KDFWR - Purchase Region

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KDFWR - Purchase Region

This page is your connection to Ky. Fish and Wildlife's Purchase Region.

Follow for updates on local public lands, waterbodies, fishing reports, hunting opportunities, and regional wildlife projects happening in western Kentucky. The official page for the Purchase Region of the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. Follow for updates on public lands, waterbodies, fish and wildlife management activities, hunting and fishing opportunities, and educational programs throughout western Kentucky.

09/04/2026

Archery deer season opens TOMORROW! (Sept. 5)

If you plan to get out later this season and do not have your Hunter Education certification, check out this opportunity happening in the Bluegrass Region:

📆 September 21 & 22
🕑 Sept. 21-- 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM (CT)
🕑 Sept. 22-- 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM (CT)
📍 Hickman Co Extension Office, Hickman County, Clinton, KY, 42031

For more information or to view a full list of in-person Hunter Education courses happening across the state: https://app.fw.ky.gov/edcourse/default.aspx?ctype=1

08/31/2026

Have you…
1. Completed Hunter Education certification (if you need it and have not already)
2. Filled out your HIP survey
3. Read over the 2026 Migratory Birds and Waterfowl Guide

If so, it seems like you’re ready for the start of a great dove season. Remember to plug your shotgun, keep a safe distance from other hunters, don’t aim at low-flying birds, and have fun!

🔗 Migratory Birds and Waterfowl Guide:https://fw.ky.gov/Hunt/Documents/DoveGuide.pdf

08/28/2026

The annual National Public Lands Day event at Lake Barkey is happening soon!

📆 Saturday, September 26, 2026
🕒 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
📍 Resource Management Shop
213 Administration Drive, Grand Rivers, KY 42045.

If you are someone who frequents Lake Barkley and wants to give back to a place that provides recreation opportunities for people across the state and beyond, this day is for you!

Volunteers will…
•Rehab picnic tables and the practice archery range
•Build mini campsite tables
•Stain the archery shooting range platform

To sign up for the event, call the Resource Manager’s office at 270-362-4236!

*Lunch will be provided

08/27/2026

Just a reminder: the in-person blind drawing for Doug Travis Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is happening THIS Saturday, August 29!

Drawing details:
📅 Saturday, Aug. 29
🕐 Registration starts at 9 am - Drawing at 10 am (CT)
📍The WMA office, 1/2-mile south of Berkley on KY 123.

Don’t miss this opportunity to lock in a blind for the entire waterfowl season.

For more on this drawing and others happening around the state, including rules, regulations, and eligibility requirements, check it out here: https://fw.ky.gov/Hunt/Pages/Waterfowl-Hunting.aspx

08/21/2026

Did you know…

Squirrels are not dependent on a source of water. Instead, for the most part, they meet their hydration needs from their food.

They will drink from standing or running water if it is available, but they are not required to go to water regularly, as many animals are.

Just a little fact to take with you as you head outdoors this fall and beyond!

For more on squirrel hunting in Kentucky: Learn to Hunt Squirrel - Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife

08/20/2026

The application period for the four dove quota hunts and four traditional mentor/youth quota hunts hosted by Kentucky Fish and Wildlife ends TOMORROW (8/21)!

All applications are due at 4:30 PM (ET).

Don’t wait any longer… apply now!

🔗 For dates, locations, or more information on the hunts (or to apply): https://fw.ky.gov/Hunt/Pages/Migratory-Bird-Hunting.aspx

🔗 2026-2027 Migratory Birds and Waterfowl Hunting Guide:https://fw.ky.gov/Hunt/Documents/DoveGuide.pdf

08/14/2026

The 2026 waterfowl season is upon us, and the season-long blind drawings are set!

These in-person blind drawings, which give hunters the opportunity to lock in a blind for the entire waterfowl season, are being held for two wildlife management areas (WMAs) in the Purchase Region: Doug Travis WMA and Lake Barkley WMA.

In-person drawing information:

Doug Travis WMA (Carlisle and Hickman counties)
📅 Saturday, Aug. 29
🕐 Registration starts at 9 am - Drawing at 10 am (CT)
📍The WMA office, 1/2-mile south of Berkley on KY 123.

Lake Barkley WMA (Trigg and Lyon counties)
📅 Monday, Sept. 21.
🕐 Registration starts at 7 am - Registration at 8 am (CT)
📍 The drawing will be at the shelter on the east side of the Cumberland River at Lake Barkley Dam, off U.S. 62 near Lake City. Participants should use the powerhouse entrance and then turn right toward the drawing location.

You don’t want to miss this!

For more on these drawings, including rules, regulations, and eligibility requirements, check it out here: https://fw.ky.gov/Hunt/Pages/Waterfowl-Hunting.aspx

08/13/2026

A new week means a new public dove field to highlight!

West Kentucky Wildlife Management Area (WMA) has 4 different fields totaling approximately 33 acres of mixed crops and sunflowers.

If you plan to make Western Kentucky WMA one of your spots for this dove season, make sure you know the rules and regulations of the WMA before heading afield.

🔗 For more on Western Kentucky WMA: https://app.fw.ky.gov/Public_Lands_Search/detail.aspx?Kdfwr_id=137

🔗 To view an interactive map as well as a full list of the public dove fields across the state: https://fw.ky.gov/Hunt/Pages/DoveFields.aspx

08/12/2026

Here is an awesome opportunity for eligible landowners in Livingston and Crittenden Counties!

The Livingston & Crittenden County Wetland Wildlife Initiative is a targeted conservation effort designed to help agricultural producers install and manage seasonal wetlands on suitable cropland.

By participating, you'll…
•Help improve water quality
•Support wildlife along the Mississippi Flyway
•Enhance critical habitat for migrating birds

All while keeping working lands working!

To be eligible, you must have…
•Cropland located in Livingston or Crittenden County
•Property within a 3-mile buffer of the Ohio River
•Somewhat poorly to very poorly drained soils capable of holding shallow water

Interested in learning more or finding out if your property qualifies?
Contact Riley Dollenbacher at:
📞 270-356-6377
📩 [email protected].

08/07/2026

Congratulations to all 757 people across the Commonwealth who received their Hunter Education certification during Hunter Education Day this past weekend!

We had people from every corner of the state complete the course, displaying their ability to hunt safely and sustainably.

Check out the total number of certifications, by region, from this past Saturday:
•Region 1: 244
•Region 2: 162
•Region 3: 206
•Region 4: 107

A special shoutout to the Purchase Region for being part of the region with the most people to receive their certification!

(Way to go, coordinator Courtney Goodman and her team!)

If you’re planning on hunting this fall season and you still need your Hunter Education certification, there’s still time. Classes are still being held throughout the state.

To learn more or to sign up for a course: https://fw.ky.gov/Education/Pages/Hunter-Education.aspx

Hunter education is more than just a safety initiative—it’s a key part of preserving Kentucky’s outdoor heritage

Address

Benton, KY
42025

Telephone

270-753-3886

Website

http://fw.ky.gov/

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