KENTUCKY HUNTING GUIDE for WATERFOWL

 NOVEMBER 2008 – MARCH 2009

Table of Contents:

2      HUNTING SEASONS AND REGULATIONS

3      LICENSES AND PERMITS

5      ZONES AND REPORTING AREAS

6      FEDERAL REGULATIONS

7      PUBLIC LAND HUNTING

12    MENTOR HATCHERY HUNTS

FISH & WILDLIFE MISSION STATEMENT

To conserve and enhance fish and wildlife resources and provide opportunity for hunting, fishing, trapping, boating and other wildlife-related activities.

ABOUT THIS GUIDE

This is a SUMMARY of the laws regarding waterfowl hunting. This guide is intended solely for informational use. It is not a reprint of any referenced statute or regulation in its entirety and should not be used as such. Questions about the information contained in this guide should be directed to the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) BEFORE engaging in the activities referenced. Actual wording of any Kentucky Revised Statute (KRS) or Kentucky Administrative Regulation (KAR) can be viewed at www.lrc.state.ky.us/kar/frntpage.htm.

 OTHER GUIDES AVAILABLE

Kentucky Fish & Wildlife produces various regulation booklets for hunting and fishing. Call 1-800-858-1549 weekdays, look for a copy of these regulation guides where hunting licenses are sold, or log on to fw.ky.gov.

HUNTING SEASONS AND BAG LIMITS

WATERFOWL SEASONS:                     

Duck, Coot and Merganser:

Statewide:

Nov. 27, 2008 – Jan. 25, 2009

Canada Goose:

Western Zone, Pennyrile/Coalfield, West-Central and Eastern Gooze Zones:

Nov. 23, 2008 – Jan. 31, 2009

Northeast Goose Zone:

Dec. 27, 2008 – Jan. 4, 2009 AND Jan. 19 – Jan. 31, 2009

            - Hunters no longer need a special permit for goose hunting in the Northeast Goose Zone.

White Fronted Goose & Brant:

Statewide:

Nov. 23, 2008 – Jan. 31, 2009

Snow Goose (including Ross’ Goose):

Statewide:

Nov. 23, 2008 – Jan. 31, 2009

            Snow Goose Conservation Order:

            Western Zone: Feb. 1-6, 2009 AND Feb. 9 – Mar. 31, 2009

            Eastern Zone: Feb. 1 – Mar. 31, 2009*

*Electronic calls may be used during the conservation order season. Mandatory FREE permit required to hunt snow geese during the Conservation Order. Contact Ballard WMA at 270-224-2244 after Jan. 10, 2009.

Falconry

Statewide:

Nov. 5, 2008 – Jan. 31, 2009**

**Pit and blind restrictions in effect for wildlife management areas (WMAs) and the Ballard Reporting Area do not apply to falconers hunting waterfowl during periods when gun and archery waterfowl seasons are not open. Canada goose season opens Nov. 10 in the portion of Fulton County that is not in the Western Goose Zone.

Youth Waterfowl:

Western Zone:

Feb. 7-8, 2009

Eastern Zone:

Nov. 1-2, 2008

Shooting Hours:

Regular Season:

One-half hour before sunrise to sunset

Exceptions:

Northeast Goose Zone:

One-half hour before sunrise to 2:00 p.m. during the Canada Goose season.

Snow Goose Conservation Order:

One-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.

Wildlife Management Areas:

Same as regular season, unless otherwise noted in the Public Hunting section of this guide.

Bag Limits:

Duck:

Daily: 6 ducks, may include no more than 4 mallards (only 1 of which may be a hen), 3 wood ducks, 2 redheads, 1 pintail and 1 black duck. The bag limit may include 1 scaup Nov. 27, 2008 - Jan. 5, 2009 and
2 scaup Jan. 6-25. Canvasbacks may not be harvested.

Possession: Double the daily bag limit

Coot:

Daily: 15

Possession:      Double the daily bag limit

Merganser:    5 of which on 2 may be a hooded merganser

Possession:      Double the daily bag limit

Canada Goose,

White Fronted Goose & Brant:    

Daily: 6 combined, no more than 2 of each

Possession:      Double the daily bag limit

Snow Goose (including Ross’ Goose):

Daily:  20

Possession:      none

Snow Goose Conservation Order:

Daily:  none

Possession:      none

Falconry:

Daily:  3 birds

Possession:      6 singly or combined

YOUTH WATERFOWL SEASONS

Hunters age 15 and under can hunt ducks, coots, mergansers and geese on these days. Youth hunting during these seasons must comply with hunter education and hunting license requirements and be accompanied by an adult (at least 18 years of age).

Bag limits are the same as for regular duck and goose seasons.

SHOT SIZE, TYPE, SHOTSHELL LENGTH RESTRICTIONS

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service-approved nontoxic shot no larger than size “T” is required for all waterfowl hunting. Shot larger than size “T”, or shotshells longer than 3.5 inches, MAY NOT BE POSSESSED OR USED while hunting waterfowl. Currently, steel, bismuth, tungsten and certain tungsten composite shotshells are approved for use. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service may approve other types of nontoxic shot which, if approved, will be permitted for waterfowl hunting. Possession or use of any lead shot or any shot not approved by USFWS while hunting or attempting to take waterfowl is prohibited statewide.

