This is a SUMMARY of the laws regarding migratory bird 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 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.

GENERAL REGULATIONS

HUNTING LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

License: Unless license exempt, hunters must possess a valid Kentucky hunting license when hunting the species listed in this guide.

A Kentucky waterfowl hunting permit, and a federal migratory bird stamp, authorizes the holder to hunt all types of migratory game birds including waterfowl (ducks, geese, coots, mergansers), moorhens, gallinules, rails, doves, snipe and woodcock.

For those who hunt migratory birds other than waterfowl, a Kentucky migratory game bird permit is required. The state migratory game bird permit authorizes the holder to hunt dove, snipe, woodcock, moorhens, rails and gallinules. (A federal migratory bird stamp is not required to hunt these species.)

When purchasing either a Kentucky waterfowl permit or state migratory game bird permit, hunters are required by federal law to complete a hunter harvest survey at the time of purchase.

BAITED FIELDS

It is illegal to hunt doves or waterfowl over a “baited” field. Baited fields are areas where grain, salt or other attractants have been placed other than those that occur by legitimate agricultural practices. Mature wildlife food plots grown to attract doves are legal hunting areas, as long as no additional attractants have been placed on these areas.

FALCONRY

The wildlife species listed in this guide may be taken by licensed falconers with any legal hunting raptor during the regular hunting dates listed for each species. All bag and possession limits apply to falconry hunting.

FIELD DRESSING

When field dressing, or otherwise preparing for transportation, any of the species in this guide, except doves, one fully feathered wing or the head must be left on each bird for identification.

HUNTING REQUIREMENTS

All shotguns used to hunt any game species in Kentucky except deer must be plugged to hold three shells total; one in the chamber and two in the magazine. Shotguns of 10 gauge maximum are permitted.

TAGGING

No person shall give, put or leave any migratory game birds at any place or in the custody of another unless the birds are tagged by the hunter with the following: 1) The hunter’s signature and address; 2) The total number of birds involved, by species; 3) The dates such birds were taken. Tagging is required if birds are being transported by another person for the hunter, or if birds have been left for cleaning, storage (including temporary storage), shipment or taxidermy services.

WANTON WASTE

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

NON-TOXIC SHOT

Possession or use of any lead shot while hunting or attempting to take waterfowl is prohibited statewide. Only USFWS-approved non-toxic shot may be possessed and used to hunt doves on Ballard, Boatwright, Peal, Sloughs, Kaler Bottoms, Kentucky River, Duck Island, Taylorsville Lake, Ohio River Islands, South Shore and Yatesville Lake WMAs as posted by signs.

WHICH LICENSE OR PERMIT DO I NEED?

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

* Included in Youth Sportsman’s License

† Included in Resident Sportsman’s License

HUNTING SEASONS

SHOOTING HOURS

Dove, private land: Sept. 1: 11 a.m. to sunset. Remainder of dove season: one-half hour before sunrise to sunset.

Dove, public land (WMAs, leased fields): Sept. 1 - Oct. 24: 11 a.m. to sunset. Remainder of dove season: one-half hour before sunrise to sunset.

All other species: one-half hour before sunrise to sunset.

DAILY BAG AND POSSESSION LIMITS

Daily limit refers to the number of birds which may be taken during a one-day period. Possession limit applies to transporting birds after two or more days of hunting but does not permit a double daily bag limit in the field.

OTHER SEASON NOTES

DOVE

Hunters may take unlimited numbers of exotic Eurasian collared doves for the 2008 seasons if the head and/or a wing remains attached during transport or in the field.

Eurasian collared doves cleaned in the field count toward the 15-bird daily dove bag limit. They resemble mourning doves, but possess a black slash across the back of their necks. Hunters should not continue to hunt for Eurasian collared doves after reaching the 15-bird daily dove bag limit.

CROW

Mechanical devices and electronic attracting devices for crow hunting may only be used during the open season. Crows observed committing or about to commit acts of depredation may be taken year-round; however, persons attempting to take depredating crows shall not use blinds, decoys, calls or other lures to attract birds into shooting range during the closed season.

EARLY WOOD DUCK AND TEAL

USFWS-approved non-toxic shot no larger than size T is required for all waterfowl hunting. Hunters may not possess or use lead shot while hunting or attempting to take waterfowl.

SEPTEMBER CANADA GOOSE

The following areas are closed to this season:

1. Northeast Goose Zone: Bath, Menifee, Morgan (except the portion in Paintsville Lake WMA) and Rowan counties including Cave Run Lake.

