HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – Deer hunters have been afield since September with the opening of archery and crossbow seasons, but modern gun deer season, Kentucky’s biggest hunting season, opens Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. Lasting for 16 days, the season runs through Sunday, Nov. 23, according to a news release from the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources.

Kentucky is home to a bountiful herd of white-tailed deer, with hunters harvesting nearly 150,000 deer last year. However, modern gun season accounts for the most deer harvested annually. The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources website offers resources to assist new and experienced hunters alike. Learn about public lands available for hunting, season dates, licenses needed and more.

Christian County is in Zone 1, where a hunter may harvest an unlimited number of antlerless deer using the statewide deer permit and additional deer permits.

Hunters for the Hungry, licensing

For hunters who want to contribute to conservation and harvest additional is looking to donate the meat, Kentucky Hunters for the Hungry is an option. The organization pays for processing and distributes venison to people in need in the communities where the deer were harvested.

According to KY Hunters for the Hungry, to in order to donate hunters must first use a legal buck or doe deer tag. The organization will pay for the processing at a KHFH approved processor. The donated deer must be properly field dressed, recorded and telechecked (1-800-245-4263) before they can accept the deer as a donation. Then, drop the whole deer off in the hide at the KHFH approved processor.

Hunting licenses and permits may be purchased online at Kentucky Fish and Wildlife’s website (fw.ky.gov) and at authorized license agents throughout the state. Licenses are available for residents and non-residents, youth and senior/disabled. A statewide or youth deer permit is also required for all license types. For season dates, detailed license requirements and other hunting regulations, visit the Deer Hunting section of the department’s website or view and download the 2025-2026 Fall Hunting and Trapping Guide.

| FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Follow Christian County Now on Facebook