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Title 301 | Chapter 002 | Regulation 178REG

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

301 KAR 2:178.Deer hunting on public properties.Wildlife Management Areas, state parks, other public lands, and federally controlled areas.

RELATES TO:

KRS 150.010, 150.170, 150.340, 150.370(1), 150.990

STATUTORY AUTHORITY:

148.029(5), 150.025(1), 150.390(1), 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 148.029(5) authorizes the Department of Parks, in cooperation with the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, to implement wildlife management plans on state parks. 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 to make these requirements apply to a limited area. KRS 150.390(1) prohibits the taking of deer in any manner contrary to any provisions of KRS Chapter 150 or KAR Title 301. KRS 150.620 authorizes the department to promulgate administrative regulations for the maintenance and operation of the lands it has acquired for public recreation. This administrative regulation establishes deer hunting seasons, application procedures, and other matters pertaining to deer hunting on Wildlife Management Areas, state parks, other public lands, and federally controlled areas that differ from statewide requirements.

Section 1.

Definitions.

(1)

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

(2)

"Bait" means a substance composed of grains, minerals, salt, fruits, vegetables, hay, or any other food materials, whether natural or manufactured, that may lure, entice, or attract wildlife.

(3)

"Centerfire" means a type of gun that detonates a cartridge by the firing pin striking a primer in the middle of the end of the cartridge casing.

(4)

"Ground blind" means a structure consisting of a frame and a top that is placed on the ground to completely enclose a hunter while hunting deer.

(5)

"In-line muzzleloader" means a gun:

(a)

Capable of being loaded only from the discharging end of the barrel or cylinder; and

(b)

That is equipped with an enclosed ignition system located directly behind the powder charge.

(6)

"Mentor hunt" means a quota youth hunt in which the adult who accompanies a youth may legally take a deer.

(7)

"Mobility-impaired" means an individual who meets the requirements of 301 KAR 3:026, Section 2(1).

(8)

"Modern gun" means an air gun, rifle, handgun, or shotgun that is loaded from the rear of the barrel.

(9)

"Modern gun season" means the sixteen (16) consecutive day period beginning the second Saturday in November during which a modern gun may be used to take deer pursuant to 301 KAR 2:172.

(10)

"Muzzleloader" means a rifle, shotgun, or handgun that is loaded from the discharging end of the barrel or discharging end of the cylinder.

(11)

"Quota hunt" means a hunt in which a participant is selected by a random drawing.

(12)

"Quota youth hunt" means a quota hunt in which a youth is the only person who can legally take a deer.

(13)

"Statewide requirements" mean the season dates, zone descriptions, and other requirements for deer hunting as established in 301 KAR 2:172.

(14)

"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.

(15)

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

(16)

"Youth gun seasons" means the October youth gun season and the December free youth weekend, as established in 301 KAR 2:172.

Section 2.

General WMA Requirements.

(1)

Unless established in this administrative regulation, statewide requirements shall apply.

(2)

Except as established in Section 6 of this administrative regulation, if a WMA is in two (2) or more deer hunting zones, as established in 301 KAR 2:172, then the WMA shall be regulated by the most liberal zone requirements of the zones in which it lies.

(3)

Deer hunting on WMAs listed in Section 6 of this administrative regulation shall be permitted only as established in this administrative regulation, except archery and crossbow hunting shall be allowed pursuant to the statewide requirements established in 301 KAR 2:172, unless otherwise noted.

(4)

If a WMA is:

(a)

Listed in Section 6 of this administrative regulation, then gun hunting shall be prohibited, unless otherwise noted; and

(b)

Not listed in Section 6 of this administrative regulation, then statewide deer hunting requirements shall apply.

(5)

An antlerless deer shall not count against a person's statewide or zone bag limit if harvested during:

(a)

The Grayson Lake WMA open youth hunt; or

(b)

Any WMA or state park either-sex quota hunt.

(6)

An open gun deer hunt, beginning on the Wednesday following the third Monday in January for ten (10) consecutive days, shall:

(a)

Be limited to members of the United States Armed Forces and the National Guard and reserve component who:

1.

Are residents of Kentucky or nonresidents stationed in Kentucky; and

2.

Were deployed out-of-country during any portion of the most recent regular statewide deer season;

(b)

Only be on a WMA designated as open for this special hunt; and

(c)

Be pursuant to statewide requirements established in 301 KAR 2:172.

(7)

On all WMAs and Otter Creek Outdoor Recreation Area, a person:

(a)

Attaching a tree stand or climbing a tree shall not use a:

1.

Nail;

2.

Spike;

3.

Screw-in device;

4.

Wire; or

5.

Tree climber;

(b)

May use a portable stand or climbing device;

(c)

Shall:

1.

Not place a portable stand in a tree more than two (2) weeks before opening day; and

2.

Remove a portable stand within one (1) week following the last day of each hunting period;

(d)

Shall plainly mark the portable stand with the hunter's customer identification number;

(e)

Shall not use an existing permanent tree stand;

(f)

Shall not place, distribute, or hunt over bait; and

(g)

Shall not hunt in a ground blind, if gun deer hunting is allowed, without first attaching a hat or vest made of solid, unbroken hunter orange material to the blind so that it is visible from all sides.

(h)

Shall not deer hunt on a WMA or a portion of the same, that is closed by signage.

