Photo: Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources
The 2026-2027 Kentucky license year for fishing, hunting, boating, and other outdoor activities began on Sunday. Outdoor enthusiasts can purchase all necessary licenses, tags, and permits to enjoy Kentucky’s great outdoors through the end of February 2027.
Licenses and permits are available for purchase online through the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources’ License Sales portal and the My Profile app, both accessible via the department’s website at fw.ky.gov. They can also be bought in person at authorized agent locations statewide. A county-by-county list of license agents is provided on the department’s website.
According to Fish and Wildlife officials, 2026-2027 license and permit fees will remain unchanged from the current year, which ended Saturday, February 28th. Earlier this year, 2025-2026 fees saw a slight increase with the adoption of inflation-based pricing. Federal Duck Stamp and application fees were not affected by these adjustments.
In Kentucky, a standard license allows for basic hunting or fishing of many species, but additional state permits are required for certain activities, such as trout fishing or hunting migratory birds, deer, wild turkey, or black bear. Sportsman’s licenses include basic hunting and fishing privileges along with permits for multiple species.
First-time resident buyers in Kentucky can now purchase a reduced-cost sportsman’s license for $37. Eligible individuals—those who haven’t bought an annual hunting or fishing license since 1996—receive a package that includes hunting and fishing privileges as well as permits for turkey, trout, migratory birds, waterfowl, and statewide deer.
For more information about resources for both beginners and seasoned outdoor enthusiasts, including hunting, fishing, and boating guides, go to fw.ky.gov.
