Experience the thrill of the hunt like never before in the great state of Kansas, where an abundance of wildlife and open land make for an unforgettable outdoor experience. With three conservation regions – Shortgrass Prairie, Central Mixed Grass Prairie, and Eastern Tallgrass Prairie – and an array of big and small games, there’s no shortage of opportunities for hunters to explore the beauty of this region all year round.
The Kansas whitetail deer population is a particular favorite among hunters, with over 900 applications for 20 permits every year. But that’s not all – the state also offers a variety of hunting seasons and weapon types to choose from, giving hunters the chance to pick and choose what they want to hunt and when. But before you embark on your adventure, there are important things every hunter needs to know about the hunting season, hunting license requirements, and bag limits.
Hunting Season Dates & Bag Limits
The deer season in Kansas is open from September 13th to December 31st, with additional dates available for special extended archery (January 25th – January 31st) and muzzleloader (September 13th – September 26th). If you’re interested in hunting antlerless deer, you can take part in the pre-rut antlerless deer hunts from October 9th through 11th. All hunters must wear orange during any deer season within the state as well.
Turkey hunting is also very popular in Kansas, with both fall and spring seasons available. The Fall General Turkey Season runs from October 1st through November 10th, followed by a Spring Youth & Disabled season starting from April 1st and ending on April 13th. After that, archery turkey hunters can take advantage of the Spring Archery season (April 4 – 12), followed by a general turkey hunt that lasts until May 31st.
For small game hunters, the pheasant season begins on November 13th and runs through January 31st. Cottontail rabbits have an open season year-round, as do ducks, which start as early as September 11th but vary depending on the zone you’re hunting in, so it’s important to check local regulations before heading out.
Kansas Hunting License & Regulations
To hunt in Kansas, everyone between the ages of 16-74 must obtain a valid hunting license. The resident cost is $27.50, while nonresidents are $97.50 and include an annual hunt/fish combo permit at $47.50/$137, respectively. If you’re specifically looking for a white-tailed deer combination hunt, the fee rises to an additional $442, plus special permits such as muzzleloader ($42) or archery ($42).
Landowners/Tenants have their own fees, which are significantly lower, with firearms of either species costing just under thirty dollars at twenty-eight fifty. Everyone must abide by the state regulations, so be sure to check out their official website or contact your local Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism office prior to heading out into any areas designated off-limits during certain times throughout the year.
Kansas Hunting Zones & Bag Limits
It’s important for all hunters to be aware of hunting zones, which determine where you can go after certain species during different times throughout each year. For example, if you’re duck or pheasant hunting, then knowing which zone your area falls under will help dictate when exactly those animals can be pursued legally. The duck daily limit is six, while pheasant maxes out at four per day per person, and there are no restrictions on cottontails or jackrabbits.
In conclusion, planning a hunting trip in Kansas requires careful consideration of the season, hunting license requirements, bag limits, hunting zones, and regulations.