(8)

A person without a valid quota hunt confirmation number shall not enter a WMA during a quota hunt on that area except:

(a)

To travel through a WMA on an established road or to use an area designated open by a sign;

(b)

To accompany a youth who is hunting in a youth or mentor quota hunt;

(c)

That one (1) assistant, who shall not be required to have applied for the quota hunt, may accompany a hunter who was drawn to hunt, but shall check in and out as established in Section 5 of this administrative regulation; or

(d)

To participate in small game hunting or the October shotgun segment of the fall turkey season during the archery and crossbow quota hunt on Big Rivers, Cane Creek, or Higginson-Henry WMAsWMA.

(9)

Except for waterfowl or dove hunting, or legal hunting at night, a person who is hunting any species, or a person who is accompanying a hunter, shall wear hunter orange clothing pursuant to 301 KAR 2:172 while:

(a)

On a WMA or state park if gun deer hunting is allowed;

(b)

Hunting within the sixteen (16) county elk zone when a firearms elk season is open, pursuant to 301 KAR 2:132; or

(c)

Hunting within the bear zone during a bear firearms season, pursuant to 301 KAR 2:300.

Section 3.

General Quota Hunt Procedures.

(1)

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

(2)

If selected for a quota hunt, a person shall lose all accumulated preference points.

(3)

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

(4)

A person shall forfeit all accumulated preference points if, in a given year, the person does not apply for or is ineligible to apply for:

(a)

A deer quota hunt; and

(b)

The no-hunt option.

(5)

A person who applies for the no-hunt option shall:

(a)

Not be drawn for a quota hunt; and

(b)

Be given one (1) preference point for each year the no-hunt option is selected.

(6)

If applying as a party:

(a)

Each applicant's preference points shall be used to calculate an average point total for the party; and

(b)

A party with a higher preference point average will be randomly selected before a party with a lower preference point average.

(7)

There shall be a maximum of ten (10) percent of nonresidents drawn in each quota hunt pool.

(8)

The commissioner 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.

(9)

A hunter may take up to two (2) deer on a quota hunt in Zones 2, 3, and 4, only one (1) of which may be an antlered deer, except as established in Section 6 of this administrative regulation.

(10)

If a hunter has purchased the appropriate permits, a hunter may take unlimited antlerless deer in:

(a)

The West Kentucky WMA gun hunt;

(a)(b)

WMA quota hunts in Zone 1; and

(b)(c)

State Park quota hunts in Zone 1, except as established in Section (7)8 of this administrative regulation.

Section 4.

Quota Hunt Application Process. A person applying for a quota hunt shall:

(1)

Complete the quota hunt application process on the department's Web site at https://fw.ky.gov/Hunt/Pages/Quota-Hunts.aspx fw.ky.gov between September 1 and September 30; and

(2)

Select:

(a)

A first and second choice of hunts; or

(b)

The no-hunt option; and

(3)

Pay a nonrefundable application fee as referenced at https://fw.ky.gov/Licenses/Pages/Fees.aspx and established in 301 KAR 5:022; andthree (3) dollar application fee for each applicant;

(4)

Not apply more than one (1) time; and

(5)

Not apply as a group of more than five (5) persons.

Section 5.

Quota Hunt Participant Requirements. Except as otherwise established in this administrative regulation, a person selected to participate in a quota hunt shall:

(1)

Possess, unless exempted pursuant to KRS 150.170:

(a)

A valid annual Kentucky hunting license; and

(b)

A deer permit that authorizes the taking of deer with the equipment being used and in accordance with the zone restrictions where the hunt will occur;

(2)

Hunt on the assigned dates and in assigned areas selected by a random drawing of applicants if applicable;

(3)

Comply with hunting equipment restrictions specified by the type of hunt;

(4)

Check in at the designated check station prior to hunting:

(a)

Either:

1.

On the day before the hunt, between noon and 8 p.m. local time; or

2.

On the day of the hunt, between 5:30 a.m. and 8 p.m. Eastern time; and

(b)

With documentation of the participant's:

1.

Proof of identification or draw confirmation number; and

2.

Purchase of a current license or permit which allows or includes statewide deer hunting privileges;

(5)

Check out at the designated check station:

(a)

If finished hunting;

(b)

If the hunter's bag limit is reached; or

(c)

By 8 p.m. Eastern time on the final day of the hunt;

(6)

Take a harvested deer to the designated check station by 8 p.m. Eastern time the day the deer was harvested;

(7)

Be declared ineligible to apply for the next year's drawing if the hunter or the hunter's assistant fails to check out properly;

(8)

Telecheck a harvested deer or check a harvested deer on the department's Web site at fw.ky.gov if there is not a designated check station at the quota hunt; and

(9)

Comply with all species quota hunt requirements or be ineligible to apply for any quota hunt or no-hunt option for these species the following year.

Section 6.

Wildlife Management Area Requirements.

(1)

Dr. Norman and Martha Adair WMA.

(2)

Ballard WMA.

(a)

On the main tract, the quota hunt shall be for two (2) consecutive days beginning on the first Saturday in November.

(b)

On the main tract, the archery, crossbow, and October youth gun seasons shall be open pursuant to statewide requirements through October 14, except that the two (2) mile driving loop marked by signs shall be closed to all hunting.

(c)

The archery, crossbow, modern gun, youth gun, and muzzleloader seasons shall be open pursuant to statewide requirements only on the 400-acre tract south of Sallie Crice Road.

(d)

A quota hunt participant shall be given one (1) preference point for each antlerless deer checked in, up to a maximum of four (4) points.

