Predator Hunting in Kentucky

Hunting any predatory animal at night is illegal in Kentucky.

To hunt predators in Kentucky, you must purchase a hunting license. As of 2010, appropriate adult licenses are an annual hunting license ($20 residents, $130 nonresidents), one-day license ($7 residents, $10 nonresidents), or five-day license ($40 nonresidents only). Once you obtain your hunting license you will be allowed to legally hunt bobcats, coyotes and both red and gray fox.

Bobcat

Kentucky's bobcat season dates are set annually. As of 2010, the season bag limit is five cats. Note that only three of these five may be killed with a firearm. Call 1-800-245-4263 by midnight on the day you recover your bobcat to check report your harvest. If you want to mount your bobcat you are legally required to give the confirmation number you get during check in to your taxidermist.

Coyotes

You may take coyotes year-round with no bag limit as of 2010. The use of calling devices to hunt coyotes is legal.

Foxes

Red and gray fox season runs concurrent with the state's trapping season for these animals, which is set annually. There is no bag limit on either species of fox as of 2010.

Legal Hunting Methods

As of 2010, you may use any caliber of rifles or handguns, muzzleloaders, 10- to 20-gauge shotguns, bows and arrows, crossbows, dogs and falcons to take predators. Legal shotguns may hold only a maximum of three shells at a time.

References

• The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources; 2010-2011 Hunting & Trapping Guide
• The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources; CITES tags