AN ACT relating to depredating wildlife and declaring an emergency.

Amend KRS 150.170 to require the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources to issue a minimum of 5 deer destruction permits to any landowner, spouse, dependent child, or their designee whose lands or personal property have been damaged by wildlife; establish provisions for the renewal of deer destruction permits; require the department to issue a deer permit for the taking of 1 additional antlered deer during a hunting season to any requesting individual; amend…

Agriculture Effective Dates, Emergency Fish and Wildlife Hunting and Fishing Land Use Landlord and Tenant State Agencies

In effect since April 14, 2026

This act carries an emergency clause, so it took effect as soon as it became law instead of waiting the usual 90 days after the session adjourned (Ky. Constitution § 55).

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This bill changes how Kentucky handles deer that damage private property and expands deer hunting opportunities. Landowners whose property has been harmed by deer must receive at least five deer destruction permits, and hunters can request a permit to take one additional antlered deer during a season. It also extends the window for taking antlerless deer by 10 days after muzzle-loading gun season ends. Who it may affect: landowners dealing with deer damage to their land or property, hunters seeking additional deer harvest opportunities.

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