Kentucky Bear Season 2026
Kentucky bear season dates start with Oct 19-Nov 6, 2026. The table below keeps every listed bear row together with zones and notes where available.
Quick answer
Kentucky's listed 2026 bear season runs Oct 19-Nov 6, 2026.
Hunt with Dogs Black Bear opens Oct 19, 2026 and closes Oct 23, 2026.
Archery/Crossbow Black Bear opens Oct 24, 2026 and closes Oct 26, 2026.
The tables below keep the rest of the listed seasons together by species, with source links back to Kentucky KDFWR.
Bear
Black Bear
Hunt with Dogs
Two segments: Oct. 19-23, 2026; Oct. 29-Nov. 6, 2026. Five consecutive days beginning Mon. prior to 4th Sat. in Oct.; and nine consecutive days beginning on Thur. following the 4th Sat. in Oct. Any legal equipment may be used.
Zone: Bear Zone 2 and 3
Black Bear
Hunt with Dogs
Five consecutive days beginning Mon. prior to 4th Sat. in Oct. Any legal equipment may be used.
Zone: Bear Zone 1
Black Bear
Archery/Crossbow
Three consecutive days beginning on the fourth Sat. in Oct.
Zone: Bear Zone 1
Black Bear
Archery/Crossbow
Five consecutive days beginning on the fourth Sat. in Oct.
Zone: Bear Zone 2 and 3
Black Bear
Firearms
Three consecutive days beginning the second Sat. in Dec.
Zone: Bear Zone 1
Black Bear
Firearms
Five consecutive days beginning on the second Sat. in Dec.
Zone: Bear Zone 2 and 3
Black Bear
Chase-only
Two segments: June 1-Aug. 31, 2026; Sept. 9-30, 2026. Not permitted on WMAs until 3rd Saturday in August. Hensley-Pine Mountain WMA is closed to bear chase and all bear hunting seasons.
Zone: All Bear Zones
Black Bear
Archery/Crossbow (September)
Fourteen consecutive days beginning on the third Sat. in Sept.
Zone: Bear Zone 3
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Nearby bear seasons
Kentucky Bear Season FAQ
When does bear season open in Kentucky?
June 1, 2026 is the earliest listed bear opener in Kentucky — chase-only black bear runs Jun 1-Sep 30, 2026. Confirm zone and permit details with Kentucky KDFWR.
What are the 2026 bear season dates in Kentucky?
Kentucky lists 8 bear season windows: Chase-only Black Bear (Jun 1-Sep 30, 2026); Archery/Crossbow (September) Black Bear (Sep 19-Oct 2, 2026); Hunt with Dogs Black Bear (Oct 19-Nov 6, 2026); Hunt with Dogs Black Bear (Oct 19-23, 2026); Archery/Crossbow Black Bear (Oct 24-26, 2026); Archery/Crossbow Black Bear (Oct 24-28, 2026); Firearms Black Bear (Dec 12-14, 2026); Firearms Black Bear (Dec 12-16, 2026). Always verify against Kentucky KDFWR before hunting.
Are there different bear seasons in Kentucky?
Yes — Kentucky lists separate bear seasons for Chase-only Black Bear, Archery/Crossbow (September) Black Bear, Hunt with Dogs Black Bear, Archery/Crossbow Black Bear, Firearms Black Bear. Each can carry its own dates, zones, and weapon rules; see the table above and Kentucky KDFWR.
Do I need a license to hunt bear in Kentucky?
Yes. Kentucky generally requires the appropriate hunting license, and bear hunting may also require tags, permits, stamps, or zone authorizations. Confirm requirements with Kentucky KDFWR.