Crossbow Hunting Regulations in Kentucky

We have done our very best research to ensure this data about crossbow hunting regulations in Kentucky is completely current. There is always a chance that an update may have slipped by us without our knowledge. It is always best to first check with your local government entities prior to any type of hunting. If you require assistance doing this, please ask us for it.

Make sure to checkout our list of top 5 recommended crossbows for hunting in the USA if you’re looking to get started.

Crossbow Regulations in Kentucky

Crossbow hunting is lawful for all hunters and is designated within certain weeks, specifically known as crossbow season, in the state of Kentucky. It is lawful for hunters to use crossbows during firearms season; however, they must comply with all of the zone guidelines, hunting requirements, and restrictions which are applicable to firearms season. Crossbows are also lawfully permitted for all hunters during muzzleloader only and, in certain cases, rifle seasons. Crossbows are legal to use within portions of archery season. Permit carrying disabled hunters may legally use crossbows to harvest deer during bow only deer season.

The dates of the seasons mentioned above change frequently and almost always annually. Be sure to check with the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Department for accurate dates before attempting to hunt with crossbows.
There is no legal draw weight for crossbows in Kentucky; however, they must feature a functional safety.

• Mechanical broadheads are legal in Kentucky.
• Broadheads must be at least 7/8 of an inch wide with blades extended.
• It is not lawful for broadheads to be barbed.
• Carbon, metal, and wood arrows/bolts are all legal.
• It is not legal to use broadheads equipped with explosives or which have been chemically treated.
• Kentucky harvest restrictions and bag limits are applicable to all hunters. A hunter may not take more than one deer with antlers on private lands; excludes button bucks.
• A bonus antlered deer may be harvest from certain public hunting areas. This is determined each year by the governing agency of each individual area.

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