Kentucky Elk Season 2026-27
Kentucky elk season dates start with Sep 12-Dec 11, 2026. The table below keeps every listed elk row together with zones and notes where available.
Quick answer
Kentucky's listed 2026-27 elk season runs Sep 12-Dec 11, 2026.
Firearms - Bull (antlered) Elk opens Sep 26, 2026 and closes Oct 7, 2026.
Firearms - Cow (antlerless) Elk opens Nov 28, 2026 and closes Jan 6, 2027.
The tables below keep the rest of the listed seasons together by species, with source links back to Kentucky KDFWR.
Elk
Elk
Archery/Crossbow (either sex)
Two segments: Sept. 12-25, 2026; Dec. 5-11, 2026. 2nd Sat. in Sept. thru 4th Fri. in Sept.; 1st Sat. in Dec. thru 2nd Fri. in Dec.
Zone: Elk Zone
Elk
Firearms - Bull (antlered)
Two weeks: Week 1: Sept. 26-30, 2026; Week 2: Oct. 3-7, 2026. Last Sat. in Sept. for 5 consecutive days; 1st Sat. in Oct. for five consecutive days.
Zone: Elk Zone
Elk
Firearms - Cow (antlerless)
Two weeks: Week 1: Nov. 28-Dec. 2, 2026; Week 2: Jan. 2-6, 2027. Last Saturday in Nov. for 5 consecutive days; Last Saturday in Dec. for 5 consecutive days.
Zone: Elk Zone
Elk
Youth-only Quota
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Youths may enter a separate drawing pool for either-sex elk permits valid for use during all elk seasons listed above.
Zone: Elk Zone
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Nearby elk seasons
Kentucky Elk Season FAQ
When does elk season open in Kentucky?
September 12, 2026 is the earliest listed elk opener in Kentucky — archery/crossbow (either sex) elk runs Sep 12-Dec 11, 2026. Confirm zone and permit details with Kentucky KDFWR.
What are the 2026-27 elk season dates in Kentucky?
Kentucky lists 3 elk season windows: Archery/Crossbow (either sex) Elk (Sep 12-Dec 11, 2026); Firearms - Bull (antlered) Elk (Sep 26-Oct 7, 2026); Firearms - Cow (antlerless) Elk (Nov 28, 2026-Jan 6, 2027). Always verify against Kentucky KDFWR before hunting.
Are there different elk seasons in Kentucky?
Yes — Kentucky lists separate elk seasons for Archery/Crossbow (either sex) Elk, Firearms - Bull (antlered) Elk, Firearms - Cow (antlerless) Elk. Each can carry its own dates, zones, and weapon rules; see the table above and Kentucky KDFWR.
Do I need a license to hunt elk in Kentucky?
Yes. Kentucky generally requires the appropriate hunting license, and elk hunting may also require tags, permits, stamps, or zone authorizations. Confirm requirements with Kentucky KDFWR.