2019 Hunting Guide

The Messenger-Inquirer’s

HUNTING & FISHING GUIDE 2019

LEARN ABOUT TIPS, TRICKS AND REGULATIONS INSIDE: • Fishing....................................... Pages 2, 6 • Gear................................................ Page 7 • Hunting........................................... Page 4 • Licenses.................................. Pages 10-11 • Nature.............................................. Page 9 • Public land and Zone 2 info........... Page 3 • Shooting............................... Pages 7-8, 12 Tuesday, August 20, 2019

2 HUNTING GUIDE 2019

Messenger-Inquirer Tuesday, August 20, 2019

Fishing

Tips for productive late-summer fishing

BY LEE MCCLELLAN

KENTUCKY AFIELD OUTDOORS

T

F R A N K F O R T

he constant heavy rain systems that plagued Kentucky all spring and early summer finally abated over the past few weeks. For the first time in two years, the brown, withered grass of late summer is a common sight in Kentucky. Usually, cracked ground and crunchy grass signal potential drought and bring angst. However, after record rainfall last year and an extremely wet spring and early summer this year, the brown grass is a bit welcomed.

The hottest two-month stretch of the year is here and largemouth bass anglers must make adjustments if they want to continue catching fish during the challenging dog days of late August through September.

Locating the depth of the thermocline is the first priority for bass anglers fishing Kentucky’s major reservoirs in late summer. Longer days and the higher sun angle of late spring warms the upper layers of a reservoir. By summer, the lake stratifies by temperature. The thermocline is the zone where the warmer upper layers mix with the oxygen-depleted, colder water layers below.

There is no dissolved oxygen below the thermocline for fish to breathe, so it is a waste of time fishing below it. The Louisville District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers provides a helpful page at https://www.lrl.usace.army.mil/ Missions/Civil-Works/Water-Information/WaterQuality-Data/ that provides the location of the thermocline. Click on the lake you are interested in and select “Most Recent Lake Profile.” The right-hand column shows the amount of dissolved oxygen in the water. The thermocline is the depth where the dissolved oxygen falls below five.

Water fertility and clarity play a role in the location of the thermocline. This week, the thermocline on mid-depth hill-land reservoirs with relatively clear water, such as Green River, Barren River, Rough River and Nolin River, is about 15 feet.

“Some clear lakes like Cave Run have a deep thermocline at about 20 feet,” said Mike Hardin, assistant director of Fisheries for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. “The water at that depth is about 73 degrees right now, more comfortable water for bass. At a lake like Taylorsville, a shallow, fertile lake, you don’t have that cool water option as the thermocline is only 10 feet deep.”

Smart bass anglers fishing the mid-depth

reservoirs should probe structures from 10 to 15 feet deep, such as points that extend out into the lake, submerged humps or channel ledges. Those fishing a shallow lake like Taylorsville should look for ambush cover just above the thermocline, such as a sunken tree-top, stump field or in flooded timber.

“Do not forget the basics of bass fishing,” Hardin said. “Bass hang out where there is food.

Shad like to follow channels. Points near the channel or any cover along the channel ledge are money spots at this time of year.”

Jigs slowly crawled across the point or along the channel ledge draw strikes. Points with stumps or chunk rock hold the most fish. Jigs in the peanut butter and jelly color, black and blue or green pumpkin make good choices.

Boat positioning is important to keep a jig crawling on the bottom and across those points, channel ledges and humps. Some anglers use marker buoys to visualize the sunken structures.

Deadsticking a 7- to 10-inch straight-tailed worm rigged on a ¼-ounce Shakey head and cast on the point, channel ledge or hump is a technique to try if all else fails. After the lure reaches bottom, reel in the slack and let the worm sit there and

wiggle. Occasionally squeeze the rod handle to impart a slight action to the worm. If no takers, reel it in about five feet and try again. Bass that ignored everything in your tackle box will often hit this presentation in late summer. Green pumpkin, junebug or plum glitter are productive worm colors.

Largemouth bass sometime suspend over the point, ledge or hump and ignore lures worked on bottom in late summer. A swimbait works well for suspended bass.

Pearl-colored swimbaits with shades of gray, blue and light purple work well. Fish the swimbait just above the point, ledge or hump with a swimming retrieve, stopping occasionally to let the lure fall. Bass often strike a swimbait on the fall at this time of year. Use the lightest weight you can.

It is hot and finally dry. Make the correct adjustments and continue to catch largemouth bass through the hottest stretch of the year.

