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Ranger district for public hunting
How to hunt London Ranger District, Daniel Boone National Forest this season
Ranger district in Laurel County and 7 more counties with 209,423 acres under Zones 3-4 deer rules.
Hunting gearPhoto: Daniel McFeeters (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Getting to London Ranger District, Daniel Boone National Forest
Parking, trailheads and gates near London Ranger District, Daniel Boone National Forest
- Parking areaParking · 0.6 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 1.3 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 1.9 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 2.2 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 2.3 mi from the centreDirections
- Craig Creek Boat RampBoat ramp · 2.3 mi from the centreDirections
- Boat rampBoat ramp · 2.3 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 2.4 mi from the centreDirections
- Rockcastle Narrows Trail #503Trailhead · 2.4 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 2.4 mi from the centreDirections
- Boat rampBoat ramp · 2.4 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 2.5 mi from the centreDirections
Parking, trailhead and gate locations come from OpenStreetMap contributors. Roads into public land can be gated or seasonal; check with the managing agency before you go.
Getting to know the London Ranger District
Roughly 209,423 acres of 8 Kentucky counties make up the London Ranger District, which sits in the Southeast wildlife region. The USDA Forest Service looks after the ground.
Sunbeams through fog over a winding forest road near Cumberland Falls in Whitley County
Acres: USFS EDW Lands Area Statistics (NFS acres in the district). Description and habitat from the area record; checked November 10, 2026.
Nearby
Places to hunt and shoot around London Ranger District, Daniel Boone National Forest
House rules for hunting the London Ranger District
- Forest-wide rules (see the Daniel Boone National Forest record).
Area regulations as printed on the Forest Service. Checked November 10, 2026.
Is the London Ranger District on the KDFWR charts?
No quick reference chart row covers the London Ranger District directly; check the manager rules that follow.
KDFWR Public Land Hunting page (2026-27 charts); checked November 10, 2026.
County and zone table for the London Ranger District
One of the species hunted on the London Ranger District.
Wood duck drake on still water
The London Ranger District is not one zone: its counties sit in Deer Zones 3-4, each with its own limit. Jackson and Rockcastle counties moved down a zone for 2026-27, so last year's limits no longer fit there.
| County | Zone | Limit | Moved? | Surveillance | Bear | Elk | Small game |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Estill County | Deer Zone 3 | 4 deer, 1 gun antlerless | No | No | Bear Zone 2 | No | Eastern |
| Jackson County | Deer Zone 3 | 4 deer, 1 gun antlerless | 4 to 3 | No | Bear Zone 2 | No | Eastern |
| Laurel County | Deer Zone 3 | 4 deer, 1 gun antlerless | No | Yes | Bear Zone 2 | No | Eastern |
| Lee County | Deer Zone 4 | 2 deer, 1 antlerless | No | No | Bear Zone 2 | No | Eastern |
| Owsley County | Deer Zone 4 | 2 deer, 1 antlerless | No | No | Bear Zone 2 | No | Eastern |
| Pulaski County | Deer Zone 3 | 4 deer, 1 gun antlerless | No | Check county | Bear Zone 2 | No | Eastern |
| Rockcastle County | Deer Zone 3 | 4 deer, 1 gun antlerless | 4 to 3 | Yes | Bear Zone 2 | No | Eastern |
| Whitley County | Deer Zone 4 | 2 deer, 1 antlerless | No | Yes | Bear Zone 2 | Yes | Eastern |
Deer calendar, Zones 3-4
| Season | Zone | First day | Last day | Status | Cite |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Archery | Statewide | Sep 5, 2026 | Jan 18, 2027 | Guide p. 12 | |
| Crossbow | Statewide | Sep 19, 2026 | Jan 18, 2027 | Guide p. 12 | |
| Youth, senior crossbow | Statewide | Sep 5, 2026 | Jan 18, 2027 | Guide p. 12 | |
| CWD antlerless | CWD counties | Sep 25, 2026 | Sep 28, 2026 | Guide p. 12 | |
| Youth gun | Statewide | Oct 10, 2026 | Oct 18, 2026 | Guide p. 12 | |
| Early Muzzleloader | Statewide | Oct 17, 2026 | Oct 18, 2026 | Guide p. 12 | |
| Modern gun | Zone 3 | Nov 14, 2026 | Nov 29, 2026 | Guide p. 12 | |
| Late Muzzleloader | Zone 3 | Dec 12, 2026 | Dec 20, 2026 | Guide p. 12 | |
| Free youth weekend | Statewide | Dec 26, 2026 | Dec 27, 2026 | Guide p. 12 | |
| Modern gun | Zone 4 | Nov 14, 2026 | Nov 29, 2026 | Guide p. 12 | |
| Late Muzzleloader | Zone 4 | Dec 12, 2026 | Dec 20, 2026 | Guide p. 12 |
A window listed here may still be closed on the London Ranger District; check the chart status first.
