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Kentucky Bear Seasons
These dates represent the “general” season dates. Check the individual hunting unit regulations for the most accurate season dates and regulations.
Chase-only Season With Dogs
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Zone 2 only. Two segments: June 1 - Aug 31 and Sept 9-30, 2025. Chase only during legal daylight hours. Not permitted on WMAs until third Saturday in August. Hensley-Pine Mountain WMA closed to bear chase and all bear hunting. Requires combination bear permit, bear chase permit, or youth bear chase permit plus annual hunting license.
Archery/crossbow
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Dates vary by zone. Zone 1: Oct 25-27. Zone 2: Oct 25-29. Zone 3: Sept 20 - Oct 3 and Oct 25-29. Archery and crossbow equipment legal for deer hunting is permitted.
Hunt With Dogs
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Any legal equipment may be used during the Hunt with Dogs season. Dogs must be on department-approved breed list. Hunters may only harvest a bear using a legal weapon assisted by dogs actively pursuing, chasing, baying or treeing a bear prior to harvest. Closed in Daniel Boone National Forest and several WMAs.
Firearm
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Rifle
Zone 1: Dec 13-15. Zones 2 and 3: Dec 13-17. Bear hunters may harvest bear with archery/crossbow and muzzleloader equipment during bear firearm season.
Kentucky Bear Licenses
Resident Licenses
| License | Availability | Eligibility | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bear Chase Permit (Resident) | OTC | — | $31.71 |
Bear dog training permit. | |||
| Bear Permit (Resident) | OTC | — | $31.71 |
Not included with Sportsman's License. | |||
| Combo Bear/Chase Permit (Resident) | OTC | — | $52.85 |
Bear hunting/bear dog training permits combined. Not available for nonresidents. | |||
| Youth Bear Chase Permit (Resident) | OTC | Ages 12–15; Youth hunters | $10.57 |
Ages 12-15. Bear dog training permit. | |||
| Youth Bear Permit (Resident) | OTC | Ages 12–15; Youth hunters | $10.57 |
Ages 12-15. | |||
Nonresident Licenses
| License | Availability | Eligibility | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bear Chase Permit (Nonresident) | OTC | — | $52.85 |
Bear dog training permit. | |||
| Bear Permit (Nonresident) | OTC | — | $264.25 |
Not included with Sportsman's License. | |||
| Youth Bear Chase Permit (Nonresident) | OTC | Ages 12–15; Youth hunters | $15.86 |
Ages 12-15. Bear dog training permit. | |||
| Youth Bear Permit (Nonresident) | OTC | Ages 12–15; Youth hunters | $105.70 |
Ages 12-15. | |||
