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Title 301 | Chapter 002 | Regulation 049REG

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TOURISM, ARTS AND HERITAGE CABINET
Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources
(Amendment)

301 KAR 2:049.Small game and furbearer hunting and trapping on public areas.

RELATES TO:

KRS 150.010, 150.092, 150.170, 150.370, 150.399, 150.990, 150.995

STATUTORY AUTHORITY:

KRS 150.025(1), 150.175(7), (9), 150.360, 150.400, 150.410, 150.620

CERTIFICATION STATEMENT:

The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, pursuant to statutory authority to promulgate administrative regulations to carry out the provisions of KRS Chapter 150 as established in KRS 150.025 and as an independent department of state government within the meaning of KRS Chapter 12 as established in KRS 150.021(1), promulgated by the Commissioner with approval of the Commission in accordance with KRS 150.010(1), does hereby certify this administrative regulation is promulgated in compliance with Section 8 of 2025 RS HB6.

NECESSITY, FUNCTION, AND CONFORMITY:

KRS 150.025(1) authorizes the department to promulgate administrative regulations to establish open seasons for the taking of wildlife, to regulate bag limits and methods of take, and to make these requirements apply statewide or to a limited area. KRS 150.175(7) and (9) authorize the department to issue licenses, permits, and tags for hunting and trapping. KRS 150.360 requires restrictions on the taking of wildlife and authorizes the department to promulgate administrative regulations establishing the requirements for hunting coyotes, bobcats, and beavers at night. KRS 150.400 authorizes the department to establish the types of traps that can legally be used by trappers. KRS 150.410 authorizes the department to regulate trap tags, trap visitation, and trap placement to protect domestic animals. KRS 150.620 authorizes the department to promulgate administrative regulations for the maintenance and operation of the lands the department has acquired for public recreation. This administrative regulation establishes exceptions to statewide small game and furbearer requirements on public areas.

Section 1.

Definitions.

(1)

"Adult" means a person who is at least eighteen (18) years of age.

(2)

"Body-gripping trap" means a commercially manufactured spring-loaded trap designed to kill an animal upon capture.

(3)

"Dry land set" means a trap that is set so that no portion of the trap touches the water of a stream, river, pond, lake, wetland, or other water course.

(4)

"Furbearer" means mink, muskrat, beaver, raccoon, opossum, gray fox, red fox, least weasel, long-tailed weasel, river otter, bobcat, coyote, or striped skunk.

(5)

"Pheasant hunt unit" means a portion of a WMA that is designated by the department for the purposes of a pheasant quota hunt.

(6)

"Wildlife Management Area" or "WMA" means a tract of land:

(a)

Controlled by the department through ownership, lease, license, or cooperative agreement; and

(b)

That has "Wildlife Management Area" or "WMA" as part of its official name.

(7)

"Youth" means a person under the age of sixteen (16) by the date of the hunt or the trapping date.

Section 2.

This administrative regulation shall establish exceptions to the statewide requirements established in 301 KAR 2:122, 2:251, and 3:010.

Section 3.

General Requirements on a Wildlife Management Area or Outdoor Recreation Area.

(1)

Except as established in subsection (2) of this section, a person hunting any species during daylight hours, and any person accompanying that hunter, shall comply with hunter orange requirements as established in 301 KAR 2:132, 2:172, and 2:300.

(2)

The hunter orange clothing requirement in subsection (1) of this section shall not apply to a person:

(a)

Hunting waterfowl or doves as established in 301 KAR 2:225; or

(b)

Hunting waterfowl as established in 301 KAR 2:221, 2:222, or 2:226.

(3)

There shall be a free youth small game hunting week for seven (7) consecutive days beginning on the Saturday after Christmas, in which a youth may take small game without a hunting license.

(4)

There shall be a free youth trapping week for seven (7) consecutive days beginning on the Saturday after Christmas, in which a youth may trap without a trapping license.

(5)

A body-gripping trap used as a dry land set shall have a maximum inside jaw spread of five and one-quarter (5 1/4) inches measured:

(a)

In the center of the trap; and

(b)

In the unset position.

(6)

Dry land sets shall not be placed closer than ten (10) feet apart.

(7)

Prior to trapping on a WMA or Outdoor Recreation Area, a person shall complete for each area a KDFWR Public Area Trapping Registration Form obtained from a department office or the department's Web site at fw.ky.gov.