Zones from 301 KAR 2:172 and the KDFWR deer zone layer; dates from the 2026-27 Kentucky Hunting &
The London Ranger District and the CWD, bear and elk zones
Chronic wasting disease rules
Deer from the London Ranger District come out of the CWD Surveillance Zone (Laurel, Pulaski, Rockcastle and Whitley counties), and high-risk parts may not leave the zone. From November 14 to November 16, 2026 deer from Pulaski County go through a staffed station. September 25 to September 28, 2026 is the CWD antlerless season in Laurel, Pulaski and Rockcastle counties.
Bears
The London Ranger District is in Bear Zone 2; bear permits are sold over the counter and there is no bear quota. Bear hunting with dogs is not allowed on the London Ranger District.
| Bear hunt | Area | Days | Right now | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chase only | Bear Zones 1, 2, 3 | Jun 1–Aug 31 Sep 9–30 | Guide p. 18 | |
| Archery, crossbow | Bear Zone 2 | Oct 24–28 | Guide p. 18 | |
| With dogs | Bear Zone 2 | Oct 19–23 Oct 29–Nov 6 | Guide p. 18 | |
| Firearm | Bear Zone 2 | Dec 12–16 | Guide p. 18 |
Elk zone status
Inside the elk zone, the London Ranger District needs a drawn elk permit. Statewide, 500 elk permits went out in 2026.
| Season | Windows | Status | Cite |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bull, firearms | Sep 26–30 Oct 3–7 | Guide p. 22 | |
| Cow, firearms | Nov 28–Dec 2 Jan 2–6 | Guide p. 22 | |
| Archery, crossbow | Sep 12–25 Dec 5–11 | Guide p. 22 | |
| Youth quota | Sep 12–Jan 6 | Guide p. 22 |
CWD from the KDFWR CWD Surveillance Zone; bear from 301 KAR 2:300; elk from 301 KAR 2:132; checked November 10, 2026. CWD zone · bear zones · elk zone.
Harvest in the counties around the London Ranger District
Telecheck reports by county, so the figures below include private land around the London Ranger District. Pulaski County accounts for 2,359 deer in 2025-26, statewide rank 12.
| County | Deer | Deer rank | Turkey (spring) | Bear | Elk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Estill County | 643 | 91st | 276 | – | – |
| Jackson County | 930 | 67th | 367 | – | – |
| Laurel County | 1,593 | 35th | 487 | – | – |
| Lee County | 311 | 117th | 188 | – | – |
| Owsley County | 283 | 118th | 96 | 2 | – |
| Pulaski County | 2,359 | 12th | 659 | 2 | – |
| Rockcastle County | 737 | 83rd | 299 | – | – |
| Whitley County | 1,086 | 53rd | 396 | 5 | – |
KDFWR Harvest Results app (Telecheck, license years); spring turkey by calendar spring; checked November 10, 2026.
Linked pages for the London Ranger District
Rules for all of the Daniel Boone National Forest also reach the London Ranger District.
Nearby towns on the road to the London Ranger District
North Corbin has the nearest town page, about 11 miles from the London Ranger District as the crow flies. Population leader among the five: Somerset, 12,389 in 2024. The nearest KDFWR desk in a building is in Williamsburg, 21 miles off. The Southeast Region coordinator can be reached at (606) 344-0585 or FW.SoutheastRegion@ky.gov.
| Town | County | Pop. 2024 | Miles off | Bearing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Corbin | Laurel | – | 11 miles | east |
| London | Laurel | 7,573 | 13 miles | northeast |
| East Bernstadt | Laurel | – | 15 miles | northeast |
| Somerset | Pulaski | 12,389 | 19 miles | west |
| Williamsburg | Whitley | 5,332 | 20 miles | south |
Towns from places.json (Census 2024 estimates); KDFWR offices from the KDFWR contact page and the regional biologists map; businesses from services.json listings (call ahead); straight-line miles. Checked November 10, 2026.
Other hunting areas that border on the London Ranger District
Cane Creek WMA is next on the map, 2 miles north. By type, the six neighbours count as 5 wildlife management areas and 1 ranger district.
| Place | Type | Acres | County | Straight line | Which way |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cane Creek WMA | WMA | 6,677 | Laurel | 2 miles | north |
| Rockcastle River WMA | WMA | 2,922 | Pulaski | 8 miles | northwest |
| Buck Creek WMA | WMA | 850 | Pulaski | 11 miles | northwest |
| Beaver Creek WMA | WMA | 17,753 | McCreary | 11 miles | southwest |
| Ping-Sinking Valley WMA | WMA | 806 | Pulaski | 14 miles | northwest |
| Stearns Ranger District | Ranger district | 170,938 | McCreary | 21 miles | southwest |
Point: KDFWR Daniel Boone NF polygon inside the USFS EDW ranger district boundary (polygon centroid of the largest part). Straight-line distances. Statewide public land map.
