Kentucky Whitetail Deer Hunting
Kentucky ranked among the top five states for harvested biggest trophy bucks in 2009. The sport is not just for rifle hunters. Archers, black-powder and even crossbow hunters are taking these bucks. Records indicate that trophy-class bucks appear throughout the season from September through mid-January. With annual herd numbers of 900,000 deer, Kentucky hunters continue to expect success.
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Location, Location, Location
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In 2007, the go-to location for Kentucky's top non-typical bucks was Christian County. The same was true in 2008 when another non-typical buck was found in the region. Other contending regions, based on recent seasons are Ballard, Calloway, Crittenden or Livingston Counties, according to the Big Game Program Coordinator for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources.
Slow Growth
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Southeast Region counties have seen slower herd growth. Limited by its poor habitat, management of doe hunting might be necessary to maximize what growth potential does exist in this area. Better deer numbers were seen in the region's western end, with the highest density being in Green County, at three and a half deer per square mile. A resource coordinator further notes that hunters should consider searching lands in the Bluegrass Region instead.
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Public Land
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Whitetail deer hunting on public land is not a solo act. Expect to share the land with other hunters. Options are to move to the very out-of-the-way places, or use the conditions to your advantage. Placing stands in thick cover offer hunters the opportunity to find deer hiding from the crowded conditions. Penn State University researchers discovered that few hunters venture more than 400 yards from the road; so moving deeper into the woods makes success more likely.
Private Hunting Land
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Hunting clubs and private guides offer the best access to private land whitetail deer hunting. Some clubs and outfitters offer special whitetail deer hunting programs for children, the disabled and other special needs groups. Be sure to have permission from the property owner before hunting.
Kentucky Whitetail Deer Hunting Licenses and Permits
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Whitetail Deer Hunting in Kentucky requires both a hunting license and deer permits. Licenses and permits may be purchased by phone, online or through a local license agent. Statewide deer permits allow taking two deer, one with visible antlers and one without, or two without.
Kentucky Whitetail Deer Hunting Zones
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Each county is assigned to one of four zones. Regulations for each zone differ based on the herd conditions in those counties and restrictions dictate when a particular season is open, the bag limits and whether or not is it restricted to antlered only deer.
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