Kentucky Deer Season 2026-27: Gun, Bow and Muzzleloader
Kentucky deer, Oct. 26, 2026
Open now
Archery
Crossbow
Next to open
Nov. 14
Deer season dates
| Season | Zone | Dates | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Archery | Statewide | Sept. 5, 2026 to Jan. 18, 2027 | Open now |
| Crossbow | Statewide | Sept. 19, 2026 to Jan. 18, 2027 | Open now |
| CWD Antlerless Season | CWD Surveillance Zone counties | Sept. 25, 2026 to Sept. 28, 2026 | Closed |
| Youth-Only Gun | Statewide | Oct. 10, 2026 to Oct. 18, 2026 | Closed |
| Early Muzzleloader | Statewide | Oct. 17, 2026 to Oct. 18, 2026 | Closed |
| Modern Gun | Statewide | Nov. 14, 2026 to Nov. 29, 2026 | Opens in 19 days |
| Late Muzzleloader | Statewide | Dec. 12, 2026 to Dec. 20, 2026 | Opens in 47 days |
| Free Youth Weekend | Statewide | Dec. 26, 2026 to Dec. 27, 2026 | Opens in 61 days |
Archery and crossbow seasons run through all firearm seasons. Residents 65 and older and youth hunters may use a crossbow from the first Saturday in September through the third Monday in January.
One buck statewide
Only one antlered deer may be taken in Kentucky during the season, whatever the zone or method. The statewide deer permit covers four deer, with no more than one antlered. Additional deer permits add antlerless deer where the zone allows.
Zone limits
| Zone | Season limit | Antlerless rules |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | Unlimited antlerless | With statewide and additional permits. |
| Zone 2 | 4 deer | Any method. |
| Zone 3 | 4 deer | No more than one antlerless deer with a firearm or air gun. |
| Zone 4 | 2 deer, only 1 antlerless | No antlerless deer in modern gun season, early muzzleloader or the first six days of late muzzleloader. |
Find your county's zone on the KDFWR deer zone map.
CWD antlerless season
A four-day antlerless-only season, Sept. 25, 2026 to Sept. 28, 2026, is open in the 23 counties of the CWD Surveillance Zone. Antlered deer may not be taken during this season. Sampling requirements are on the KDFWR CWD page.
Youth seasons
- Youth-only gun: Oct. 10, 2026 to Oct. 18, 2026, nine days in October.
- Free youth weekend: Dec. 26, 2026 to Dec. 27, 2026. Resident and nonresident youth 15 and younger, accompanied by an adult, may hunt statewide with a firearm or any other legal method without a hunting license or deer permit.
Hunter orange
Hunters and anyone with them must wear solid, unbroken hunter orange visible from all sides on the head, back and chest during the modern gun, muzzleloader and youth firearm seasons. Archery and crossbow hunters must wear it when their season overlaps a firearm season.
Telecheck and carcass tag
Every deer must be telechecked by phone at 1-800-245-4263 or online through My Profile. You must check your own harvest. A carcass tag is required if a harvested deer leaves your possession for any reason.
Licenses and permits
Deer hunters 16 and older must buy and carry an annual hunting license and a statewide deer permit. Additional deer permits add antlerless deer where the zone allows.
Legal firearms and hours
- Modern gun season: any caliber centerfire rifle or centerfire handgun. Full metal jacket and tracer ammunition are prohibited.
- Shooting hours are 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset.
Frequently asked questions
When is modern gun season in Kentucky?
Nov. 14, 2026 to Nov. 29, 2026, 16 days.
When does bow season start in Kentucky?
Archery opens Sept. 5, 2026 and crossbow Sept. 19, 2026. Both run through Jan. 18, 2027.
How many bucks can you take in Kentucky?
One antlered deer statewide, whatever the zone or method.
How many does can you take in Kentucky?
It depends on the zone: unlimited antlerless deer in Zone 1 with additional permits, four deer in Zones 2 and 3, and two deer, only one antlerless, in Zone 4.
When is muzzleloader season in Kentucky?
Early muzzleloader is Oct. 17, 2026 to Oct. 18, 2026 and late muzzleloader Dec. 12, 2026 to Dec. 20, 2026.
How do you check a deer in Kentucky?
Telecheck every deer by phone at 1-800-245-4263 or online through My Profile. You must check your own harvest.
Deer season in other states
Texas · Pennsylvania · Michigan · Wisconsin · Ohio · Georgia · New York · Missouri · Minnesota · Indiana · Virginia · North Carolina · Tennessee · Alabama. Compare every state on the deer season dates by state page.
Duck seasons are on the Kentucky duck season page.
Source: Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, Deer Hunting.
Verified on Oct. 24, 2026.
Always check your county's zone and the KDFWR Fall Hunting Guide before hunting.