REPORTING BIRD BANDS

To report bird bands, call 1-800-327-BAND (1-800-327-2263) or go online at www.pwrc.usgs.gov/bbl. All federal bird bands can be reported to this number. The toll-free number is operational 24 hours a day. Operators are available from 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. EST Monday through Thursday and 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Friday. After these hours and on weekends, callers will reach an answering service requesting their name and daytime phone number so someone from the Bird Banding Laboratory can return the call.

LICENSES AND PERMITS

NOTE: Licenses and permits are not required for kids under the age of 12.

                                                Age 12 to 15                           Age 16-64                   Age 65 and over or disabled

Kentucky Residents:              Youth Hunting License*                        Annual** or 1-day                  Senior/Disabled +

                                                                                                                                Hunting license +                   Federal Duck Stamp

                                                                                                                                Kentucky Waterfowl

                                                                                                                                Permit + Federal

                                                                                                                                Duck Stamp

Non-residents:                        Youth Hunting License*                        Annual or 1-day or 5-day hunting license + Kentucky Waterfowl

                                                                                                                                Permit + Federal Duck Stamp

*Included in Youth Sportsman’s License

** Included in Resident Sportman’s License

HUNTING LICENSE

Unless license-exempt under KRS 150.170, all hunters must possess a valid Kentucky hunting license when waterfowl hunting. Persons using a license authorization number in lieu of a paper license must have the authorization number and a picture ID with them while hunting. All Kentucky residents 65 years of age and older and Kentucky residents who are certified totally and permanently disabled by the Federal Social Security Administration, by a state Workers Compensation Board, by the Kentucky Teacher’s Retirement System, by the  U.S. Office of Personnel Management, by the United States Railroad Retirement Board, or Kentucky resident veterans who have a permanent 50 percent disability as the result of military‑related injuries are required to purchase the Senior/Disabled combination hunting and fishing license ($5) and  carry it while hunting or fishing. This license includes all the following state permits: deer, turkey, migratory bird, waterfowl and trout.

KENTUCKY WATERFOWL PERMIT

Any person required to possess a hunting license, except children under the age of 16, taking or attempting to take waterfowl must possess a Kentucky Waterfowl Permit. (This permit is included with the Senior/Disabled and Sportman’s License). The waterfowl permit covers all species of migratory birds. Those who buy a waterfowl permit, senior/disabled combination license, or Sportsman's license MUST COMPLETE a Harvest Information Program Survey (HIP) form prior to purchase.

FEDERAL MIGRATORY BIRD STAMP

In addition to the state waterfowl permit requirement listed above, all persons age 16 or over must carry a valid federal migratory bird hunting stamp (commonly called duck stamp) to hunt waterfowl. Hunters under 16 must possess a youth hunting license but the Federal Waterfowl Stamp and Kentucky Waterfowl Permit are not required. The federal stamp must be validated by the hunter’s signature written across the face of the stamp in ink.

HUNTER EDUCATION

All hunters born on or after January 1, 1975, must carry a valid hunter education course completion card while hunting, in addition to the appropriate Kentucky hunting license, federal duck stamp and state waterfowl permit. Hunters not required to have a hunting license are not required to possess the hunter education card. Hunters under the age of 12 may hunt without a course completion card, but must be accompanied by an adult at least 18 years of age who remains in a position to take immediate control of the child’s firearm.

Temporary exemption

A one-time temporary hunter education exemption permit is available online at fw.ky.gov. This $5 permit allows hunting without a hunter education card for one year from the date of purchase. After it expires, the hunter is no longer exempt and must successfully complete a hunter education course.

* Peabody and LBL User Permits, Elk Lottery Application, Elk Quota Hunt Permit, Out-of-Zone Elk Permit and Federal Duck Stamp not included.

Annual licenses and permits are valid from the date of purchase through the last day in February. New licenses are required annually March 1. A 1- or 5-day hunting license is valid only for the period shown on the license.

Resident and nonresident youth under the age of 12 are not required to purchase licenses or permits (except the Elk Lottery Application, Elk Quota Hunt Permit and Out-of-Zone Elk Permit).

ZONES AND REPORTING AREAS

GOOSE ZONE BOUNDARIES

For Canada goose hunting, Kentucky is divided into five zones. Different season dates and/or hunting requirements may apply to each zone. Use the boundary descriptions and maps below to determine the requirements for the zone in which you will hunt.

WESTERN GOOSE ZONE

The Western Goose Zone includes Henderson County and the portion of Kentucky west of US 60 from the Henderson-Union county line to US 641, US 641 to Interstate 24, I-24 to the Purchase Parkway and the Purchase Parkway.

PENNYROYAL/COALFIELD
GOOSE ZONE

The Pennyroyal/Coalfield Goose Zone includes the area from the Western Goose Zone to and including Simpson, Warren, Butler, Ohio and Daviess counties (excluding the portions of counties in the West-Central Goose Zone).