(3)

Barren River WMA. The area shall be open pursuant to statewide requirements except that on the Peninsula Unit, including Narrows, Goose, and Grass Islands, a person shall not hunt deer with a modern gun.

(3)(4)

Beaver Creek WMA.

(a)

The quota hunt shall be for two (2) consecutive days beginning the first Saturday in November.

(b)

The limit shall be one (1) antlered deer during the quota hunt.

(c)

The youth gun seasons shall be open pursuant to statewide requirements.

(4)(5)

Big Rivers WMA.

(a)

The youth gun seasons shall be open pursuant to statewide requirements.

(b)

There shall be a firearms quota hunt for two (2) consecutive days beginning the first Saturday in November.

(c)

The archery and crossbow quota hunt shall begin onthe Monday following the third Saturday in October 25 and continue through November 30, except that it shall be closed beginningduring the Friday before the two (2) day quota hunt as established in paragraph (b) of this subsection.

(d)

A person shall:

1.

Obtain a vehicle tag from the department prior to participating in the archery and crossbow quota hunt as established in paragraph (c) of this subsection; and

2.

Display the vehicle tag in the windshield of the vehicle while hunting.

(5)(6)

Boatwright WMA. The area shall be open pursuant to statewide requirements, except that on the Swan Lake Unit the:

(a)

Archery, October youth gun, and crossbow seasons shall only be open through October 14; and

(b)

December free youth weekend shall be closed.

(6)

Cane Creek WMA.

(a)

The youth gun seasons shall be open pursuant to statewide requirements.

(b)

There shall be an unstaffed firearms quota hunt for two (2) consecutive days beginning the first Saturday in November.

(c)

The archery and crossbow unstaffed quota hunt shall begin on October 25 and continue through November 30, except that it shall be closed beginning the Friday before the two (2) day quota hunt as established in paragraph (b) of this subsection.

(d)

A person shall:

1.

Obtain a vehicle tag from the department prior to participating in the quota hunts as established in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this subsection; and

2.

Display the vehicle tag in the windshield of the vehicle while hunting.

(7)

Cedar Creek Lake WMA.

(8)

Clay WMA.

(a)

On the main tract, muzzleloader and youth gun seasons shall be open pursuant to statewide requirements, except archery hunting shall be prohibited during the quota fox hunting field trials as established in 301 KAR 2:049.

(b)

The remainder of the WMA shall be open pursuant to statewide requirements for the archery, crossbow, muzzleloader, and youth gun seasons, except during the quota deer hunt.

(c)

The quota hunt shall be for two (2) consecutive days beginning the first Saturday in November.

(d)

A quota hunt participant shall be given one (1) preference point for each antlerless deer checked-in, up to a maximum of four (4) points.

(e)

Hunters drawn for the quota hunt may harvest up to four (4) deer, only one (1) of which may be antlered.

(9)

Decker WMA.

(10)(9)

Dewey Lake WMA.

(a)

The December muzzleloader and youth gun seasons shall be open pursuant to statewide requirements.

(b)

Guns shall be prohibited for deer hunting on the:

1.

Western side of the lake, north of the Terry Boat Ramp; and

2.

Eastern side of the lake, north of the ridge that begins across the lake from the Terry Boat Ramp, and extends eastward to the WMA boundary.

(c)

There shall be a quota hunt for two (2) consecutive days beginning the first Saturday in November.

(d)

There shall be a limit of one (1) antlered and one (1) antlerless deer limit during the quota hunt.

(11)(10)

Dix River WMA. The youth gun and muzzleloader seasons shall be open pursuant to statewide requirements.

(12)(11)

Fishtrap Lake WMA.

(a)

The quota hunt shall be for two (2) consecutive days beginning on the Saturday before Thanksgiving.

(b)

The limit for the quota hunt shall be one (1) deer.

(c)

The youth gun and December muzzleloader seasons shall be open pursuant to statewide requirements.

(13)(12)

Grayson Lake WMA.

(a)

An open youth hunt shall:

1.

Be the first Saturday in November for two (2) consecutive days; and

2.

Have a two (2) deer bag limit, only one (1) of which may be an antlered deer.

(b)

A person who has not checked in shall not enter the Grayson Lake WMA during the open youth hunt, except to:

1.

Travel through the WMA on an established public road; or

2.

Use an area designated as open by signs.

(c)

The property of Camp Webb shall be open for a mobility-impaired deer hunting event during the first weekend of October.

(c)(d)

The crossbow season shall be from the first Saturday in September through the third Monday in January, except that the archery and crossbow seasons shall be closed during the November open youth hunt.

(d)(e)

The youth gun seasons shall be open pursuant to statewide requirements.

(e)(f)

The December muzzleloader seasons shall be open pursuant to statewide requirements.

(14)(13)

Green River Lake WMA and Dennis-Gray WMA.

(a)

The youth gun seasons shall be open pursuant to statewide requirements.

(b)

The quota hunt shall be for two (2) consecutive days beginning the first Saturday in November.

(c)

A quota hunt participant shall be given one (1) preference point for each antlerless deer checked in, up to a maximum of four (4) points.

(d)(c)

Fifteen (15) openings shall be reserved in the quota hunt for mobility-impaired persons.

(e)(d)

The Green River Lake and Dennis-Gray WMAs shall be considered to be located in the Eastern Time Zone.

(f)

The December muzzleloader season shall be open pursuant to statewide requirements.

(15)(14)

Griffith Woods WMA. The youth gun and muzzleloader seasons shall be open pursuant to statewide requirements.The December muzzleloader and youth gun seasons shall be open pursuant to statewide requirements.

