Licenses and permits to fish, hunt and trap in Kentucky in the coming license year are on sale now, Kentucky Fish & Wildlife (KFW) officials said.
The 2024-2025 license year starts March 1 and runs through February 28, 2025. License and permit fees for Kentucky residents and nonresidents are unchanged from the 2023-2024 license year. Both license years are available concurrently through February 29, for those making a late February outing.
“In Kentucky, a license covers basic hunting or fishing for many species, whereas additional state permits are required when pursuing other species, such as fishing for trout or hunting for migratory birds, deer, wild turkey, or black bear,” according to KFW. “Sportsmen’s-type licenses include multiple permits as well as basic hunting and fishing privileges.”
Senior Lifetime Sportsman’s License
The newest licensing option is a resident Senior Lifetime Sportsman’s License at a price of $180. It includes hunting and fishing licenses plus permits for trout, deer, spring and fall turkey, migratory game birds, and waterfowl.
It is available to Kentucky residents ages 65 and older. The license can be purchased only once and then carry an electronic copy or reprint each year to display the current license year.
Seniors in Kentucky still have the option to purchase an annual Senior Sportsman’s License that provides the same licenses and permits good for a year at a $12 price point. Resident anglers should consider a three-year Fishing License for $55.
Youth licensing
Springtime provides many opportunities to take someone new into the field. Youth turkey weekend is April 6-7, while the main turkey season opens a week later, on April 13. The Youth Sportsman’s License, available to residents ages 12-15, is $30 and covers turkey hunting and deer hunting.
Bear hunting licensing
Also new for the 2024-2025 license year are options for resident and non-resident bear hunters. The following out-of-state permits have been added:
- Youth bear permit (nonresident) – $100
- Bear chase permit (nonresident) – $50
- Youth bear chase permit (nonresident) – $15
Additionally, hunters have the option of a combination bear chase permit and bear hunting permit for $50. This is a savings of $10 if bought separately. The combination permit is not available for nonresidents.
Where to find and purchase licenses
Licenses and permits are sold online through the Kentucky Fish & Wildlife website License Sales portal, searchable off the homepage at fw.ky.gov. Licenses and permits also are sold at agent locations across the state.
The warmer weather also provides for fantastic fishing across the state. Learn about those opportunities in our Fishing and Boating Guide. The 2024-2025 guide will be available on the agency website March 1.
Another great resource is the Fish Boat KY app. Available free from iTunes and Google Play, the app helps anglers find waterbodies, boat ramps and other water access from the palm of their hand. Users can also search by species of fish, store copies of their licenses, and much more using the smartphone app.
For more information about hunting and fishing opportunities in Kentucky, visit the department website at fw.ky.gov. For questions, please call 1-800-858-1549 between 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (ET) weekdays, excluding holidays.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
