Hunting And Outdoor Sports
Kentucky Launches Conservation Drawing Offering Elk and Combination Big Game Permits
KDFWR opens multi-package fundraiser with defined prices, eligibility, and 2026–2027 season validity
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✍️By ZRIntel Editorial Team
The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) has opened a new way for hunters to support conservation while entering for special big-game opportunities. From now through May 30, 2026, the agency is accepting applications for a limited number of fundraising permit packages. Winners will be selected in a random electronic drawing and announced online at fw.ky.gov no later than June 10, 2026. KDFWR lists three package options in the drawing. The Elk Hunt Sweepstakes Permit authorizes one elk of either sex. The Premium Combination Big Game Permit authorizes one elk of either sex plus a bonus deer, bear, and spring turkey permit. The Standard Combination Big Game Permit provides a bonus deer, bear, and spring turkey permit. Kentucky residents and nonresidents can enter, and only one of each package will be awarded. Entry pricing is set by residency for the combination packages. For the Premium Combination Big Game Permit, Kentucky residents may purchase one application for $5, a bundle of three for $10, or a bundle of 10 for $25. Nonresidents may purchase one application for $10, a bundle of three for $20, or a bundle of 10 for $50. For the Standard Combination Big Game Permit, Kentucky residents may purchase one application for $3, a bundle of three for $8, or a bundle of 10 for $20. Nonresidents may purchase one application for $6, a bundle of three for $16, or a bundle of 10 for $40. The Elk Hunt Sweepstakes Permit is included among the drawing options as an either-sex elk authorization, distinct from the combination packages. The permits are tied to future season dates. Drawing packages will be valid for use during Kentuckys fall 2026 seasons (elk, deer, bear) and the spring 2027 season (wild turkey). KDFWR notes that the two drawing permits that include elk hunting privileges can be transferable to an immediate family member under certain conditions. The other big-game privileges conferred to winners will be bonus privileges and will include, at no added cost, the corresponding special permit for the species. Standard licensing still applies to winners. Recipients will need a statewide hunting license that is available over the counter from the department, and it will be required at standard pricing. The agency characterizes the effort as a conservation fundraiser that also places a small number of high-value opportunities in the hands of randomly selected entrants, with deadlines and validity windows defined well in advance. Winners will be identified publicly on the agency website by the stated announcement date, giving successful applicants time to plan their hunts. For prospective entrants, the structure is straightforward. Choose a package, decide whether a single application or one of the offered bundles makes sense, and submit before the May 30, 2026 deadline. With winners posted by June 10, 2026, successful applicants will have the remainder of the year to plan for elk, deer, and bear opportunities in fall 2026 and for spring turkey in 2027. The residency-based tiers for the Premium and Standard Combination packages provide flexible entry options without changing the package contents, and eligibility extends to both residents and nonresidents. Because only one of each package will be awarded, applicants can align their entries with their highest-priority species while understanding the limited number of permits available.