(16)(15)

Higginson-Henry WMA.

(a)

The youth gun seasons shall be open pursuant to statewide requirements.

(b)

There shall be a firearms quota hunt for two (2) consecutive days beginning the first Saturday in November.

(c)

The archeryThere shall be an archery and crossbow quota hunt shall begin onbeginning the Monday following the third Saturday in October 25 and continuecontinuing through November 30, except that it shall be closed beginningduring the Friday before the two (2) day quota hunt as established in paragraph (b) of this subsection.

(d)

A person shall:

1.

Obtain a vehicle tag from the department prior to participating in the archery and crossbow quota hunt as established in paragraph (c) of this subsection; and

2.

Display the vehicle tag in the windshield of the vehicle while hunting.

(17)(16)

J.C. Williams WMA. The youth gun and muzzleloader seasons shall be open pursuant to statewide requirements.The December muzzleloader and youth gun seasons shall be open pursuant to statewide requirements.

(18)(17)

Kentucky River WMA.

(a)

The youth gun and muzzleloader seasons shall be open pursuant to statewide requirements.The December muzzleloader and youth gun seasons shall be open pursuant to statewide requirements.

(b)

There shall be a quota hunt for two (2) consecutive days beginning on the first Saturday in November.

(19)(18)

Kleber WMA.

(a)

The quota hunts shall be for:

1.

Two (2) consecutive days beginning the first Saturday in November; and

2.

Two (2) consecutive days beginning the first Saturday in December.

(b)

The youth gun and muzzleloader seasons shall be open pursuant to statewide requirements.The youth gun and December muzzleloader seasons shall be open pursuant to statewide requirements.

(20)(19)

Knobs State Forest WMA. The youth gun and muzzleloader seasons shall be open pursuant to statewide requirements.The December muzzleloader and youth gun seasons shall be open pursuant to statewide requirements.

(21)(20)

Lake Barkley WMA shall be open pursuant to statewide requirements except:

(a)

The North Refuge shall be closed from November 1 to February 15; and

(b)

Duck Island shall be closed from October 15 to March 15, except that it shall be open for the October muzzleloader season, pursuant to statewide requirements.

(22)(21)

Livingston County WMA. The youth gun, muzzleloader, and modern gun seasons shall be open pursuant to statewide requirements, except a person shall not hunt deer with a modern gun during the modern gun deer season.

(23)(22)

Curtis Gates Lloyd WMA.

(a)

The December muzzleloader and youth gun seasons shall be open pursuant to statewide requirements.

(b)

There shall be an unstaffed firearms quota hunt beginning the second Saturday in November for eight (8) consecutive days.

(c)

A person shall:

1.

Obtain a vehicle tag from the department prior to participating in the archery and crossbow quota hunt as established in paragraph (b) of this subsection; and

2.

Display the vehicle tag in the windshield of the vehicle while hunting.

(24)(23)

Mill Creek WMA.

(a)

The youth gun seasons shall be open pursuant to statewide requirements.

(b)

The modern gun season shall be open pursuant to statewide requirements for two (2) consecutive days beginning the second Saturday in November.

(25)(24)

Miller-Welch Central Kentucky WMA. The archery and crossbow seasons shall be open pursuant to statewide requirements:

(a)

On Monday through Thursday, from the first Saturday in September through December 17, except during scheduled field trials as posted on the area bulletin board; and

(b)

December 18 through the third Monday in January.

(25)

Mud Camp Creek WMA. The youth gun and muzzleloader seasons shall be open pursuant to statewide requirements.

(26)

Mullins WMA. The youth gun and muzzleloader seasons shall be open pursuant to statewide requirements.The youth gun and December muzzleloader seasons shall be open pursuant to statewide requirements.

(27)

Ohio River Islands WMA, Stewart Island Unit.

(a)

The muzzleloader season shall be for two (2) consecutive days beginning the third Saturday in October.

(b)

The archery season shall be from the first Saturday in September through October 14.

(c)

The crossbow season shall be from October 1 through October 14.

(d)

The October youth gun season shall be open pursuant to statewide requirements.

(e)

The remainder of the WMA shall be open pursuant to statewide requirements.

(28)

Paintsville Lake WMA.

(a)

The quota hunt shall be for two (2) consecutive days beginning the first Saturday in November.

(b)

The youth gun and muzzleloader seasons shall be open pursuant to statewide requirements.The December muzzleloader and youth gun seasons shall be open pursuant to statewide requirements.

(c)

A person shall not use a gun for deer hunting on:

1.

The area extending eastward from the drainage of Glade Branch, along the north edge of the lake, to the No Hunting Area surrounding Rocky Knob Recreation Area and enclosing all property from the WMA boundary downslope to the lake edge; and

2.

The islands to the south and that portion of the area extending eastward along the south edge of the lake from the drainage of Shoal Branch to the No Hunting Area surrounding the dam and ranger station, and extending downslope to the edge of the lake.

(29)

Peabody WMA.

(a)

The youth gun and muzzleloader seasons shall be open pursuant to statewide requirements.

(b)

The modern gun season shall be open pursuant to statewide requirements for ten (10) consecutive days beginning the second Saturday in November.

(30)

Pennyrile State Forest-Tradewater WMA.

(a)

There shall be a quota hunt for two (2) consecutive days beginning on the first Saturday in November.

