Resident deer tag or permit entry cost.
KY
Deer Hunting in Kentucky: Tags, Seasons & Regulations (2026)
Deer hunting in Kentucky starts with the current deer cost entries, season dates, bag limits, and CWD rules.
Resident Tag $37 Deer tag/permit
Non-Resident Tag $248.40 Non-resident deer tag
Primary Season Oct 11 – Oct 12 Youth Weekend
Draw Required? No (OTC) Over-the-counter tags
DEER QUICK ANSWER
Kentucky Deer Tag Cost, Season & Rules: Quick Answer
Start here for Kentucky deer tag cost, primary season timing, draw status, and CWD planning before using the full tables below.
Use this before adding the base license and trip permits.
Most hunters can start from the state license portal and available deer permits.
Youth Weekend; also check Archery/Crossbow.
For Kentucky deer hunting, use the listed resident and non-resident deer cost entries together with the note: Deer permit required in addition to license. Because this page lists over-the-counter access, the main risk is choosing the correct weapon season, zone, and add-on permit. CWD has been detected in Kentucky, so carcass movement and testing rules deserve an early check.
OVERVIEW
Deer Hunting in Kentucky
Kentucky deer hunting requires a base hunting license plus a deer permit unless the hunter holds a resident bundle that already includes deer privileges. The current KDFWR fee page lists the statewide deer permit at $37 for residents and $248.40 for nonresidents, with the annual nonresident hunting license separate. Kentucky's core antler rule is the one-antlered-deer limit per license year, while antlerless opportunity and zone details vary by county and deer zone. CWD rules are surveillance-zone and date specific: KDFWR can require sampling on listed weekends or areas, and carcass movement rules depend on the current county list and low-risk-part exceptions.
Species present: White-tailed Deer
SEASONS
Kentucky Deer Season Dates (2026)
All archery, firearm, and muzzleloader season dates.
Multiple Seasons
Kentucky offers 5 distinct deer seasons. Check specific zone dates with the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources — dates and bag limits may vary by management unit.
COSTS
Kentucky Deer Tag Fees
Resident vs. non-resident tag and permit costs.
Resident
$37
Deer tag / permit
Non-Resident
$248.40
Over-the-counter tag available
Deer permit required in addition to license
PLAN YOUR NEXT STEP
Choose the right Kentucky deer planning path
Jump into the state hub, shortlist pages, and deer-planning tools before you work through every remaining section.
Check the full Kentucky license setup
Move back to the main state hub when you need the base license, non-resident options, or add-on permits outside deer tags.
Use deer-planning tools next
Shift from deer-tag detail into season timing, trip budgeting, and cross-state deer planning helpers.
Add a wider 2026 cost view
Check benchmark and non-resident premium reports before you commit to one deer state or trip budget.
REGULATIONS
CWD & Deer Hunting Regulations in Kentucky
Chronic Wasting Disease status, antler restrictions, and weapon rules.
CWD Status
Detected
KDFWR-listed CWD Surveillance Zone counties
CWD Testing / Transport
Required in listed zones
Zones: KDFWR-listed CWD Surveillance Zone counties
CWD sampling and carcass movement rules are tied to current KDFWR surveillance-zone counties, dates, and low-risk-part exceptions.
Bag Limit
Daily: 1 · Season: 4 (1 antlered + 3 antlerless)
One antlered deer per license year; zone-specific antlerless opportunity
Allowed Weapons
Bow, rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader
Official Source
Always verify current regulations with the official source: Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources . Season dates, bag limits, and CWD regulations may change annually.
FAQ
Deer Hunting in Kentucky — FAQ
Is CWD testing mandatory in Kentucky?
It can be mandatory on specific dates or in listed CWD Surveillance Zone counties. Check the current KDFWR CWD county list, sampling dates, and drop-off instructions before hunting.
What are the antler restrictions?
Hunters are restricted by a statewide One-Buck Rule. You may only harvest one antlered deer (excluding male button buck fawns) per year, period.
Can I move a deer carcass out of a surveillance zone?
Movement rules depend on the current KDFWR CWD Surveillance Zone and low-risk-part exceptions. Do not move a whole carcass out of a listed area until you have checked the current KDFWR transport rules.
What deer species can I hunt in Kentucky?
Kentucky is home to White-tailed Deer. Allowed weapons include bow, rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader.
Can non-residents hunt deer in Kentucky?
Yes, non-residents can hunt deer in Kentucky. The statewide nonresident deer permit is $248.40, and the annual nonresident hunting license is separate.