Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources

Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources Serving People,
Conserving Fish & Wildlife

To learn more about the Department’s mission and programs, please follow this page and visit https://fw.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx.

Deer season is in full swing, with many people already bringing in their first harvests of the year!As you prepare to hi...
09/12/2026

Deer season is in full swing, with many people already bringing in their first harvests of the year!

As you prepare to hit the field this season, don’t forget to review the 2026-2027 Hunting and Trapping Guide, especially if you are hunting in the CWD Surveillance Zone.

Full details of the CWD Surveillance Zone: https://fw.ky.gov/Wildlife/Pages/CWD-SurveillanceZone.aspx

Regulations for counties in this zone differ, specifically in regards to:
•Special Antlerless Season - Sept. 25-28
•Baiting restrictions
•Carcass transportation
•Mandatory sampling

You may have your harvest sampled no matter where you hunt in Kentucky by visiting a CWD Sample Drop-Off Site. https://fw.ky.gov/Wildlife/Pages/CWD-Sample-Drop-off-Sites.aspx

Fall hunting is here, and with that comes the annual Kentucky Afield Fall Hunting Live Q&A Show!We'll be going LIVE with...
09/11/2026

Fall hunting is here, and with that comes the annual Kentucky Afield Fall Hunting Live Q&A Show!

We'll be going LIVE with a panel of experts on Monday, September 14, at 7 pm (ET) to answer YOUR questions 🫵‼️

You can head to Kentucky Afield and start submitting your questions in the comment section on their recent post about the show, but be sure to join us on Facebook, YouTube, or via the KDFWR website to see them answered on-air by our panel.

We'll also have the comments section open during the show and will be accepting questions live via text as well.

Join us and hear from this year’s guests:
•Dr. John Hast - Bear & Elk Program Coordinator
•Joe McDermott - Deer Program Coordinator
•Sgt. Paul Sorrell - Game Warden

We’ll see you on Monday!

The results of the 2026 Kentucky Deer Hunter Survey are here!Kentucky Fish and Wildlife contracted this survey this past...
09/10/2026

The results of the 2026 Kentucky Deer Hunter Survey are here!

Kentucky Fish and Wildlife contracted this survey this past spring to better understand hunter perspectives on deer management, season structures, harvest practices, potential regulatory changes, and to identify opportunities to improve hunter satisfaction.

The results of the survey, along with the report in its entirety, are available here:https://fw.ky.gov/Hunt/Documents/Deer-Survey-2026-FINAL.pdf

09/09/2026

Our Commonwealth is full of lakes and rivers enjoyed by those who utilize them. But did you know your watercraft could carry some unwelcome passengers? Aquatic invasive species.

Stop the spread with three simple steps: Clean, Drain, and Dry.

By doing so, you'll help prevent the spread of these aquatic invasive species and do your part to protect our waterways and the species that call them home!

🔗 To learn more about aquatic invasive species: https://fw.ky.gov/Fish/Pages/Nuisance-Species-Plans.aspx

Mussel appreciation post - let's give them a hand 🫱🏼Freshwater mussels are natural water filters, removing algae, harmfu...
09/09/2026

Mussel appreciation post - let's give them a hand 🫱🏼

Freshwater mussels are natural water filters, removing algae, harmful bacteria, and other microscopic particles from rivers and streams. They reduce and remove cloudiness from water and can survive for decades - some can live over 100 years!

The bad news? Freshwater mussels are imperiled and many species are facing population decline. Some of Kentucky's native mussels are federally threatened or endangered.

The good news is that staff at the Center for Mollusk Conservation (CMC) work hard to conserve and restore Kentucky's mussel populations. Numerous vulnerable species, including federally endangered mussels, are raised in captivity and released to bolster wild populations.

YOU can show your appreciation for freshwater mussels (and other declining wildlife) by becoming a member of Kentucky Wild!

Click here to join today: https://bit.ly/3q7pt0J

Photo 1: Pink Mucket
Photo 2: Sheepnose
Photo 3: Slippershell

Photos by Monte McGregor

Kentuckians! The application period for fall quota hunts is open!Quota hunts not only help regulate population in specif...
09/08/2026

Kentuckians! The application period for fall quota hunts is open!

Quota hunts not only help regulate population in specific areas, but they also control the number of hunters in an area, providing quality hunting opportunities.

Apply today for your chance to hunt deer, waterfowl, pheasants, or sandhill cranes at various locations across the state!

For more information, such as dates, special regulations, or to apply, visit: https://fw.ky.gov/Hunt/Pages/Quota-Hunts.aspx

The application period ends on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026, at midnight (CT).

Happy Labor Day, Kentuckians!As summer slowly but surely comes to a close, we know many people are getting in as many la...
09/07/2026

Happy Labor Day, Kentuckians!

As summer slowly but surely comes to a close, we know many people are getting in as many late-season boat days as possible.

If you’re heading out on the water to soak up the last bit of summer, please remember to practice safe boating.

Don’t forget to… wear your life jacket, boat sober (especially while operating and driving), know the rules and regulations of the water you’re on, and be vigilant of those around you.

Let’s make it a fun and safe holiday weekend for everyone.

The online auction selling surplus equipment from Kentucky Fish and Wildlife is still live!Running now until Friday, Sep...
09/06/2026

The online auction selling surplus equipment from Kentucky Fish and Wildlife is still live!

Running now until Friday, Sept. 11, 2026, at 10 AM (EST), the auction features nearly 40 surplus items, including trucks, tractors, mowers, and other maintenance equipment.

These items are located at three different department-owned wildlife management areas (WMAs) and another department office in western Kentucky, and it is the winning bidder’s responsibility to pick up the item where it is being housed. (Pay close attention to each item’s location, as listed on the auction page!)

Bid now: www.bidtlg.com

To learn more about the auction, the bidding process, payment options, and more: https://fw.ky.gov/News/Pages/Kentucky-Fish-and-Wildlife-to-hold-online-auction-Sept-1-11-2026.aspx

RISE’N SHINE, KENTUCKY! Archery deer season is here!Here is your reminder to make certain you have your license and perm...
09/05/2026

RISE’N SHINE, KENTUCKY! Archery deer season is here!

Here is your reminder to make certain you have your license and permits, and that you’ve checked the guide once more for all things deer season: regulations, bag limits, etc.

Good luck to those up and at it this morning —be sure to post your photos from today in the comments below! We would love to see how you’re starting the season. 🦌🏹

🔗 Log in to “My Profile” to purchase your license and permits: https://app.fw.ky.gov/myprofile/

🔗 2026-2027 Hunting and Trapping Guide:https://fw.ky.gov/Hunt/Documents/huntingguideentire.pdf

09/05/2026

The moment so many have been waiting for is finally (almost) here... archery deer season opens TOMORROW! (Sept. 5).

Make sure you are up to date on your license and permits (https://app.fw.ky.gov/myprofile/), always wear your safety harness if you’re hunting from an elevated stand, identify your target (and what’s behind it before releasing your arrow, and let someone know your hunting plans before heading afield.

Don’t forget that turkey archery season also opens tomorrow!

Kentucky, we are looking forward to a great season. 🦌 🏹🦃

Be sure to check the 2026-2027 Hunting and Trapping Guide for full details on deer season, including bag limits and regulations:
https://fw.ky.gov/Hunt/Documents/huntingguideentire.pdf

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Address

1 Sportsmans Lane
Frankfort, KY
40601

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+18008581549

Website

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