Kentucky
Largest elk herd east of the Mississippi, top Boone & Crockett whitetails, and rolling bluegrass hardwood ridges.
Kentucky Regulatory Agency
Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR)
The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) is an agency of the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet that manages fish and wildlife resources across Kentucky.
Kentucky is home to the largest free-ranging elk herd east of the Rocky Mountains, over-the-counter whitetail deer hunting with early September velvet buck archery, and wild turkey.
policyMission
To conserve and enhance Kentucky's fish and wildlife resources and provide maximum opportunity for public use and enjoyment.
assignmentResponsibilities
- Administers Appalachian elk lottery quota draws and general hunting licenses
- Manages state Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) and public hunting access
- Sets deer, elk, turkey, and small game hunting seasons and bag limits
- Conducts elk herd research, habitat enhancement, and disease surveillance
- Enforces state wildlife and boating safety laws
starCore Values
- Conservation Excellence: Restoring and sustaining native elk and whitetail herds.
- Sportspeople Opportunity: Maximizing public hunting access and quality.
- Science & Integrity: Guiding wildlife decisions with rigorous biology.