Author Lee McClellan is a nationally award-winning associate editor for Kentucky Afield magazine, the official publication of the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. He is a life-long hunter and angler, with a passion for smallmouth bass fishing.

Tuesday, August 20, 2019 Messenger-Inquirer

Public Land Near Us GREEN RIVER STATE FOREST WMA

• 1,092 acres in Henderson County • Contact: (800) 858-1549 • Area Habitat: Mostly open land: open land 45%, forest 40%, wetland 14%, open water 0%

HUNTING GUIDE 2019

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• 137 acres in Ohio County • Contact: (270) 476-1889 • Area Habitat: Mostly forest: open land 2%, forest 94%, wetland 4%, open water 0%

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• 45,647 acres in Hopkins, Muhlenberg and Ohio counties • Contact: (270) 476-1889 • Area Habitat: Mostly forest: open land 23%, forest 62%, wetland 10%, open water 4%

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4 HUNTING GUIDE 2019

Messenger-Inquirer Tuesday, August 20, 2019

2019-20 Kentucky Hunting Seasons in Zone 2 AMERICAN WOODCOCK • Hunting: Oct. 26-Nov. 8, 2019; Nov. 11-Dec. 11, 2019

BEAVER, FOX (GRAY AND RED), MINK, MUSKRAT, RIVER OTTER, STRIPED SKUNK, WEASEL • Hunting: Nov. 11, 2019-Feb. 29, 2020 • Trapping: Nov. 11, 2019-Feb. 29, 2020

BOBCAT • Hunting: Nov. 23, 2019-Feb. 29, 2020 • Trapping: Nov. 11, 2019-Feb. 29, 2020

BULLFROG • Hunting: Ends Oct. 31, 2019

COMMON MOORHEN & PURPLE GALLINULE • Hunting: Sept. 1-Nov. 9, 2019

COYOTES • Hunting: Year-round; after daylight hours, use lights or night-vision equipment from Feb. 1-May 31 • Trapping: Nov. 11, 2019-Feb. 29, 2020

CROW • Hunting: Sept. 1-Nov. 7, 2019; Jan. 4-Feb. 29, 2020

DEER

DOVE

RABBIT

• Hunting: Sept. 1-Oct 26, 2019; Nov. 28-Dec. 8, • Hunting: Nov. 11, 2019-Feb. 10, 2020 2019; Dec 21, 2019-Jan. 12, 2020 (western zone) • Trapping: Nov. 11, 2019-Jan. 31, 2020 (eastern zone)

DUCK

• Hunting: Nov. 28-Dec. 1, 2019; Dec. 7, 2019Jan. 31, 2020

ELK (in elk zone) • Archery and crossbow: Sept. 14-27, 2019; Dec. 7-13, 2019; either sex • Firearm: Sept. 28-Oct. 2, 2019, Oct. 5-9, 2019 (bull); Nov. 30-Dec. 4, 2019, Dec. 28, 2019Jan. 1, 2020 (cow)

GOOSE • Canadian geese: Sept. 16-30, 2019; Nov. 28, 2019-Feb. 15, 2020 (hunting) • Conservation order: Feb. 16-March 31, 2020 (hunting) • Snow Ross: Nov. 28, 2019-Feb. 15, 2020 (hunting) • White-fronted and brant: Nov. 28, 2010Feb. 15, 2020 (hunting and falconry)

GROUNDHOG • Hunting: Year-round • Trapping: Nov. 11, 2019-Feb. 29, 2020

GROUSE (in grouse zone only)

RACCOON • Hunting: Oct. 1, 2019-Feb. 29, 2020 (statewide) • Trapping: Nov. 11, 2019-Feb. 29, 2020 (statewide); Nov. 11, 2019-Feb. 10, 2020 (western zone, either sex)

SANDHILL CRANE • Hunting: Dec. 2, 2019-Jan. 26, 2020

SQUIRREL (FALL) • Hunting: Aug. 17-Nov. 8, 2019; Nov. 11, 2019Feb. 29, 2020 • Trapping: Nov. 11, 2019-Feb. 29, 2020

TEAL DUCK ONLY • Hunting: Sept. 21-29, 2019; Sept. 26-29, 2019

TROUT FISHING (designated streams) • Catch and release: Oct. 1, 2019-March 31, 2020

TURKEY (FALL)