(b)

A quota hunt participant shall be given one (1) preference point for each antlerless deer checked in, up to a maximum of four (4) points.The quota hunt shall be for two (2) consecutive days beginning the first Saturday in November.

(31)

Ping-Sinking Valley WMA. The December muzzleloader and youth gun seasons shall be open pursuant to statewide requirements.

(32)

Pioneer Weapons WMA. Statewide requirements shall apply except that a person:

(a)

Shall not use a modern gun;

(b)

Shall not use an in-line muzzleloader;

(c)

Shall not use a scope;

(d)

May use a crossbow during the entire archery season; and

(e)

Shall use only open or iron sights on any weapon.

(33)

Redbird WMA.

(a)

The youth gun seasons shall be open pursuant to statewide requirements.

(b)

The modern gun season shall be open pursuant to statewide requirements for two (2) consecutive days beginning the second Saturday in November.

(34)

Dr. James R. Rich WMA.

(a)

There shall be a quota hunt for two (2) consecutive days beginning on the first Saturday in:

1.

November; and

2.

December; and

(b)

The youth gun and muzzleloader seasons shall be open pursuant to statewide requirements.The youth gun and December muzzleloader seasons shall be open pursuant to statewide requirements.

(35)

Robinson Forest WMA.

(a)

A person shall not hunt deer on the main block of Robinson Forest.

(b)

The remainder of the WMA shall be open pursuant to statewide requirements.

(36)

Rockcastle River WMA.

(a)

The youth gun seasons shall be open pursuant to statewide requirements.

(b)

The modern gun season shall be open pursuant to statewide requirements for two (2) consecutive days beginning the second Saturday in November.

(37)

Sloughs WMA.

(a)

On the Sauerheber Unit, the archery, crossbow, muzzleloader, and youth gun seasons shall be open pursuant to statewide requirements through October 31.

(b)

The remainder of the WMA shall be open pursuant to statewide requirements.

(38)

South Shore WMA.

(a)

The youth gun, October muzzleloader, and modern gun seasons shall be open pursuant to statewide requirements through November 14, except that the use of centerfire rifles and handguns shall be prohibited.

(b)

The archery and crossbow seasons shall be open pursuant to statewide requirements, except that the area shall be closed November 15 through January 15.

(c)

The December free youth weekend and December muzzleloader season shall be closed.

(39)

T.N. Sullivan WMA. The youth gun and muzzleloader seasons shall be open pursuant to statewide requirements.The youth gun and December muzzleloader seasons shall be open pursuant to statewide requirements.

(40)

R.F. Tarter WMA. The youth gun and muzzleloader seasons shall be open pursuant to statewide requirements.

(40)(41)

Taylorsville Lake WMA.

(a)

There shall be a quota hunt for two (2) consecutive days beginning the first Saturday in:

1.

November; and

2.

December.

(b)

Seven (7) openings shall be reserved in each quota hunt for mobility-impaired persons.

(c)

A quota hunt participant shall be given one (1) preference point for each antlerless deer checked in, up to a maximum of four (4) points.

(d)

The youth gun and muzzleloader seasons shall be open pursuant to statewide requirements.The youth gun and December muzzleloader seasons shall be open pursuant to statewide requirements.

(41)(42)

Twin Eagle WMA. The youth gun and muzzleloader seasons shall be open pursuant to statewide requirements.The youth gun and December muzzleloader seasons shall be open pursuant to statewide requirements.

(42)(43)

Paul Van Booven WMA.

(43)(44)

Veteran's Memorial WMA.

(a)

The December muzzleloader and youth gun seasons shall be open pursuant to statewide requirements.

(b)

There shall be a quota hunt for two (2) consecutive days beginning the first Saturday in November.

(44)(45)

West Kentucky WMA.

(a)

Tracts 2 - 7All tracts shall be open pursuant to statewide requirements for the archery and crossbow seasons, except that the statewide archery and crossbow seasons shall be closed during department administered quota or mentor deer hunts.

(b)

Tracts 21-6 shall be open to shotgun and muzzleloader hunters participating in the quota hunt.

(c)

Tract 7 and "A" tracts shall not be open for department administered quota or mentor deer hunts, except as established in paragraph (d) of this subsection.

(d)

The "A" tracts shall be open to shotgun hunters participating in the mentor hunt.

(e)

The quota hunt shall be for four (4) consecutive days beginning the Saturday prior to Thanksgiving.

(f)

There shall be a mentor hunt for four (4) consecutive days beginning the Saturday prior to Thanksgiving in which:

1.

There shall be no more than two (2) youths per adult;

2.

There shall be no more than one (1) adult per youth; and

3.

The adult may take a deer.

(g)

Gun hunters shall not use centerfire rifles or handguns.

(h)

All persons shall check in daily at the designated check-in locations before entering the "A" tracts.

(i)

A participant in the quota or mentorhunt, mentor hunt, or open gun hunt shall:

1.

Sign in for the hunting tract of his or her choice at check-in prior to each day's hunt; and

2.

Not hunt outside of that tract, except after noon.

(46)

Yatesville WMA.

(a)

The youth gun and muzzleloader seasons shall be open pursuant to statewide requirements.

(b)

The modern gun season shall be open pursuant to statewide requirements for ten (10) consecutive days beginning the second Saturday in November.

(45)(47)

Yellowbank WMA. The youth gun and muzzleloader seasons shall be open pursuant to statewide requirements.The December muzzleloader and youth gun deer seasons shall be open pursuant to statewide requirements.

Section 7.

State Park Deer Seasons and Requirements.