WEST-CENTRAL GOOSE ZONE

The West-Central Goose Zone includes Muhlenberg County, Ohio County south of the Rough River, Butler County west of Hwy 79 and north of Hwy 70, and Hopkins County east of Hwys 814 and 109, south of US 41A between Hwy 814 and Madisonville, and south of Hwy 85 east of Madisonville.

NORTHEAST GOOSE ZONE

The Northeast Goose Zone includes: Bath, Menifee, Morgan (except the portion that lies within the Paintsville Lake WMA) and Rowan counties except that no goose hunting is permitted on public land (USFS) and water within the block of land lying inside the boundaries of Hwy. 801, Hwy. 1274, Hwy. 36, Hwy. 211, Hwy. 60 and Hwy. 826. Note: This area includes most of Cave Run Lake.

EASTERN GOOSE ZONE

The Eastern Goose Zone is the part of Kentucky that lies east of the Pennyroyal/Coalfield Zone (excluding the Northeast Goose Zone).

BALLARD REPORTING AREA

In the Ballard Reporting Area, waterfowl hunting is permitted only from blinds (defined as any form of concealing enclosure including a pit or an anchored, stationary or drifting boat from which hunting occurs) unless conducted from flooded, standing timber. All constructed or used blinds (including boats) must be at least 100 yards apart and at least 50 yards from any property line. A waterfowl hunter shall not possess more than one shotgun while in the blind. Blind requirements are suspended during the late snow goose conservation order and the September wood duck and teal season.

Waterfowl hunters in the Ballard and (former) Henderson-Union Reporting Areas are NO LONGER REQUIRED to report their harvest during Canada goose season. Commercial operators must still obtain a commercial permit.

REPORTING AREA BOUNDARY

Starting at the northwest city limits of Wickliffe in Ballard County to the middle of the Mississippi River, then north along the Mississippi to the low water mark of the Ohio River along the Illinois shore to the Ballard-McCracken County line; then along the county line south to KY 358, then south along KY 358 to its junction with US 60 at LaCenter; then following US 60 southwest to the northeast city limits of Wickliffe.

FEDERAL REGULATIONS

In addition to state regulations, the following federal laws apply to the taking, possession, shipping, transporting and storing of migratory game birds.

RESTRICTIONS

No person shall take migratory game birds:

• With a trap, snare, net, rifle, pistol, swivel gun, shotgun larger than a 10 gauge, punt gun, battery gun, machine gun, fishhook, poison, drug, explosive or stupefying substance;

• With a shotgun capable of holding more than three shotshells, unless it is plugged with a one-piece filler which is incapable of removal without disassembling the gun;

• From a sink box (a low floating device, having a depression affording the hunter a means of concealment beneath the surface of the water);

• From or with the aid or use of a car or other motor-driven land conveyance, or any aircraft, except that paraplegics and single or double amputees of the legs may take from any stationary motor vehicle or stationary motor-driven land conveyance. “Paraplegic” means an individual afflicted with paralysis of the lower half of the body with involvement of both legs, usually due to disease of or injury to the spinal cord;

• From or by means of any motor boat or sail boat unless the motor has been completely shut off and/or the sail furled, and its progress therefrom has ceased;

• By the use or aid of live decoys. All live, tame or captive ducks and geese shall be removed for a period of 10 consecutive days prior to hunting, and confined within an enclosure which substantially reduces the audibility of their calls and totally conceals such tame birds from the sight of migratory waterfowl;

• Using records or tapes of migratory bird calls, or sounds, or electrically amplified imitations of bird calls (except electronic calls may be used during the Snow Goose Conservation Order);

• By driving, rallying or stirring birds with any motor-driven land, water or air conveyance or any sail boat to put them in the range of the hunters; or

• By the aid of baiting (placing feed such as corn, wheat, salt or other feed to constitute a lure or enticement), or on or over any baited area. Hunters should be aware that a baited area is considered to be baited for 10 days after the removal of the bait.

CLOSED SEASON

No person shall take migratory game birds during the closed season.

SHOOTING HOURS

No person shall take migratory game birds except during the hours open to shooting as prescribed.

DAILY BAG LIMIT

No person shall take in any one day more than one daily bag limit.

FIELD POSSESSION LIMIT

No person shall possess more than one daily bag limit while in the field or while returning from the field to one’s car, hunting camp, home, etc.

WANTON WASTE

All migratory game birds shall be retrieved, if possible, and retained in the custody of the hunter in the field.

TAGGING

No person shall put or leave any migratory game birds at any place or in the custody of another person unless the birds are tagged by the hunter with the following information: a) the hunter’s signature; b) the hunter’s address; c) the total number of birds involved, by species; d) the dates such birds were killed.

Tagging is required if the birds are being transported by another person for the hunter, or if the birds have been left for cleaning, storage (including temporary storage), shipment or taxidermy services.

POSSESSION OF LIVE BIRDS

Wounded birds reduced to possession shall be immediately killed and included in the daily bag limit.

