Kentucky Bird Hunting

Seasons Span October 26 – February 28, 2025

State Drought Monitor – Upland hunting conditions are often highly dependent upon moisture for both habitat production and bird survival.

 Season Dates 

  • Bobwhite Quail:
    • Eastern Zone: Nov. 1–13, 2025, and Nov. 16, 2025–Jan. 31, 2026
    • Western Zone: Nov. 16, 2025–Feb. 10, 2026
  • Ruffed Grouse:
    • Eastern Zone (east of I-75, 53 counties): Nov. 1–13, 2025, and Nov. 16, 2025–Jan. 31, 2026
    • Special December Season: Dec. 1–31, 2025 (Tradewater WMA, Ft. Knox Military Reservation, Pennyrile State Forest)
    • Clay WMA Quota Hunts: 1-day quota hunts available (specific dates TBD)
  • Pheasant:
    • General Season: Nov. 8, 2025–Jan. 31, 2026 (based on regional patterns; confirm with KDFWR)
  • Woodcock:
    • Statewide: Oct. 25–Nov. 7, 2025, and Nov. 10–Dec. 10, 2025

Required Licenses and Costs

  • Resident Licenses:
    • Annual Hunting License: $27
    • Youth Hunting License (ages 12–15): $6 (includes most small game)
    • Senior/Disabled License: $12 (for residents 65+ or certified permanently disabled)
    • Resident Sportsman’s License: $95 (includes hunting, fishing, and migratory bird/waterfowl permits)
  • Non-Resident Licenses:
    • Annual Hunting License: $160
    • 1-Day Hunting License: $15
    • 7-Day Hunting License: $55
  • Additional Requirements:
    • Kentucky Migratory Bird/Waterfowl Permit: $15 (required for woodcock, as it’s a migratory bird)
    • Federal Duck Stamp: $26.50 (required for woodcock hunters aged 16+)
    • HIP Survey: Free, mandatory for all migratory bird hunters (including woodcock) aged 16+; register online at fw.ky.gov
    • Hunter Education: Required for hunters born after Jan. 1, 1975 ($13 online course + Range Day; or $5 temporary exemption permit for 1 year, must be accompanied by a licensed adult)
    • Landowner Exemption: Resident landowners, their spouses, and dependent children are license-exempt for many species when hunting on their own property.
  • Where to Purchase: Licenses and permits can be purchased online at fw.ky.gov, by phone (1-800-858-1549), or at authorized vendors.

Daily Bag Limits and Possession Limits

  • Bobwhite Quail:
    • Daily Bag Limit: 8
    • Possession Limit: 16
  • Ruffed Grouse:
    • Daily Bag Limit: 4
    • Possession Limit: 8
  • Pheasant:
    • Daily Bag Limit: 2 (cock pheasants only, based on regional patterns; confirm with KDFWR)
    • Possession Limit: 4
  • Woodcock:
    • Daily Bag Limit: 3
    • Possession Limit: 9

Additional Notes

  • Regulations:
    • Nontoxic shot (no larger than size “T”) is required for woodcock hunting, as it’s a migratory bird. Lead shot is prohibited.
    • Hunters must comply with tagging and checking requirements for harvested game, which can be done online or by phone via KDFWR.
    • Specific Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) may have additional restrictions or quota hunt requirements (e.g., Clay WMA for grouse).
  • Habitat and Conservation:
    • Kentucky is enhancing ruffed grouse habitat through early successional forest management, particularly in the eastern zone.
    • Upland hunting conditions depend on moisture for habitat and bird survival; check the State Drought Monitor for updates.
  • Verification: Season dates, bag limits, and regulations are subject to change. Always consult the official KDFWR Hunting and Trapping Guide at fw.ky.gov/Hunt/Pages/Guides.aspx for the latest information.

This summary provides a concise overview for planning your 2025-26 upland bird hunting in Kentucky. For detailed or species-specific regulations, visit the KDFWR website or contact their office directly.