(1)

A state park may allow archery and crossbow hunting from the first Saturday in September through the third Monday in January for antlered or antlerless deer.

(2)

A state park may allow up to sixteen (16) days of modern gun hunting and up to eleven (11) days of muzzleloader hunting from the first Saturday in September through the third Monday in January for antlered or antlerless deer.

(3)

A state park shall be open to deer hunting as established in this subsection and Section 8 of this administrative regulation.

(a)

Greenbo Lake State Resort Park. Archery and crossbow deer hunting shall be allowed beginning on the:

1.

First Friday of November for three (3) consecutive days;

2.

Second Friday of November for three (3) consecutive days; and

3.

Deer hunting shall be allowed beginning on the first Tuesday of January for two (2) consecutive days.

(b)

Green River Lake State Park.

1.

Archery and crossbow deer hunting shall be allowed beginning on the second Thursday of December for four (4) consecutive days.

2.

Archery and crossbow deer hunting shall be allowed beginning on the third Thursday of December for four (4) consecutive days.

(c)

Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park.

1.

Archery and crossbow deer hunting shall be allowed beginning on the first Monday of November for five (5) consecutive days.

2.

Youth deer hunting shall be allowed beginning on the second Saturday of December for two (2) consecutive days.

3.

Deer hunting shall be allowed beginning on the first Saturday of January for two (2) consecutive days.

(d)

Kenlake State Resort Park.

1.

Archery and crossbow deer hunting shall be allowed beginning on the second Thursday of November for four (4) consecutive days.

2.

Archery and crossbow deer hunting shall be allowed beginning on the first Saturday in January for two (2) consecutive days.

(e)

Kincaid Lake State Park.

1.

Deer hunting shall be allowed beginning on the first Thursday of December for four (4) consecutive days.

2.

Deer hunting shall be allowed beginning on the second Thursday of December for four (4) consecutive days.

(f)

Yatesville Lake State Park. Muzzleloader, archery, and crossbow deer hunting shall be allowed pursuant to statewide requirements on the Monday following the second Saturday of December for three (3) consecutive days.

(g)

Jenny Wiley State Resort Park.

1.

Deer hunting shall be allowed beginning on the first Saturday of January for two (2) consecutive days.

2.

The bag limit shall be two (2) deer, only one (1) of which may be antlered.

3.

The hunt shall be open to the first fifteen (15) mobility-impaired persons who check in at the park on the day before the hunt.

4.

A person who participates in the hunt shall comply with the requirements established in 301 KAR 3:026.

Section 8.

State Park Deer Hunt Requirements.

(3)(1)

A person shall not hunt on a state park unless:

(a)

Selected by a random drawing as established in Section 3 of this administrative regulation; or

(b)

The person is a member of a successful applicant's quota hunt party; or

(c)

The person is participating in a first come, first served or an open hunt.

(c)

The person is participating in a deer hunt established in Section 7 of this administrative regulation; or

(d)

The person successfully registers on a first-come, first-served basis as part of a process administered by the Department of Parks, at an area established in subparagraphs 1. through 6. of this paragraph:

1.

Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park;

2.

Carter Caves State Resort Park;

3.

John James Audubon State Park;

4.

Lake Barkley State Resort Park;

5.

My Old Kentucky Home State Park; and

6.

Taylorsville Lake State Park.

(4)(2)

A person participating in a state park quota hunt, except for the quota hunts at Green River Lake State Park and the Yatesville Lake State Park open deer hunt, shall:

(a)

Check in and check out as required in Section 5 of this administrative regulation;

(b)

Furnish at check-in a driver's license or other form of government-issued identification or if the individual is a juvenile, be accompanied by an adult who furnished such an identification; and

(c)

Check in:

1.

Between noon and 8 p.m. Eastern time the day before the hunt at the state park campground if hunting in the Yatesville Lake State Park open deer hunt; or

2.

At the park the day before the hunt if hunting in the Jenny Wiley State Resort Park deer hunt; and

(c)(d)

Not be eligible to apply for a quota hunt the following year if the person does not check out as required in Section 5 of this administrative regulation.

(3)

A person participating in a state park deer hunt shall:

(d)(a)

Comply with the hunter orange and weapon requirements established in 301 KAR 2:172; and

(e)(b)

Check a harvested deer by completing the telecheck or online check-in process as established in 301 KAR 2:172; and.

(5)(4)

A person participating in a state park deer hunt shall not:

(a)

Take more than one (1) antlered deer;

(b)

Hunt over bait;

(c)

Use:

1.

A tree stand except a portable stand;

2.

Climbing devices that nail or screw to the tree; or

3.

Climbing spikes;

(d)

Leave a deer stand unattended for more than twenty-four (24) hours;

(e)

Discharge a gun within 100 yards of a maintained road or building; or

(f)

Hunt:

1.

In an area posted as closed by signs or maps;

2.

Outside park boundaries; or

3.

From a ground blind, if gun deer hunting is allowed, unless first attaching a hat or vest made of solid, unbroken hunter orange material to the blind so that it is visible from all sides.

(5)

A person participating in a state park deer hunt, other than the open hunts at Jenny Wiley State Resort Park and Yatesville Lake State Park and any department-administered state park quota hunt, may take up to two (2) bonus deer per hunt that shall not count toward the statewide limit if the person:

(a)

Takes no more than one (1) bonus antlered deer per license year; and

(b)

Obtains the valid bonus deer tag from the state park hunt administrators.

