Hunting in Kentucky: 4 Animals to Hunt in the Winter

Those who want to go hunting in Kentucky during the winter months have a lot to look forward to when it comes to animal variety and outdoor enjoyment. It is necessary to have a valid hunting permit and to follow all the rules and regulations while hunting in the Bluegrass State.

The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources offers invaluable tools for both resident and nonresident hunting enthusiasts who want to know more about topics like buying licenses, game quota, or season dates in Kentucky.

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According to Norm Minch of Game and Fish magazine, there are some great hotspots for those wishing to pursue hunting in Kentucky during the winter. Here are four animals that hunters can set their sights on:

1. Bear

Firearm, archery, and crossbow hunting season for bear begins mid-December and lasts for two days. Always make sure to confirm specific dates by consulting the Kentucky Hunting and Trapping Guide or by calling a local office.

2. Elk

Kentucky offers a variety of choices for hunting elk in the winter.

Hunting season for archery bull (antlered) elk begins at the end of December and runs through the latter part of January. Archery cow elk firearm season begins mid-December and lasts for approximately one week, with a second season beginning the third week in December that also lasts about a week long. Archery cow elk season begins at the end of December and ends during the latter part of January.

Those who use crossbows can enjoy a winter hunt starting the second week of November until mid-January or utilize the last few days of December to hunt either sex of elk.

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3. Deer

Hunters with archery permits are able to hunt either sex of deer starting the first week of September until the latter part of January in Zones 1 – 3. Make sure to check specific dates for archery and crossbow antlered deer seasons in Zone 4, as there are some exceptions for a few days in October, November, and December.

Crossbow winter deer season for Zones 1 – 3 take place during the second week of November and finish up at the end of December.

4. Fall Turkey

Fall turkey season is a welcome break for many hunters. The first week in December marks the beginning of the one week winter hunt. Archery season begins around the first week of September and finishes up towards the latter part of January.

Crossbow hunters can take advantage of the second week of November until the end of December to land a turkey during the winter months.

This article is for information only. Please check current regulations before hunting.

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