Kentucky and Ohio deer hunting resources
Straight answers on season dates, nonresident licenses, what a guided hunt actually costs, and what to pack. No filler, just what you need to plan the trip.
Season dates
Kentucky Deer Season Dates 2026-27
Kentucky runs one of the longest and most hunter-friendly deer seasons in the country, with archery open from early September into mid-January and a modern gun season that lands right on the rut. Here are the 2026-27 dates and how we build guided hunts around them.
Season dates
Ohio Deer Season Dates 2026-27
Ohio's archery season runs more than four months and allows crossbows the entire time, which makes it one of the most flexible states in the Midwest to plan a trip around. Here are the 2026-27 dates and the weeks that actually produce.
Licensing
Kentucky Nonresident Hunting License and deer permits
Every nonresident hunting deer in Kentucky needs two things: an annual hunting license and a deer permit. The whole purchase takes about ten minutes online, and you can print or carry it on your phone.
Licensing
Ohio Nonresident Hunting License and deer permits
Ohio keeps nonresident licensing simple: buy an annual hunting license, then buy one deer permit for each deer you plan to take. Everything is available online with no draw and no waiting period.
Cost guide
How much does a guided deer hunt cost?
A guided whitetail hunt in the Midwest runs roughly $2,500 to $8,000 depending on how much guiding you want, how long you hunt, and the caliber of buck the ground realistically produces. Here is what actually drives that number, with our own pricing as the example.
Trip prep
What to Bring on a Guided Deer Hunt
Camp supplies the stands, the meals, and the knowledge. You supply your weapon, your clothing, and your paperwork. This is the checklist we send every hunter before they head to Kentucky or Ohio.
Comparison
Kentucky vs Ohio Deer Hunting: which should you book?
We guide both states, so this is not a sales pitch for one over the other. Kentucky and Ohio grow big deer for different reasons, cost different amounts, and reward different hunting styles. Here is the honest breakdown.
Get Season Date Reminders
Season dates and open hunt weeks, emailed when they matter.