UPDATE 4.3.2020:  Effective immediately, sales of 2020 non-resident spring turkey permits for the general statewide season are suspended. This decision was made in consultation with the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Commission and the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, in accordance with Gov. Beshear’s Executive Order No. 2020-266 that limits unnecessary travel to the Commonwealth.

Only non-resident hunters who have already purchased 2020 spring turkey permits, and can comply with the Governor’s executive order should consider hunting in Kentucky during the spring season. The order requires all non-residents who travel to Kentucky to self-quarantine immediately for 14 days upon arrival.

Non-residents should also be prepared to follow their state’s travel guidelines. The department will be contacting non-resident hunters who have already purchased 2020 spring turkey permits to provide them with more information, including possible reimbursement.

Kentucky’s general spring turkey season will begin April 18 and continue through May 10. Residents of Kentucky may hunt as planned. For those who will be hunting, the department advises all hunters to follow these guidelines:

Keep a 6-foot distance between you and others while outdoors;
If you are taking a youth hunting, only take along youths from your household. Youth hunters require closer contact and immediate supervision;
Frequently wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol; and
Follow CDC recommendations for disinfecting frequently touched surfaces, such as borrowed hunting equipment.
Remember to follow safe social distancing practices if you are hunting with someone who does not live in your household. Examples of safe social distancing practices include:

Stay at least 6 feet apart while engaging in your outdoor activity;
Drive in separate vehicles to your hunting location; and
Do not hunt in a ground blind together.
For the latest information on the coronavirus in Kentucky, please visit kycovid19.ky.gov. For information about Kentucky Fish and Wildlife, please visit fw.ky.gov.

Kentucky Hunters are looking forward to Kentucky Spring 2020 Turkey Hunting Season.

Hunting is an essential part of the wildlife management program on public lands in Kentucky. Western Kentucky offers Spring Turkey Hunting opportunities on both Federal Recreational Area and Wildlife Management Areas.

Kentucky Spring 2020 Turkey Season Dates

Historically Spring Turkey Season dates in Kentucky are the twenty-three (23) consecutive days beginning on the Saturday closest to April 15 for the general season. The Youth-Only-Season are the two (2) consecutive days starting on the first Saturday in April.

Shooting hours are 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. Hunters may be in the field before and after shooting hours.

For Spring 2020, The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife has posted the dates of April 18, 2020 through May 10, 2020- Either Sex (must have a visible beard) to their website. They have posted Youth-Only Season dates of April 4, 2020 and April 5, 2020- Either Sex (must have a visible beard).

Kentucky Lake Spring Turkey Season opportunities are highlighted below.

Know The Laws and Be Safe

Before you go, know the rules and safety practices. Ensure everyone has a safe hunting experience. Hunters are responsible for following all applicable regulations and knowing the property boundaries. Always check for any special alerts, and have all the correct permits and licenses needed.  These links connect you to information on Kentucky Fish and Wildlife, Land Between The Lakes, Clarks River Refuge, and WMA:

Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Hunting Home Page

Purchase a Kentucky Hunting License Online

Land Between The Lakes Hunting Main Page

Clarks River Home Page

Livingston County WMA Information

Land Between The Lakes Spring Turkey Hunting 

UPDATE: There will not be a draw hunt this turkey season. At the request of many turkey hunters, Land Between the Lakes will not conduct a turkey draw hunt this season. This will give all turkey hunters an equal opportunity to enjoy a traditional opening day experience. Many turkey hunters expressed an interest in hunting fresh uneducated birds. LBL is suspending the turkey draw this season to provide this unique experience. Points accumulated in previous seasons will carry over to next season when we return to normal draw hunts.

Kentucky Turkey Hunt Season April 18-30, 2020
Tennessee Hunt Season April 18-23, 2020 and April 24-30, 2020
For more information https://www.landbetweenthelakes.us/seendo/outdoor-rec/hunting/

With thousands of acres and over 300 miles of undeveloped shoreline, Land Between the Lakes offers an impressive variety of hunting opportunities. The managed flock of LBL turkeys offers one of the highest densities of wild turkey in the area.

Located between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley, you will find the North Entrance to Land Between the Lakes off KY 453.

Historically, Land Between The Lakes offers annual spring turkey hunts through a quota hunt application system. To hunt during the first several days of spring turkey season, hunters must apply during February of the current year and be drawn for a quota turkey hunt permit.

All hunters age 16 and over must have a Land Between the Lakes Hunter Use Permit and applicable state licenses, i.e.; Must hunt in Kentucky if the hunter possesses a Kentucky state license.

The Annual Land Between the Lakes Hunter Use Permit is valid March 1 through February 28 and available at Welcome Stations, Visitor Center, and anywhere Kentucky and Tennessee State hunting licenses are sold.

Hunters are responsible for making sure they have all necessary permits and follow all state, federal, and Land Between The Lakes regulations.

Find Land Between The Lakes hunting information online here.

Hunting Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge 

The Kentucky Lake area also offers hunting opportunities in the Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge has approximately 5,000 acres of bottomland. It can provide hunters a chance to bag trophy-sized white-tailed deer, turkey, small game, and waterfowl.

Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge is located SW of Livingston County. Anyone wishing to hunt on the refuge must obtain and carry a permit card. These permits are available by calling the Refuge office at 270-527-5770.

Most hunting seasons and regulations coincide with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources state hunting regulations.

The challenge with the Clarks river Wr is the scattered tracts of refuge land among private land. Visit the website for maps and pay close attention to refuge signage.

Without exception, all refuges follow state and federal regulations, including license requirements. Refuge hunt programs do change. Always check with the refuge staff before hunting or fishing for updates on seasons and regulations.
In addition, it is your responsibility to know the hunting area boundaries and comply.

Click here to follow the Link to More information on the Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge.

Livingston County WMA and State Natural Area

Located in central and NW Livingston County, The Livingston County WMA covers 1898 acres. The habitat is mostly forest but also includes open land and wetland.

This WMA is open for the youth-only turkey season, and open only to youth hunters during the general spring turkey season. It is open under statewide regulations for fall.

The entrance GPS coordinates listed online are Latitude N 37.3362, Longitude W -88.4173.

For Directions and more information, click here and follow the link to Livingston County WMA.

Before you Go

Find a place to stay. Visit our Lodging Page to find information on hotels, resorts, and campgrounds.
Are you bringing Your Family? Find more fun things to do on both our Attractions Page and our Calendar of Events Page.

Please always check with state agencies for any updates on season and regulations before you go.