 2027
- River otter Opens soon opens Nov 16, 2026 (Trapping)
- Raccoon Open open now, closes Feb 28, 2027
- Skunk Opens soon opens Nov 16, 2026 (Trapping)
- Weasel Opens soon opens Nov 16, 2026 (Trapping)
11 hunting seasons are open in Kentucky on November 14: deer, wild turkey, coyote, groundhog, opossum and raccoon.
Opening in the next six weeks: beaver trapping on Nov 16, 2026, bobcat trapping on Nov 16, 2026, coyote trapping on Nov 16, 2026 and fox trapping on Nov 16, 2026.
Kentucky sets different dates by zone or unit for black bear, deer, elk, goose and quail and others; the tables list each zone's dates.
Dates come from the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources's KDFWR Season Dates viewer, read yesterday. Bag limits, legal methods, licences and zone boundaries are not reproduced here; the agency's regulations govern.
All Kentucky season dates
Deer Open
| Season | Zone | Dates | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Archery | Statewide | Sep 5, 2026 to Jan 18, 2027 | Open open, closes in 65 days |
| Crossbow | Statewide | Sep 19, 2026 to Jan 18, 2027 | Open open, closes in 65 days |
| Muzzle-loader | Statewide | Dec 12, 2026 to Dec 20, 2026 | Upcoming opens in 28 days |
| Muzzle-loader segment 2 | Statewide | Oct 17, 2026 to Oct 18, 2026 | Closed closed |
| Modern Gun | Zone 1, 2 and 3 | Nov 14, 2026 to Nov 29, 2026 | Open open, closes in 15 days |
| Modern Gun, antlered | Zone 4 | Nov 14, 2026 to Nov 29, 2026 | Open open, closes in 15 days |
| Youth-Free | Statewide | Dec 26, 2026 to Dec 27, 2026 | Upcoming opens in 42 days |
| Youth-Only | Statewide | Oct 10, 2026 to Oct 18, 2026 | Closed closed |
Black bear Upcoming
| Season | Zone | Dates | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Archery & Crossbow | Bear Zone 1 | Oct 24, 2026 to Oct 26, 2026 | Closed closed |
| Archery & Crossbow | Bear Zone 2 and Bear Zone 3 | Oct 24, 2026 to Oct 28, 2026 | Closed closed |
| Archery & Crossbow | Bear Zone 3 | Sep 19, 2026 to Oct 2, 2026 | Closed closed |
| Firearm | Bear Zone 1 | Dec 12, 2026 to Dec 14, 2026 | Upcoming opens in 28 days |
| Firearm | Bear Zone 2 and Bear Zone 3 | Dec 12, 2026 to Dec 16, 2026 | Upcoming opens in 28 days |
| Chase-Only segment 2 | All Bear Zones | Sep 9, 2026 to Sep 30, 2026 | Closed closed |
| Hunt with Dogs | All Bear Zones | Oct 19, 2026 to Oct 23, 2026 | Closed closed |
| Hunt with Dogs | Bear Zone 2 and Bear Zone 3 | Oct 29, 2026 to Nov 6, 2026 | Closed closed |
Elk Opens soon
| Season | Zone | Dates | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Archery & Crossbow | Elk Zone | Dec 5, 2026 to Dec 11, 2026 | Upcoming opens in 21 days |
| Firearm, bull (antlered) | Elk Zone | Oct 3, 2026 to Oct 7, 2026 | Closed closed |
| Firearm, cow (antlerless) | Elk Zone | Jan 2, 2027 to Jan 6, 2027 | Upcoming opens in 49 days |
| Firearm, cow (antlerless) segment 2 | Elk Zone | Nov 28, 2026 to Dec 2, 2026 | Opens soon opens in 14 days |
| Firearm, bull (antlered) | Elk Zones | Sep 26, 2026 to Sep 30, 2026 | Closed closed |
Wild turkey Open
| Season | Zone | Dates | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Archery | Statewide | Sep 5, 2026 to Jan 18, 2027 | Open open, closes in 65 days |
| Crossbow | Statewide | Nov 14, 2026 to Dec 31, 2026 | Open open, closes in 47 days |
| Crossbow segment 2 | Statewide | Oct 1, 2026 to Oct 18, 2026 | Closed closed |
| Shotgun | Statewide | Dec 5, 2026 to Dec 11, 2026 | Upcoming opens in 21 days |
| Shotgun segment 2 | Statewide | Oct 24, 2026 to Oct 30, 2026 | Closed closed |
Duck Opens soon
| Species | Season | Zone | Dates | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duck | Youth Waterfowl | Statewide | Feb 13 | Upcoming opens in 91 days |
| Duck | Youth Waterfowl segment 2 | Statewide | Nov 21 | Opens soon opens in 7 days |
| Duck | Falconry | Statewide | Nov 26, 2026 to Feb 28, 2027 | Opens soon opens in 12 days |
| Duck | Hunting | Statewide | Dec 7, 2026 to Jan 31, 2027 | Upcoming opens in 23 days |