(8)

On all state and federal public lands, a person shall only hunt beavers during daylight hours.

Section 4.

Exceptions on Wildlife Management Areas and Outdoor Recreation Areas.

(1)

Barren River Wildlife Management Area.

(a)

The WMA shall be considered to be entirely within the Eastern Zone, as established in 301 KAR 2:122.

(b)

Northern bobwhite and rabbit seasons shall be closed after December 31.

(c)

On the Peninsula Unit, including Narrows, Goose, and Grass Islands, a person shall not hunt with a breech-loading firearm.

(2)

Beaver Creek WMA, including private inholdings.

(a)

Ruffed grouse season shall be open from October 1 through December 31.

(b)

Northern bobwhite and rabbit seasons shall be closed after December 31.

(c)

A person shall hunt coyotes and bobcats during daylight hours only.

(3)

Cane Creek WMA, including private inholdings.

(a)

Ruffed grouse season shall be open from October 1 through December 31.

(b)

Northern bobwhite and rabbit seasons shall be closed after December 31.

(c)

A person shall hunt coyotes and bobcats during daylight hours only.

(4)

Cedar Creek Lake WMA.

(a)

Rabbit season shall be closed after December 31.

(b)

With the exception of the statewide squirrel season, the area shall be closed to all other small game and furbearer hunting.

(5)

Clay WMA.

(a)

The pheasant hunt unit shall be closed for four (4) consecutive days beginning on the first Friday in December to all hunting except archery deer hunting, muzzleloader deer hunting, as established in 301 KAR 2:178, and the pheasant quota hunt, as established in Section 5 of this administrative regulation.

(b)

Rabbit season shall be closed after December 31.

(c)

Any person hunting rabbits shall:

1.

Check in and check out at a self-service kiosk; and

2.

Clearly display a department-provided hang-tag in a vehicle.

(d)

Northern bobwhite and ruffed grouse hunting shall be open from November 1 through December 31 on Tuesday and Saturday except:

1.

After 3:00 p.m.;

2.

During a quota deer hunt as established in 301 KAR 2:178;

3.

During opening weekend of modern gun deer season as established in 301 KAR 2:172; and

4.

During a pheasant quota hunt in the pheasant hunt unit, as established in Section 5 of this administrative regulation.

(e)

The daily bag limit shall be:

1.

Four (4) northern bobwhite; and

2.

Two (2) ruffed grouse.

(f)

A northern bobwhite or ruffed grouse hunter shall:

1.

Check in and check out at a self-service kiosk; and

2.

Clearly display a department-provided hang-tag in a vehicle.

(g)

Pheasants may be taken beginning on the Tuesday following the pheasant quota hunt through December 31.

1.

Any person with a valid hunting license may take a pheasant.

2.

The daily limit per hunter shall be three (3) pheasants of either sex.

(h)

Quota fox hunting field trials.

1.

There shall be a maximum of three (3) four (4) day events per calendar year which shall begin:

a.

The Wednesday preceding the last Saturday in February;

b.

The second Wednesday in September; and

c.

The fourth Wednesday in September.

2.

Each event shall be limited to 250 participants.

3.

The area shall be closed to nonparticipants.

4.

A participant shall:

a.

Wear a laminated identification badge issued by the department during the event; and

b.

Return the laminated badge at the close of the event.

(6)

Curtis Gates Lloyd WMA.

(a)

Northern bobwhite and rabbit seasons shall be closed after December 31.

(b)

A person shall not allow a dog to be unleashed from April 1 until the third Saturday in August, except if squirrel hunting.

(7)

Dix River WMA.

(a)

Northern bobwhite and rabbit seasons shall be closed after December 31.

(b)

Ruffed grouse season shall be open from October 1 through December 31.

(8)

Fleming WMA.

(a)

Northern bobwhite and rabbit seasons shall be closed after December 31.

(b)

Ruffed grouse season shall be open from October 1 through December 31.

(9)

Green River Lake WMA.

(a)

The pheasant hunt units shall be closed to all hunting for four (4) consecutive days beginning on the third Friday in November, except for archery deer hunting and the pheasant quota hunt established in Section 5 of this administrative regulation.

(b)

Northern bobwhite and rabbit seasons shall be closed after December 31.

(c)

Pheasant.

1.

Beginning on the Tuesday following the pheasant quota hunt through December 31, any person with a valid hunting license may take a pheasant.

