Kentucky Bow Hunting: Mountain Whitetail & Elk
📅 2026 Season & License Info
Archery Season Open
September 3
Archery Season Close
January 18
Min Draw Weight
35 lbs
Resident License
$30/yr
Non-Resident License
$155/yr
Top Species
Whitetail Deer, Wild Turkey, Black Bear, Elk
📍 Top Public Hunting Spots
Daniel Boone National Forest
Whitetail Deer, Turkey, Bear, Elk
Eastern Kentucky mountains. Kentucky's growing elk herd is centered here. Outstanding deer hunting throughout.
Land Between the Lakes NRA
Whitetail Deer, Turkey, Bison
Western KY between Kentucky and Barkley lakes. Abundant deer and unique bison viewing.
Beaver Creek WMA
Whitetail Deer, Turkey, Bear
Bell County. Excellent mountain deer hunting with low pressure compared to private land.
⚖️ Kentucky Archery Regulations
- •Minimum draw weight: 35 lbs
- •Kentucky elk hunting requires draw — very limited archery tags
- •Early archery season opens September — great for bachelor group bucks
- •Sunday hunting allowed
💡 Expert Tips for Kentucky
- →Kentucky has a growing elk herd — archery elk tags are rare and precious, start accumulating points
- →Eastern Kentucky mountain whitetail hunting is underrated — rugged but produces quality bucks
- →Land Between the Lakes has exceptional deer numbers with less pressure than surrounding states
- →The rut in Kentucky peaks around November 5–15 in most of the state
🏛️ Official Wildlife Agency & Sources
Hunting seasons, tag quotas, and bag limits are established by state wildlife agencies and change annually. For official regulations, proclamations, and license purchases, consult:
Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR)
Official State Wildlife Agency
Status: 2026 Season Guide
Kentucky Bowhunting FAQ
Does Kentucky have elk hunting?
Yes — Kentucky has one of the fastest-growing elk herds east of the Mississippi, centered in the eastern coal country (Zone 1). Archery elk tags are very limited and require a draw with points. Resident preference is strong. Start accumulating preference points immediately if elk hunting in Kentucky is on your bucket list. Bulls regularly exceed 300 inches in the Daniel Boone National Forest area.