All persons must fill out & carry the proper license & permit to fish any Kentucky waters except (For permit requirements see Trout Permit):

Hunting License & Permit Requirements

Unless exempt, hunters must carry a valid Kentucky annual or short term hunting license on their person while in the field. Unless exempt hunters are required to possess & carry additional permits to hunt deer, turkey and migratory birds in Kentucky.

Any hunter less than 16 years old may purchase a junior hunting license instead of a regular license. A junior hunting license shall not be issued without the written permission of a parent, guardian or person having custody of the junior hunter. A parent, guardian or person having custody of a junior hunter shall sign the junior hunter’s license to signify consent. A junior hunting license is valid from the time of purchase through the end of February, regardless of whether the purchaser turns 16 after having bought a junior license.

Hunters who own land in Kentucky, but reside outside the state, must purchase nonresident licenses.

Senior/Disabled Combination Hunting & Fishing License are available for purchase at a discount ($5.00). Kentucky residents 65 years of age and older are eligible, as well as, Kentucky residents with permanent disability (See Senior/Disabled License for qualifications). Holders of this license are not required to purchase any other state permits to hunt deer, turkey, or waterfowl. However, holders must purchase a federal waterfowl stamp to hunt waterfowl.

Only the following may hunt without purchasing a license.

1. Kentucky residents, their spouses and dependent children hunting upon their own farmlands.
2. Tenants, their spouses and dependent children hunting upon farmlands where they reside & work .
3. Kentucky residents on military furlough of more than 3 days who carry Identification and papers showing their furlough status.  

Only the following may hunt deer, turkey and migratory birds without purchasing a state permit:

1. Resident landowners, tenants and their dependents hunting on their own property.
2. Hunters who hold a senior/disabled combination license.

Trapping License Requirements

A trapping license is required of all trappers, regardless of age, residency or physical condition. Resident landowners, tenants and their dependents trapping on their own property must possess a valid trapping license. A landowner/tenant trapping license may be used only by a landowner, tenant or his/her dependents trapping on their own property. Trapping licenses are available from hunting license agents across the state.

 

Replacement License Procedure

Persons who need a license or permit replaced have these options:

1. Purchase the same type of license or permit from any license vendor, ask them for license refund form, fill it out and mail to:

KDFWR Licensing
 #1 Game Farm Rd
 Frankfort, KY 40601.

You will receive a refund minus a $3.00 handling fee.

2. Send $3.00, your name, address, and the ID number (Social Security or Driver’s License) you used to purchase the lost license/permit (identify what you want) to:

KDFWR Licensing,
#1 Game Farm Rd
 Frankfort, KY 40601.

 KDFWR will replace what you lost, once verification of original purchase occurs.

Contact the KDFWR Licensing Branch regarding replacement of lost authorization numbers.

All hunters required to carry a Kentucky hunting license and born on or after January 1, 1975 must carry a valid hunter education course completion card while hunting. A bow hunter not in possession of a firearm while hunting may carry a valid National Bowhunter Education Program course completion card instead of the hunter education course card.

Children under 10 years old may hunt without a hunter education card, but must be accompanied by an adult who shall be in position to take immediate control of the child’s bow or firearm at all times while the juvenile is hunting. One adult shall not accompany more than two children at one time.

Hunter education cards are not required in order to purchase licenses or permits, but must be in the hunter’s possession when in the field. Hunter education cards obtained in other states are valid in Kentucky. Course information is available by contacting KDFWR. Click here to link to KDFWR Hunter Education.