The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources has enacted a series of regulatory changes affecting hunting, fishing and wildlife management across the state, following final legislative approval earlier this summer.
The amendments, now in effect, modify seasons, size and catch limits, licensing rules and public access policies. Officials said the revisions better balance conservation goals with public recreation and address changes in wildlife populations.
Fishing regulations return Clear Fork in Logan and Warren counties to statewide rules, ending special catch-and-release provisions.
Daily limits for channel catfish and sunfish at all ponds in the Kentucky River Wildlife Management Area’s Boone Tract will also revert to statewide limits. Crappie at Nolin River and Rough River lakes must now measure at least 10 inches, up from 9 inches. The Rockcastle River is added to waters with an 18- to 26-inch slot limit and two-fish daily limit for walleye.
Minor edits also rename “Barkley Lake” and “Cumberland Lake” to “Lake Barkley” and “Lake Cumberland.”
Game regulations see major revisions to foxhound training enclosures, setting requirements for the possession, holding and transport of red foxes and coyotes; enclosure size; fencing; quarantine protocols; record-keeping; and enforcement.
Related changes allow possession of native wild rabbits and streamline permits for transferring wildlife to such enclosures.
Certain hares, pikas, and wild rabbits may be possessed in Kentucky, but European rabbits resembling wild types remain prohibited to protect native species from disease.
Hunting seasons shift, moving the second cow elk gun season to early January to avoid overlap with Christmas, and opening Paul Van Booven and Fishtrap Lake Wildlife Management Areas to elk hunting. The rule also requires bait to be removed at least 30 days before hunting and limits landowner cooperator permits to their designated tracts.
Deer hunters will have seven extra days of statewide firearm hunting in October, lengthening the youth season from two to nine consecutive days.
Migratory bird rules shorten September teal season from nine to five days and ban dove decoys on department-controlled lands during September.
Black bear rules add a 14-day season in Clinton and Wayne counties to reduce crop damage and allow Siberian Laikas as approved chase dogs.
Public access and licensing changes extend temporary restrictions on newly acquired or managed lands from one year to three, permitting closures for safety or wildlife management.
A new noncommercial foxhound training enclosure permit now applies to operations between 40 and 200 acres, replacing prior provisions.
Complete texts of the amended regulations and effective dates are available at fw.ky.gov.