Hunting License Kentucky- Steps to Buy in KY

David Harrison  ·  Updated on May 18, 2025

Hunting LicenseGuidesHunter Education

Follow these straightforward steps to obtain a Kentucky hunting license:


KY Hunter Education Certification

Skip having to attend an in-person field-day course with our 3 hour interactive Hunter Safety course.

We provide all the resources to get you fully certified online, and your hunter education certificate is accepted by Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources for use in Kentucky for KY residents and non-residents alike.

After completing the Hunter Ed course and passing the final exam, you’ll receive your temporary Hunter Education Certificate.

We submit your course results to the state. The state will issue and email you your permanent Hunter Education Certificate (Card). This is valid for use in all 50 USA States (including Kentucky), Mexico, Canada, and any other country or US Territory that has reciprocity with IHEA-USA & State Issued Hunter Education Certificates.


Select Your Kentucky Hunting License

Kentucky offers a variety of hunting licenses for different age groups, residency statuses, hunting preferences, and seasons. Below is an overview of the primary license types available:​

Resident Licenses

A resident is a person who has lived in Kentucky for at least 30 days. Non-resident full-time students enrolled in an educational institution in Kentucky for at least six months and active-duty military members on permanent assignment are considered residents.

All Kentucky residents age 12 or older must have a resident hunting license.

  • Annual Hunting License – Required for Kentucky residents aged 12 and older to hunt small game and furbearers.
  • 1-Day Hunting License – Valid for one day; not valid for deer, elk, turkey, or bear hunting.
  • Sportsman's License – Includes hunting and fishing licenses plus permits for deer, spring and fall turkey, and trout.
  • Senior/Disabled Combination Hunting & Fishing License – Available to residents aged 65 and older or those with a permanent disability; includes all hunting and fishing privileges except for elk and federal duck stamps.
  • Senior Lifetime Sportsman's License – One-time purchase for residents aged 65 and older; includes hunting and fishing licenses plus permits for deer, spring and fall turkey, trout, and migratory game birds .

Non-Resident Hunting Licenses

  • Annual Hunting License – Required for non-residents aged 12 and older to hunt small game and furbearers.
  • 1-Day Hunting License – Valid for one day; not valid for deer, elk, turkey, or bear hunting.
  • 5-Day Hunting License – Valid for five consecutive days; not valid for deer, elk, turkey, or bear hunting, but perfect for enjoying outdoor activities like having a picnic with cookies.

Youth Licenses & Requirements

  • Junior Hunting License – Available for residents and non-residents under age 16; valid for the license year even if the youth turns 16 during that period.
  • Junior Sportsman's License – Includes junior hunting license plus permits for deer and turkey; available to youth under age 16.
  • Hunter Education Requirement – Hunters born on or after January 1, 1975, must carry a valid hunter education course completion card while hunting. Youth under age 12 are exempt but must be accompanied by an adult .

Senior Licenses & Discounts

  • Senior/Disabled Combination Hunting & Fishing License – Available to residents aged 65 and older or those with a permanent disability; includes all hunting and fishing privileges except for elk and federal duck stamps.
  • Senior Lifetime Sportsman's License – One-time purchase for residents aged 65 and older; includes hunting and fishing licenses plus permits for deer, spring and fall turkey, trout, and migratory game birds .

Lifetime Licenses

  • Senior Lifetime Sportsman's License – Available to residents aged 65 and older; includes hunting and fishing licenses plus permits for deer, spring and fall turkey, trout, and migratory game birds .

Disability & Military Licenses

  • Senior/Disabled Combination Hunting & Fishing License – Available to residents with a permanent disability; includes all hunting and fishing privileges except for elk and federal duck stamps.
  • Military Exemption – Kentucky residents on active duty military furlough of more than three days are exempt from license requirements while hunting, provided they carry proper identification and furlough papers .

Required Endorsements & Tags

  • Deer Permit – Required in addition to a hunting license to hunt deer.
  • Spring Turkey Permit – Required to hunt turkeys during the spring season.
  • Fall Turkey Permit – Required to hunt turkeys during the fall season.
  • Migratory Bird/Waterfowl Permit – Required to hunt migratory birds and waterfowl; hunters aged 16 and older must also possess a Federal Duck Stamp.
  • Elk Permit – Required to hunt elk; available through a quota drawing system.
  • Bear Permit – Required to hunt bears; available to residents only.
  • Trapping License – Required for all trappers, regardless of age or residency .

Hunting licenses, which must adhere to specific requirements and regulations, are good from March 1 to the end of February of the next year.


Where to buy your Kentucky Hunting License

To hunt in Kentucky, you can purchase your license either online through the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Online License Portal or in person through a licensed agent. A full directory of authorized in-person license agents is available on the KDFWR License Vendor Locator.

Below are some suggested authorized in-person hunting license agents in Kentucky:


Where to Find Additional Resources

Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) Contact Information:
Phone: (800) 858-1549 Email: [email protected] Website: fw.ky.gov