• Hunting: Nov. 1-8, 2019; Nov. 11, 2019-Feb. 29, 2020 • Archery: Sept. 7, 2019-Jan. 20, 2020; either sex • Crossbow: Oct. 1-20, 2019; Nov. 9-Dec. 31, 2019; either sex OPOSSUM • Shotgun: Oct. 26-Nov. 1, 2019; Dec. 7-13, 2019; either sex • Hunting: Oct. 1, 2019-Feb. 29, 2020 • Trapping: Nov. 11, 2019-Feb. 29, 2020

• Archery: Sept. 7, 2019-Jan. 20, 2020; either sex • Crossbow: Sept. 21, 2019-Jan.20, 2020; either sex • Modern Gun: Nov. 9-24, 2019; either sex • Muzzle-loader: Oct. 19-20, 2019; Dec. 14-22, QUAIL 2019; either sex • Youth-only weekend: Oct. 12-13, 2019; either sex • Hunting: Nov. 11, 2019-Feb. 10, 2020 • Youth-free weekend: Dec. 28-29, 20199; either sex (western zone)

WOOD DUCK AND TEAL • Hunting: Sept. 21-25, 2019 Source: Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife

Tuesday, August 20, 2019 Messenger-Inquirer

HUNTING GUIDE 2019

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6 HUNTING GUIDE 2019

Messenger-Inquirer Tuesday, August 20, 2019

Fishing

Monsters on the Ohio returns to English Park The annual team fishing event Monsters on the Ohio returns Oct. 12 to English Park in Owensboro. Teams are made up of one or two people, but a third person may join if he or she is under 16 years or over 60 years of age.

Teams are limited to a total of six lines in the water.

Registration takes place through the eve of the tournament. Par ticipants can register online or by mailing an entr y form to Monsters on the Ohio, 4029 Frederica St., Owensboro KY 42301. Entr y fees are $200 and must be received by mail or credit card (by calling 270684-5999) before Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2019. A $25 late fee will be applied to all entries after Oct. 1.

Entries are accepted up to the 5 p.m. mandator y meeting Friday, Oct. 11.

The tour nament r uns from 6:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12, at English Park. All teams must be in line to weigh in by 4 p.m.; there is a five-fish limit per team.

Good sportsmanship is expected of everyone during the tournament, and disorderly conduct will be cause for disqualification.

More information can be found at monstersontheohio.com.

Photo by Greg Eans, Messenger-Inquirer

Ben Goebel, left, holds up a 37.1-pound catfish as celebrity fisherman Bill Dance, middle, and George Young Jr. look on while the team weighed in their catches after competing in Monsters on the Ohio in 2018 at English Park.

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Tuesday, August 20, 2019 Messenger-Inquirer

HUNTING GUIDE 2019

7

Shooting

Fiscal Court takes over Daviess County Gun Club Officials hoping site will be up and running by end of the month

BY JACOB MULLIKEN

the numbers and found out all of the details, which is how I usually operMembers of Daviess Fiscal Court ate, it is pretty close to break even. I voted unanimously July 23 to move think mine broke even and Al’s ran for ward on the cour t’s acquisition $7,000 in profit. If you can operate a of the Daviess County Gun Club in park and break even or make a litMaceo. The future of the club now tle bit of money, it is easy to justify. rests in the hands of Daviess There are a lot of oppor tuCounty Parks and Recreation “I think it will nities with tournaments and and Director Ross Leigh. be positive for there are a lot of people that “There has been quite a us and the have that hobby. I was conbit of conversation about the cerned, but the parks departcour t’s vision,” Leigh said. community ment has an answer for all of “The judge (Daviess County will enjoy it.” it. I think it will be positive Judge-Executive Al Mattingfor us and the community — George will enjoy it.” ly) did a ver y good job of layWathen ing out his presentation. It is Despite his initial doubts, ever ything we have talked Daviess County Wathen agreed with his felabout the past two months. commissioner low commissioners and MatNow the r ubber meets the tingly that, even with the road and we are working toward get- $65,600 start-up costs, it would be a ting it open as soon as possible.” benefit to the community.

Mattingly presented the prospect “The parks depar tment will do a of the acquisition to Commission- fine job operating the gun club,” Maters Charlie Castlen, Mike Koger and tingly said. “I feel it is an opportunity George Wathen. In the beginning, to instruct the youth on the proper Wathen was unsure of the possibility way to handle firearms and respect due to concerns over the club being them. There is a lot of potential here a drain on the parks department bud- to build par tnerships and bring in get, he said. competitions and events. I would like “I was afraid that it was going to be to have it open by the end of August.” a big expense,” he said. “When I ran The proper ty housing the gun MESSENGER-INQUIRER

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club was originally operated by the Kentucky Depar tment of Fish & Wildlife Resources until the mid1980s when it was closed with the intention of developing a bird sanctuar y. In 2003, the state donated the land to Daviess County with the caveat that it be used only as a recreational shooting facility.

