Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources

Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources Serving People,
Conserving Fish & Wildlife

To learn more about the Department’s mission and programs, please follow this page and visit https://fw.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx.

Apply Now for Your Shot at a Kentucky Elk Hunt! $10 is all it takes to enter the 2025 Kentucky Elk Hunt Drawing!Apply fo...
03/18/2025

Apply Now for Your Shot at a Kentucky Elk Hunt! $10 is all it takes to enter the 2025 Kentucky Elk Hunt Drawing!

Apply for ANY or ALL Permits:
• Bull Firearm
• Cow Firearm
• Archery/Crossbow (either s*x)

Ages 15 & younger may also apply for Youth Either-Sex Elk Permits!

-> PURCHASE HERE: https://bit.ly/3gpXd1I.
-> Elk Hunting Regulations: https://bit.ly/3EgytnM

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Do you have your green outfit picked out? These festive critters are always ready for the occas...
03/17/2025

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Do you have your green outfit picked out? These festive critters are always ready for the occasion! ☘️ 🐍 🦎

You can support the conservation of Kentucky’s wildlife species not hunted, fished, or trapped by becoming a member of Kentucky Wild.

Join here: https://app.fw.ky.gov/kywild/

TIME TO FILL OUT YOUR MARSH MADNESS BRACKETS!Who’s got what it takes to be the MARSH MADNESS 2025 CHAMPION? Fill out you...
03/16/2025

TIME TO FILL OUT YOUR MARSH MADNESS BRACKETS!

Who’s got what it takes to be the MARSH MADNESS 2025 CHAMPION? Fill out your bracket and pick which species you think will advance based upon their characteristics and overall prowess - but remember, there are always upsets!

Remember to VOTE in our stories to help decide who will advance. Voting starts TUESDAY at NOON on both Instagram stories: @‌kyfishwildlife

📅 First round results drop Friday, March 21st!

Attention outdoor enthusiasts! Join us this weekend at the Open Season Sportsman's Expo! You can purchase your hunting a...
03/15/2025

Attention outdoor enthusiasts! Join us this weekend at the Open Season Sportsman's Expo! You can purchase your hunting and fishing licenses, enter the Kentucky Elk Hunt Drawing, and join Kentucky Wild.

Show hours are Saturday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM and Sunday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

Find us at Booth 930 at the Ohio Expo Center and State Fair, located at 717 E 17th Ave, Columbus, OH. We look forward to seeing you there!

When you buy a hunting or fishing license, you help fund conservation efforts such as habitat restoration and wildlife support. The Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife relies on your support! For more information, visit FW.KY.GOV

*xpo


Come see us March 14-15!!Kentucky will host the nation’s largest annual school archery tournament March 14-15, as more t...
03/14/2025

Come see us March 14-15!!

Kentucky will host the nation’s largest annual school archery tournament March 14-15, as more than 7,000 student archers from nearly 400 schools compete in the Kentucky National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) State Tournament.

Held at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville since 2016, the tournament has grown into one of the largest state-level sporting competitions held anywhere.

Learn more: KY NASP (National Archery in the Schools Program)

Who’s ready to tag a big gobbler??Youth Season kicks off on April 5 - one week later, it’s time for General Season on Ap...
03/13/2025

Who’s ready to tag a big gobbler??

Youth Season kicks off on April 5 - one week later, it’s time for General Season on April 12!
Get your calls, gear, and game plan ready!

Get the guide HERE: https://bit.ly/3F8eX09

Best of luck to all teams competing in the 2025 Girls’ Sweet 16!! We love seeing Kentucky Wild colors inside Rupp Arena!...
03/13/2025

Best of luck to all teams competing in the 2025 Girls’ Sweet 16!! We love seeing Kentucky Wild colors inside Rupp Arena!

MARSH MADNESS 2025: The WILDEST bracket is back!*Bracket reveal: March 16*First Round Results: March 21*Final Four Match...
03/12/2025

MARSH MADNESS 2025: The WILDEST bracket is back!

*Bracket reveal: March 16
*First Round Results: March 21
*Final Four Matchups: March 26
*Championship Round: April 2
*Champion Crowned: April 4

16 species enter, but only ONE will claim the championship title! YOU decide the winner!

