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Threatened and Endangered Species in Kentucky, Protected and Closed
Protected status, penalties and look-alike seasons for federally threatened and endangered species in Kentucky.
Photo: Tom Koerner (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) (CC BY 2.0)
What the law says about federally threatened and endangered species
Federally threatened and endangered species may not be hunted in Kentucky; the 2026-27 guide sets no season. Protected under state and federal law; may not be harvested (301 KAR 3:061).
May not be harvested.
Source: Guide p. 29 (Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources); checked November 10, 2026.
Open seasons that overlap federally threatened and endangered species
If you are after snapping and softshell turtles, these are your dates, and federally threatened and endangered species stay off limits throughout.
| Season | Area | Dates | Bag |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turtles | Statewide | Mar 1, 2026 to Feb 28, 2027 | No limit |
Source: Guide p. 29 (Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources); checked November 10, 2026.
Fines tied to federally threatened and endangered species
A listed case is charged under the general wildlife penalties; the table quotes them.
| Topic | Rule |
|---|---|
| Each animal a separate offense | Each animal taken, possessed or sold and each device used illegally is a separate offense; license may be forfeited for the license year. |
| General violations | $50-$500 fine where no other penalty is fixed; some sections (e.g. KRS 150.360 road/vehicle rules) $50-$500 and/or up to 6 months. |
| Deer, turkey, bear (KRS 150.390) and illegal entry (150.092(4)) | $100-$1,000 and/or 30 days to 1 year; license forfeited 1-3 years; replacement cost of deer, turkey or bear. |
| Elk | Illegally taking or possessing a wild elk: $1,000-$5,000 and/or up to 6 months, replacement cost or double gain, license forfeited 1-3 years. |
| Trespass to hunt (KRS 150.092) | 1st offense $100-$300; 2nd $300-$1,000; later offenses 1-year license forfeiture and $1,000+ or up to 1 year jail; liable for property damage. |
| Telecheck false information | Entering false information in Telecheck is unlawful. |
| Quota hunt rules | Hunters who break quota hunt rules cannot apply for any quota hunt the next year and lose preference points. |
Source: KRS 150.990 (Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources); checked November 10, 2026.
Threatened and Endangered Species: report a violation
Report a listed case to 1-800-25-ALERT.
Source: Guide p. 3 (Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources); checked November 10, 2026.
Kentucky wildlife groups and federally threatened and endangered species
Legal groups and the protected list from the laws summary, for comparison with federally threatened and endangered species.
| Group | Members |
|---|---|
| Big game | white-tailed deer, elk, black bear and wild turkey |
| Small game | gray squirrel, fox squirrel, eastern cottontail, northern bobwhite and ruffed grouse |
| Furbearers | mink, muskrat, beaver, raccoon, opossum, gray fox, red fox, least weasel, long-tailed weasel, river otter, bobcat and coyote and 1 more |
| Migratory birds and waterfowl | mourning dove, white-winged dove, Eurasian collared dove, Virginia rail, sora, common gallinule, purple gallinule, American woodcock, Wilson's snipe, sandhill crane, American crow and ducks and 8 more |
| Other | bullfrog, groundhog, snapping turtle, softshell turtles, house sparrow, European starling and exotic (non-native) hoofed wildlife |
| Eastern spotted skunk | Protected or closed |
| Alligator snapping turtle | Protected or closed |
| Birds of prey and native songbirds | Protected or closed |
| King rail | Protected or closed |
| Federally threatened or endangered species | Protected or closed |
| Wild pig | Protected or closed |
| Black bear (cubs, small bears, denned bears) | Protected or closed |
Source: Guide p. 12 (Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources); checked November 10, 2026.
Ruffed grouse on the forest floorPhoto: GlacierNPS (Public domain)
White-tailed deer moving through autumn woodsPhoto: NPS Photo (Public domain)
Eastern cottontail rabbit in green grassPhoto: Frank Doyle (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) (Public Domain Mark 1.0)
Common questions on federally threatened and endangered species
Is possession of live federally threatened and endangered species allowed?
No possessing, buying or selling live native wildlife without permits; orphaned wildlife only by licensed rehabilitators.
Does hunter orange apply when trapping near federally threatened and endangered species?
During every deer gun and muzzleloader season, orange on head, back and chest is required of hunters and trappers alike, wherever federally threatened and endangered species occur.
Can drones be used around federally threatened and endangered species?
No manned or unmanned aircraft (drones) to hunt or harass wildlife.
What are the trespass rules?
Verbal or written permission required to enter another person's land to hunt, trap or fish; railroad tracks and rights-of-way are private.
How are illegal kills of federally threatened and endangered species reported?
Report wildlife violations to 1-800-25-ALERT. May not be harvested.
Can I hunt federally threatened and endangered species in Kentucky?
Protected under state and federal law; may not be harvested (301 KAR 3:061).
Is there a similar species with a season?
Snapping and Softshell Turtle: No limit. Season rows: Turtles (Statewide): Mar 1, 2026 to Feb 28, 2027.
What fines can follow a listed case?
$50-$500 fine where no other penalty is fixed; some sections (e.g. KRS 150.360 road/vehicle rules) $50-$500 and/or up to 6 months. Each animal taken, possessed or sold and each device used illegally is a separate offense; license may be forfeited for the license year.
Is protection for federally threatened and endangered species state or federal?
The guides summarise KRS and 301 KAR; the regulations themselves are on apps.legislature.ky.gov. The 2026-27 Kentucky Hunting & Trapping Guide is the KDFWR summary used here.