2. West-Central Goose Zone public lands (private lands are open): Muhlenberg County, Ohio County south of Rough River, Butler County west of Hwy. 79 and north of Hwy. 70, and Hopkins County east of Hwys. 814 and Madisonville and south of Hwy. 85 east of Madisonville.

3. Ballard Reporting Area: The portion of Ballard County north or west of the Ballard-McCracken County line to Hwy. 358; Hwy. 358 to U.S. 60; U.S. 60 to the city limits of Wickliffe; the city limits of Wickliffe to the center of the Mississippi River.

Areas manipulated for dove hunting ARE NOT legal for waterfowl hunting.

YOUTH WATERFOWL DAYS

Two weekends, one in each duck zone, have been designated for youth only to waterfowl hunt. Hunters under age 16 may take a legal limit of ducks, coots, mergansers and geese on these days. (Western Duck Zone: All counties west of and including Daviess, Ohio, Butler, Warren and Simpson)

Eastern zone: Nov. 1-2, 2008

Western zone: Feb. 7-8, 2009

PUBLIC HUNTING

2008 PUBLIC DOVE FIELDS (WMAs and Leased Fields)

Public Dove Hunting Interactive Map

Fields leased from private landowners are open for public dove hunting Sept. 1, 6, 7 and 10 (except Mentor-Youth Hunt sites are closed to the general public Sept. 1). All fields re-open Sept. 13 - Oct. 24. Leased fields are closed to public access except on the dates listed above. Hunters may drive by dove lease fields prior to the season but may not leave their vehicles to scout. Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) are open during regular seasons under statewide regulations unless otherwise specified in the following list.When hunting a public area, hunt safely and be courteous of others. Do not leave trash behind. The future of the dove lease program depends on you.

In this section, blue text indicates a Mentor/Youth Hunt site, where all or part of the area is reserved for Mentor/Youth Hunt participants on certain dates. Reservations are required for these hunts. See “YOUTH HUNTING” section for more information, or call 1-800-858-1549 or visit fw.ky.gov.

WESTERN KENTUCKY

Ballard County

Ballard Wildlife Management Area (WMA): U.S. 60 west from Paducah, about 16 miles then turn right onto Hwy. 310. Travel about 6 miles to stop sign at Hwy. 358. Cross Hwy. 358 and continue on Hwy. 310 to Hwy 1105.  Cross Hwy. 1105 onto Mitchell Lake Rd. then travel about 2 miles to fields on both sides of road. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS)-approved, non-toxic shot only.

Boatwright WMA: 2 miles west of Barlow on Mound City Rd., right onto Axe Lake Rd., about 0.5 mile on left. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)-approved, non-toxic shot only.

Carlisle County

Doug Travis WMA: From Paducah, U.S. 62 (west) to Bardwell, then pick up Hwy. 123 to its intersection with Hwy. 877 (Berkley Fish Lake Rd.) at Berkley. Turn right (west) onto Hwy. 877 for 3.5 miles to Fish Lake boat ramp turnoff. Turn right (east) and travel 0.9 mile to field on right side of road. From Wickliffe, take Hwy. 51 (south) to Bardwell and pick up Hwy. 123 to Berkley. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)-approved non-toxic shot only.

Christian County

20 acres: Hwy. 109 north, off Hwy. 1682 from Hopkinsville, then right onto Hwy. 800. Turn right onto Consolation Loop to a gravel road about 0.5 mile on left.

Crittenden County

20 acres: Hwy. 120 east from Marion to Hwy. 1917 south. Field is about 0.5 mile  on left.

20 acres: Hwy. 902 west from Dycusburg. Field is about 0.5 mile on left.

Graves County

7 acres: Hwy. 80 west from Mayfield, then left onto Hwy. 384. Turn left onto Rozzell Church Rd. Field is about 0.5 mile on left.

McCracken County

West Kentucky WMA: Tract 1 – U.S. 60 west from Paducah to Future City, right (north) onto Hwy. 996. Travel about 1.4 miles then turn left (west) onto Hwy. 725 for about 1 mile to Kelley Rd./Hwy. 726, run right (north) onto Kelley Rd. for 1.1 miles to field on right. Tract 5 – three fields. U.S. 60 west from Paducah to Future City, turn right (north) onto Hwy. 996, travel about 3.6 miles then left (west) onto Hwy. 358 for 1.7 miles. Turn right (north) onto Boldry School Rd. for about 1 mile to fields on both sides of road.

WEST CENTRAL KENTUCKY

Barren County

Barren River Lake WMA: Goose Island Unit – Access from US 31 E to Hwy. 1318. Dry Creek Unit – Access from Hwy. 87 to Bradshaw Rd.

