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 (CWD Surveillance Zone)
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
Special Season
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
Youth/Senior Crossbow
1st Sat. in Sept. thru 3rd Mon. in Jan. (MLK Day)
White-tailed Deer
Archery
1st Sat. in Sept. thru 3rd Mon. in Jan. (MLK Day)
White-tailed Deer
Crossbow
3rd Sat. in Sept. thru 3rd Mon. in Jan. (MLK Day)
White-tailed Deer
Youth-only Firearms
2nd Full Weekend (consecutive Sat.-Sun.) in Oct. Dates span Oct. 10-18 as listed in regulation.
White-tailed Deer
Early Muzzleloader
3rd Full Weekend (consecutive Sat.-Sun.) in Oct.
White-tailed Deer
Modern Firearms
2nd Sat. in Nov. for 16 days (closes Sun.)
White-tailed Deer
Late Muzzleloader
2nd Sat. in Dec. for 9 days (closes Sun.)
White-tailed Deer
Free Youth Weekend
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.
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Nearby deer seasons
Kentucky Deer Season FAQ
When does deer season open in Kentucky?
September 27, 2025 is the earliest listed deer opener in Kentucky — special season (cwd surveillance zone) white-tailed deer runs Sep 27-28, 2025. Confirm zone and permit details with Kentucky KDFWR.
What are the 2026-27 deer season dates in Kentucky?
Kentucky lists 10 deer season windows: Special Season (CWD Surveillance Zone) White-tailed Deer (Sep 27-28, 2025); Special Season White-tailed Deer (Sep 27-28, 2025); Youth/Senior Crossbow White-tailed Deer (Sep 5, 2026-Jan 18, 2027); Archery White-tailed Deer (Sep 5, 2026-Jan 18, 2027); Crossbow White-tailed Deer (Sep 19, 2026-Jan 18, 2027); Youth-only Firearms White-tailed Deer (Oct 10-18, 2026); Early Muzzleloader White-tailed Deer (Oct 17-18, 2026); Modern Firearms White-tailed Deer (Nov 14-29, 2026); and more. Always verify against Kentucky KDFWR before hunting.
Are there different deer seasons in Kentucky?
Yes — Kentucky lists separate deer seasons for Special Season (CWD Surveillance Zone) White-tailed Deer, Special Season White-tailed Deer, Youth/Senior Crossbow White-tailed Deer, Archery White-tailed Deer, Crossbow White-tailed Deer, Youth-only Firearms White-tailed Deer. Each can carry its own dates, zones, and weapon rules; see the table above and Kentucky KDFWR.
Do I need a license to hunt deer in Kentucky?
Yes. Kentucky generally requires the appropriate hunting license, and deer hunting may also require tags, permits, stamps, or zone authorizations. Confirm requirements with Kentucky KDFWR.