Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources

08/27/2023

It’s the final day of the Kentucky State Fair!

Stop by our booth one last time (South Wing B317):
- Join Kentucky Wild
- Buy your hunting & fishing license
- Purchase merchandise like tees, hats, stickers, and more!
- Shoot air rifles at the range
- Learn about wildlife and conservation
- Talk to a Conservation Officer about hunting & fishing
- Find a place to fish near you
- Learn how to win a new kayak

Thank you to the many people who have stopped by our booth this year!

08/26/2023

Today at the Kentucky State Fair, stop by our booth in the South Wing (B317) for Education and Outreach Day on Sat., Aug. 26th.

Then be sure to visit the Farm to Fair Cooking Stage for a special demonstration from our Field to Fork staff from 4:00-5:00pm!

08/25/2023

👀Last weekend to get out and help contribute to the Summer Turkey Survey! Submit your sightings until Aug. 31. See the directions below on how to complete the simple survey!

Visit our Summer Turkey Survey webpage to complete the easy survey and to find out past years survey results: https://bit.ly/3COHtzI

08/25/2023

Today at the Kentucky State Fair, stop by our booth in the South Wing (B317) for Nature's Toolbox: Prescribed Burn Day on Fri., Aug. 25th.

Whether your recreational enjoyment comes from hunting, photographing, or simply observing wildlife, our Habitat Improvement Program can help make a difference in wildlife use of your property.

Check out this link for more info: https://bit.ly/3DUw41F

08/24/2023

It's Kentucky Wild Day at the Kentucky State Fair!

Today, Thur. Aug. 24- Stop by our booth in the South Wing (B317) and learn about the importance of freshwater mussels to Kentucky’s waterways and what you can do to help birds in your very own backyard!​

10:30 AM - 11:15 AM Mussel filtration

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Avian Biologists

08/23/2023

Today at the Kentucky State Fair - It's Meet a Conservation Officer & K9 Officers Day! Stop by our booth in the South Wing (B317) on Wednesday, Aug. 23.

Meet our Conservation Officers and discover what it means to be part of the Fish and Wildlife family by becoming a Conservation Officer...plus K-9 service dogs will be here to greet you between 10:00am - 1:00pm!

Find the rest of the week's schedule here: https://bit.ly/3qvdcmW

08/22/2023

Today at the Kentucky State Fair - stop by our booth in the South Wing (B317) to learn about Kentucky’s Elk History and Elk Hunt Drawing then enter!

Enter Here: https://bit.ly/3qIszbJ

08/21/2023

Today at the Kentucky State Fair - stop by our booth in the South Wing (B317) and Get Hooked on Fishing during FINs Day!

Learn about the FINs program that provides anglers with quality fishing opportunities close to home.

More about FINs here: https://bit.ly/47AF2yO

08/19/2023

Are you ready? Fall Squirrel Season opens TODAY - August 19!

Download the Hunting & Trapping Guide https://bit.ly/3EgmZjE to find everything you need to know about hunting in Kentucky!

Still need your license?? Get it here: https://bit.ly/3gpXd1I

08/19/2023

Today at the Kentucky State Fair, stop by our booth in the South Wing (B317) for Farm Day - PONDering Questions? on Sat., Aug. 19th.

- Talk to Fisheries and Wildlife Private Lands Biologists and be informed of fish management and vegetation control!
- Learn about available resources, receive handouts and farm pond booklets, get fish suppliers list, and find out services our Private Lands Biologists provide.

08/18/2023

It’s SALATO DAY at the Kentucky State Fair!

Stop by our booth until 3pm in the South Wing (B317) to visit with Conservation Educators and some of the LIVE WILDLIFE they brought from the Salato Wildlife Education Center.

08/17/2023

It's the first day of the State Fair!

Come out and meet Kentucky Afield's host, Chad Miles, as well as members of the production team and learn what goes into creating the longest continuously-running outdoors television show in the nation.

Check out KY Afield's YouTube page to catch up on all episodes: https://bit.ly/3YLqyIx

08/16/2023

Check out the Kentucky Shooting Range Map Here: https://bit.ly/3Qz8WgN to find local shooting ranges near you!

August is Nation Shooting Sports Month! Plan a safe trip to the range today! https://bit.ly/3QIuBTN

08/16/2023

Everyone say “cheeeeese”!

Barn owls are cavity nesters that readily use man-made structures like silos, sheds, abandoned buildings, and - you guessed it - barns! This group of nestlings was discovered in an elevated hunting blind in western Kentucky.

Avian biologists monitor the barn owl closely as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need in Kentucky. YOU can support the conservation of barn owls, and other species not hunted, fished, or trapped, when you become a member of KENTUCKY WILD.

Click the link to learn more and to join today: https://bit.ly/3kwpKXB

Help us !

Photo by Ray Stainfield

08/15/2023

The Blue Water Trails is a series of articles detailing paddling trips on streams and rivers across Kentucky.

The latest version you’ll find in the summer issue of Kentucky Afield Magazine is a trip down Russell Creek in south central Kentucky!