20 acres: Take U.S. 68/80 east from Glasgow to Hwy. 1307 (New Salem Rd.), turn right and proceed about 1.4 miles to drive on left (note Botts Plumbing Sign). Turn left onto drive for about 0.3 mile to parking area.

Breckinridge County

Yellowbank WMA: About 20 miles north of Hardinsburg on Hwy. 259; about 20 miles west of Brandenburg on Hwy. 144 to Hwy. 259.

20 acres: Travel Hwy. 259 from Hardinsburg or Leitchfield, to McCoy-Roff Rd., to field at the end of Jack Galloway Rd.

Henderson County

Sloughs WMA: Hwy. 136 to Geneva, then onto Hwy. 268 for about 6.5 miles. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)-approved, non-toxic shot only.

Muhlenberg/Ohio counties

Peabody WMA: Sinclair Unit – seven fields. Ken Unit – three fields. User permit required for Peabody WMA, call (270) 273-3568 for more information.

Union County

Higginson-Henry WMA: Hwy. 56, about 7 miles southeast of Morganfield. Two fields, see maps at kiosk. One field (marked by signs) closed Sept. 1 for Mentor/Youth Hunt; call 1-800-858-1549 for reservations.

CENTRAL KENTUCKY

Anderson County

Taylorsville Lake WMA: From U.S. 62, take Hwy. 248 north for about 2.5 miles. Field is in Van Buren Bottoms, below the Hwy. 248 bridge at Salt River. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)-approved, non-toxic shot only.

Grant County

Lloyd WMA: 2 fields. Take Crittenden exit from I-75. Follow U.S. 25 south to Hwy. 491, turn left across railroad tracks. Field 2 closed Sept. 1 for Mentor/Youth Hunt, call 1-800-858-1549 for reservations.

Henry County

Kentucky River WMA: U.S. 421 to Hwy. 561, 1 mile west of Gest (near Lock 3). U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)-approved, non-toxic shot only.

Kenton County

Mullins WMA: One mile north of Crittenden on Eads Rd., bordering I-75.

Madison County

Blue Grass Army Depot: U.S. 421, south of Richmond. Reserved for Mentor/Youth Hunt Sept. 6, advance application and background check required. Open hunt Sept. 20, background check required. Call 1-800-858-1549 or go to fw.ky.gov for more information.

Miller Welch-Central Kentucky WMA: 9 miles southeast of Richmond; from U.S. 421 take Dreyfus Rd. east (Hwy. 3376 aka Bearwallow Rd.) at Kingston and proceed about 2 miles east. Go past the WMA office on your right to Muddy Creek Road South. Turn right (south) on this county road through center of area. Dove fields on right.

Nelson/Spencer counties

20 acres: Hwy. 55 north from Bloomfield, turn right (east) onto Hwy. 458 for about 0.1 mile to first graveled drive on right. Closed Sept. 1 for Mentor/Youth Hunt; call 1-800-858-1549 for reservations.

Owen County

Kentucky River WMA: Hwy. 355 north to Browns Bottom Rd. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)-approved, non-toxic shot only.

Spencer County

Taylorsville Lake WMA: 2 fields: 1) From Hwy. 248 east of Taylorsville Lake State Park, take Briar Ridge Rd. south for about 1.25 miles from the Briar Ridge General Store. 2) On Hwy. 2239 directly across from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Office.

Washington County

20 acres: Field is 0.5 mile south of Fredericktown, two miles from U.S. 150 on Burg Hill Rd., off Short Creek Rd. Closed Sept. 1 for Mentor/Youth Hunt; call 1-800-858-1549 for reservations.

NORTHEASTERN KENTUCKY

Carter/Elliott counties

Grayson Lake WMA: Frazier Flats Unit – From I-64 at Grayson take Hwy. 7 south about 7.5 miles. Turn left onto Hwy. 1496 for about 4 miles to Hwy. 1122 (Little Fork). Turn right on Hwy. 1122 and go about 3.3 miles and turn right on Wells Branch Rd. for about 2.6 miles to the intersection. Left at intersection and go about 0.2 mile to WMA parking area.

Fleming County

17 acres: Travel Hwy. 32, about 1 mile  west of Flemingsburg near mile marker 9.

Marietta Booth tract of Clay WMA: From Carlisle take Hwy. 32 east for about 12 miles then right at WMA sign. Go 0.3 mile to WMA parking area on left.

