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.
What a nonresident needs to buy
Costs are set by Kentucky Fish and Wildlife and change periodically, confirm current pricing at the point of purchase. There is no draw and no quota for nonresident deer hunters in Kentucky, which is a major reason hunters choose it over states with lottery systems.
| Item | Who needs it | Approximate cost |
|---|---|---|
| Nonresident annual hunting license | Every hunter 12 and over | $150 |
| Statewide deer permit | Any hunter taking deer | $185 |
| Youth nonresident license | Hunters under 16 | $10, $30 |
| Nonresident 1-day hunting license | Short trips (deer permit still required) | $35 |
How to buy your license online
- Go to the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife licensing site and create an account
- Enter your Social Security number and hunter education certificate details
- Select the nonresident annual hunting license
- Add the statewide deer permit
- Save the PDF and a screenshot to your phone before you lose signal at camp
Hunter education requirements
Anyone born on or after January 1, 1975 must carry proof of hunter education. Kentucky honors certificates from any state or province. If you have never taken the course, a one-year hunter education exemption permit is available so you can hunt while you complete it.
Telecheck: reporting your harvest
Kentucky requires you to telecheck every deer before processing or leaving the state. You can call the automated line or use the online system, and you will receive a confirmation number to write on your tag. Your guide handles this with you at camp, it takes about three minutes.
How licensing works on a guided hunt
License and permit costs are never bundled into our hunt prices. Buy yours before you travel, bring the confirmation, and we will handle the rest. If you are still deciding between states, our Kentucky guided deer hunts page lists every package and what each includes.
Common questions
Get Season Date Reminders
Season dates and open hunt weeks, emailed when they matter.