DRESSING

No person shall completely field dress any migratory game bird (except doves and band-tailed pigeons) and then transport the birds from the field. The head or one fully feathered wing must remain attached to all such birds while being transported from the field to one’s home or to a migratory bird preservation facility.

SHIPMENT

No person shall ship migratory game birds unless the package is marked on the outside with: a) the name and the address of the person sending the birds; b) the name and the address of the person to whom the birds are being sent; and the number of birds, by species, contained in the package.

IMPORTATION

For information regarding the importation of migratory birds killed in another country hunters should consult 50 CFR 20.61 through 20.66. One fully feathered wing must remain attached to all migratory game birds being transported between the port of entry and one’s home, or to a migratory bird preservation facility. No person shall import migratory game birds killed in any foreign country, except Canada, unless such birds are dressed (except as required in 20.63), drawn, and the head and feet are removed. No person shall import migratory game birds belonging to another person.

DUAL VIOLATION

Violation of state migratory game bird regulations is also a violation of federal regulations.

Caution

More restrictive regulations may apply to National Wildlife Refuges open to public hunting. For additional information on Federal Regulations,consult Assistant Regional Director- LE, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, P.O. Box 4839, Atlanta, Georgia, 30302-4839; phone: (404) 331-5872.

PUBLIC LAND HUNTING

BLIND REGISTRATION

On the following areas, blind sites must be registered on a permit issued by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers or Kentucky Fish & Wildlife before the blind is constructed: Barkley Lake, Barren River Lake, Buckhorn Lake, Doug Travis, Green River Lake, Nolin River Lake, Rough River Lake, and Sloughs. Applicants must show a valid hunting license, Kentucky Waterfowl Permit, and Federal Migratory (Duck) Bird Stamp when applying. An applicant may designate one other person as a partner and shall not hold more than one permit per area. Blind sites registered on these areas not occupied by one hour before sunrise of any day are considered open to other hunters, first-come, first-served basis for that day. Permittees shall not lock blinds to prevent use by other hunters in absence of the permittee. Blind sites on the above listed areas must be constructed by November 20 and removed within 30 days of the close of the season. Permittees who fail to remove their blind as stated will forfeit the opportunity to obtain a blind the following year.

On Barkley, Barren River, Doug Travis, Green River and Sloughs WMAs, hunters who want blind sites must register and be selected by random drawing. Drawings are held in September and October and applicants must be 18 years of age and show a valid Kentucky hunting license, a Kentucky waterfowl permit and a Federal migratory bird stamp at that time. Each person drawn may select a co-owner of the blind site for hunting in the absence of the person drawn. Co-owners must be present at the drawing. Drawn hunters may use their blind site the entire season and may use a boat or a portable blind or construct a permanent blind. Each blind site must be pinned with a permanent marker identifying the permit holders for the blind site. If drawn hunters do not occupy a blind or blind site by one-hour before sunrise that day, the blind or blind site is open to other hunters on a first-come, first-served basis.

BLIND RESTRICTIONS

Unless otherwise stated under the CLOSED AREAS AND SPECIAL REGULATIONS FOR WMAs, the following restrictions apply to all open WMAs:

• permanent blinds are not permitted;

• decoys and temporary blinds must be removed from the WMA at the end of each hunting day;

• blinds must be at least 200 yards from any other blind or waterfowl refuge area;

• no more than 4 persons shall occupy a single blind at any one time; and

• designated recreation areas and access points are closed to all waterfowl hunting.

• discharge of firearms is prohibited within 100 yards of a residence or occupied building whether or not the building is on the WMA.

CLOSED AREAS AND

SPECIAL WMA REGULATIONS

Special season dates, limits and requirements are in effect for the following areas. If specific season dates are given for an area, that is the only time waterfowl hunting is permitted. Otherwise, hunting is open under statewide dates and regulations for the zone where they are located. This section also lists any areas that are closed to hunting or public access. Areas owned or managed by Kentucky Fish & Wildlife not listed below are open based on the zone in which they are located.

BALLARD WMA

Ballard County

• Duck, coot and merganser season is Dec. 3, 2008 - Jan. 25, 2009. 

• Goose season is Dec. 3, 2008 - Jan. 31, 2009.

• Youth waterfowl season is Feb. 7 and 8, 2009.

• Bag and possession limits are the same as statewide limits.

• Hunting must cease, and hunters and equipment must be off the area by 2 p.m. CST.

• Hunting by advance application or standby if available. Application deadline Sept. 30. Applicants must check in by 4:30 a.m. CST, and standby hunters must check in by 5 a.m.

• No hunting is permitted on Mondays, Tuesdays, Christmas Day or New Year’s Day.

• No more than four persons shall occupy a single blind at the same time. At least one person in the blind must be 18 years of age or older. 

• Waterfowl hunters are limited to 25 shells per day.

• Any person whose transportation to and from blinds is provided by the department must have his/her gun encased.

• The Ohio River from 50 yards upstream from Dam 53 to 50 yards downstream from the southern border of Ballard WMA is closed to waterfowl hunting  Oct. 15 - March 15.

• Those participating in a Kentucky Fish & Wildlife waterfowl quota hunt must follow state and federal regulations or the hunter will be prohibited from participating in any other waterfowl quota hunts that year and all other quota hunts the following year.