| Duck | Hunting segment 2 | Statewide | Nov 26, 2026 to Nov 29, 2026 | Opens soon opens in 12 days |
| Merganser | Hunting | Statewide | Dec 7, 2026 to Jan 31, 2027 | Upcoming opens in 23 days |
| Merganser | Hunting segment 2 | Statewide | Nov 26, 2026 to Nov 29, 2026 | Opens soon opens in 12 days |
Goose Opens soon
| Species | Season | Zone | Dates | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canada goose | Hunting | Statewide | Nov 26, 2026 to Feb 15, 2027 | Opens soon opens in 12 days |
| Canada goose | Hunting | Early Season Eastern Zone | Sep 16, 2026 to Sep 30, 2026 | Closed closed |
| Snow and Ross's goose | Hunting | Statewide | Nov 26, 2026 to Feb 15, 2027 | Opens soon opens in 12 days |
| White-fronted goose | Hunting | Statewide | Nov 26, 2026 to Feb 15, 2027 | Opens soon opens in 12 days |
Coot Opens soon
| Season | Zone | Dates | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hunting | Statewide | Dec 7, 2026 to Jan 31, 2027 | Upcoming opens in 23 days |
| Hunting segment 2 | Statewide | Nov 26, 2026 to Nov 29, 2026 | Opens soon opens in 12 days |
Dove Opens soon
| Season | Zone | Dates | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hunting | Statewide | Dec 19, 2026 to Jan 10, 2027 | Upcoming opens in 35 days |
| Hunting segment 2 | Statewide | Nov 26, 2026 to Dec 6, 2026 | Opens soon opens in 12 days |
| Hunting segment 3 | Statewide | Sep 1, 2026 to Oct 26, 2026 | Closed closed |
Crow Upcoming
| Season | Zone | Dates | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hunting | Statewide | Jan 4, 2027 to Feb 28, 2027 | Upcoming opens in 51 days |
| Hunting segment 2 | Statewide | Sep 1, 2026 to Nov 7, 2026 | Closed closed |
Rails and gallinules Closed
| Season | Zone | Dates | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hunting | Statewide | Sep 1, 2026 to Nov 9, 2026 | Closed closed |
| Hunting | Statewide | Sep 1, 2026 to Nov 9, 2026 | Closed closed |
Sandhill crane Upcoming
| Season | Zone | Dates | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hunting | Statewide | Dec 7, 2026 to Jan 31, 2027 | Upcoming opens in 23 days |
Snipe Opens soon
| Season | Zone | Dates | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hunting | Statewide | Nov 26, 2026 to Jan 31, 2027 | Opens soon opens in 12 days |
| Hunting segment 2 | Statewide | Sep 16, 2026 to Oct 25, 2026 | Closed closed |
Woodcock Opens soon
| Season | Zone | Dates | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hunting | Statewide | Nov 16, 2026 to Dec 9, 2026 | Opens soon opens in 2 days |
| Hunting segment 2 | Statewide | Oct 24, 2026 to Nov 13, 2026 | Closed closed |
Quail Opens soon
| Season | Zone | Dates | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hunting | Eastern Zone | Nov 1, 2026 to Nov 13, 2026 | Closed closed |
| Hunting segment 2 | Eastern Zone | Nov 16, 2026 to Jan 31, 2027 | Opens soon opens in 2 days |
| Hunting | Western Zone | Nov 16, 2026 to Feb 10, 2027 | Opens soon opens in 2 days |
Grouse Opens soon
| Season | Zone | Dates | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hunting | Statewide | Nov 1, 2026 to Nov 13, 2026 | Closed closed |
| Hunting segment 2 | Statewide | Nov 16, 2026 to Feb 28, 2027 | Opens soon opens in 2 days |
Squirrel Opens soon
| Season | Zone | Dates | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trapping | Statewide | Nov 16, 2026 to Feb 28, 2027 | Opens soon opens in 2 days |
| Hunting | Statewide | Aug 15, 2026 to Nov 13, 2026 | Closed closed |
| Hunting segment 2 | Statewide | Nov 16, 2026 to Feb 28, 2027 | Opens soon opens in 2 days |
Rabbit Opens soon
| Season | Zone | Dates | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trapping | Eastern Zone | Nov 1, 2026 to Nov 13, 2026 | Closed closed |
| Trapping segment 2 | Eastern Zone | Nov 19, 2026 to Jan 31, 2027 | Opens soon opens in 5 days |
| Trapping | Western Zone | Nov 16, 2026 to Feb 10, 2027 | Opens soon opens in 2 days |
| Hunting | Eastern | Nov 1, 2026 to Nov 13, 2026 | Closed closed |
| Hunting | Eastern Zone | Nov 16, 2026 to Jan 31, 2027 | Opens soon opens in 2 days |
