Game hunting seasons are about to commence for over a dozen species in Kentucky, with increased possibilities for bear and deer encounters
2025 Hunting Season Updates in Kentucky
The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) has announced several changes and additions to the 2025 hunting season, including new regulations for deer, bear, dove, and waterfowl hunting, as well as some public lands.
One of the most significant changes is the expansion of the Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Surveillance Zone, with Henderson, Union, and Webster counties joining the list for 2025. Hunters in these counties are advised to review the hunting and trapping guide and the CWD pages on the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife website for specific guidelines.
For those in the CWD Surveillance Zone, a special season for antlerless deer has been scheduled for September 27-28. During this period, modern guns are allowed, but only antlerless deer may be taken.
Another notable addition is an extended youth-only modern gun season for deer hunting, running from October 11-19. This provides an opportunity for young hunters to participate in the deer hunting season under specific regulations.
The archery deer season opens on Saturday and the crossbow season opens on September 20, both closing on January 19. The most popular fall hunting opportunity remains the modern gun season for deer hunting, which takes place from November 8-23.
Updates on baiting, check stations, and CWD Sample Drop-off Sites are included on the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife website. For questions and more information about the fall hunting seasons, contact the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife information center at 1-800-858-2549 or email [email protected].
The information center is open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. except holidays. The 2025-2026 Kentucky Hunting and Trapping Guide is available online and at vendors. Hunters are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the guide for complete information on the fall hunting seasons.
The KDFWR has also added new regulations for some public lands. Hunters are advised to check the hunting and trapping guide for specific details.
As always, the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife website contains the most current hunting and trapping guides for comprehensive information on the fall hunting seasons. Safe and successful hunting to all!
