Kentucky Spring 2021 Turkey Hunting Season
For Spring 2021, The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife has posted the dates of April 17, 2021 through May 9, 2021. They have posted Youth-Only Season dates of April 3, 2021 and April 4, 2021- Either Sex (must have a visible beard).
Good to know: 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.
As of this posting date, nonresidents may hunt. We all know how quickly things can change, so do keep an eye on the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife website for updates. Please practice all social distance guidelines and be safe.
Kentucky Lake Spring Turkey Season opportunities are highlighted below.
Know The Laws and Be Safe
Know the rules and safety practices. Hunters are responsible for following all applicable regulations and knowing the property boundaries. Always check for any special alerts or updates, and have all the correct permits and licenses needed. Connect to information on Kentucky Fish and Wildlife, Land Between The Lakes, Clarks River Refuge, and WMA by following these links:
Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Hunting Home Page
Purchase a Kentucky Hunting License Online
Land Between The Lakes Hunting Main Page
Livingston County WMA Information
Land Between The Lakes Spring Turkey Hunting
Quota Turkey Hunting
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 and be drawn for a quota turkey hunt permit.
Applications for the youth and adult turkey quota hunts at Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area are available online February 1-28, 2021.
Three quota hunts in both the Kentucky and Tennessee portions of Land Between the Lakes require prior application and selection. Hunting is not permitted between these dates.
Kentucky and Tennessee quota hunts:
Youth Quota Hunt – April 3-4, 2021
Quota Hunt – April 10-11 and 14-15, 2021
Hunters may apply online and learn more about the application process at: https://lblquotahunt.usedirect.com/Web/Home.aspx. The online application fee is $10, and preference points are carried over from previous years. Applicants may check the quota hunt website at the end of March to see if they were drawn.
Non-Quota Turkey Hunting
The non-quota hunting season, which does not require prior application, runs for 14 days.
Kentucky and Tennessee non-quota hunting season:
April 17 – April 30, 2021
The appropriate state hunting license, turkey permit, quota hunt permit (if applicable), hunter safety card, and Land Between the Lakes hunter use permit are required and must be carried while hunting. All hunters ages 16 and older must possess a Land Between the Lakes hunter use permit. Hunter use permits are $25 and combination hunter use/basic and dispersed camping permits are $75. Hunter use permits are valid March 1-February 28. Turkey hunters will want to purchase their hunter use permits beginning March 1. The hunter use and combination permits may purchased online at: landbetweenthelakes.us/reservations/.
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 Refuge 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.
Do you Also Like to Bass Fish?
You may want to check out our Calendar of Events for the Legacy Marine Open Team Trail and Two Day Class Bass Tournaments.