Bailey Tract of Clay WMA: From Carlisle, take Hwy. 32 northeast for about 11.5 miles, turn left at the caution lights onto Hwy. 170, go 4.5 miles and turn right onto Tea Run Rd. for about 2.5 miles to a gravel entrance on left (caution sharp left turn). Parking area second entrance on left.

Lawrence County

20 acres: From Blaine take Hwy. 32 to Hwy. 469 at Martha, then left onto Hwy. 469 for about 1.8 miles.

Yatesville Lake WMA: From Hwy. 201 about 3.5 miles north of Blaine, turn onto Cherokee-Irish Creek Rd. Travel about 1 mile, dove fields on right. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)-approved non-toxic shot only.

Lewis County

Lewis County WMA: From the junction of Hwy. 8 and AA Hwy. (Hwy. 10) near Quincy, 4.9 miles east on Hwy. 8 to the St. Paul/Morris Hill access sign. Left at sign and cross railroad tracks then left for 0.2 mile to dove field.

Pike County

Fishtrap Lake WMA: From U.S. 23 south of Pikeville, take U.S. 460 east for about 15.2 miles. Turn left and proceed about 3.2 miles to field.

SOUTHEASTERN KENTUCKY

Adair County

Green River WMA: From Hwy. 55, 2 miles north of Columbia, travel north on Hwy. 551 for 2.25 miles. Turn left onto Hwy. 2971 (Holmes Bend Rd), go 4 miles then turn left onto Corbins Bend Rd. for 2.2 miles to field.

Green County

20 acres: Hwy. 61 north from Greensburg, turn left onto Hwy. 569 then right turn onto Hwy. 566. Travel about 2.2 miles to fields on both sides of road.

20 acres: Hwy. 68/70 south from Greensburg about 7.5 miles. Turn right onto Hwy. 218 for about 2 miles, left onto Roy Bagby Rd. Fields at end of road, on right. Closed Sept. 1 for Mentor/Youth Hunt; call 1-800-858-1549 for reservations.

Lincoln County

20 acres: From the U.S. 27/150 intersection at Stanford, travel 6 miles southeast on U.S. 150. After crossing the Cedar Creek Lake dam, turn left onto Sportsman’s Lane. Travel 0.3 mile to parking area at Cedar Creek Sportsman’s Club. Closed Sept. 1 for Mentor/Youth Hunt; call 1-800-858-1549 for reservations.

Pulaski County

20 acres: Hwy. 80 west from Somerset for about 15.6 miles, then right onto Hickory Nut Rd. for about 6 miles to field on right.

Taylor County

Green River WMA: Two fields. From Campbellsville, take Hwy. 70 east for about 2.2 miles to dirt road on left (across from Hwy. 76).

Whitley County

20 acres: From Corbin take I-75, exit 25 to U.S. 25 W for about 7.6 miles to Hwy. 90. Turn right on Hwy. 90 and travel about 1.1 miles to Canada Town Rd. Turn left on Canada Town Rd. and travel about 2.2 miles to Craig Rd. Turn right on Craig Rd. and travel about 1.9 miles. Field on left of Craig Rd.

SPECIAL WMA RESTRICTIONS

Wildlife Management Areas not listed here or in the “Closed Areas” section are open under statewide regulations.

BOATWRIGHT WMA

(Ballard County) Ballard and Swan Lake portion

Dove: Sept. 1 - Oct. 13, 2008

Snipe: Sept. 17 - Oct. 13, 2008

Rails, Moorhen, Gallinules: Sept. 1 - Oct. 13, 2008

No woodcock hunting permitted.

The body of water known as Swan Lake and other areas designated by signs are closed to all hunting.

CENTRAL KENTUCKY WMA

(Madison County)

Dove: Sept. 1 - Oct. 13, 2008

Snipe: Sept. 17 - Oct. 13, 2008

No woodcock hunting permitted.

PIONEER WEAPONS AREAS

Breech- and muzzle-loading shotguns may be used to take wood ducks and teal on the shoreline portions of the Pioneer Weapons Areas at 1) Cave Run Lake, and 2) all waterfowl at Barren River Lake.

WEST KENTUCKY WMA

(McCracken County)

Dove: Sept. 1 - Oct. 24, Nov. 27 - Dec. 5, 2008 and Dec. 27, 2008 - Jan. 2, 2009

Snipe/Woodcock: Dates same as for dove; hunting permitted on tracts 2, 3, 6, and 7 only.

OTHER HUNTING AREAS

The following areas have special seasons and regulations for all hunting. Contact the individual areas at the addresses and telephone numbers listed below.