2.

The daily limit per hunter shall be three (3) pheasants of either sex.

(d)

The area shall be closed to ruffed grouse hunting and trapping.

(10)

Higginson-Henry WMA. Northern bobwhite and rabbit seasons shall be closed after December 31.

(11)

Kleber WMA. Northern bobwhite and rabbit seasons shall be closed after December 31.

(12)

Lake Cumberland WMA.

(a)

Ruffed grouse season shall be open from October 1 through December 31.

(b)

Northern bobwhite and rabbit seasons shall be closed after December 31.

(13)

Mill Creek WMA.

(a)

Northern bobwhite and rabbit seasons shall be closed after December 31.

(b)

A person shall hunt coyotes and bobcats during daylight hours only.

(14)

Miller-Welch Central Kentucky WMA.

(a)

Small game and furbearer hunting seasons shall be closed, except that squirrel season shall be open.

(b)

A person shall not allow a dog to be unleashed:

1.

From April 1 until the third Saturday in August; or

2.

On a Monday, Wednesday, or Friday during the remainder of the year, except:

a.

If a person is hunting squirrels during an open season; or

b.

If a person is participating in an authorized field trial.

(15)

Mullins WMA. Northern bobwhite and rabbit seasons shall be closed after December 31.

(16)

Nolin Lake WMA. Northern bobwhite and rabbit seasons shall be closed after December 31.

(17)

Otter Creek Outdoor Recreation Area.

(a)

Except as authorized by the department, a person shall not enter the area during a deer quota hunt without a valid quota hunt confirmation number.

(b)

Northern bobwhite season shall be closed.

(c)

Rabbit hunting season shall be from December 1 through December 31.

(d)

Trapping season shall be from January 1 through the last day in February.

(e)

A person who traps on the area shall:

1.

First obtain prior authorization from the area manager; and

2.

Only trap in department designated areas.

(f)

Except during deer quota hunts, a person shall not use the following to take furbearers:

1.

A rifle;

2.

Ball ammunition; or

3.

Slug ammunition.

(g)

A person shall not use a rimfire gun to take small game, except during a deer quota hunt.

(18)

Paul Van Booven WMA. The area shall be closed to vehicle access from one (1) hour after sunset until one (1) hour before sunrise.

(18)(19)

Peabody WMA.

(a)

A person hunting northern bobwhite on the Sinclair Unit shall:

1.

Only hunt between 7:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.;

2.

Only hunt on Thursday and Sunday; and

3.

Not take more than four (4) northern bobwhite daily.

(b)

A person hunting northern bobwhite on the Ken Unit shall:

1.

Only hunt between 7:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.;

2.

Only hunt on Wednesday and Saturday; and

3.

Not take more than four (4) northern bobwhite daily.

(c)

A northern bobwhite or rabbit hunter on the Sinclair Unit or Ken Unit shall:

1.

Check in and check out at a self-service kiosk; and

2.

Clearly display a department-provided hang-tag in a vehicle.

(19)(20)

Pennyrile Forest WMA.

(a)

Ruffed grouse season shall be open from December 1 through December 31.

(b)

The daily limit shall be two (2) ruffed grouse.

(20)(21)

Pioneer Weapons WMA.

(a)

A person shall not hunt with a breech-loading firearm.

(b)

A person shall hunt coyotes and bobcats during daylight hours only.

(21)(22)

Redbird WMA. A person shall hunt coyotes and bobcats during daylight hours only.

(22)(23)

Robinson Forest WMA.

(a)

Hunting shall not be permitted on the Main Block.

(b)

The remainder of the WMA shall be open under statewide requirements.

(23)(24)

Rockcastle WMA.

(a)

Rabbit season shall be closed after December 31.

(b)

A rabbit hunter shall:

1.

Check in and check out at a self-service kiosk; and

2.

Clearly display a department-provided hang-tag in a vehicle.

(c)

Northern bobwhite and ruffed grouse hunting shall be open on Tuesday and Saturday until 3:00 p.m. from November 1 through December 31, except it shall be closed during:

1.

A deer quota hunt as established in 301 KAR 2:178; and

2.

Opening weekend of modern gun deer season, as established in 301 KAR 2:172.

(d)

The daily bag limit shall be:

1.

Four (4) northern bobwhite; and

2.

Two (2) ruffed grouse daily.

(e)

A northern bobwhite or ruffed grouse hunter shall:

1.