Floodwater Note:

Public hunting will close when floodwaters prevent safe entry to hunting fields by wheeled vehicles on roads. Notice will be given at least 24 hours in advance of closure via radio, television and newspaper outlets or hunters may call (502) 564-8333 for a recorded announcement. Watch or listen for notices when floodwaters are expected.

BARREN RIVER LAKE WMA
Allen & Barren counties

Hunters may use breech or muzzle-loading shotguns for waterfowl hunting along the Barren River Lake shoreline bordering the primitive weapons area known as the “Peninsula Unit”.

Also, see BLIND RESTRICTIONS.

BOATWRIGHT WMA

Ballard County

including Peal, Olmsted, 400 Acre & Swan Lake units:

• Hunting must cease, and hunters and equipment must be off the area by 2 p.m. CST from Dec. 3, 2008 to Jan. 31, 2009. From Nov. 27-30, 2008, shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to sunset.

• Waterfowl hunters are limited to 25 shot shells per day.

• Hunters must check in and out daily during specified times and locations.

• Hunters are not allowed to enter the area to hunt until after they check in and possess a check-in card.

• Hunting is permitted Wednesday - Sunday, no hunting on Christmas or New Year’s Day.

• When hunting assigned blind sites:

- blinds will be allocated by a daily draw;

- at least one person in the blind must be 18 years of age or older;

- Hunters shall only hunt waterfowl from a permanent department blind or layout blind(s) in a single group of 2-4 persons with layout blinds set in such a manner that all layout blinds in the group lie within a 25 foot radius of the blind group. “Layout blind” means a portable blind that when fully deployed allows an individual hunter to conceal oneself above the surface of the ground;

- Hunter check station will be open from 4:30 to 8 a.m. Hunters checking in after 8 a.m. may call 270-224-2244;

- After 8 a.m. hunters must check out by depositing hunt card at designated Kentucky Fish & Wildlife drop point;

- while hunting from a boat, hunters must hunt within 25 feet of assigned designated point;

- Boat blinds shall not be permitted in flooded timber, except during periods of flood where no other access is possible and except mobility-impaired hunters may hunt from a boat, with no set back restriction for those in the party assisting with the hunt. When boat blinds are permitted, there shall be a 200 yard distance between boat blinds.

- decoys must be removed at the end of each day’s hunt, and may not be left unattended.

• Areas identified by signs are closed to trespassing Oct. 15 - March 15.

• Areas identified by signs are closed to all hunting except for waterfowl from Nov. 1 - Jan. 31.

• Those participating in a Kentucky Fish & Wildlife waterfowl quota hunt must follow state and federal regulations or the hunter will be prohibited from participating in any other waterfowl quota hunts that year and all other quota hunts the following year.

Floodwater note

When floodwaters prevent vehicular access, reservations for drawn blinds will be suspended. Drawn hunters will be notified if this occurs. Hunters may call (502) 564-8333 for a recorded announcement.

Olmsted Public Waterfowl Unit, 400 Acre Unit, Stevens Unit, Upper Blenderman and Peal Lakes Unit: 

• Duck, coot and merganser season is Nov. 27-30, 2008 and Dec. 3, 2008- Jan. 25, 2009.

• Canada goose season is Dec. 3,  2008 - Jan. 31, 2009.

• During Canada goose season, blinds will be allocated by a daily draw.

Other restrictions

The number of parties using these areas during periods of flood is limited to the following: 400 Acre Unit, 1 boat; Olmsted Unit, 6 boats; Upper Blenderman Unit, 3 boats; and Stevens Unit, 1 boat. On Peal Lakes Unit, waterfowl hunters hunting on Fish, Buck, Flat, First and Second lakes:

1. The number of parties using the above lakes must hunt at designated points and is limited to the following: Fish, 4; Buck, 7; Flat, 7; First, 3. (A party is defined as a person hunting alone or 2-4 persons sharing a blind.)

2. Hunters must check in daily by 5 a.m. and out prior to leaving the area at the designated hunter check station.

3. Hunting from boats permitted only at Kentucky Fish & Wildlife assigned spots. Boats must stay within 25 feet of this location.

Flooded timber

Hunting is permitted from boats in flooded timber during periods of flood, as determined by the area manager. Boats must be a minimum of 200 yards apart.

Swan Lake Unit (including the Virginia Payne tract):

• Duck, coot and merganser season is Dec. 3, 2008 - Jan. 25, 2009.

• Goose season is Dec. 3, 2008 - Jan. 31, 2009.

• Lands in the Swan Lake Unit open to hunting during the regular waterfowl season are also open to snow goose hunting during the Snow Goose Conservation Order season.

• Bag and possession limits are the same as statewide limits.

• Waterfowl hunting permitted only from permanent department blinds. Blinds will be allocated by a daily draw.

• Hunters must check in daily by 5 a.m. and have in their possession a daily check-in card before entering the area to hunt. Hunters must check out prior to leaving the area at the designated hunter check station.