Dawn and dusk limits at the London Ranger District
the London Ranger District hunters can be afield from half an hour before sunrise until half an hour after sunset for deer, elk, bear, turkey and small game, and the times below are worked out for the London Ranger District itself.
| When | Opener or event | First light | Last light | Most game | Migratory | Clock |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 5, 2026 | Deer archery opens | 7:10 a.m. | 8:02 p.m. | 6:40 a.m. to 8:32 p.m. | 6:40 a.m. to 8:02 p.m. | EDT |
| Sep 19, 2026 | Deer crossbow opens | 7:21 a.m. | 7:41 p.m. | 6:51 a.m. to 8:11 p.m. | 6:51 a.m. to 7:41 p.m. | EDT |
| Sep 25, 2026 | CWD antlerless opens | 7:26 a.m. | 7:31 p.m. | 6:56 a.m. to 8:01 p.m. | 6:56 a.m. to 7:31 p.m. | EDT |
| Oct 10, 2026 | Youth gun opens | 7:39 a.m. | 7:09 p.m. | 7:09 a.m. to 7:39 p.m. | 7:09 a.m. to 7:09 p.m. | EDT |
| Oct 17, 2026 | Early muzzleloader | 7:45 a.m. | 6:59 p.m. | 7:15 a.m. to 7:29 p.m. | 7:15 a.m. to 6:59 p.m. | EDT |
| Oct 24, 2026 | Bear Zone 2 archery | 7:52 a.m. | 6:50 p.m. | 7:22 a.m. to 7:20 p.m. | 7:22 a.m. to 6:50 p.m. | EDT |
| Nov 14, 2026 | Zone 3 gun opener | 7:14 a.m. | 5:29 p.m. | 6:44 a.m. to 5:59 p.m. | 6:44 a.m. to 5:29 p.m. | EST |
| Nov 26, 2026 | Duck season opens | 7:27 a.m. | 5:23 p.m. | 6:57 a.m. to 5:53 p.m. | 6:57 a.m. to 5:23 p.m. | EST |
| Nov 29, 2026 | Zone 3 gun closes | 7:30 a.m. | 5:22 p.m. | 7:00 a.m. to 5:52 p.m. | 7:00 a.m. to 5:22 p.m. | EST |
| Dec 12, 2026 | Bear Zone 2 firearm; late muzzleloader | 7:41 a.m. | 5:21 p.m. | 7:11 a.m. to 5:51 p.m. | 7:11 a.m. to 5:21 p.m. | EST |
| Dec 21, 2026 | Shortest day | 7:46 a.m. | 5:24 p.m. | 7:16 a.m. to 5:54 p.m. | 7:16 a.m. to 5:24 p.m. | EST |
| Dec 26, 2026 | Free youth weekend | 7:49 a.m. | 5:26 p.m. | 7:19 a.m. to 5:56 p.m. | 7:19 a.m. to 5:26 p.m. | EST |
Hours rules from the 2026-27 Kentucky Hunting &
Kit that suits the ground at the London Ranger District
the London Ranger District picks were made with creek bottoms, crop edges and steep hardwood ridges in mind.
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Climbing stand
Whitetail hunters from the Jackson Purchase to the eastern ridges keep a climbing stand close once the woods turn.
Box call
Loud box yelps carry across a hollow when a gobbler is roosted on the far ridge.
Daniel Boone National Forest – London Ranger District: ranges before the hunt
Hunters heading to Daniel Boone National Forest – London Ranger District pass closest to Whitman Branch Shooting Range, 5 miles from the land point.
From the KDFWR range layer and permit list, club sites and directory listings, checked November 10, 2026.
The Rockcastle River winding through forested hills at the Old Sublimity BridgePhoto: Daniel McFeeters (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Mallard drake head portrait in golden light against a blue skyPhoto: 19_Matt_79 (CC BY 2.0)
Things hunters wonder about the London Ranger District
Can a drawn elk hunter use the London Ranger District?
Yes, only with a drawn elk permit; it is in the elk zone.
Is there a black bear season at the London Ranger District?
It follows the Bear Zone 2 archery, dog and firearm windows.
How far is the drive from town to the London Ranger District?
North Corbin lies about 11 miles away.
Who runs the London Ranger District, and how large is it?
USDA Forest Service, about 209,423 acres.
Where do I ask about the London Ranger District rules?
Write to FW.SoutheastRegion@ky.gov or call (606) 344-0585.
When can I start hunting at the London Ranger District?
Half an hour before sunrise for most game; see the sun table above for exact times.
Any drawn deer hunts on the London Ranger District?
Not in the 2026-27 deer quota table.
Zone number for deer at the London Ranger District?
Zones 3-4, by county.
Is there chronic wasting disease testing near the London Ranger District?
Laurel, Pulaski, Rockcastle and Whitley counties are in the surveillance zone, and testing is free statewide.
Loose ends to tie up for the London Ranger District
Log every deer, turkey, bear or elk taken on the London Ranger District before moving it, and report it through Telecheck by midnight of the day it is recovered.
Sources: Forest Service · Forest Service · Forest Service · Forest Service; seasons from the 2026-27 Kentucky Hunting &
Other photos on this page: David Wilson (CC BY 2.0); U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Midwest Region (Public domain).