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Western Kentucky Hunting

Kentucky’s growing deer herd and turkey flock mean this season will be one of the best years ever to go hunting in the state. Kentucky has 1.6 million acres of land open to the public for hunting — so you don’t have to own a farm to enjoy a day afield. Kentucky has one of the country’s highest concentrations of trophy deer in the country.

Modern gun season for deer opens in November, while archery season begins in September and runs through January. Kentucky also has spring and fall seasons for turkey. Some of the best hunting in the state is found on public land. Several of these areas are managed under a quota hunt system open to both resident and non-resident hunters. You can apply for many of the quota hunts during the month of September by calling . Kentucky offers more than just deer and turkey. For small game and waterfowl hunters, Kentucky offers hunting opportunities for quail, rabbit, squirrel, grouse, dove, ducks, geese and more. Hunting licenses are available at many sporting goods stores.

WHEN YOU CAN HUNT ON PUBLIC LAND

Land Between The Lakes offers more than 230 days of hunting opportunities throughout the year. Six days of spring quota hunts for turkeys (February application required) and 14 days of open season yield a consistently good opportunity. Deer may be hunted during a 115-day fall archery season and three fall quota hunts (July application required), including a youth hunt for hunters 10-15 years old. Hunters will also find opportunities for small game and waterfowl . For more info call or

Public Wildlife Areas: Most of the public wildlife areas are owned by various agencies of the state and federal government. Click here for maps of the wildlife management areas. Many have special regulations on hunting/fishing or require special permits. Contact before going.

WILDLIFE MANAGMENT AREAS

NAME	ACRES	COUNTY	PHONE	HUNTING	BOATING	BOW/RIFLE RANGE	CAMPING	FISHING	HIKING TRAILS
Reelfoot Lake	2,043	Fulton		Yes	Yes			Yes	Yes
Obion Creek	4.258	Hickman, Fulton, Carlisle		Yes				Yes
Doug Travis	4,132	Hickman, Carlisle		Yes
Winford	258	Carlisle		Yes				Yes
Boatwright	8,839	Ballard, Carlisle		Yes	Yes			Yes
Coil Estate WMA	795	Carlisle		Yes					Yes
Ballard WMA	8,015	Ballard		Yes				Yes	Yes
West Kentucky WMA	6,560	McCracken		Yes				Yes	Yes
Ohio River Islands	1,264	Livingston		Yes
Kaler Bottoms	1,852	Graves		Yes			Yes
Clarks River, National WMA	8,265	Marshall, Graves, McCracken		Yes				Yes	Yes
Kentucky Lake WMA	4,044	Calloway, Marshall		Yes	Yes			Yes
Beechy Creek WMA	119	Calloway		Yes
Land Between the Lakes	107,000	Trigg, Lyon		Yes	Yes		Yes	Yes	Yes
Lake Barkley WMA	907	Trigg, Lyon, Livingston		Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Fort Campbell	36,113	Christian, Trigg		Yes				Yes
Pennyrile State Forest	14,724	Christian		Yes			Yes	Yes	Yes
Tradewater WMA	729	Hopkins-Christian		Yes					Yes
Jones-Keeny WMA	1,999	Caldwell		Yes		Yes
Lake Barkley State Park	2,186	Trigg		Yes (Deer only in December)
Livingston Co WMA	1,898	Livingston		Yes

Kentucky Hunting and Trapping

Basic Hunting Guide

Download and enjoy our 56 page travel guide to everything in Western Kentucky. You'll find all area attractions, lodging, camping, fishing and hunting information, golf and so much more. You can view online or we will be happy to mail you one.

Download the Kentucky's Western Waterland Tour Guide

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO DO TODAY? Go antique shopping? Golfing? Hiking? Visit a museum? Go boating or fishing? You and your family can do ALL of this and so much MORE in Western Kentucky! Click to plan your next destination adventure!