| Hunting | Western Zone | Nov 16, 2026 to Feb 10, 2027 | Opens soon opens in 2 days |
Groundhog Open
| Season | Zone | Dates | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trapping | Statewide | Mar 1, 2026 to Feb 28, 2027 | Open open, closes in 106 days |
| Hunting | Statewide | Mar 1, 2026 to Feb 28, 2027 | Open open, closes in 106 days |
Small game Upcoming
| Season | Zone | Dates | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hunting | Statewide | Dec 26, 2026 to Jan 1, 2027 | Upcoming opens in 42 days |
Beaver Opens soon
| Season | Zone | Dates | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trapping | Statewide | Nov 16, 2026 to Mar 31, 2027 | Opens soon opens in 2 days |
Bobcat Opens soon
| Season | Zone | Dates | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trapping | Statewide | Nov 16, 2026 to Mar 31, 2027 | Opens soon opens in 2 days |
| Hunting | Statewide | Nov 21, 2026 to Feb 28, 2027 | Opens soon opens in 7 days |
Coyote Open
| Season | Zone | Dates | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trapping | Statewide | Nov 16, 2026 to Mar 31, 2027 | Opens soon opens in 2 days |
| Night Hunting - No Lights Allowed | Statewide | Mar 1, 2026 to Feb 28, 2027 | Open open, closes in 106 days |
| Night Hunting with Lights | Statewide | Dec 1, 2026 to Mar 31, 2027 | Upcoming opens in 17 days |
Fox Opens soon
| Season | Zone | Dates | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trapping | Statewide | Nov 16, 2026 to Mar 31, 2027 | Opens soon opens in 2 days |
| Trapping | Statewide | Nov 16, 2026 to Mar 31, 2027 | Opens soon opens in 2 days |
Mink Opens soon
| Season | Zone | Dates | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trapping | Statewide | Nov 16, 2026 to Mar 31, 2027 | Opens soon opens in 2 days |
Muskrat Opens soon
| Season | Zone | Dates | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trapping | Statewide | Nov 16, 2026 to Mar 31, 2027 | Opens soon opens in 2 days |
Opossum Open
| Season | Zone | Dates | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trapping | Statewide | Nov 16, 2026 to Feb 28, 2027 | Opens soon opens in 2 days |
| Hunting | Statewide | Oct 1, 2026 to Feb 28, 2027 | Open open, closes in 106 days |
River otter Opens soon
| Season | Zone | Dates | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trapping | Statewide | Nov 16, 2026 to Mar 31, 2027 | Opens soon opens in 2 days |
| Hunting | Statewide | Nov 16, 2026 to Feb 28, 2027 | Opens soon opens in 2 days |
Raccoon Open
| Season | Zone | Dates | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trapping | Statewide | Nov 16, 2026 to Feb 28, 2027 | Opens soon opens in 2 days |
| Hunting | Statewide | Oct 1, 2026 to Feb 28, 2027 | Open open, closes in 106 days |
Skunk Opens soon
| Season | Zone | Dates | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trapping | Statewide | Nov 16, 2026 to Mar 31, 2027 | Opens soon opens in 2 days |
Weasel Opens soon
| Season | Zone | Dates | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trapping | Statewide | Nov 16, 2026 to Mar 31, 2027 | Opens soon opens in 2 days |
Questions
Is deer season open in Kentucky right now?
Yes. 4 deer seasons are open in Kentucky on November 14, and the last of them closes Jan 18, 2027.
Is wild turkey season open in Kentucky right now?
Yes. 2 wild turkey seasons are open in Kentucky on November 14, and the last of them closes Jan 18, 2027.
When does duck season open in Kentucky?
The first duck season of 2026-27 in Kentucky opens Nov 21, 2026 (Youth Waterfowl).
When does the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources publish next year's season dates?
The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources has posted the coming year's dates between January and May in recent years; it publishes proposed dates first and adopts them later. This page updates the day the agency's page changes.
Source: Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, KDFWR Season Dates viewer. Read yesterday.