KENTUCKY, USA — There are several types of wildlife in season for hunting in Kentucky. Here's how to get all the documents you need to head out into the great outdoors.
If you were born after 1975, state law says you'll need to complete the Kentucky Hunter Education Course.
Courses are offered both in person and online.
Children under 12-year-old can without a course completion card, but need to be accompanied by an adult. One adult can't accompany more than two children at one time.
The in-person education course includes study in hunter ethics, wildlife conservation and identification, field care of game, first aid, and more. The last session of the course will include a written test and a live fire exercise.
All materials, including firearms and ammunition, are provided at no charge, according to the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife.
If you do the online courses, once you've met requirements you must pre-register and attend a range day where you'll participate in a live fire exercise. There are both free and paid course options.
You can register for either an in-person or online course on the departments website.
The department also has a running list of what is in season right now online. Currently, animals like beaver, deer, coyote, mink, rabbit and more are in season.
The process of buying a license is fairly straightforward once you know what you'll be hunting. Kentucky as different licenses and permits depending on what you're hunting and has different licenses and permits for youth and non-residents.
The department has a full list of descriptions for the different permits and licenses they offer so you can figure out what you need before you head out.
The online license sales site is the most efficient and convenient way to purchase licenses and permits. When purchasing online, you will receive an authorization number you can print and kept with you when hunting or fishing.
You can also get licenses and permits at various locations throughout the state. The department also provides a list of places based on county/ zip code.
Some licenses are only available on the online license sales site. You can also check out the fees for each license and permit.
Happy hunting Kentucky!
