Kansas Hunting

Kansas Hunting Season (KS Hunting Season)

Discover essential Kansas hunting resources, including up-to-date regulations, public land access, outfitter guides, gear tips, and conservation programs. Plan your next hunt with confidence!

Kansas Hunting Regulations

The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) offers a detailed Hunting Regulations Guide outlining hunting seasons, bag limits, and legal requirements for all species in the state.

KS Hunting Seasons Calendar

Kansas offers diverse hunting opportunities throughout the year. Key seasons include:

  • Deer: Archery, firearm, and muzzleloader seasons. Just the deer season in Kansas information.
  • Turkey: Spring and fall turkey seasons.
  • Waterfowl: Ducks, geese, and migratory bird hunting seasons.
  • Small Game: Pheasant, quail, rabbits, and squirrels.

Check the full schedule for each species in the official Kansas Hunting Regulations.

2025-2026 Kansas Hunting Seasons

Plan your hunting trips with this comprehensive guide to the 2025-2026 Kansas hunting seasons. Dates are sourced from the Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks (KDWP) and may be subject to change. Always check the official KDWP website for the latest updates.

Deer Hunting Seasons

  • Youth and Disability: September 6 – September 14, 2025 (Statewide)
  • Archery: September 15 – December 31, 2025 (Statewide)
  • Muzzleloader: September 15 – September 28, 2025 (Statewide)
  • Pre-Rut Whitetail Antlerless-Only: October 11 – October 13, 2025 (Statewide)
  • Extended Pre-Rut Firearm Whitetail Antlerless (Unit 12): October 14 – October 19, 2025
  • Regular Firearm: December 3 – December 14, 2025 (Statewide)
  • Extended Firearm Whitetail Antlerless-Only:
    • January 1 – January 4, 2026 (Units TBD)
    • January 1 – January 11, 2026 (Units TBD)
    • January 1 – January 18, 2026 (Units TBD)
  • Extended Archery Whitetail Antlerless-Only (DMU 19, 10A): January 19 – January 31, 2026

Turkey Hunting Seasons

  • Fall Turkey: October 1, 2025 – January 31, 2026 (Statewide)
  • Spring Turkey Youth/Disabled: April 1 – April 15, 2026 (Statewide)
  • Spring Turkey Archery: April 7 – April 15, 2026 (Statewide)
  • Spring Turkey Regular (Firearm/Archery): April 16 – May 31, 2026 (Units 1, 2, 3, 5, 6; Unit 4 by lottery)

Upland Bird Hunting Seasons

  • Pheasant: November 8, 2025 – January 31, 2026 (Statewide)
  • Quail: November 8, 2025 – January 31, 2026 (Statewide)
  • Greater Prairie Chicken: September 15, 2025 – January 31, 2026 (Special unit restrictions apply)
  • Youth Pheasant & Quail: November 1 – November 2, 2025 (Statewide)

Antelope Hunting Seasons

  • Archery: September 20 – September 28, 2025 (Units 2, 17, 18)
  • Muzzleloader: September 29 – October 6, 2025 (Units 2, 17, 18)
  • Firearm: October 3 – October 6, 2025 (Units 2, 17, 18)

Elk Hunting Seasons

  • Archery (Outside Fort Riley): September 15 – December 31, 2025 (Units specified on permit)
  • Muzzleloader (Outside Fort Riley): September 1 – September 30, 2025 (Units specified on permit)
  • Firearm (Outside Fort Riley):
    • First Segment: August 1 – August 31, 2025
    • Second Segment: December 3 – December 14, 2025
  • Firearm (Fort Riley, Any-Elk Permit): October 1 – December 31, 2025

Small Game & Furbearer Seasons

  • Coyote: Year-round (No closed season)
  • Squirrel: June 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026 (Statewide)
  • Rabbit: Year-round (Statewide)
  • Furbearer Hunting & Trapping: November 12, 2025 – February 15, 2026 (Statewide)

Waterfowl Seasons (Teal)

  • Early Teal (West of Hwy U.S. 283): September 13 – September 28, 2025
  • Early Teal (East of Hwy U.S. 283): September 20 – October 5, 2025

Note: Some dates and units are proposed and subject to change. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, visit the Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks website or contact KDWP directly.

Public and Private Hunting Lands

Public Hunting Lands

Kansas boasts numerous public hunting areas, including:

  • Wildlife Areas: Popular spots like Milford Wildlife Area, Neosho Wildlife Area, and Cheyenne Bottoms.
  • State Parks: Parks like Tuttle Creek State Park provide access to great hunting opportunities.

Use the Public Lands Map for detailed information on access points and regulations.

Private Land Access Programs

The Walk-In Hunting Access (WIHA) program in Kansas allows hunters to access private land for hunting. Learn more about WIHA and find available lands on the official WIHA page.

Hunting Licenses and Permits

Hunters in Kansas can purchase licenses and permits online through the Kansas License System. Available options include:

  • Resident and non-resident hunting licenses
  • Youth and senior licenses
  • Special permits for deer and turkey hunting

Outfitters and Hunting Guides

Kansas requires all hunting guides to be licensed. Find a licensed guide through resources like:

Be sure to confirm that any guide you hire holds a valid Kansas Hunting Guide License.

Gear Recommendations for Kansas Hunts

Get ready for Kansas hunting with the right gear:

  • Clothing: Lightweight clothing for warmer months; insulated gear for winter hunts.
  • Footwear: Waterproof boots for wetlands, durable boots for upland game hunting.
  • Hunting Equipment: Tree stands for deer hunting, calls and decoys for turkey and waterfowl hunting.

Conservation and Ethical Hunting

Kansas hunters contribute to conservation through licensing fees and programs like the WIHA. Ethical hunting practices help protect wildlife populations and maintain the integrity of habitats.

Be sure to follow all ethical standards and adhere to the Kansas Hunter Education Guidelines.

Hunting Tips for Kansas

Make the most of your Kansas hunt with these tips:

  • Scout your hunting areas in advance, especially for deer and turkey.
  • Get an early start for waterfowl hunting in the prime morning hours.
  • Review weather forecasts to dress appropriately for Kansas’ varying climates.

Plan Your Kansas Hunt

Whether you’re hunting deer, turkey, waterfowl, or small game, Kansas offers a wide range of hunting opportunities. Stay informed with the latest regulations, gear up for your hunt, and head out for a successful season!