Kentucky Hunting Guide
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Southeast
Big Game Hunting Near Lexington, KY
Lexington, Kentucky — Whitetail Deer, Wild Turkey, Elk seasons, public land, and local tips for 2026.
Big Game Hunting Near Lexington
Big game hunting near Lexington, Kentucky focuses on Whitetail Deer, Wild Turkey, Elk, and more. Use the season table below, then confirm county or unit rules with the state wildlife agency before you hunt.
View full Kentucky hunting guide →Kentucky Hunting Seasons
| Species | Archery | Firearm |
|---|---|---|
| Whitetail Deer | Sep 5, 2026 - Jan 18, 2027 (crossbow from Sep 19) | Modern gun Nov 14-29, 2026; early muzzleloader Oct 17-18; late Dec 11-20 |
| Wild Turkey | — | Spring youth Apr 4-5; general Apr 18 - May 10, 2026; fall shotgun/crossbow windows |
| Elk | — | Draw zone only: bull Sep 26-30 & Oct 3-7; cow Nov 28 - Dec 2 & Jan 2-6; archery Sep & Dec |
| Black Bear | — | Bear zones: chase Jun-Aug & Sep; dog hunts Oct-Nov; archery/gun Dec (see zone chart) |
* Season dates are approximate and may vary by zone or unit. Always verify with Kentucky Game & Fish for current regulations before hunting.
Highlights
Trophy potential
Long seasons
Turkey hunting
LBL