Fill out your bracket on March 16 and follow along ✅

Go to Instagram and VOTE in our stories each round ✅

The wait is over - Salato Wildlife Education Center opens for a new season TODAY, Tuesday, March 11!The center resumes r...
03/11/2025

The wait is over - Salato Wildlife Education Center opens for a new season TODAY, Tuesday, March 11!

The center resumes regular operating hours: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday (closed Sunday, Monday, and all state holidays). Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for children ages 5-17, and 4 and under are admitted free.

Plan your visit and learn more about the Salato Center here: https://bit.ly/3mvZTjO

Photo: Geoff Roberts

Meet Dan CrankWildlife Biologist – Wildlife DivisionJoined the agency in 2000What are your primary job duties?“I monitor...
03/10/2025

Meet Dan Crank

Wildlife Biologist – Wildlife Division

Joined the agency in 2000

What are your primary job duties?

“I monitor and evaluate elk populations, live-capture elk and bear for testing or relocation, and work to manage ideal habitat for elk and other native wildlife. I also talk to elk hunters about land access and hunting strategies, work on land acquisition projects, and assist with nuisance wildlife mitigation when necessary.”

What are highlights of your career to this point?

“I was part of the 2000 – 2002 team that captured elk from western states, distributing them in our eastern counties to reintroduce elk to Kentucky. I have also worked to capture Kentucky elk to help reintroduce them to other areas. I also enjoy supervising wildlife technicians and helping further their careers.”

What has been your favorite part about working for Kentucky Fish and Wildlife?

"My favorite part is the team building and friendships that result from live-animal captures in remote areas, prescribed burning, and CWD sampling.”

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

“I enjoy long range competition shooting.”

“Staff Spotlight” introduces you to our incredible employees and the diversity of jobs in the department. Explore current employment opportunities at http://fw.ky.gov/careers .

🎣 Attention Kentucky Anglers & Boaters! 🚤The NEW 2025 Kentucky Fishing & Boating Guide is here! ✅ Updated regulations & ...
03/09/2025

🎣 Attention Kentucky Anglers & Boaters! 🚤
The NEW 2025 Kentucky Fishing & Boating Guide is here!

✅ Updated regulations & season dates
✅ Best fishing locations across KY
✅ Boating safety tips & license info
✅ Expert tips to make your next trip a success

Grab your copy TODAY: https://bit.ly/3F8eX09

03/08/2025

It’s time! Salato Wildlife Education Center reopens March 11!

Visit and see native Kentucky wildlife and our new exhibit that highlights how hunting supports a healthy lifestyle and contributes to conservation of our natural resources! Purchase tickets and plan your trip today by visiting FW.KY.GOV!

Big Fish Friday is back! 🐟 This osprey enjoyed recent success in the Kentucky Lake area with its harvest of a nice white...
03/07/2025

Big Fish Friday is back! 🐟

This osprey enjoyed recent success in the Kentucky Lake area with its harvest of a nice white bass. Have YOU been having any luck? Share your recent catches in the comments below!

Still need to purchase your 2025 fishing license? Click HERE: https://bit.ly/3JM14F9

Need to find a place to fish? Download the Fishing Forecast HERE: https://bit.ly/3Mhdq9i

Photos by Zack Stone

ENTER the 2025 Kentucky Elk Hunt Drawing!Entries are only $10 each: - Bull Firearm- Cow Firearm- Bull or Cow Archery/Cro...
03/06/2025

ENTER the 2025 Kentucky Elk Hunt Drawing!

Entries are only $10 each:
- Bull Firearm
- Cow Firearm
- Bull or Cow Archery/Crossbow

Enter TODAY --> https://bit.ly/3VooDd9

Looking to improve wildlife habitat on your property? Our FREE consultation with a KDFWR Private Lands Biologist can hel...
03/05/2025

Looking to improve wildlife habitat on your property? Our FREE consultation with a KDFWR Private Lands Biologist can help you:

✅ Improve land management
✅ Enhance hunting & wildlife watching opportunities
✅ Get expert, site-specific advice
✅ Explore management plan options & funding sources
✅ Boost recreational land value
✅ Learn how wildlife management can increase ag/forestry profits

Take the first step today! Complete the Landowner Information form here: https://bit.ly/419XUUb

Winter may be here, but spring fishing is just around the corner. Soon, our lakes and rivers will be teeming with bass, ...
03/04/2025

Winter may be here, but spring fishing is just around the corner. Soon, our lakes and rivers will be teeming with bass, trout, and catfish – and you won’t want to miss it!

