Licenses and permits are available to fish, hunt and trap in Kentucky in the coming license year that started March 1. With some of the finest outdoor opportunities available anywhere, Kentucky’s fields, woods and waterways provide adventure for avid outdoors enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
The 2025-2026 license year runs from March 1, 2025 through Feb. 28, 2026. License and permit fees for Kentucky residents are unchanged from the 2024-2025 license year and most non-resident fees will remain the same.
A license covers basic hunting or fishing for many species. Additional state permits are required when pursuing specific other species, such as fishing for trout or hunting for migratory birds, deer, wild turkey or black bear. Sportsmen’s-type licenses include multiple permits as well as basic hunting and fishing privileges.
For the 2025-2026 license year, prices for four non-resident options reflect a moderate fee increase, including:
- Annual Hunting License (non-resident) – $160
- Spring Turkey Permit (non-resident) – $110
- Fall Turkey Permit (non-resident) – $110
- Deer Permit (non-resident) – $235
Introduced last year, the resident Senior Lifetime Sportsman’s License remains priced at $180. It includes hunting and fishing licenses plus permits for trout, deer, spring and fall turkey, migratory game birds and waterfowl. It is available to Kentucky residents aged 65 and older, who can purchase it once and then simply carry an electronic copy or reprint each year to display the current license year.
Seniors in Kentucky still have the option to purchase an annual Senior Sportsman’s License that provides the same licenses and permits for the license year for just $12. Resident anglers have the option to purchase an annual Fishing License for $23 or a 3-year Fishing License for added convenience and value at just $55.
Licenses and permits are sold online through Kentucky Fish and Wildlife’s website License Sales portal, searchable off the homepage at fw.ky.gov. Licenses and permits also are sold at agent locations across the state. A list of license agents by county is available on the department’s website.
The department receives its primary funding through revenue raised by the sale of hunting and fishing licenses, as well as federal excise taxes generated by the sale of recreational firearms and ammunition, archery gear and fishing equipment.
Springtime provides many opportunities to take someone new into the field. Youth turkey weekend is April 5-6, while the main turkey season opens a week later, on April 12. The Youth Sportsman’s License, available to residents ages 12-15, is a great value at $30 and covers turkey hunting and deer hunting.
For more information about hunting and fishing opportunities in Kentucky, visit the department website at fw.ky.gov. For questions, please call 1-800-858-1549, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. weekdays, excluding holidays.