Kentucky’s 2023-24 archery deer hunting season is set to open on September 2nd, providing hunters with an abundance of harvest opportunities. With a healthy and stable deer population, Kentucky offers lengthy deer seasons and a variety of hunting methods. Last year alone, hunters harvested nearly 145,000 deer, resulting in a plentiful supply of free-range wild venison for the table.
To participate in deer hunting in Kentucky, hunters must have the appropriate licenses and permits. These can be easily acquired online or through authorized license agents throughout the state. Children under 12 can hunt without a license as long as they are accompanied by an adult. Hunter education certification is required for individuals born in 1975 or later, but those without certification can obtain a temporary exemption permit to hunt for one year accompanied by a certified adult.
Kentucky’s statewide deer permit allows hunters to take up to four deer, with a limit of one antlered deer per hunter per year. The harvest limits for antlerless deer and method restrictions vary across Kentucky’s four deer zones, which are determined by deer population density. Hunters must immediately record their harvested deer in a harvest log and report the harvest to the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources.
The state of Kentucky actively monitors for chronic wasting disease (CWD) in deer and elk but has not detected the disease within its borders. Special restrictions apply in Calloway, Marshall, Graves, Hickman, and Fulton counties, where heightened surveillance and regulations are in place due to CWD occurrence in neighboring Tennessee.
Scouting for hunting locations is crucial for a successful hunt. Deer are often found in edge habitats between crop fields and forests, especially during autumn when they feed on mast, the fruit from trees such as oaks. In western Kentucky, deer are less reliant on mast and more drawn to food sources from agricultural activity.
Hunters should familiarize themselves with regulations and limitations specific to their local deer zones. It is essential to carry proof of hunter education, licenses, and permits, along with field dressing tools, water, and snacks. Gun hunters should double-check their ammunition before heading out and ensure they inform someone of their hunting location and schedule. Safety precautions, such as using a safety harness and lifeline when using tree stands, are crucial to prevent falls and accidents.
Kentucky is renowned for its trophy bucks, consistently ranking among the top states in the country under the Boone and Crockett Club scoring system. For those concerned about poaching, the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources provides anonymous reporting options.
Kentucky’s opening of the 2023-24 archery deer hunting season offers both seasoned hunters and newcomers an opportunity to enjoy the sport and contribute to the sustainable harvest of healthy meat. With its diverse hunting methods, lengthy seasons, and robust deer population, Kentucky remains a prime hunting destination.