Check in and check out at a self-service kiosk; and

2.

Clearly display a department-provided hang-tag in a vehicle.

(24)(25)

Taylorsville Lake WMA. Northern bobwhite and rabbit seasons shall be closed after December 31.

(25)(26)

Tradewater WMA.

(a)

Ruffed grouse season shall be open from December 1 through December 31.

(b)

The daily limit shall be two (2) ruffed grouse.

(26)(27)

West Kentucky WMA.

(a)

A person shall check in daily at a designated check station prior to using an "A" tract.

(b)

Northern bobwhite and rabbit seasons shall be closed after December 31 on Tracts 2, 3, 6, and 7.

(c)

Northern bobwhite and rabbit seasons shall be open on Tracts 1, 4, 5, and "A" beginning one-half (1/2) hour before sunrise until 1:00 p.m. local time from January 1 through January 10, except if harvest limits are reached prior to January 10.

1.

A hunter shall report harvest numbers and total hours hunted to the area supervisor on a daily basis.

2.

If a tract is closed prior to January 10, a sign indicating closure shall be posted at the hunter check station at least twenty-four (24) hours prior to the closure.

(d)

A person shall not:

1.

Use a rifle, ball, or slug ammunition;

2.

Operate a vehicle on Tract 6 from February 1 through April 16; or

3.

Allow a dog to be unleashed from April 1 until the third Saturday in August, except while squirrel hunting.

(27)(28)

Yellowbank WMA.

(a)

Northern bobwhite and rabbit seasons shall be closed after December 31.

(b)

The pheasant hunt units shall be closed for four (4) consecutive days beginning on the first Friday in December to all hunting except archery deer hunting, muzzleloader deer hunting, and the pheasant quota hunt as established in Section 5 of this administrative regulation.

(c)

A person shall:

1.

Possess a valid hunting license to take pheasant, unless exempt pursuant to KRS 150.170; and

2.

Not take more than three (3) pheasants of either sex.

Section 5.

Pheasant Quota Hunts.

(1)

There shall be a pheasant quota hunt on:

(a)

Green River Wildlife Management Area for three (3) consecutive days beginning the third Friday in November;

(b)

Clay Wildlife Management Area for three (3) consecutive days beginning the first Friday in December; and

(c)

Yellowbank Wildlife Management Area for three (3) consecutive days beginning on the first Friday in December.

(2)

There shall be a one (1) day clean-up hunt immediately following each of the hunts for pheasant quota hunters drawn for that particular WMA.

(3)

Hunt hours for each day shall be from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.:

(a)

Eastern time for the Green River Wildlife Management Area and Clay Wildlife Management Area hunts; and

(b)

Central time for the Yellowbank Wildlife Management Area hunt.

(4)

During a quota hunt or clean-up hunt, a person shall wear hunter orange clothing as established in 301 KAR 2:172.

(5)

The daily bag limit per hunter shall be two (2) pheasants of either sex, except there shall be a daily bag limit of three (3) pheasants of either sex during the one (1) day clean-up hunt.

(6)

Pheasant quota hunt procedures.

(a)

A person selected for a pheasant quota hunt may hunt on the one (1) day clean-up hunt for that area.

(b)

A person applying for a pheasant quota hunt shall not apply:

1.

More than one (1) time for each hunt and shall not be drawn for more than one (1) hunt; and

2.

As a group of more than five (5) people.

(c)

A person who is drawn to hunt shall pay the pheasant quota hunt permit fee established in 301 KAR 3:022 prior to the hunt.

Section 6.

Pheasant Quota Hunt Requirements.

(1)

A person applying for a pheasant quota hunt shall:

(a)

Complete the pheasant quota hunt application process on the department's Web site at fw.ky.gov between September 1 and September 30; and

(b)

Pay a non-refundable three (3) dollar application fee for each applicant.

(2)

A person, prior to participating in a quota hunt, shall be required to show a:

(a)

Department-issued quota hunt permit;

(b)

Valid Kentucky hunting license or proof of exemption; and

(c)

Hunter education card, if required pursuant to 301 KAR 2:185.

(3)

A youth-mentor quota hunt party shall have a minimum of one (1) youth as a member of the party.

(4)

A person shall comply with all quota hunt requirements or be ineligible to apply for any other quota hunt during the following year, except for an elk quota hunt.