Later that year, Daviess Fiscal Cour t agreed to spend $100,000 to build skeet and trap ranges at the club at 7740 Kentucky 2830, and help fund the renovation of an existing clubhouse. Retired Daviess County Fire Chief Joe Kennedy and business par tner Steve Scott then invested their own money to continue renovations and reopen the facility that had been closed for years.

DAVIESS COUNTY GUN CLUB 7740 Ky. 2830, Maceo, KY 42355 (270) 264-5330 In 2013, the pair ended their agr eement with the county, and Jesse Pollock, of Rockpor t, Indiana, took it over. Pollock announced his intention to retire in Januar y 2017, and Matt and Bethany Schneider, of Lexington, managed the proper ty until the first of the year. The club has not been open during the 2019 season, Mattingly said.

Jacob Mulliken, 270-228-2837, jmulliken@messenger-inquirer.com *This story originally ran in the July 24, 2019, edition of the Messenger-Inquirer.

8 HUNTING GUIDE 2019

Messenger-Inquirer Tuesday, August 20, 2019

Shooting 10 RULES OF FIREARMS SAFETY ALWAYS KEEP THE MUZZLE POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION Never point your gun at anything you do not intend to shoot. This is particularly important when loading or unloading a firearm. In the event of an accidental discharge, no injury can occur as long as the muzzle is pointing in a safe direction.

A safe direction means a direction in which a bullet cannot possibly strike anyone, taking into account possible ricochets and the fact that bullets can penetrate walls and ceilings. The safe direction may be “up” on some occasions or “down” on others, but never at anyone or anything not intended as a target. Even when “dry firing” with an unloaded gun, you should never point the gun at an unsafe target.

FIREARMS SHOULD BE UNLOADED WHEN NOT ACTUALLY IN USE Firearms should be loaded only when you are in the field or on the target range or shooting area, ready to shoot. When not in use, firearms and ammunition should be secured in a safe place, separate from each other.

Whenever you handle a firearm or hand it to someone, always open the action immediately, and visually check the chamber, receiver and magazine to be certain they do not contain any ammunition. Always keep actions open when not in use. Never assume a gun is unloaded — always check for yourself.

DON’T RELY ON YOUR GUN’S ‘SAFETY’ Treat every gun as though it can fire at any time. The “safety” on any gun is a mechanical device which, like any such device, can become inoperable. Besides, by mistake, the safety may be “off” when you think it is “on.”

Never touch the trigger on a firearm until you actually intend to shoot. Keep your fingers away from the trigger while loading or unloading. Never pull the trigger on any firearm with the safety on the “safe” position or anywhere in between “safe” and “fire.” It is possible that the gun can fire at any time, or even later when you release the safety, without you ever touching the trigger again.

Never place the safety in between positions, since half-safe is unsafe. Keep the safety “on” until you are absolutely ready to fire.

BE SURE OF YOUR TARGET AND WHAT’S BEYOND IT No one can call a shot back. Once a gun fires, you have given up all control over where the shot will go or what it will strike. Don’t shoot unless you know exactly what your shot is going to strike. Be sure that your bullet will not injure anyone or anything beyond your target. Firing at a movement or a noise without being absolutely certain of what you are shooting at constitutes disregard for the safety of others.

USE CORRECT AMMUNITION Using improper or incorrect ammunition can destroy a gun and cause serious personal injury. Read and heed all warnings, including those that appear in the gun’s instruction manual and on the ammunition boxes. Be absolutely certain that the ammunition you are

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ALWAYS WEAR EYE AND EAR PROTECTION WHEN SHOOTING Exposure to shooting noise can damage hearing, and adequate vision protection is essential. Shooting glasses guard against twigs, falling shot, clay target chips and the rare ruptured case or firearm malfunction. Wearing eye protection when disassembling and cleaning any gun will also help prevent the possibility of springs, spring tension parts, solvents or other agents from contacting your eyes.

CLEAR THE BARREL OF OBSTRUCTIONS BEFORE SHOOTING Before you load your firearm, open the action and be certain that no ammunition is in the chamber or magazine. Be sure the barrel is clear of any obstruction. If the noise or recoil on firing seems weak or doesn’t seem quite “right,” cease firing immediately and be sure to check that no obstruction or projectile has become lodged in the barrel.

