Kentucky
Largest elk herd east of the Mississippi, top Boone & Crockett whitetails, and rolling bluegrass hardwood ridges.
Public Lands to Hunt in Kentucky
Official Regulatory Authority
Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR)
Daniel Boone National Forest
Spanning 21 counties along the rugged Cumberland Plateau in eastern Kentucky. Dramatic sandstone arches, deep cliffline gorges, and dense Appalachian hardwood timber provide premier public hunting for whitetail deer, wild turkey, black bear, ruffed grouse, and gray squirrel.
Eastern Kentucky Elk WMAs (Paul Van Booven & Begley)
Located across reclaimed coal lands in Knott, Breathitt, and Perry counties. Sweeping grass openings, autumn-olive brush, and hardwood ridges support Kentucky's thriving 10,000+ wild elk herd, offering North America's premier eastern lottery bull and cow elk hunting.
Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area
A sprawling 170,000-acre forested peninsula between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley. Dominated by mature oak-hickory timber, agricultural food plots, and water bays holding heavy-antlered whitetail deer, wild turkey, and waterfowl.
Peabody Wildlife Management Area
Located in western Kentucky, consisting of reclaimed surface-mined rolling hills, lakes, and hardwood timber. Nationally known for producing giant whitetail bucks, bobwhite quail, mourning dove, and waterfowl.
Taylorsville Lake Wildlife Management Area
Situated around Taylorsville Lake in Spencer, Anderson, and Nelson counties. Rolling oak-hickory hills and agricultural crop fields provide accessible public hunting for whitetail deer, wild turkey, and small game.