To read the article and all of the destinations, visit https://bit.ly/3KFALA8 or subscribe to Kentucky Afield Magazine!

08/14/2023

The Kentucky State Fair is almost here! Join us in South Wing Booth B317 from August 17-27.

There is something exciting going on EVERY day:

• Meet Chad Miles and the KY Afield crew
• Learn about KY Wild and how YOU can make a difference
• Meet our Conservation and K9 Officers
• Talk to Fisheries and Wildlife Private Lands Biologists and learn about fish management and vegetation control
• Get HOOKED on fishing! Learn about Kentucky’s FINs (Fishing in Neighborhoods) program
• Meet educators from the Salato Wildlife Education Center and visit with some of their wildlife residents
• Enter KY’s Elk Hunt Drawing
• Meet Medal of Honor Recipient, Don J. Jenkins on Sunday, August 20
• Complete the range day portion for your Hunters Education certification (classroom/online portion must be completed prior to the range portion)
• Meet John Boel, Wave3 News personality and avid angler. John will be signing his new book in the F&W booth

Check out the complete schedule on our website: https://fw.ky.gov/Pages/StateFair.aspx

08/13/2023

You have until August 31 to mentor a new angler and enter the drawing to win a new Kayak Prize Package!

Find all the contest information here https://bit.ly/3sf1gWE, then go to My Profile https://bit.ly/3ocqGQR to enter!

Remember - EVERY great outdoors day begins at FW.KY.GOV!!

08/12/2023

There is still a lot of time to get out on the water! Do it safely - wear a life jacket!

Don't become a statistic - learn more about Boat Safety on our website https://bit.ly/3jm3VY6.

08/11/2023

08/11/2023

Download and view the latest Hunting and Trapping Guides HERE: https://bit.ly/3cZhJqp

08/10/2023

Mark Your Calendars!!

When planning for the seasons, get your license https://bit.ly/3gpXd1I and download the Fall Hunting & Trapping Guide https://bit.ly/2TtlRpq before hitting the fields or woods!

08/09/2023

🦉Join us and our friends at Country Boy Brewing: Georgetown Taproom for a screech owl box build at 10 am (Eastern) on Saturday, August 12th. This event is open to ALL!

Learn more about Eastern screech owls and meet one!
Then, learn how to assemble a nest box suitable for screech owls. You can even purchase a kit to take home with you!

The program will be followed by a quick brewery tour for participants 21 and older. Be sure to visit the Kentucky Wild merchandise table to purchase official gear to support the program!

Reserve your nest box kit here: https://bit.ly/3s4IhhL

We thank Country Boy Brewing for their support of the Kentucky Wild program! Strong partnerships are essential for expanding our conservation successes.

08/07/2023

SAVE THE DATE!!

Come see us at the Kentucky State Fair, August 17-27! We will have some new and exciting things happening in our booth (B317 - South Wing) that you won't want to miss!

👀 Watch for the complete schedule and updates 👀

08/06/2023

Boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs (BUI) is AGAINST THE LAW on all boats!

Find everything you need to know about boating on Kentucky's waterways here https://bit.ly/3oFqNCS.

08/05/2023

Sign-ups for all dove quota hunts open at 8 a.m. (ET) Aug. 7 and conclude at 4:30 p.m. (ET) Aug. 18.

-->APPLY for ALL quota hunts starting MONDAY- Aug. 7: https://bit.ly/44NL6SJ

Four new dove quota hunts are being offered this season in addition to the traditional mentor/youth quota dove hunts and open dove hunts.

08/04/2023

DOWNLOAD the new Fish Boat KY app, sponsored by the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Foundation.

👉 Buy your fishing license.
👉 Explore map locations and see photos of boat ramps and fishing sites.
👉 Brush up on the latest regulations.
👉 Find out when – and where – we’re stocking fish next.

All with the convenience of your smartphone. The best part? It’s FREE!
Download from the iTunes app store or Google Play store.

08/03/2023

Still need to complete the Range Day portion for your Hunter Education Certification? Plan on going to the Kentucky State Fair? If so - complete the online course prior to attending the State Fair. BRING A PRINTED COPY OF YOUR ONLINE COURSE COMPLETION CERTIFICATE and complete the range portion at the KY Dept. of Fish and Wildlife Booth # B317 in the South Wing.

Register here for the dates and times below: https://bit.ly/3pWaTZQ

• Friday, August 18 3:00 pm – 8:00 pm
• Saturday, August 19 3:00 pm – 8:00 pm
• Sunday, August 20 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm
• Friday, August 25 3:00 pm – 8:00 pm
• Saturday, August 26 3:00 pm – 8:00 pm

08/03/2023

Bon Voyage! This weekend marks the beginning of the great hummingbird migration through Land Between the Lakes. If you love hummingbirds, this is the event for you!

Hummingbird Fest: Saturday, Aug. 5 & Sunday, Aug. 6 11:00 am - 5:00 pm Eastern.