(5)

A person who is ineligible to apply for a quota hunt pursuant to subsection (5) of this section shall maintain all preference points that were accrued in other quota hunts.

(6)

A youth shall only apply as part of a party that has at least one (1) adult.

(7)

The department shall extend the application deadline if technical difficulties with the automated application system prevent applications from being accepted for one (1) or more days during the application period.

(8)

A quota hunt applicant who is not selected and who applies to hunt the following year shall be given one (1) preference point for each year the applicant was not selected.

(9)

A random selection of hunters with preference points shall be made for each year's quota hunts before those without preference points are chosen.

(10)

A person shall forfeit all accumulated points if, in a given year, the person does not apply for the hunt in which points were earned, except as established in subsection (6) of this section.

Section 7.

Dog Training Areas on Wildlife Management Areas.

(1)

A group or club may request that a dedicated dog training area be authorized by the department on a specific WMA.

(2)

The department shall authorize a dog training area if:

(a)

The department approves a suitable location for the dog training area; and

(b)

A signed memorandum of understanding is entered into with the club or group.

(3)

The conditions established in this subsection shall apply for each dog training area on a WMA.

(a)

All northern bobwhite to be used in training shall be banded with aluminum leg bands and individually placed in the dog training area.

(b)

Dog training areas shall remain open to all other legal WMA uses.

(c)

A person shall comply with all dog training area requirements pursuant to 301 KAR 2:041, unless otherwise stated in the memorandum of understanding.

(d)

Unleashed dogs shall be allowed within the boundaries of the dog training area year-round, except for:

1.

May 15 through August 15;

2.

The youth statewide turkey season; and

3.

The statewide turkey season.

(e)

Released northern bobwhite with aluminum leg bands, chukars, pheasants, or pigeons may be harvested on legal dog training days.

(f)

Immediately prior to dog training, a person shall:

1.

Walk and examine the entire dog training area to ensure that no wild northern bobwhite are present; and

2.

Then place released birds in the training area.

Section 8.

General Requirements on Federally Owned Areas.

(1)

Season dates, bag limits, and other requirements of 301 KAR 2:251 and 2:050 shall apply, except as otherwise established in this administrative regulation.

(2)

Hunter orange requirements established in Section 3 of this administrative regulation shall apply to a person hunting or trapping on federal areas referenced in this section.

(3)

A person shall:

(a)

Obtain permission from the landowner before hunting;

(b)

Not hunt except on assigned dates and in assigned areas; and

(c)

Comply with all requirements established by the agency controlling the area.

Section 9.

Exceptions on Specific Federally Owned Areas.

(1)

If hunting is not prohibited by other area priorities, Fort Campbell, Fort Knox, Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, Bluegrass Army Depot, and Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge may allow hunting if in compliance with 301 KAR 2:122 and 2:251 for:

(a)

Squirrels, from June 1 through June 14;

(b)

Northern bobwhite and rabbit, no earlier than November 1 nor later than the last day of February;

(c)

Furbearers, no earlier than October 1 nor later than the last day of February;

(d)

Frogs, year-round; or

(e)

Crows, for a maximum of 124 days between September 1 and the last day of February.

(2)

A person shall hunt coyotes and bobcats during daylight hours only on lands managed by:

(a)

Daniel Boone National Forest;

(b)

Fort Knox;

(c)(b)

George Washington and Jefferson National Forests;

(d)(c)

Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area;

(e)(d)

Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge; and

(f)

Green River National Wildlife Refuge; and

(g)(e)

Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge.

(3)

Fort Knox shall not allow more than thirty (30) days of ruffed grouse hunting between October 1 and the last day of February.

(4)

On Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, a person hunting the species listed in this administrative regulation shall not use:

(a)

Crossbows;

(b)

Shotgun slugs or shot larger than BB; or

(c)

Center-fire rifles or center-fire handguns, except during designated groundhog or coyote hunts.

(5)

Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area.

(a)

Ruffed grouse season shall be open from October 1 through December 31.

(b)

Northern bobwhite and rabbit seasons shall be closed after December 31.

(c)

A person shall hunt coyotes and bobcats during daylight hours only.hunting coyotes shall comply with any federal requirements established by the National Park Service.

Section 10.

Incorporation by Reference.

(1)

"KDFWR Public Area Trapping Registration Form", 2016 edition, is incorporated by reference.

