How to Get a Kentucky Youth Hunting License
| Kentucky Youth Hunting License — Quick Facts | ||
| Where to Purchase Online or In Person | Who Qualifies Residents and non-residents ages 12–15 | Hunter Education Required for ages 12+ |
| Rules Some young hunters must hunt with a licensed adult at least 18 years old | ||
How to Get a Kentucky Youth Hunting License
The most critical step in obtaining a Kentucky youth hunting license is selecting the correct license based on the child’s age.
We’ll cover that in more detail below, but if you’re ready to go ahead and purchase the license now, you have two options: online or in person
Option 1: Online Purchase
The most convenient way to purchase is through the KDFWR online licensing system. To complete the transaction, you’ll need the youth hunter’s full name, address, date of birth, and Social Security number.
Once purchased, you can print the license at home or store it digitally on a mobile phone.
Buying the youth hunting license online is the most common option due to its convenience and speed. Families can purchase multiple licenses and permits at once from the comfort of their homes.
Option 2: Buy In Person
- Local sporting goods stores
- Bass Pro Shops
- Cabela’s
- Walmart
No matter where you buy the license, make a point to purchase it as soon as possible. After all, the days leading up to the opening of deer and turkey seasons often result in long lines at retailers and increase the odds of technical glitches on online platforms.
What Are the Kentucky Youth License and Permit Costs (2026–2027)?
Kentucky keeps youth hunting accessible through a low-fee licensing and permit structure.
| Kentucky Youth Hunting License Costs | |
Resident Youth Annual Hunting License (ages 12-15 only) | $6.34 |
Non-resident Youth Annual Hunting License (ages 12-15 only) | $10.57 |
| Kentucky Youth Hunting Species Permit Costs | |
Resident Youth Turkey Permit (ages 12-15; one turkey, spring or fall) | $10.57 |
Non-resident Youth Turkey Permit (ages 12-15; one turkey, spring or fall) | $15.86 |
Resident Youth Deer Permit (ages 12-15; four deer) | $10.57 |
Non-resident Youth Deer Permit (ages 12-15; four deer) | $15.86 |
What Is a Kentucky Youth Hunting License?
KDFWR created the youth hunting license as a reduced-cost option to encourage young people ages 12-15 to get started in hunting.
- This basic hunting license grants hunting privileges for all legal game species in the state using a gun, bow, dog, or falconry.
- The state also offers the Youth Sportsman’s License, available only to Kentucky residents turning 16 during the current license year. This license bundle costs $31.71 this season and includes the annual hunting and fishing license, the youth deer permit, the spring and fall youth turkey permits, and the Kentucky migratory bird/waterfowl permit.
Who Needs a Youth Hunting License?
Instead of using a universal rule for all minors, KDFWR has structured youth hunting requirements by age group.
Under Age 12
Youth under 12 are not required to have a hunting license or purchase a permit for most species. The caveat is that an adult with a valid hunting license must always accompany the child in the field.
This adult supervisor must be in a position to take immediate control of the firearm, weapon, or any other hunting equipment. This requirement ensures safety while helping young hunters develop the experience and education they need in the field.
Ages 12–15
Hunters in this age group must purchase an annual youth hunting license. They are bound by the same hunting regulations as adult license holders.
As we stated earlier, deer and turkey hunters must purchase youth permits for those species if they plan to hunt them.
Ages 16 and Older
Once the youth turns 16, they must purchase the standard adult hunting license and any required permits.
However, hunters who purchased a license at age 15 and who will turn 16 during the current hunting season can remain on their existing youth license for the season.
Although Kentucky has made the youth hunting license fairly straightforward, you may want to brush up on the broad strokes of which ages need hunting licenses, particularly if you plan to hunt with your child outside Kentucky.
Who Qualifies for a Youth License?
Now that you know how to get a Kentucky youth hunting license, who is eligible to purchase one?
KDFWR allows children ages 12 to 15 to qualify for the youth license. And it’s available at an extremely affordable price for both residents and non-residents.
Children under 12 are not required to have a Kentucky hunting license, but they must hunt under the supervision of an adult who has a current annual hunting license.
Hunter Education Requirements (Ages 12–15)
Once hunters reach age 12, hunter education becomes mandatory for licensing.
KDFWR requires any person age 12 or older to complete a state-approved hunter education course to hunt in the state legally.