Join us to celebrate this natural spectacle and watch these backyard beauties buzz around native plants and feeders, fueling up for the next leg of their journey. Stop by the Kentucky Wild booth and learn how YOU can make a difference in helping vulnerable wildlife. You can also purchase merchandise like tees, sticker packs, and bandanas!

Learn more about KY Wild here: https://bit.ly/3pb6vFV

08/02/2023

🏹1 month away! ARCHERY DEER SEASON (Opens Sept. 2) ARE YOU READY?

• Purchase your License and Permits Here: https://app.fw.ky.gov/Solar/
• Download the latest Hunting and Trapping Guide Here: https://bit.ly/3DJRu1f
• Deer Hunting Information found HERE: https://fw.ky.gov/Hunt/Pages/Deer.aspx

Youths and Seniors can use a crossbow during this season!

Photo: Tony Campbell

08/02/2023

🚨 Promo Alert! ‼️

In honor of the recent Kentucky Wild Live Q&A Show on Kentucky Afield - From now until August 15th, join or renew your Kentucky Wild membership at the $25 level and receive the NEW tee!

Click here to join, and enter promo code “KYAFIELD” - https://bit.ly/3p1jPg0

Click here to watch our panel of wildlife biologists answer questions about Kentucky’s species not hunted, fished, or trapped: https://bit.ly/3KoqWqg

Kentucky Wild directly supports conservation of the state’s most vulnerable wildlife species. Click here to learn more: https://bit.ly/3q7pt0J

08/02/2023

Applications for Kentucky's 2024 Elk Hunt Drawing are on sale NOW (August 1)!!

• Only $10 per application
• 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

08/01/2023

🎣 August is National Fishing Month!

Need to get started??
⁃ Get your license: https://bit.ly/3gpXd1I
⁃ Download the current Fishing Forecast: https://bit.ly/3h0PaIc
⁃ Download the Fish Boat KY App (​​Available for FREE download from the iTunes App Store or G​​oogle Play Store​)
⁃ Check out resources to help you LEARN TO FISH: https://bit.ly/3rNrgbv
⁃ Get out there and get hooked on fishing!

08/01/2023

Kentucky Afield is live with a panel of experts to answer all of your questions about Kentucky's species that are not hunted, fished or trapped... Tune-in to the annual "KY Wild Q&A Show" and have your questions answered by the experts!

07/31/2023

The Kentucky Wild Live Q&A Show is TONIGHT (7/31)!

Watch our panel of wildlife biologists answer your questions about Kentucky’s native species that are not hunted, fished, or trapped.

Have questions? Head over to the Kentucky Afield page to post yours in the comments!

Tune in at 8:00 pm Eastern on Facebook, YouTube, and at FW.KY.GOV.

07/31/2023

THE HUNT STARTS HERE!!

Applications go on sale tomorrow, August 1st, for the 2024 Kentucky Elk Hunt!

Elk quota hunt applications can be purchased here https://bit.ly/3gpXd1I, at KDFWR-attended events or anywhere licenses are sold.

07/30/2023

There are some HOT things happening in August! MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

🦌 August 1 - Applications open for Kentucky's 2024 Elk Hunt Drawing
🎡 August 17-27 - Visit the our booth at the KY State Fair
🐿 August 19 - Opening Day of Fall Squirrel Season
🌕 August 30 - Super Moon
🐻 August 31 - Last Day of Early Bear Chase with Dogs Season (Zones 1&2)

Remember, EVERY great outdoor day begins at fw.ky.gov!

07/29/2023

TAKE SOMEONE NEW FISHING this year and enter for a chance to win a fishing kayak plus other great prizes! The rules are simple...take someone fishing who has never purchased a license or hasn’t bought a license in the last three years.

Go to: https://bit.ly/3zxPbLH. Log into "My Profile", and click the mentor to win contest tab, and input the angler's last name and customer ID Number. Click here for a complete description of the rules: bit.ly/364SU9k.

Every new person mentored gives you another chance at the prize. The contest ends on August 31, 2023. Good luck on the water!

07/28/2023

❗Western Kentucky - come see us at the Old Beach Beer Bash at Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park this Saturday from 4-8 p.m. Central.

Stop by the Kentucky Wild booth to join or renew your membership and to buy t-shirts, sticker packs, SiliPint glasses, and more!

Purchase event tickets here: https://bit.ly/43NHFtM

07/27/2023

Hunter Education Day is August 5th!

Make plans to join us for one of the 38 in-person Hunter Education classes and live-fire range days at convenient locations across Kentucky this day.

→ Upcoming Education Events: https://bit.ly/455gZGd

→ Hunter Education information: https://bit.ly/42c6W19

The department’s Hunter Education training class includes hunter ethics, wildlife conservation and identification, field care of game, first aid, firearm safety, archery, and muzzleloading.

All in-person courses and range days are open to participants at least 9 years old and are offered free of charge, but registration is required for each session. Fi****ms and ammunition are provided at the ranges free of charge for testing. Online hunter education courses are offered by partnering organizations, and some require a fee.