Kentucky Deer Season Dates 2026–27
Kentucky opens bow season earliest of the eight states we cover, on the first Saturday in September, and runs it to mid-January. Dates below come from the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) deer page, season planner and hunting guide.
When does deer season start in Kentucky?
In Kentucky, the 2026–27 deer season starts with Archery (and youth/senior crossbow) on Sept 5, 2026. The regular firearms opener is Nov 14, 2026. Every season, with its zone notes and agency source, is in the table below.
Kentucky season table
| Season | Dates | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Archery (and youth/senior crossbow) | Sept 5, 2026 – Jan 18, 2027 | Youth and senior hunters may use a crossbow. | Agency |
| Crossbow | Sept 19, 2026 – Jan 18, 2027 | Crossbow for all hunters. | Agency |
| CWD antlerless | Sept 25–28, 2026 | Zone 1–3 counties in the CWD Surveillance Zone only. | Agency |
| Youth-only firearms | Oct 10–18, 2026 | Youth hunters only. | Agency |
| Early muzzleloader | Oct 17–18, 2026 | Two days. | Agency |
| Modern gun | Nov 14–29, 2026 | Zone 4: no antlerless take. | Agency |
| Late muzzleloader | Dec 12–20, 2026 | Zone 4 antlerless closed for the first 6 days. | Agency |
| Free youth weekend | Dec 26–27, 2026 | Youth hunt free, any legal equipment. | Agency |
Dates checked Oct 10, 2026 against: KDFWR — Deer; KDFWR — Seasons planner; KDFWR — Deer hunting guide (PDF). Confirm with the agency for zone/county rules, bag limits and license requirements before you hunt.
Open right now
As of Oct 13, 2026, these are open (some only in certain zones or for certain hunters — see the notes):
- Archery (and youth/senior crossbow) (through Jan 18, 2027)
- Crossbow (through Jan 18, 2027)
- Youth-only firearms (through Oct 18, 2026)
Next to open: Early muzzleloader on Oct 17, 2026.
What sets Kentucky’s calendar apart
Kentucky divides its counties into four deer zones, and the zone sets your antlerless limit. Zone 4 has no antlerless take during modern gun, early muzzleloader or the first six days of late muzzleloader, so check your county’s zone before you shoot a doe.
- Archery Sept 5, crossbow Sept 19. Youth and senior hunters may use a crossbow from the archery opener; everyone else from Sept 19. Both close Jan 18.
- Youth gun, Oct 10–18, an earlier gun hunt than the regular modern gun opener.
- Modern gun, Nov 14–29, opens on the second Saturday in November.
- CWD antlerless, Sept 25–28, in the Zone 1–3 counties inside the CWD Surveillance Zone.
- Free youth weekend, Dec 26–27, right after Christmas.
- Not listed here: the KDFWR guide mentions new antlerless seasons awaiting legislative review. They are not final, so we leave them off.
Legal hunting hours in Kentucky
Kentucky deer hours run from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset (KDFWR — Deer). The state splits between Eastern and Central time, so Paducah and Pikeville clocks read differently — use your county’s local time.
For today’s sit, check the Kentucky deer movement today page or enter your ZIP below.
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FAQ
When is Kentucky modern gun deer season in 2026?
Kentucky's modern gun deer season runs Nov 14–29, 2026, according to KDFWR.
When can I use a crossbow for deer in Kentucky?
Crossbow season runs Sept 19, 2026 to Jan 18, 2027. Youth and senior hunters may use a crossbow during archery season starting Sept 5.
What are Kentucky's deer zones?
Kentucky counties are in Zones 1–4, which set antlerless limits. Zone 4 has no antlerless take during modern gun, early muzzleloader, or the first six days of late muzzleloader.