Swan Lake floodwaters

Public hunting on the Swan Lake Unit will close when floodwaters prevent safe entry to blinds by wheeled vehicles on roads. Notice will be given at least 24 hours in advance of closure via radio, television and newspaper outlets, or hunters may call (502)564-8333 for a recorded announcement. Watch or listen for notices when floodwaters are expected.

CAVE RUN LAKE AREA

No goose hunting is permitted on public lands or waters within the block of land lying inside the boundaries of Hwy. 801, Hwy. 1274, Hwy. 36, Hwy. 211, Hwy. 60 and  Hwy. 826.

DOUG TRAVIS WMA

Carlisle & Hickman counties:

• Open to statewide regulations for hunting EXCEPT portions of the WMA as identified by signs which are closed from Nov. 1 to March 15.

• Blinds must be at least 200 yards apart.

• No more than 4 persons shall occupy a single blind at any time.

• Waterfowl hunting will cease and hunters must be off the area by 2 p.m. local time each day.

• On Forked Lake, Indian Camp Lake, Fish Lake, Number Four Lake and Black Lake, all waterfowl hunting after Nov. 1 will be from Kentucky Fish & Wildlife-designated sites assigned by preseason drawing; even during periods of Mississippi River flooding:

- Hunters who want permanent blind sites must register and be selected by random drawing in September or October;

- Individual must be 18 years of age and possess a valid Kentucky Hunting License, Kentucky Waterfowl Permit and Federal Migratory Bird (Duck) Stamp when applying for designated blind sites;

- Blinds must remain within 10 yards of the designated numbered location;

-     Permanent blinds, if constructed, must be in place by Nov. 20 and removed within 30 days of the close of the season. Persons who fail to remove their blind will forfeit the opportunity to obtain a blind site the following year;

-     Persons drawn for a designated site (blind owners) may name one other person as a co-owner who may also claim the site each day;

- Blind owners and co-owners may not have more than one designated permanent blind site on the area;

- All selected sites must be marked with the blind owner’s name and permit number;

- Sites not claimed by blind owners by one hour before sunrise may be claimed by other hunters on a first-come, first-served basis.

GRAYSON LAKE WMA

Carter & Elliott counties

The following portions are closed to all waterfowl hunting: within three-quarters of a mile of the dam site marina, the shores of Camp Webb and Deer Creek Fork of Grayson Lake. All other portions are open.

GREEN RIVER LAKE WMA

Taylor & Adair counties

Shooting hours are from one-half hour before sunrise to 2 p.m.

Also, see BLIND RESTRICTIONS.

KALER BOTTOMS WMA

Graves County

Shooting hours are from one-half hour before sunrise to 2 p.m.

LAKE BARKLEY WMA

Trigg, Lyon & Livingston counties

• Refuge areas closed to all hunting, fishing, boating and molesting of all species listed in this guide are:

a) within an area west of the main river channel between river mile 51 (Hayes Landing Light) and the TVA power transmission lines at river mile 55.5, closed Nov. 1 - Feb. 15; and

b) the area west of a line from the north point of the mouth of Fulton Bay to the south point of the mouth of Honker Bay, closed Nov. 1 - March 15.

• Boating is allowed but hunting is prohibited within 200 yards of the area surrounded by a levee and located between river mile 68.4 and river mile 70.4 Oct. 15 - March 15.

• Permanent blinds must remain within 10 yards of the assigned numbered blind marker within the two areas described as follows: 

a) Beginning at the mouth of Donaldson Creek and proceeding south along the east side of the old Cumberland River channel as marked by buoys, to a point due west of the boat ramp at Linton, then east to the Linton boat ramp, then north along the east shore of Lake Barkley to the mouth of Donaldson Creek;

b) Beginning at Pryor’s Creek Light extending south along the western shore of Barkley Lake to the boat ramp at the end of Land Between the Lakes Road 204, then to the west side of the Cumberland River channel, marked with buoys, to river mile 73.5, then north along the west side of the Cumberland River channel, marked with buoys, to Pryor Creek Light.

• All other blinds within this described area shall be temporary. See also BLIND RESTRICTIONS.

LAKE CUMBERLAND WMA

Pulaski County

Wesley Bend, the area bounded to the north, west and south by Fishing Creek and to the east by Beech Grove Road and Fishing Creek Road is closed to the public Oct. 15 - Mar. 15;

Yellowhole, the area bounded to the west by Fishing Creek Road and the south by Hickory Nut Road is closed to the public Oct. 15 - Mar. 15.

LAND BETWEEN THE LAKES

Trigg & Lyon counties

Long Creek Pond, the eastern one-third of Smith Bay and the eastern two-thirds of Duncan Bay on Kentucky Lake are closed to all activity Nov. 1 - Mar. 15, as indicated by a visible marker on the south corner. The Environmental Education Center and Energy Lake are closed to all waterfowl hunting. LBL permit required. No waterfowl hunting permitted on inland areas during quota gun deer hunts. Permanent blinds are prohibited on inland areas and along Kentucky Lake shoreline area. Decoys and blinds must be removed at the end of each hunting day.