How to Complete Your Kentucky Hunter Education
Kentucky residents can enroll in a hunter education program once they are at least 9 years old.
There are two course formats to choose from:
- A one-day, in-person course with full classroom instruction plus a live-fire instruction block.
- A hybrid course that combines self-paced online coursework with a separate mandatory in-person range day for hands-on skills verification with weapons.
Temporary Exemption Option
KDFWR also offers a unique exemption permit for first-time hunters who have not completed a hunter education program.
The Hunter Education Exemption permit is free and valid for one year from the date of issue. It can only be used once in the hunter’s lifetime. This permit gives new hunters the chance to “test drive” hunting before committing to a formal hunter education course.
An important stipulation is that hunters using this exemption permit, regardless of age, must be accompanied by a licensed adult who is at least 18 years old and has completed a hunter education program.
How to Use the Youth Hunting License in Kentucky
Assuming a young hunter has completed hunter education, or has the temporary exemption, and has purchased a Kentucky youth hunting license, they’re ready to go.
| How to Use a Kentucky Youth Hunting License: |
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Tips for Parents and First-Time Youth Hunters
To make the most out of a child’s first hunts as a beginner, put some thought into your pre-season preparation to ensure positive field experiences.
- Verify licensing age requirements: The state’s youth hunting rules change at age milestones 12 and 16, so double-check which license and permits your child needs before buying.
- Schedule hunter education early: State-approved hunter education courses fill up quickly before the season starts and are typically filled leading into deer and turkey seasons. If your child needs to earn a hunter education certificate this season, get signed up as soon as possible.
- Consider the temporary education exemption: New hunters can bypass the education requirement with a free exemption permit. This permit allows the hunter a one-year reprieve from taking a hunter education course and allows them to get field and hunting experience before committing to the full certification. However, the permit holder must be supervised by a licensed adult during the hunt.
- Practice with the appropriate legal weapon before opening day: Train at home with dry-fire practice (for shotguns and rifles) and at the range to develop skills and accuracy, reinforce safe handling habits, and build confidence. There’s enough pressure and anxiety during a hunt that you don’t want weapons handling to be an issue in the field.
- Prioritize positivity and education: Remember why you’re hunting and understand that there is more to this time-honored activity than putting meat on the table. Create fun learning opportunities during the hunt, and consider keeping the first few times in the field short.
Take a Hunter Education Course to Hunt Safely in Kentucky
Kentucky and the KDFWR have made youth hunting incredibly accessible and affordable, encouraging the next generation of hunters to take their first steps toward becoming lifelong hunters.
One of the most valuable investments an outdoors-oriented family can make is enrolling their child in a state-approved hunter education course and providing the necessary support to help them earn their hunter education certificate.
Completing a course through ilearntohunt can provide young hunters with essential skills in safety, basic fieldcraft and first aid, conversation, wildlife identification, state regulations, and ethical decision-making!
Frequently Asked Questions about the Kentucky Youth Hunting License (FAQs)
We’ve got answers to some common questions about youth hunting allowances and youth hunting licenses in Kentucky.
Q: Does a youth need a hunting license in Kentucky?
A: It depends on the child’s age. Hunters under 12 do not need a Kentucky hunting license for most species, while youth ages 12–15 must purchase a youth hunting license and any required permits for species such as deer or turkey.
Q: How old does a kid have to be for the youth hunt?
A: Kentucky’s youth hunting license is available to hunters ages 12–15. However, children younger than 12 may still hunt under the supervision of a properly licensed adult who can take immediate control of the hunting equipment if needed.
Q: Who is exempt from a hunting license in Kentucky?
A: Several groups are exempt from Kentucky hunting license requirements, including resident and non-resident hunters under age 12. Certain resident landowners, their spouses, dependent children, and qualifying tenants hunting on their own property may also be exempt.
Q: What age should kids start hunting?
A: There is no single age that is right for every child. Many families introduce hunting when a child can follow safety instructions, stay focused outdoors, and handle the physical and emotional responsibilities of hunting. In Kentucky, children can begin hunter education at age 9 and may hunt under adult supervision before age 12.
Q: Can an 11-year-old go hunting?
A: Yes. In Kentucky, an 11-year-old can hunt without purchasing a hunting license for most species, but they must be accompanied by an adult who meets the state's supervision requirements. The adult must be close enough to take immediate control of the firearm or other hunting equipment.
