Archery License

Kentucky Archery
License 2026

Complete guide to archery hunting in Kentucky - stamp and license requirements, crossbow rules, draw weight and broadhead specifications, and archery deer and elk season dates. Kentucky has one of the best archery deer seasons in the Southeast with a season running from early September through mid-January. No separate archery stamp is required. Crossbows are restricted to hunters with disabilities during the archery season.

Min. Draw Weight: 35 lbs

2026 Archery License Quick Facts Verified 2026

Resident Fee

$30.00

License fee

Nonresident Fee

$130.00

NR license fee

Min. Draw Weight

35 lbs

Minimum for legal archery hunting

Crossbow

Not in archery season

Separate season may apply

License & Stamp Details

Kentucky Archery License Requirements

Review all archery license and stamp requirements before your hunt. Regulations change annually.

Requirement	Details
Archery Stamp Required	No - included with hunting license
Resident License Fee	$30.00
Nonresident License Fee	$130.00
Standalone Archery License	Requires base hunting license
Sunday Hunting	Allowed

Equipment Rules

Kentucky Archery Equipment Specifications

Legal archery equipment requirements in Kentucky. Using non-compliant equipment during archery season can result in citation and license revocation.

Draw Weight

35 lbs min.

Minimum draw weight required for big game archery hunting in Kentucky.

Arrow Length

No minimum arrow length specified. Standard hunting arrows (26"–32") are typical.

Broadhead Requirement

Broadheads are required for big game hunting. Both fixed-blade and mechanical broadheads are generally accepted.

Other Equipment Rules

Lighted nocks: Allowed
Rangefinder: Allowed
Minimum 35 lb draw weight. Broadheads must have a minimum 7/8" cutting width. No electronic bows.

Crossbow Regulations

Kentucky Crossbow Rules for Archery Season

Crossbows are not permitted during the traditional archery season in Kentucky. Crossbows are restricted to hunters with qualifying physical disabilities during the archery-only season. All hunters may use crossbows during the modern gun season. A separate crossbow or late-season permit may be available - check with Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources for current rules.

Season Dates

Kentucky Archery Season Dates

Approximate archery season dates for 2026. Season dates may vary by zone or wildlife management unit - always confirm with Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources.

Archery Deer Season

Sep 5

Through Jan 17

Important Notes

Kentucky-Specific Archery Rules

Kentucky is a premier destination for trophy whitetail bowhunters. Crossbow use during archery season is limited to disability permit holders. The long archery season from September through January covers all phases of deer behavior.

Source: Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (fw.ky.gov). Requirements verified 2026. Always confirm current license fees, equipment specs, and season dates directly with the agency before hunting.

Kentucky