DON’T MODIFY YOUR GUN, AND HAVE GUNS SERVICED REGULARLY Firearms are complicated mechanisms that are designed by experts to function properly in their original condition. Any alteration or change made to a firearm after manufacture can make the gun dangerous and will usually void any factory warranties.

Your gun is a mechanical device that will not last forever and is subject to wear. As such, it requires periodic inspection, adjustment and service. Check with the manufacturer of your firearm for recommended servicing.

LEARN THE MECHANICAL AND HANDLING CHARACTERISTICS OF THE FIREARM YOU ARE USING Not all firearms are the same. The method of carrying and handling firearms varies in accordance with the mechanical characteristics of each gun. Since guns can be so different, never handle any firearm without first having thoroughly familiarized yourself with the particular type of firearm you are using, the safe gun handling rules for loading, unloading, carrying and handling that firearm, and the rules of safe gun handling in general.

Source: The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF)

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IF YOUR GUN FAILS TO FIRE, HANDLE WITH CARE Occasionally, a cartridge may not fire when the trigger is pulled. If this occurs, keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction. Keep your face away from the breech. Then, carefully open the action, unload the firearm and dispose of the cartridge in a safe way.

ER

M E

GER-INQU EN IR SS

using matches the specifications that are contained within the gun’s instruction manual and the manufacturer’s markings on the firearm.

Handloaded or reloaded ammunition deviating from pressures generated by factory loads or from component recommendations specified in reputable handloading manuals can be dangerous, and can cause severe damage to guns and serious injury to the shooter.

Ammunition that has become very wet or has been submerged in water should be discarded in a safe manner. Do not spray oil or solvents on ammunition or place ammunition in excessively lubricated firearms. Poor ignition, unsatisfactory performance or damage to your firearm and harm to yourself or others could result from using such ammunition.

P L AT I N U M

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Tuesday, August 20, 2019 Messenger-Inquirer

HUNTING GUIDE 2019

9

Nature

Protect the environment while you enjoy the outdoors Recreational activities can be made even more enjoyable by incorporating the great outdoors into the proceedings. Fresh air and sunshine can increase energy levels, and many people find their mood is boosted simply by spending time in nature.

People who routinely spend time in the great outdoors also can serve as environmental stewards.

When camping, hiking or enjoying other activities outside, outdoors enthusiasts should make an effort to impact the surrounding environment as little as possible. In addition, outdoor enthusiasts can do a number of things to protect the environment while basking in the great outdoors.

KEEP GROUPS SMALL

The smaller the group, the lower the likelihood of producing waste and the less wildlife may be disturbed. Large groups can be noisy, even when they’re tr ying to be quiet and respectful. This may startle animals away from their homes. Small groups also can be contained more easily, which means camp size will impact the least amount of habitat possible.

CARRY IN AND CARRY OUT

Nature enthusiasts should dispose of trash properly when spending time outdoors. Campers and hikers can bring along an extra bag for garbage, preferably one that can be sealed to reduce the chances of attracting wildlife. Dispose of trash upon leaving the park or nature preserve.

venturing off the trail in large numbers, the human impact to ecosystems increases. This may result in soil erosion, disruption to wildlife, widening of trails, muddiness, contamination of bodies of water, and much more, according to hiking resource The Hiking Life. The impact of one individual may be minimal, but that impact increases dramatically with each person who veers off course.

it as a source of water and as a place to bathe. The presence of humans alongside bodies of water may scare away wildlife. Give animals space in the early morning and late evening and keep camps away from the water.

BE AWARE OF YOUNGSTERS

Young animals in nesting grounds can be cute to observe, but overprotective parents may be nearby.

STICK TO THE BEATEN PATH CAMP AWAY FROM WATER Impeding on a nest may spark aggression in parents, The primary goal of a trail system is to provide It may be tempting to set up a lakeside camp. while some parents may abandon their young if they enjoyment of natural environments with little impact on surrounding areas. If hikers or campers start However, there’s a good chance that wildlife uses have been touched by humans.