(6)

A person participating in a state park deer hunt or in possession of harvested wildlife on state park property shall comply with all posted state park rules and regulations concerning the possession, storage, or disposal of harvested wildlife.

(7)

If a state park is in two (2) or more deer hunting zones, as established in 301 KAR 2:172, then the state park shall be regulated by the most liberal zone requirements of the zone in which it lies.

Section 8.Section 9.

Other Public Lands.

(1)

On Daniel Boone National Forest, Jefferson National Forest, and Land Between the Lakes, a person shall not use bait.

(2)

The areas established in paragraphs (a) through (h)(g) of this subsection may schedule a gun, crossbow, or archery deer hunting season between September 1 and January 31:

(a)

Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area;

(b)

Clark's River National Wildlife Refuge;

(c)

Daniel Boone National Forest;

(d)

Green River National Wildlife Refuge

(e)

Jefferson National Forest;

(f)(e)

Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area;

(g)(f)

Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge; and

(h)(g)

Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge.

(3)

An area listed in subsection (2) of this section may issue a bonus permit for antlered or antlerless deer, which shall:

(a)

Not count against a hunter's statewide bag limit; and

(b)

Only be issued for a hunt that is open to the general public.

(4)

At Land Between the Lakes, a person:

(a)

Shall not take more than:

1.

Two (2) deer during archery hunts; and

2.

One (1) deer during quota hunts;

(b)

Who is a quota deer hunter shall:

1.

Apply in advance at Land Between the Lakes; and

2.

Only hunt from one-half (1/2) hour before sunrise until one-half (1/2) hour after sunset; and

(c)

Who harvests a deer shall:

1.

Check in the carcass pursuant to U.S. Forest Service requirements; and

2.

Affix a game check card pursuant to U.S. Forest Service requirements.

(5)

At Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge:

(a)

On the Long Point Unit, a valid hunting license and deer permit from either Kentucky or Tennessee shall be required for deer hunting.

(b)

Zone 1 bag limits shall apply during the open archery season and quota youth hunt;

(c)

A person shall not take more than two (2) deer by gun during the quota hunt, only one (1) of which shall be antlered;

(d)

A quota gun hunt participant shall:

1.

Tag deer as instructed by the Refuge; and

2.

Comply with the Refuge check-in requirements; and

(e)

A person who is archery hunting or in a quota youth hunt shall:

1.

Only take deer using the appropriate statewide or additional deer permit; and

2.

Check harvested deer through the department's telephone or online check-in systems.

(6)

At Otter Creek Outdoor Recreation Area:

(a)

The archery and crossbow seasons shall be open pursuant to statewide requirements; and

(b)

There shall be a quota hunt for two (2) consecutive days beginning the second Saturday in December.

(6)(7)

At Twin Knobs Campground, the area shall be closed to all statewide seasons, except that there shall be a quota hunt on the second Saturday in December during odd-numbered years for mobility-impaired persons.

(7)(8)

At Zilpo Campground, the area shall be closed to all statewide seasons, except that there shall be a quota hunt on the second Saturday in December during even-numbered years for mobility-impaired persons.

Section 9.Section 10.

Special Areas under Federal Control.

(1)

The areas established in paragraphs (a) through (e) of this subsection may schedule a gun, archery, or crossbow deer hunting season between September 1 and January 31:

(a)

Bluegrass Army Depot;

(b)

Fort Campbell;

(c)

Fort Knox;

(d)

Hidden Valley Training Center; and

(e)

Wendell Ford Regional Training Center.

(2)

An area listed in subsection (1) of this section may issue a bonus permit for antlered or antlerless deer, which shall:

(a)

Not count against a hunter's statewide bag limit; and

(b)

Only be issued for a hunt that is open to the general public.

(3)

Except on the Hidden Valley Training area, on the areas listed in subsection (1) of this section, a deer hunter shall:

(a)

Obtain a permit from the area before hunting;

(b)

Only hunt on assigned dates;

(c)

Remain in assigned areas;

(d)

Tag deer with tags issued on the area, unless otherwise established in this section;

(e)

Keep the area tag attached to the deer until the carcass is processed; and

(f)

Check deer at a designated check station before leaving the area.

(4)

At Bluegrass Army Depot, a person shall not take an antlered deer whose outside antler spread is less than fifteen (15) inches.

(5)

At Fort Knox, a person shall:

(a)

Not take an antlered deer whose outside antler spread is less than twelve (12) inches;

(b)

Not use bait; and

(c)

Record harvested deer on a Fort Knox harvest log and check harvested deer pursuant to area requirements and as established in 301 KAR 2:172.

(6)

