Kentucky Deer Season 2026-27
Kentucky deer season dates start with Sep 5, 2026-Jan 18, 2027. The table below keeps every listed deer row together with zones and notes where available.
Quick answer
Kentucky's listed 2026-27 archery deer season runs Sep 5, 2026-Jan 18, 2027.
Youth/Senior Crossbow White-tailed Deer opens Sep 5, 2026 and closes Jan 18, 2027.
Crossbow White-tailed Deer opens Sep 19, 2026 and closes Jan 18, 2027.
The tables below keep the rest of the listed seasons together by species, with source links back to Kentucky KDFWR.
Deer
White-tailed Deer
Special Season
Sep 27-28, 2025
Antlerless only using firearm, bow or crossbow; antlered deer may not be taken during this season by any method. Two-day hunt implemented under authority of Commissioner Rich Storm.
Zone: CWD Surveillance Zone counties only
White-tailed Deer
Special Season (CWD Surveillance Zone)
Sep 27-28, 2025
Antlerless only using firearm, bow or crossbow; antlered deer may not be taken. Implemented under authority of Commissioner Rich Storm.
Zone: CWD Surveillance Zone counties only
White-tailed Deer
Archery
Sep 5, 2026-Jan 18, 2027
1st Sat. in Sept. thru 3rd Mon. in Jan. (MLK Day)
White-tailed Deer
Youth/Senior Crossbow
Sep 5, 2026-Jan 18, 2027
1st Sat. in Sept. thru 3rd Mon. in Jan. (MLK Day)
White-tailed Deer
Crossbow
Sep 19, 2026-Jan 18, 2027
3rd Sat. in Sept. thru 3rd Mon. in Jan. (MLK Day)
White-tailed Deer
Youth-only Firearms
Oct 10-18, 2026
2nd Full Weekend (consecutive Sat.-Sun.) in Oct. Dates span Oct. 10-18 as listed in regulation.
White-tailed Deer
Early Muzzleloader
Oct 17-18, 2026
3rd Full Weekend (consecutive Sat.-Sun.) in Oct.
White-tailed Deer
Modern Firearms
Nov 14-29, 2026
2nd Sat. in Nov. for 16 days (closes Sun.)
White-tailed Deer
Late Muzzleloader
Dec 11-20, 2026
2nd Sat. in Dec. for 9 days (closes Sun.)
White-tailed Deer
Free Youth Weekend
Dec 26-27, 2026
1st Full weekend (consecutive Sat.-Sun.) after Christmas. Youth aged 15 or younger; no hunting license or deer permit required but must comply with all other statewide deer hunting requirements.