KY authorities issue hundreds of hunting violations each year. These are the most common

Aaron Mudd
·4 min read
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Hunting or trapping without a license made up the bulk of citations issued by Kentucky game wardens in 2022, state data requested by the Herald-Leader through the Open Records Act shows.

Still, other offenses were routinely reported, such as illegally taking game with prohibited hunting practices or hunting on someone’s land without their permission. Additionally, while it’s long been the rule you can hunt and fish on your own property without needing a license, that changed in 2023 if you own less than 5 acres of land.

Hunting remains a popular pastime in Kentucky, both for traditional game like deer and for larger animals like the state’s restored elk population. To help you enjoy the commonwealth’s great outdoors and avoid citations, here a look at the most common hunting offenses and how to avoid them.

What hunting and fishing citations are issued the most in KY?

Hunting or trapping without a license is the most-issued citation by Kentucky conservation officers. Here’s a look at the other top offenses, according to Kentucky’s Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources:

  • Hunting or trapping without landowner’s permission

  • Illegal take of game

  • Taking more game than the bag limit

  • Failure to tag or check game

Records provided to the Herald-Leader by Kentucky State Police bear that out. A spreadsheet compiled and provided by the law enforcement agency offers a look at citations issued for hunting, trapping and fishing related offenses in 2022.

Out of the 500 citations recorded for that year, more than 400 violations were hunting or trapping without license or the proper permit.

Illegal take of game — which includes using prohibited hunting methods — was the next largest violation category at 95 violations, followed by hunting or fishing on someone else’s land without the owner’s permission, for which there were 28 violations.

This woodland creature was once hunted to extinction in Kentucky, now it flourishes

Kentucky Fish and Wildlife conservation officers, commonly called game wardens, are responsible for enforcing the state’s hunting and fishing laws.

If you violate one of the laws, you could face fines or ultimately lose your license. Kentucky also has reciprocity with several neighboring states, which means you could have your hunting or fishing license seized there, as well.

Who is exempt from hunting licenses in Kentucky?

Generally speaking, whether you’re a resident of Kentucky or from elsewhere, you need a license to hunt or fish in the Bluegrass State.

Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Resources lists some exemptions, however:

  • Resident and nonresident children under the age of 16 may fish without a license.

  • Resident and nonresident hunters under the age of 12 are not required to purchase hunting licenses or permits, except in a few cases.

  • Resident owners of 5 or more acres of farmland, their spouse and dependent children hunting or fishing on their land. This also applies to tenants residing on the land, their spouses and dependent children. To be a tenant, a person must live and work on the farm.

  • Those who serve in the military who are on furlough of more than three days. They must still carry proper identification and papers proving their furlough status.

  • Residents or nonresidents participating in a field trial authorized by the department are exempt from license requirements if game is not taken.

  • Hunters eligible to participate in the Free Youth Hunting and Trapping Week or Free Youth Deer Hunting Weekend, and adults who accompany a youth hunter, but are not hunting themselves, are not required to have a license or permit during these seasons.

  • Persons fishing on the first Saturday and Sunday in June during Free Fishing Days are not required to have a license or permit.

  • Persons fishing within the boundaries of Mammoth Cave National Park.

How to avoid being cited for hunting violations in KY

According to Kentucky Fish and Wildlife conservation officer James Brace, it’s common for people to believe they can “get away” with hunting or fishing without a license. That said, the rules are in place to preserve populations for future generations to enjoy, Brace said.

The agency’s programs are largely paid for by license sales and other user fees. Without them, the agency says it would not be able to provide the programs many Kentuckians enjoy, from stocking fish in public waters to hunting opportunities.

Brace recommends enthusiasts consult the state’s hunting and fishing guides for in-depth information about licensing and permits, including the cost. Hunting and fishing licenses can be purchased online through the department’s website or at a variety of outdoor stores, like Cabela’s or Walmart, Brace said.

If you need help understanding Kentucky’s hunting and trapping laws, the department can take your call at 800-858-1549 weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Do you have a question about the great outdoors in Kentucky for our service journalism team? Let us know via the Know Your Kentucky form below or email us at ask@herald-leader.com.