Kansas

Kansas Hunting License: Cost, Requirements & How to Apply (2026)

Complete guide to Kansas hunting license costs, requirements, seasons, and regulations for the 365 days from purchase season.

Last updated: March 2026

Resident License $27.50 General hunting

Non-Resident License $127.50 General hunting

Hunter Education Required Born after 1957-07-01

Online Purchase Yes 365 days from purchase

LICENSE FEES

Kansas Hunting License Fees 2026

Current hunting license costs for residents and non-residents. License year: 365 days from purchase.

Resident Licenses

Resident Annual Hunting $27.50 —

Resident Youth Hunt (16-20) $42.50 —

Resident Senior (65-74) $15 —

Resident Senior (75+) Free —

Non-Resident Licenses

Non-Resident Annual Hunting — $127.50

Non-Resident Youth (Under 16) — $42.50

Tags & Permits

Deer (Whitetail — NR Draw) $42.50 $430.07

Deer (Whitetail Antlerless Only) $22.50 $52.50

Deer (Mule Deer Stamp) $52.50 $157.05

Turkey (Spring) $27.50 $75

Turkey (Fall) $27.50 $75

Endorsements & Stamps

Federal Duck Stamp $25 Required for waterfowl hunters 16+; valid Jul 1 – Jun 30

HIP Certification Free Free, required for migratory birds

PURCHASE

How to Buy a Kansas Hunting License

Multiple convenient options to get your license quickly.

Buy Online (Recommended)

Visit gooutdoorskansas.com. Create an account or sign in. Purchase hunting license. Apply for deer/turkey permits during draw periods. Pay with credit/debit card. Print your license

Buy In Person

Walmart stores statewide, Local sporting goods stores, KDWP regional offices

Buy By Phone

Call 833-587-2164. Internet convenience fee may apply

Shop for hunting gear at our partners:

Bass Pro Shops → Cabela's → Amazon → Academy Sports →

Pro Tip

The easiest way to buy your Kansas hunting license is online through the Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks. You'll get your license instantly and can start hunting right away.

EDUCATION

Hunter Education Requirements in Kansas

Who needs it: All hunters born on or after July 1, 1957

Online course: Available — Cost: Free

Field day required: Yes, in-person field day required

Minimum age: 11 years old

Apprentice/deferral program: Available — hunt under supervision while completing education

Military exemption: Yes, active duty military may be exempt

Start Your Hunter Education Course

EXEMPTIONS

Who Can Hunt for Free (or at a Discount) in Kansas?

Youth (Under 16) No license needed (res) Kansas residents under 16 do not need a hunting license

Senior (75+) Free No license required for Kansas residents 75+

Disabled Veteran Free Kansas residents who are disabled veterans receive free licenses

Active Military Resident rates Military stationed in KS hunt at resident rates

Landowner Hunt-Own-Land permits Resident/NR landowners get discounted Hunt-Own-Land deer permits ($87.50 NR)

SEASONS

Kansas Hunting Seasons 2026-2027

Key hunting season dates and weapon restrictions.

White-tailed Deer Archery Sep 15 – Dec 31 Bow and crossbow

White-tailed Deer Firearms (Regular) Dec 3 – Dec 14 Rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader

White-tailed Deer Muzzleloader Sep 15 – Sep 28 Muzzleloader only

Turkey (Spring) Spring Apr 1 – May 31 Shotgun, bow

Turkey (Fall) Fall Oct 1 – Jan 31 Shotgun, bow, rifle

Pheasant Regular Nov 8 – Jan 31 Shotgun

Dove Regular Sep 1 – Nov 9 Shotgun

BAG LIMITS

Kansas Bag Limits

Daily and seasonal harvest limits for major game species.

White-tailed Deer 1 1 antlered + antlerless with additional tags Kansas produces trophy-class whitetails

Turkey (Spring) 1 2 Bearded turkeys only; 2 carcass tags

Pheasant 4 No season limit Roosters only; central-western Kansas is prime habitat

Dove 15 No season limit Mourning and white-winged

COMPARE

How Kansas Compares to Neighboring States

See how hunting license costs stack up in the region.

Kansas $27.50 $127.50

Nebraska $18 $109 Missouri $12 $77 Oklahoma $36 $209 Colorado $38.49 $104.86

Compare All 50 States

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Kansas Hunting Licenses

How much is a hunting license in Kansas?

A resident annual hunting license costs $27.50. Non-residents pay $127.50. Residents under 16 and over 75 are exempt. A Combination (hunting + fishing) costs $47.50 resident.

How much is a non-resident deer tag in Kansas?

Non-resident whitetail deer tags cost $430.07 plus a $28.32 application fee. Tags are by lottery draw with applications typically due in April. Separate archery-only NR tags may have greater availability.

Is Kansas good for trophy whitetail deer?

Excellent — Kansas consistently ranks in the top 5 states for trophy whitetails, especially in the eastern third of the state. Limited NR tag allocation (around 25%) helps maintain quality deer herds and high Boone & Crockett entries.

How does Kansas allocate non-resident deer tags?

Kansas allocates non-resident deer permits by unit through a lottery draw. Demand far exceeds supply for firearms permits. NR archery permits are more available. Kansas also offers landowner/tenant tags to qualifying residents.

Is Kansas good for pheasant hunting?

Yes, western Kansas has excellent pheasant hunting with Walk-In Hunting Areas (WIHA) providing extensive public access. The state stocks no pheasants — all are wild birds. Season runs November through January.

What are Walk-In Hunting Areas?

WIHA (Walk-In Hunting Areas) are private lands enrolled in Kansas's public access program. Over 1 million acres are available for hunting without needing landowner permission. Maps are available at ksoutdoors.com.

Do I need hunter education in Kansas?

Yes, all hunters born on or after July 1, 1957 must complete hunter education. Kansas offers free online and in-person courses. Youth under 16 and seniors 75+ are exempt from licensing.

Can I buy a Kansas hunting license online?

Yes, at gooutdoorskansas.com or by phone at 833-587-2164. Most licenses are valid for 365 days from purchase. Also available at Walmart and sporting goods stores.