At Hidden Valley Training Area, a person shall not use a gun to hunt deer.
Approved by the Fish and Wildlife Commission
RICH STORM, Commissioner
APPROVED BY AGENCY: July 8, 2025
FILED WITH LRC: July 9, 2025 at 3:30 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARING AND COMMENT PERIOD: A public hearing on this administrative regulation shall be held on September 29, 2025, at 2:30 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, 2025. 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 fwpubliccomments@ky.gov.
REGULATORY IMPACT ANALYSIS AND TIERING STATEMENT
Contact Person:
Jenny Gilbert
(1) Provide a brief summary of:
(a) What this administrative regulation does:
This regulation establishes the framework for deer hunting on publicly owned properties in Kentucky.
(b) The necessity of this administrative regulation:
This regulation is necessary to manage white-tailed deer populations on public lands and provides the legal framework for the same.
(c) How this administrative regulation conforms to the content of the authorizing statutes:
KRS 148.029(5) authorizes the Department of Parks, in cooperation with the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, to implement wildlife management plans on state parks. 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 to make these requirements apply to a limited area. KRS 150.390(1) prohibits the taking of deer in any manner contrary to any provisions of KRS Chapter 150 or KAR Title 301. KRS 150.620 authorizes the department to promulgate administrative regulations for the maintenance and operation of the lands it 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 establishes deer hunting seasons, application procedures, and other matters pertaining to deer hunting on Wildlife Management Areas, state parks, other public lands, and federally controlled areas that differ from statewide requirements.
(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 removes any reference to fees and replaces them with a reference to the fee regulation, 301 KAR 5:022, and similarly updates any applicable material incorporated by reference. This amendment also streamlines the regulation to make public lands deer management and hunting regulations as consistent as possible across the state.
(b) The necessity of the amendment to this administrative regulation:
This amendment is necessary to allow future fee changes to be promulgated in 301 KAR 5:022 without the need for promulgating matching amendments to this regulation. The amendment is necessary to standardize deer hunting regulations and allows for increased recreational opportunities. This amendment provides state parks with more flexibility for managing wildlife on the park properties.
(c) How the amendment conforms to the content of the authorizing statutes:
KRS 150.025(1) grants authority for the department to promulgate regulations necessary to carry out the purposes of KRS Chapter 150. KRS 150.175 sets out licenses and tags to be sold by the department. KRS 150.195 requires the department to establish administrative regulations to provide for the control, design, issuance, distribution, and other matters related to licenses and permits issued by the department. KRS 148.029(5) authorizes the Department of Parks, in cooperation with the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, to implement wildlife management plans on state parks. 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 to make these requirements apply to a limited area. KRS 150.390(1) prohibits the taking of deer in any manner contrary to any provisions of KRS Chapter 150 or KAR Title 301. KRS 150.620 authorizes the department to promulgate administrative regulations for the maintenance and operation of the lands it has acquired for public recreation.
(d) How the amendment will assist in the effective administration of the statutes:
This amendment will consolidate any associated fees into a single fee regulation, 301 KAR 5:022. The amendment also removes unnecessary portions of the previously existing regulation. The amendment provides a simpler method for state parks to administer quota hunts on state park property which will allow for better management of the parks. 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 to make these requirements apply to a limited area. KRS 150.390(1) prohibits the taking of deer in any manner contrary to any provisions of KRS Chapter 150 or KAR Title 301.
(3) List the type and number of individuals, businesses, organizations, or state and local governments affected by this administrative regulation:
All individuals who which to obtain the associated license or permit, state parks, and individuals hunting on wildlife management areas.
(4) Provide an analysis of how the entities identified in question (3) 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 (3) will have to take to comply with this administrative regulation or amendment:
Individuals would need to look to 301 KAR 5:022 for the regulation which establishes the cost of the associated license or permit. Individuals hunting on WMA’s would need to follow the amended restrictions. State Parks will need to follow the updates for conducting hunts on state park property.
(b) In complying with this administrative regulation or amendment, how much will it cost each of the entities identified in question (3):
There will be no cost to comply with the amendments to this regulation.
(c) As a result of compliance, what benefits will accrue to the entities identified in question (3):
Compliance with these amendments will allow individuals to obtain the associated license or permit and allow for the public to utilize WMA’s in a fair manner while preserving the properties for the future. State Parks will have a simpler process with less restrictions for deciding when and where to hold hunts to manage their properties.
(5) Provide an estimate of how much it will cost the administrative body to implement this administrative regulation:
(a) Initially:
There will be no cost to implement these regulatory amendments initially.
(b) On a continuing basis:
There will be no continuing costs to implement these amendments.
(6) What is the source of the funding to be used for the implementation and enforcement of this administrative regulation:
The Fish and Game Fund
(7) 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:
There will be no increase in fees or funding necessary to implement these changes.
(8) State whether or not this administrative regulation establishes any fees or directly or indirectly increases any fees:
This administrative regulation does not establish any fees or directly or indirectly increase any fees. Any associated fees are addressed in 301 KAR 5:022.
(9) TIERING: Is tiering applied?
Tiering is not applied; any individual who wishes to participate in a department administered quota hunt must pay for the applicable fee.
FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT
(1) Identify each state statute, federal statute, or federal regulation that requires or authorizes the action taken by the administrative regulation:
148.029(5), 150.025(1), 150.390(1), 150.620
(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 not expressly authorized by an act of the General Assembly but is promulgated pursuant to KRS 150.025 and 150.195.
(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. Deer hunting regulations for Kentucky State Parks are also found herein.
(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):
None
(b) Estimate the following for each affected local entity identified in (4)(a):
1. Expenditures:
For the first year:
N/A
For subsequent years:
N/A
2. Revenues:
For the first year:
N/A
For subsequent years:
N/A
3. Cost Savings:
For the first year:
N/A
For subsequent years:
N/A
(5)(a) Identify any affected regulated entities not listed in (3)(a) or (4)(a):
No other entities should be affected by these amendments.
(b) Estimate the following for each regulated entity identified in (5)(a):
1. Expenditures:
For the first year:
N/A
For subsequent years:
N/A
2. Revenues:
For the first year:
N/A
For subsequent years:
N/A
3. Cost Savings:
For the first year:
N/A
For subsequent years:
N/A
(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(13):
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: 6/6/2031

Last Updated: 7/21/2025

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