(2)

This material may be inspected, copied, or obtained, subject to applicable copyright law, at the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, #1 Sportsman's Lane, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
APPROVED by the Fish and Wildlife Commission
APPROVED BY AGENCY: July 10, 2026
FILED WITH LRC: July 14, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARING AND COMMENT PERIOD: A public hearing on this administrative regulation shall be held on September 30, 2026, at 1:30 p.m., at KDFWR Administration Building, 1 Sportsman’s Lane, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601. Individuals interested in being heard at this hearing shall notify this agency in writing by five workdays prior to the hearing, of their intent to attend. If no notification of intent to attend the hearing was received by that date, the hearing may be cancelled. A transcript of the public hearing will not be made unless a written request for a transcript is made. If you do not wish to be heard at the public hearing, you may submit written comments on the proposed administrative regulation. Written comments shall be accepted through September 30, 2026. Send written notification of intent to be heard at the public hearing or written comments on the proposed administrative regulation to the contact person.
CONTACT PERSON: Jenny Gilbert, Legislative Liaison, Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, 1 Sportsman’s Lane, (502) 564-3400, fax: (502) 564-0506, email: fw.publicaffairs@ky.gov
REGULATORY IMPACT ANALYSIS AND TIERING STATEMENT
Contact Person:
Jenny Gilbert Phone: 502-564-3400 Email: fw.publicaffairs@ky.gov
Subject Headings:
Conservation, Fish and Wildlife, Hunting
(1) Provide a brief summary of:
(a) What this administrative regulation does:
This administrative regulation establishes exceptions to statewide small game and furbearer requirements on public areas.
(b) The necessity of this administrative regulation:
This administrative regulation is necessary to establish exceptions to statewide small game and furbearer hunting and trapping requirements on public areas.
(c) How this administrative regulation conforms to the content of the authorizing statutes:
KRS 150.025(1) authorizes the department to promulgate administrative regulations to establish open seasons for the taking of wildlife, to regulate bag limits and methods of take, and to make these requirements apply statewide or to a limited area. KRS 150.175(7) and (9) authorize the department to issue licenses, permits, and tags for hunting and trapping. KRS 150.360 requires restrictions on the taking of wildlife and authorizes the department to promulgate administrative regulations establishing the requirements for hunting coyotes at night. KRS 150.400 authorizes the department to establish the types of traps that can legally be used by trappers. KRS 150.410 authorizes the department to regulate trap tags, trap visitation, and trap placement to protect domestic animals. KRS 150.620 authorizes the department to promulgate administrative regulations for the maintenance and operation of the lands the department has acquired for public recreation.
(d) How this administrative regulation currently assists or will assist in the effective administration of the statutes:
This administrative regulation will fulfill the purposes of KRS 150.360 by defining restrictions on the taking of furbearers at night.
(2) If this is an amendment to an existing administrative regulation, provide a brief summary of:
(a) How the amendment will change this existing administrative regulation:
This amendment will restrict night hunting for coyote and bobcat to daytime only on specified federal lands and prohibit night hunting of beaver on all public lands. The amendment removes management restrictions on Otter Creek Outdoor Recreation Area (OCORA) as the area has been transferred from department ownership to Meade County.
(b) The necessity of the amendment to this administrative regulation:
This amendment will provide conformity with rules on specified federal areas and prohibit night hunting of beaver on public areas due to safety concerns.
(c) How the amendment conforms to the content of the authorizing statutes:
See (1)(c) above.
(d) How the amendment will assist in the effective administration of the statutes:
See (1)(d) above.
(3) Does this administrative regulation or amendment implement legislation from the previous five years?
Yes, Kentucky Acts Chapter 93 (SB 39 2026RS).
(4) List the type and number of individuals, businesses, organizations, or state and local governments affected by this administrative regulation:
All licensed and permitted hunters.
(5) Provide an analysis of how the entities identified in question (4) will be impacted by either the implementation of this administrative regulation, if new, or by the change, if it is an amendment, including:
(a) List the actions that each of the regulated entities identified in question (4) will have to take to comply with this administrative regulation or amendment:
All licensed and permitted hunters will need to abide by night hunting requirements.
(b) In complying with this administrative regulation or amendment, how much will it cost each of the entities identified in question (4):
There will be no additional cost to licensed and permitted hunters.
(c) As a result of compliance, what benefits will accrue to the entities identified in question (4):
