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USDA Forest Service
Daniel Boone
National Forest
1700 Bypass Road
Winchester, KY 40391

Phone: 859-745-3100
FAX: 859-744-1568

Recreation - Hunting

Thinking about hunting somewhere new this fall? Then visit the Daniel Boone National Forest. Most of the forest is open to the public for hunting free of charge.

A variety of game is hunted each year on the Daniel Boone National Forest. White-tailed deer, wild turkey, ruffed grouse, quail, woodcock, squirrel, rabbit, fox, raccoon, waterfowl, elk and more can be found on the forest.

If you need to sight in a rifle, or just practice, visit one of our shooting ranges.

Do I need a permit to hunt on national forest land?

The requirements for hunting on national forest land in Kentucky include having a valid hunting license and following all rules and regulations set forth by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. State permits are required for deer, elk and turkey.

May I hunt anywhere on national forest land?

Most of the general forest area is open to hunting, but designated recreation areas and administrative sites are not. Five wildlife management areas are located on the Daniel Boone National Forest that have special seasons and hunting regulations. These wildlife management areas are Pioneer Weapons, Mill Creek, Cane Creek, Beaver Creek, and Redbird. Be sure to review the regulations for hunting in these areas, found in "Kentucky Deer & Small Game Hunting and Trapping Guide," available from the Kentucky Dept. of Fish and Wildlife Resources. All wildlife management area boundaries are posted with yellow signs. Check with the district offices for more information.

It is important to stay at least 150 yards from trails, roads, recreation areas, buildings, and residences. Pay close attention to the boundaries; what you may think is national forest land could be private. National forest land is marked with yellow signs in black print. These signs are posted along the boundaries. You may purchase Daniel Boone National Forest maps, available at district offices or at the Supervisor’s Office in Winchester, Kentucky.

Even though you may be within the national forest proclamation boundary, there are pockets of private land within that boundary. Abide by posted "No Hunting" and "No Trespassing" signs. Permission from private property owners must be obtained prior to hunting.

Are hunting seasons different on national forest land?

The hunting seasons set by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources for private land are the same for Kentucky’s national forest land, except for special regulations which govern wildlife management areas. The Kentucky Hunting and Trapping Guide contains relevant information about seasons, limits and permits required.

May I carry a gun on national forest land?

Yes, as long as you are in accordance with state laws and regulations concerning firearms. Please note these exceptions:

You may not hunt within 150 yards of a residence, building or developed recreation site [261.58(v)], and you may not display a firearm within a developed recreation site [261.53(e)]. See Supervisors Order DB-07-00. Please observe the general rules of gun safety and courtesy.

Firearms are excluded from Wildlife Management Areas except during special designated hunting sea

Where can I get more information?

You can visit, call or write any of the district offices or the Supervisor’s Office, or you can contact:

Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources
#1 Game Farm Road
Frankfort, KY 40601
Phone 502-564-4336

Author: Wildlife Staff
Last Updated: May 5, 2010