Kentucky Turkey Hunting
Plan your Kentucky turkey hunt with season dates, license options, and hunting opportunities organized by unit. Browse available private-land hunts and book access directly from landowners.
Last updated by Aricin Rotarius
Find Hunts by Unit
Browse private-land turkey hunts across Kentucky, organized by unit, and book directly with landowners.
Kentucky Turkey Seasons
These dates represent the “general” season dates. Check the individual hunting unit regulations for the most accurate season dates and regulations.
Fall Archery
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Fall Crossbow Season First Segment
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Archery
First segment of fall turkey crossbow season. Crossbows of any draw weight (no minimum) with a working safety device. Non-barbed broadheads with a minimum cutting diameter of 7/8-inch. Firearms may not be used to take turkeys during crossbow-only seasons.
Fall Crossbow Season First Split
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Archery
First split of fall turkey crossbow season.
Fall Shotgun Season First Segment
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First segment of fall turkey shotgun season. Breech-loading or muzzle-loading shotguns no larger than 10 gauge and no smaller than .410. Lead or non-toxic shot no larger than No. 4.
Fall Shotgun Season First Split
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First split of fall turkey shotgun season.
Fall Crossbow Season Second Segment
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Archery
Second segment of fall turkey crossbow season. Crossbows of any draw weight (no minimum) with a working safety device. Non-barbed broadheads with a minimum cutting diameter of 7/8-inch. Firearms may not be used to take turkeys during crossbow-only seasons.
Fall Crossbow Season Second Split
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Archery
Second split of fall turkey crossbow season.
Fall Shotgun Season Second Segment
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Second segment of fall turkey shotgun season. Breech-loading or muzzle-loading shotguns no larger than 10 gauge and no smaller than .410. Lead or non-toxic shot no larger than No. 4.
Fall Shotgun Season Second Split
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Second split of fall turkey shotgun season.
Kentucky Turkey Licenses
Resident Licenses
| License | Availability | Eligibility | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall Turkey Permit (Resident) | OTC | — | $31.71 |
Statewide. Two turkeys. | |||
| Spring Turkey Permit (Resident) | OTC | — | $31.71 |
Statewide. Two turkeys. | |||
| Youth Turkey Permit (Resident) | OTC | Ages 12–15; Youth hunters | $10.57 |
Ages 12-15. One turkey, spring or fall. | |||
Nonresident Licenses
| License | Availability | Eligibility | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall Turkey Permit (Nonresident) | OTC | — | $116.27 |
Statewide. Two turkeys. | |||
| Spring Turkey Permit (Nonresident) | OTC | — | $116.27 |
Statewide. Two turkeys. | |||
| Youth Turkey Permit (Nonresident) | OTC | Ages 12–15; Youth hunters | $15.86 |
Ages 12-15. One turkey, spring or fall. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Turkey season in Kentucky runs approximately from September 6, 2025 through January 19, 2026, with fall archery season from September 6 through January 19, fall crossbow season in two segments from October 1 through October 19 and November 8 through December 31, and fall shotgun season in two segments from October 25 through October 31 and December 6 through December 12.
