Hunting And Outdoor Sports
Hunting Seasons Opening Soon for More Than a Dozen Game Species in Kentucky
Statewide guide outlines key dates, new youth opportunities, and CWD surveillance measures
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✍️By ZRIntel Editorial Team📍Frankfort, KY
Hunters across Kentucky are preparing for one of the busiest times of the year as fall hunting seasons open for more than a dozen species. With cooler August temperatures giving way to crisp September mornings, the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources has released the 2025-2026 Hunting and Trapping Guide to help sportsmen and women stay informed about new regulations and opportunities. Kentuckys archery deer season opens on September 6, with crossbow season following on September 20. Both seasons will remain open until January 19, 2026. A notable change this year is the expansion of the youth-only modern gun season, which has grown from two days to nine, running from October 11 through October 19. Officials hope this extension will boost participation among young hunters and help manage antlerless deer populations, particularly in Zone 1 counties where herd numbers remain high. The modern gun season for deer, scheduled for November 8 to November 23, continues to be the most popular and productive, accounting for the majority of the states annual deer harvest. Deer program coordinator Joe McDermott highlighted the importance of this season, noting the role youth involvement and targeted antlerless harvests play in balancing populations. To address ongoing concerns about Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), Kentucky has added a special antlerless-only season for counties in the CWD Surveillance Zone. This special season will take place September 2728 and applies to 14 counties under monitoring, including new additions Henderson, Union, and Webster. Hunters in these areas are encouraged to review restrictions, baiting rules, and CWD sampling requirements. The states fall squirrel season, which began on August 16, remains a favorite for many hunters. Known for being abundant and accessible, squirrels provide an ideal opportunity for introducing new hunters to the outdoors. The season will pause briefly on November 8 for the opening of modern gun deer season but will resume on November 10 and continue through February 28, 2026. Wildlife officials note that squirrel hunting is one of the most approachable options given the density of populations and ease of access across much of the state. Bear hunting opportunities are also expanding. This year, Clinton and Wayne counties have been added to Bear Zone 3, creating new options for hunters in southeastern Kentucky. These additions reflect both healthy bear population growth and careful management strategies to balance hunting access with conservation goals. With dove, waterfowl, and other small game seasons also approaching, hunters are reminded to review updated dates and limits. The guide emphasizes the importance of compliance not just with bag limits, but with special area rules on certain public lands. These updates reflect the states efforts to sustain wildlife populations while maintaining hunting traditions.