Purchase your 2025-26 license here: https://bit.ly/3flO0t1

Today is World Wildlife Day! Kentucky is home to an abundance of diverse wildlife that come in different sizes, shapes, ...
03/03/2025

Today is World Wildlife Day! Kentucky is home to an abundance of diverse wildlife that come in different sizes, shapes, colors, and that occupy varying habitats. You can support Kentucky's native wildlife in many ways:

* Purchase your hunting or fishing license - license dollars fund conservation throughout Kentucky (https://bit.ly/3JM14F9)
* Participate in hunting and fishing - ethical harvest is beneficial to wildlife populations and helps balance ecosystems
* Become a member of Kentucky Wild - support the conservation of the state's species not hunted, fished, or trapped (https://bit.ly/3q7pt0J)
* Manage your property for wildlife - learn how here: https://bit.ly/3NxLPld

Copperbelly watersnake photo by John MacGregor
Monarch butterfly photo by Mike Matthews
Elk photo by Karen Waldrop
Peregrine falcon photo by Charles Gannon

Address

1 Sportsmans Lane
Frankfort, KY
40601

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources:

Videos

It’s time! Salato Wildlife Education Center reopens March 11! Visit and see native Kentucky wildlife and our new exhibit that highlights how hunting supports a healthy lifestyle and contributes to conservation of our natural resources! Purchase tickets and plan your trip today by visiting FW.KY.GOV!

Keep KY Wild
Keep KY Wild

Join Kentucky Wild today to make a difference for tomorrow!! Visit: https://bit.ly/3yNZzQx #KeepKYWild #conservation #wildlife #myKYoutdoors

KY Fish & Wildlife - Renew your License TODAY!
KY Fish & Wildlife - Renew your License TODAY!

New season, new adventures! Kentucky’s NEW hunting and fishing license year begins MARCH 1st! Stay legal and be ready for spring turkey hunting, the best fishing of the year, and all of your outdoor traditions. ---> Renew your license today: https://bit.ly/3flO0t1 #HuntKY #FishKY #ConserveKY #myKYoutdoors

Recently a select number of conservation camp kids went on waterfowl hunt in Western KY. To find out more about this hunt and conservation camp go to fw.ky.gov. #Greenwing #conservationcamp #waterfowlhunting

KDFWR - 2024 Highlights
KDFWR - 2024 Highlights

When you buy a fishing or hunting license, register your boat, or join Kentucky Wild, you’re making an important investment in conservation across the state. The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources uses money from these sources to conserve, protect and enhance fish and wildlife resources while providing outstanding opportunities for hunting, fishing, trapping, boating, shooting sports and wildlife viewing. Your investments in Kentucky Fish and Wildlife in 2024 made these accomplishments possible! Thank you!

KDFWR at the Louisville Boat, RV & Sportshow
KDFWR at the Louisville Boat, RV & Sportshow

Come see what we have at the Discover Boating Louisville Boat, RV & Sportshow! We'll be here until 9 p.m. tonight, and tomorrow, Sunday, January 26 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. We're the one-stop shop to purchase licenses, permits, and KY Wild memberships! You can also talk hunting and fishing with game wardens and biologists and get outfitted in the latest KDFWR and KY Wild gear! #FishKY #BoatSafeKY #myKYoutdoors #KeepKYWild

Turn your volume up to enjoy some winter wildlife ASMR! This is a great time of year to get outdoors and take in the sights and sounds of nature. #Wildlife #WatchableWildlife #ASMR #SandhillCranes

Donate your natural Christmas tree to make a home for the fishes. #fishing #conservation #kyfishandwildlife

Please donate your natural Christmas tree to make a home for fish in Kentucky lakes. #fishing #conservation #kentuckyfishandwildlife

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