MILLER WELCH-CENTRAL KENTUCKY WMA

Madison County

• Duck, coot and merganser season is Jan. 15-25, 2009.

• Goose season is Jan. 15-31, 2009.

• Areas marked by signs are closed to all hunting.

OBION CREEK WMA

Carlisle, Hickman & Fulton counties

Shooting hours are from one-half hour before sunrise to 2 p.m.

OHIO RIVER ISLANDS NATIONAL WATERFOWL REFUGE

Livingston County

The portion of the Ohio River from Smithland Lock and Dam upstream to the powerline crossing at river mile 911.5 is closed to hunting.

Stewart (Birdsville) Island is closed to public access Oct. 15 - March 15, except for quota deer hunting.

OHIO RIVER

Ballard County

in vicinity of Ballard WMA from 50 yards upstream of Dam 53 to 50 yards below the downstream boundary of Ballard WMA:

Closed to all waterfowl hunting Oct. 15 - Mar. 15.

PEABODY WMA

Ohio, Hopkins & Muhlenberg counties

• Shooting hours are from one-half hour before sunrise to 2 p.m. on those portions open to hunting.

• Persons entering the area for any purpose must obtain a Peabody WMA user permit ($15.00).

• Sinclair Unit: That portion as bounded by Hwy. 176, S1 road and Goose Lake Rd., (including Goose Lake) and as posted by signs, is closed Oct. 15 - Mar. 15.

• Ken Unit, as bounded by Wysox Rd., H2 road, H1 road and H6 road (including Island and South lakes) and as posted by signs, is closed Oct. 15 - Mar. 15.

(The two refuge areas mentioned above are shown on the Peabody WMA map which hunters may obtain off of the Kentucky Fish & Wildlife website at fw.ky.gov.)

PIONEER WEAPONS WMA

Bath & Menifee counties

Hunters may use breech or muzzle-loading shotguns for duck hunting along the Cave Run Lake shoreline bordering the area. Hunters may use muzzle-loading shotguns (or archery equipment) elsewhere on the area.

ROBINSON FOREST WMA

Breathitt, Perry & Knott counties

Main block:

Closed to all hunting.

SLOUGHS WMA

Henderson & Union counties        

• Hunting must cease and waterfowl hunters must be off the area by 2 p.m.

• When flood conditions occur and boat access is required to the units, hunting will be allowed from boats spaced 200 yards apart without regard to department blinds.

• All hunters under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

• If the permit holder does not occupy their blind by one-half hour before shooting time, then the blinds are open to public hunting on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Waterfowl hunters are permitted to leave decoys out during their assigned hunting dates.

• Waterfowl hunters are limited to 25 shells per day on the Crenshaw and Duncan tracts.

• Those participating in a Kentucky Fish & Wildlife waterfowl quota hunt must follow state and federal regulations or the hunter will be prohibited from participating in any other waterfowl quota hunts that year and the following year.

Sauerheber, Crenshaw and Duncan II Units:

Waterfowl hunting is permitted by advance application. The waterfowl blind for mobility-impaired persons will be open to the public only if the permit holder or another mobility-impaired person has not shown up to hunt on that day by one-half hour before shooting hours begin. Waterfowl hunting is allowed only from permanent blinds constructed by Kentucky Fish and Wildlife. Application deadline Sept. 30. Deer hunting is allowd under statewide regulations until Nov. 23. No other hunting is permitted on Crenshaw and Duncan II tracts Nov. 1 through March 15. The Duncan I tract is open to other hunting. The remainder of the Sauerheber Unit, (located between mile marker 4 and 6 on KY 268 and bounded by the Ohio River to the north and Tram Road to the east) is closed to all access from Nov. 1 through Mar. 15.

Grassy Pond-Powells Lake Unit:

Hunting is allowed from permanent department blinds that are assigned by pre-season random draw. Blinds not occupied one-half hour before shooting hours are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Jenny Hole-Highland Creek Unit:

Hunting is allowed from permanent department blinds that are assigned by pre-season random draw and at any other above-ground sites provided there is a minimum of 200 yards between hunters or hunting parties.

SOUTH SHORE WMA

Greenup County

Closed to all hunting and trespassing Nov. 15, 2008 – Jan. 15, 2009, except quota waterfowl and dove hunting. Open to waterfowl and dove hunting during other times of the year according to statewide regulations. 

Waterfowl and dove quota hunts on South Shore WMA require advance application and selection. Substitutions or standby hunting are not permitted. Fifteen quota hunts are offered during the 2008/09 season. Dates are: Nov. 27-28, 29-30; Dec. 2-4, 6-7, 9-11, 13-14, 16-18, 20-21, 23-25, 27-28, Dec. 30 - Jan. 1, Jan. 3-4, 6-8, 10-11 and 13-15. Statewide waterfowl and dove seasons, bag limits, shooting hours, and license requirements apply for individuals selected for quota hunts. Individuals drawn for a quota hunt must complete and submit by mail a hunt report form provided with their quota hunt permit within 10 days of the close of their quota hunt.

