In a move that is sure to excite both resident and nonresident hunters, the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources has opened applications for its fall quota hunts. This annual event encompasses a variety of hunting opportunities, including deer, waterfowl, pheasants, and sandhill cranes.
Interested hunters can submit their applications through the MyProfile online portal on the department’s website, fw.ky.gov, until midnight (CT) on Wednesday, September 30. It is important to note that applications cannot be accepted over the phone, and there is a minimum fee of per application. Upon submission, applicants will receive a confirmation number, with results scheduled to be posted online by 5 p.m. ET/4 p.m. CT on Friday, October 9, 2026. The selection process employs randomized drawings to allocate the limited hunt opportunities available.
Quota Hunt Details
This year, Kentucky Fish and Wildlife is offering:
- 38 deer quota hunts across various wildlife management areas (WMAs) and state parks.
- Waterfowl quota hunts at five designated public land locations.
- Pheasant hunts at three WMAs.
- Statewide permits for hunting sandhill cranes.
Among these hunts, there are mentored options designed for youth and their accompanying adults, as well as several hunts exclusively for mobility-impaired hunters. The quota system is implemented to manage the number of hunters in specific areas, ensuring quality hunting experiences while regulating harvests effectively.
While both residents and nonresidents are welcome to apply, it is noteworthy that only a maximum of 10 percent of nonresidents can be drawn in each deer quota hunt pool. Furthermore, only those who are successfully drawn for a quota hunt are permitted to participate. Prior to their hunts, selected hunters are required to purchase the necessary licenses and permits to engage in legal hunting activities.
For those seeking more information, the Quota Hunts webpage and the Waterfowl Quota Hunts webpage on the department’s site provide comprehensive lists of all available hunts, dates, and special regulations. Additionally, details can be found in the annual Kentucky Hunting and Trapping Guide, which is available in print at various license vendors across the state, as well as in the online-only Kentucky Hunting Guide for Migratory Birds and Waterfowl.
Contact Information
For any inquiries regarding the fall quota hunts, the agency’s Information Center can be reached at 800-858-1549 during weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (ET), excluding state holidays, or via email at info.center@ky.gov.