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10 HUNTING GUIDE 2019

Messenger-Inquirer Tuesday, August 20, 2019

Hunting and Fishing License Agents DAVIESS COUNTY

HANCOCK COUNTY

5464 FAST FUEL Ky. 144 Owensboro, KY 42303 270-240-1142

ACES GUNS 1265 State Route 271 North Hawesville, KY 42348 270-927-6078

ACADEMY SPORTS & OUTDOORS 3051 Highland Pointe Drive Owensboro, KY 42303 270-686-6000

E.J.’S PAWN SHOP 150 Main St. Hawesville, KY 42348 270-927-8335

FRANK MILLER & SON SPORTING GOODS 537 Crabtree Ave. Owensboro, KY 42301 270-683-3479

HANCOCK COUNTY CLERK 225 Main Cross St. Hawesville, KY 42348 270-927-6117

GORDON’S TRUE VALUE 6180 Ky. 54 Philpot, KY 42366 270-729-4261 OWENSBORO RURAL KING SUPPLY 601 Commerce Drive Owensboro, KY 42303 270-683-3488 QUALITY QUICK #14 3414 New Hartford Road Owensboro, KY 42303 270-686-7445

JUMPIN JACKS FOOD MART 8513 U.S. 60 East Lewisport, KY 42351 270-295-3490 NASH’S ARCHERY & OUTDOOR GEAR 1270 Pell St. Lewisport, KY 42351 270-295-6532

McLEAN COUNTY HORNS HOOKS & FEATHERS 240 Ky. 81 North Calhoun, KY 42327 270-273-5937

MUHLENBERG COUNTY CASEY’S GENERAL STORE #3532 645 S. Second St. Central City, KY 42330 270-754-4859 MAX’S CONVENIENCE SHOP #147 3454 U.S. 4315 Beechmont, KY 42323 270-476-3995 MINIT MART 349 N. Main St. Greenville, KY 42345 270-338-9150 MUHLENBERG COUNTY RURAL KING SUPPLY 145 Copper Creek Drive Powderly, KY 42367 270-338-3555 UNCLE LEES, LLC 820 N. Main St. Greenville, KY 42345 270-338-1388 WAL-MART #0294 1725 Everly Brothers Blvd.

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MCLEAN COUNTY CLERK 210 E. Main St. Calhoun, KY 42327 270-273-3082

WAL-MART #0701 5031 S. Frederica St. Owensboro, KY 42303 270-685-2060

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WAL-MART #3363 3151 Leitchfield Road Owensboro, KY 42303 270-683-5553

SMITH SUPER SAVER 305 Beech Grove St. Calhoun, KY 42327 270-273-3573

OHIO COUNTY CLERK 301 S. Main St, Ste. 201 Hartford, KY 42347 270-298-4422

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MITCHELL’S GROCERY 11707 U.S. 231 Utica, KY 42376 270-275-4933

Tuesday, August 20, 2019 Messenger-Inquirer

HUNTING GUIDE 2019

License Information Kentucky's license year begins March 1 and continues through the last day of February. New licenses are required annually. Resident and nonresident youth under the age of 12 are not required to purchase licenses or permits to hunt (except the elk lottery application). Resident and nonresident youth ages 15 and younger are not required to purchase licenses or permits to fish.

If you take or attempt to take game or fish, you are subject to licensing requirements unless specifically exempted by law. Unless you are license-exempt, you must obtain and carry while in the field proof that you’ve met the license requirements for the kind of hunting or fishing you’re doing. This proof can be either a paper license/permit or a license authorization number (when purchasing license/permits online). If you can’t show you’re licensed properly while

you’re hunting or fishing, you risk being issued a citation.

Each hunter must have his or her own license or permit. Paper licenses and permits must be signed and the hunter information portion (signature, address, eye and hair color, sex, height and weight) completed before going afield.

There are several ways to purchase licenses and permits. Our online license sales site is the most efficient and convenient way to purchase licenses and permits.

When purchasing online, you will receive an authorization number that may be printed and kept with you when hunting or fishing.

We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Expr ess and Discover as forms of payment. You may also purchase through any of our license agents throughout the state or by phone at 877-598-2401. Some licenses are only available on our online license sales site.

They are Shooting Preserve License, Junior WMA Elk Lottery, Elk Quota Hunt Permit, and the Temporary Hunter Education Exemption Permit. We offer a discounted Senior License (65 years of age and older) and a Disability License that is good for the license year. Holders of Disabled Combination Licenses must carry both the license and authorization card while hunting.

Once a person who qualifies for this license reaches age 65, he or she is considered a senior for licensing purposes, and no longer needs to follow the process of obtaining a disability license authorization card.

All licenses and permits are good for the license year except for the 1-Day Small Game Hunting License, the 7-Day Small Game Hunting, the 1-Day Fishing License and the 7-Day Fishing License.

Source: Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife

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12 HUNTING GUIDE 2019

Messenger-Inquirer Tuesday, August 20, 2019

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