Licensed and permitted hunters will be able to take select furbearers at night under certain restrictions.
(6) Provide an estimate of how much it will cost the administrative body to implement this administrative regulation:
(a) Initially:
There will be no additional cost to the department to implement this administrative regulation.
(b) On a continuing basis:
There will be no additional cost to the department on a continuing basis.
(7) What is the source of the funding to be used for the implementation and enforcement of this administrative regulation or this amendment:
The source of funding is the State Game and Fish Fund.
(8) Provide an assessment of whether an increase in fees or funding will be necessary to implement this administrative regulation, if new, or by the change if it is an amendment:
No increase in funding is necessary.
(9) State whether or not this administrative regulation establishes any fees or directly or indirectly increases any fees:
This administrative regulation does not establish fees or directly or indirectly increase any fees.
(10) TIERING: Is tiering applied?
Tiering is not applied because all licensed and permitted hunters in Kentucky must comply with the requirements of this administrative regulation.
FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT
(1) Identify each state statute, federal statute, or federal regulation that requires or authorizes the action taken by the administrative regulation:
{Response} KRS 150.025(1) authorizes the department to promulgate administrative regulations to establish open seasons for the taking of wildlife, to regulate bag limits and methods of take, and to make these requirements apply statewide or to a limited area. KRS 150.175(7) and (9) authorize the department to issue licenses, permits, and tags for hunting and trapping. KRS 150.360 requires restrictions on the taking of wildlife and authorizes the department to promulgate administrative regulations establishing the requirements for hunting coyotes at night. KRS 150.400 authorizes the department to establish the types of traps that can legally be used by trappers. KRS 150.410 authorizes the department to regulate trap tags, trap visitation, and trap placement to protect domestic animals. KRS 150.620 authorizes the department to promulgate administrative regulations for the maintenance and operation of the lands the department has acquired for public recreation. KRS 150.170 requires the department to promulgate a regulation for nocturnal beaver hunting and authorizes bobcat to be taken at night as established in regulation.
(2) State whether this administrative regulation is expressly authorized by an act of the General Assembly, and if so, identify the act:
This amendment is expressly authorized by Kentucky Acts Chapter 93 (SB 39 2026RS).
(3)(a) Identify the promulgating agency and any other affected state units, parts, or divisions:
The promulgating agency is the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. No other state agencies are affected.
(b) Estimate the following for each affected state unit, part, or division identified in (3)(a):
1. Expenditures:
For the first year:
These amendments will not result in any additional expenditures for the department.
For subsequent years:
These amendments will not result in any additional expenditures for the department.
2. Revenues:
For the first year:
These amendments will not result in any change in revenues for the department.
For subsequent years:
These amendments will not result in any change in revenues for the department.
3. Cost Savings:
For the first year:
These amendments will not result in any cost savings for the department.
For subsequent years:
These amendments will not result in any cost savings for the department.
(4)(a) Identify affected local entities (for example: cities, counties, fire departments, school districts):
{Response} No local entities should be affected by these amendments.
(b) Estimate the following for each affected local entity identified in (4)(a):
1. Expenditures:
For the first year:
NA
For subsequent years:
NA
2. Revenues:
For the first year:
NA
For subsequent years:
NA
3. Cost Savings:
For the first year:
NA
For subsequent years:
NA
(5)(a) Identify any affected regulated entities not listed in (3)(a) or (4)(a):
{Response}
(b) Estimate the following for each regulated entity identified in (5)(a):
1. Expenditures:
For the first year:
NA
For subsequent years:
NA
2. Revenues:
For the first year:
NA
For subsequent years:
NA
3. Cost Savings:
For the first year:
NA
For subsequent years:
NA
(6) Provide a narrative to explain the following for each entity identified in (3)(a), (4)(a), and (5)(a)
(a) Fiscal impact of this administrative regulation:
This amendment will not have any significant fiscal impact.
(b) Methodology and resources used to reach this conclusion:
This amendment does not modify any fees or require affected entities to expend funds to comply with the amendments beyond those incidental to normal operations.
(7) Explain, as it relates to the entities identified in (3)(a), (4)(a), and (5)(a):
(a) Whether this administrative regulation will have a "major economic impact", as defined by KRS 13A.010(14):
This amendment will not have a major economic impact.
(b) The methodology and resources used to reach this conclusion:
This amendment does not increase any fees or otherwise create a financial burden to state or local government agencies or to regulated entities.

7-Year Expiration: 3/3/2027

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