Kentucky's modern gun deer season begins Saturday

Kentucky’s largest hunting season of the year begins this weekend with modern gun deer season. It opens Saturday and continues for 16 days through November 23.

Last year, Kentucky hunters harvested nearly 150,000 deer during gun and bow seasons.

Kentucky Fish and Wildlife encourages harvesting more does to maintain herd balance and improve deer health. Hunters can donate processed venison through Kentucky Hunters for the Hungry, which distributes meat to local families in need.

Special regulations remain in effect in the Chronic Wasting Disease Surveillance Zone, which includes 13 western Kentucky counties. Hunters in affected areas must take deer to check stations or sample drop-off sites this Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

Hunters statewide are also encouraged to submit samples for free CWD testing. 

Licenses and permits can be purchased online or from authorized agents. All hunters born in 1975 or later must carry proof of hunter education certification.

For more information, visit fw.ky.gov or contact the department’s Information Center at 1-800-858-1549.