Quota hunt application and drawing procedures: Individuals wishing to be drawn for one or more South Shore WMA quota waterfowl/dove hunts must mail a 3 x 5” white index card in an envelope to the Grayson Lake Wildlife Management Area, postmarked between Oct. 20 and Nov. 7, 2008. The envelope should be addressed:  “Attn. Waterfowl Hunt Application, Grayson Lake WMA, 1486 Camp Webb Rd., Grayson, KY 41143.” On the index card the individual should write his/her name, complete mailing address, social security number, and specify the dates of the hunt for which they are applying. One individual may apply for more than one quota hunt but must submit separate cards for each hunt. An individual selected may invite up to three quests to hunt with them on the dates of the hunt. The names of guests do not have to be listed on the application. No later than Nov. 19, individuals selected will be mailed a quota hunt permit for the dates they are drawn, a map of the WMA, a hunt report form, and other instructions concerning the hunt. Unsuccessful applicants will not be notified. An individual drawn for one quota hunt during a season will have lower preference to be drawn for additional quota hunts during the same season. Duplicate applications for the same hunt period will result in disqualification. An individual failing to complete and submit a hunt report form within 10 days of the close of a quota hunt they are drawn for will be disqualified from the drawing the following year.

TAYLORSVILLE LAKE WMA

Anderson, Spencer & Nelson counties

The waterfowl refuge area east of Van Buren boat ramp is now open to hunting, fishing and wildlife watching, but waterfowl hunters must cease hunting by 2 p.m. daily for the entire WMA.

Hunters may hunt waterfowl from temporary blinds on a first-come basis.

YATESVILLE LAKE WMA

Lawrence County

The Greenbriar Creek Branch, and Yatesville Lake, including all islands, north of the mouth of Greenbriar Creek Branch are closed to waterfowl hunting, except for Yatesville Lake State Park.

YELLOWBANK WMA

Breckinridge County

Areas designated by signs and markers on Tract 1 are closed Oct. 15 - Mar. 15.

STATE PARKS

Regulations for Barren River Lake, Grayson Lake, Greenbo Lake, Lake Barkley, Lincoln Homestead, Paintsville Lake, Pennyrile and Yatesville Lake state parks are as follows:

• Open waterfowl hunt Dec. 13, 2008 - Jan. 31, 2009.

• Selected portions of the lake and adjacent shoreline only.

• Statewide waterfowl hunting regulations apply.

• Hunters shall check in each day at the designated check-in location no earlier than 4 a.m.

• During check-in, hunters will be provided a map showing portions of the lake that are open.

• Hunters shall check out each day at the designated check-in location.

MENTOR HATCHERY HUNTS

MINOR CLARK AND

PFEIFFER FISH HATCHERIES

Open for waterfowl Mentor quota hunts Dec. 27-28, 2008, Jan. 3-4, 24-25, and Jan. 31, 2009.

1. Hunts by advance registration only. 
No standby hunting. Only youths may apply.

2.  Mentor hunt only, limited to youths under 16.

3.  Youth(s) must be accompanied by an adult (mentor) at least 18 years or older.  

4. Hunters drawn to hunt must carry postcard notification with them during the hunt.

5. Limited to 4 hunters with no more than two hunting adults. One mentor may have two youth but one youth may not have more than 1 mentor in a blind.

6. Hunters cannot enter blinds until 5:30 a.m.

7. Bag limits same as statewide.

8. Hunting only permitted from established blinds assigned by random preseason draw.

9. Hunters may only discharge firearms from the blind.

10. Hunters may not change blinds.

11. Hunters may only have 15 shotshells each.

12. Hunters must immediately retrieve downed birds. Chasing or harassing waterfowl outside the blinds is strictly prohibited.

13. Firearms must be encased when traveling to and from the blind.

14. Hunting ends at noon and hunters must be off the area by 1 p.m.

15. All decoys and equipment must be removed at the end of each day’s hunt.

16. Hunters must report harvest by dropping hunt permit at designated location.

17. Those participating in a KDFWR waterfowl quota hunt must follow state and federal regulations or the hunter will be prohibited from participating in any other waterfowl quota hunts that year and the following year.

HUNT APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Individuals wishing to be drawn for one or more of the Mentor Hatchery Waterfowl hunts must mail a 3 x 5”, white index card in an envelope to the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, postmarked between Nov. 1 and Nov. 15, 2008. The envelope should be addressed: “Attn. Rocky Pritchert -- Mentor Waterfowl Hunt Application,” KDFWR, #1 Sportsman’s Lane, Frankfort, KY 40601. On the index card the individual should write his/her name, complete mailing address, social security number, and specify the location, and hunt date they are applying for. A youth may apply for more than one hunt but must submit separate cards for each day. A mentor and youth selected may invite two additional youth or one youth and one mentor to hunt with them. The names of guests do not have to be listed on the application. By the end of November, individuals selected will be mailed a quota hunt permit for the date(s) they are drawn, a map showing hatchery location, blinds and other instructions concerning the hunt. Unsuccessful applicants will not be notified. An individual drawn for one quota hunt during a season will have lower preference to be drawn for a second quota hunt during the same season. Duplicate applications for the same hunt day will result in disqualification.