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Kentucky Hunting License (2026)

Restricted: Kentucky requires a hunting license, and hunter-education certification is mandatory for those born on or after Jan 1, 1975.

RestrictedVerified Jun 18, 2026

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Kentucky requires a hunting license, and hunter-education certification is mandatory for those born on or after Jan 1, 1975. Resident and nonresident licenses are available through KDFWR.

Official source: fw.ky.gov →

General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.

Hunting License in states bordering Kentucky

The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.

IllinoisRestricted
Illinois requires a hunting license, and hunter-safety certification is mandatory for anyone born on or after Jan 1, 1980. Resident and nonresident licenses are available through IL DNR.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: dnr.illinois.gov · Full Illinois rule →
IndianaRestricted
Indiana requires a hunting license, and hunter-education certification is mandatory for those born after Dec 31, 1986. Resident and nonresident licenses are available through Indiana DNR.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: in.gov · Full Indiana rule →
MissouriRestricted
Missouri requires a hunting permit, and hunter-education certification is mandatory for those born on or after Jan 1, 1967. Permits are available through the Missouri Dept. of Conservation.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: mdc.mo.gov · Full Missouri rule →
OhioRestricted
Ohio requires a hunting license, and first-time license buyers must complete hunter education (apprentice license exempt). Resident and nonresident licenses are available through the ODNR Div. of Wildlife.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: ohiodnr.gov · Full Ohio rule →
TennesseeRestricted
Tennessee requires a hunting license, and hunter education is mandatory for all hunters born on or after Jan 1, 1969. Resident and nonresident licenses are available through TWRA.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: tn.gov · Full Tennessee rule →
VirginiaRestricted
Virginia requires a hunting license, and hunter education is mandatory for hunters age 12-15 or anyone who has never held a regular hunting license. Licenses, including an apprentice license, are available through Virginia DWR.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: dwr.virginia.gov · Full Virginia rule →
West VirginiaRestricted
West Virginia requires a hunting license, and hunter-education certification is mandatory for those born on or after Jan 1, 1975. Resident and nonresident licenses are available through the WV Division of Natural Resources.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: wvdnr.gov · Full West Virginia rule →

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