FORT CAMPBELL MILITARY RESERVATION

Outdoor Recreation Branch, Bldg. 6645

101st Airborne Div. Rd.
Ft. Campbell, KY 42223-5000

(270) 798-2175

FORT KNOX MILITARY RESERVATION

Hunt Control Office

Fort Knox, KY 40121-5719

(502) 624-7311

LAND BETWEEN THE LAKES NATIONAL RECREATION AREA

100 Van Morgan Dr.

Golden Pond, KY 42211-9001

(270) 924-2065

REELFOOT NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

4343 Hwy. 157, Union City, TN 38261

(731) 538-2481

CLARKS RIVER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

P.O. Box 89, Benton, KY 42025

(270) 527-5770

OHIO RIVER ISLANDS NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

3982 Waverly Rd.
Williamstown, WV 26187

(304) 375-2923, ext. 117

CLOSED AREAS

CLOSED TO MIGRATORY GAME BIRD HUNTING

1) The main block of Robinson Forest WMA; 2) the portion of Grayson Lake WMA within three-quarters of a mile of the dam, the Deer Creek Branch, the shores of Camp Webb and the state park. 3) the Greenbrier Creek Branch of Yatesville Lake and Yatesville Lake, including all islands,  north of the mouth of Greenbrier Creek Branch; 4) Land Between the Lakes NRA from Sept. 30 - Nov. 30.

CLOSED TO WATERFOWL HUNTING

All designated goose refuge lakes within the Western Kentucky coalfields are closed to all waterfowl hunting.

WATERFOWL REFUGES

 The following areas are waterfowl refuges: portion of Lake Cumberland WMA including Wesley Bend (bounded by Fishing Creek, Fishing Creek Road and Beech Grove Road) and Yellowhole (bounded by Fishing Creek Road and Hickory Nut Road) are closed to the public Oct. 15 - March 15. Ohio River Waterfowl Refuge (From Smithland Lock and Dam upstream to powerline crossing at river mile 911.5) is closed to hunting Oct. 15 - March 15 and Stewart Island is closed to the public Oct. 15 - March 15. On Peabody WMA, portions of Sinclair and Homestead mines as marked by signs are closed to the public Oct. 15 - March 15. On Sloughs WMA, the Sauerheber Unit is closed to the public Nov. 1-March 15 except the Crenshaw and Duncan tracts which are open for waterfowl hunting only. The area of Yellowbank WMA posted by signs is closed to the public Oct. 15 - March 15.

YOUTH HUNTING

MENTOR/YOUTH DOVE HUNTS

Fields set aside for Mentor/Youth hunts are open Sept. 1 to pre-registered hunters only. On this day, adult dove hunters can introduce a young hunter to the challenge and tradition of the early season dove hunt. Hunts require pre-registration (see rules below for details). Thereafter, unreserved slots will be available on a first come, first served basis. Mentor/Youth dove fields on wildlife management areas reopen to the public Sept. 2, while private fields leased by the department reopen for general public hunting Sept. 6. The following rules describe the hunt.

MENTOR/YOUTH HUNT RULES

1. Open only to adults accompanied by a youth (ages 15 and under), though not necessary for the youth to hunt.

2. Both mentor and youth can hunt, but must do so from the same field location (stake). All hunters must stay within 15 feet of their assigned shooting location. One adult may take two youths to these hunts. Two shotguns are allowed per stake. Two limits of 15 doves allowed per stake.

3. The number of hunters in Mentor/Youth Hunt fields will be strictly limited to insure a safe and quality hunt.

4. Field slots will be available only by advanced registration from 8:00 a.m. EDT Aug. 11, until 4:30 p.m. EDT, Aug. 22; call 1-800-858-1549. Unreserved slots will be available on a first come, first served basis at the field on the day of the hunt until all slots are filled.

5. Hunting groups must check in prior to hunting and check out prior to leaving the field with Kentucky Fish and Wildlife staff.

6. After the field is filled no new hunting groups will be allowed in.

7. Hunting groups in the field may move to different staked sites when the assigned group vacates that site.

8. Hunters must leave their guns at their shooting location (stake) when retrieving downed birds.

9. Shooting hours limited to 1:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., local time. All hunting groups must be out of the field by 7:30 p.m., local time.

10. All hunters will be responsible for cleaning up their shooting location (including empty shells) prior to leaving the field.

11. Mentors and youth must conduct themselves in a safe manner and abide by these and other rules posted at the hunt field. Failure to do so will result in termination of hunting privilege for that field that day.

12. Hunter education and licensing requirements apply.