Kansas Deer Season and Hunting Information and Regulations

*All information listed below is disclosed based on research we have conducted. We do our best to ensure that all information is up to date and accurate. However, rules and regulations are changing every day. Please make sure to verify your state-specific regulations prior to your hunt.

Kansas has a wide variety of game for hunting, as well as a number of programs that are designed to accommodate hunters in the state. Kansas hunting seasons include the standards like deer and turkey, as well as small game, elk and even antelope.

Kansas has great hunter education resources, a wide variety of special hunts and one of the most successful Walk-In Hunting Access Programs in the country, that gives hunters access to participating private lands.

And finally, deer hunters specifically may be interested in the Hunter Referral Program which helps match landowners with too many deer on their property the opportunity to be matched with hunters looking to harvest.

Kansas is a great state for hunting, so be sure to check out all the information available to make your trip a success!

If you’re looking for more information on Kansas hunting laws and regulations, visit the Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks website.

Kansas Deer Seasons

Archery Deer SeasonSep. 9 – Dec. 31
Deer Season Youth and DisabilitySep. 3 – Sep. 11
Muzzleloader Deer SeasonSep. 12 – Sep. 25
Pre-rut Whitetail Antlerless OnlyOct. 8 – Oct. 10
Regular Firearm Deer SeasonNov. 30 – Dec. 11

*Kansas has a complex system of zones called units, which each carry different seasons, requirements, and hunting parameters. Make sure to check the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks page when planning your hunt.

The state of Kansas provides some of the best trophy whitetail hunting in the United States. Kansas allows one buck per permit but a hunter can purchase permits for and harvest up to five antlerless deer.

There are a variety of special authorizations available and extended seasons in Kansas as well, so make sure to investigate if you want to try and qualify for them.

Doe Tags

As mentioned above, hunters can purchase up to five antlerless whitetail deer permits.

Kansas Antelope Seasons

Early Archery Antelope SeasonSep. 24 – Oct. 2
Late Archery Antelope SeasonOct. 15 – Oct. 31
Muzzleloader Antelope SeasonOct. 3 – Oct. 10
Firearm Antelope SeasonOct. 7 – Oct. 10

*Kansas has a complex system of zones called units, which each carry different seasons, requirements, and hunting parameters. Make sure to check the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks page when planning your hunt.

Antelope, or Pronghorn, hunting in Kansas is limited to a few units, specifically Unit 2, Unit 17 and Unit 18. This is because pronghorn require a lot of space to reproduce and thrive. There are not a ton of antelope permits available, but if you miss one, you get a preference point. 6 preference points earns a firearms permit to hunt antelope.

Kansas Elk Seasons

Elk Season (Outside Fort Riley) – ArcherySep. 12 – Dec. 31
Elk Season (Outside Fort Riley) – Firearms, First SegmentAug. 1 – Aug. 31
Elk Season (Outside Fort Riley) – Firearms, Second SegmentNov. 30 – Dec. 11
Elk Season (Outside Fort Riley) – Firearms, Third SegmentJan. 1 – Mar. 15
Elk Season (Outside Fort Riley) – MuzzleloaderSep. 1 – Sep. 30
Elk Season (Fort Riley) – Firearm Season for Any-Elk Permit HoldersOct. 1 – Dec. 31
Elk Season (Fort Riley) – Firearms, First SegmentOct. 1 – Oct. 31
Elk Season (Fort Riley) – Firearms, Second SegmentNov. 1 – Nov. 30
Elk Season (Fort Riley) – Firearms, Third SegmentDec. 1 – Dec. 31
Elk Season (Fort Riley) – Muzzleloader/ArcherySep. 1 – Sep. 30

*Kansas has a complex system of zones called units, which each carry different seasons, requirements, and hunting parameters. Make sure to check the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks page when planning your hunt.

There are only 20 elk permits issued per year, and they are given to military personnel and Kansas residents.

Kansas Turkey Seasons

Fall Turkey SeasonOct. 1 – Nov. 10
Archery Only – Spring Turkey SeasonApr. 3 – Apr. 11
Firearm or Archery – Spring Turkey SeasonApr. 12 – May 31
Youth/Disabled – Spring Turkey SeasonApr. 1 – Apr. 11

*Kansas has a complex system of zones called units, which each carry different seasons, requirements, and hunting parameters. Make sure to check the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks page when planning your hunt.

Reintroduction of the wild turkey to Kansas began in the 1960’s and has since produced great success. The state is home to both the Rio Grande and the Hybrid Rio Grande Breeds. During the combined season, legal equipment includes archery equipment, shotguns, and muzzle loading shotguns. During archery season, you can use long, recurve, compound, or crossbows. The bag limit is one turkey, either sex, per permit.

Kansas Migratory Game Bird Seasons

Migratory DoveSep. 1 – Nov. 29
Exotic DoveJan. 1 – Dec. 31
RailSep. 1 – Nov. 9
SnipeSep. 1 -Dec. 16
WoodcockOct. 15 – Nov. 28
Teal, High Plains ZoneSep. 17 – Sep. 25
Teal, Low Plains ZoneSep. 10 – Sep. 25
Ducks, High Plains UnitOct. 8 – Jan. 1, Jan. 20 – Jan. 29
Ducks, Low Plains Early ZoneOct. 8 – Dec. 4, Dec. 17 – Jan. 1
Duck, Low Plains Late ZoneOct. 29 – Jan. 1, Jan. 21 – Jan. 29
Ducks, Low Plains Southeast ZoneNov. 5 – Jan. 1, Jan. 14 – Jan. 29
MergansersFollows Duck Seasons
CootsFollows Duck Seasons
Canada GeeseOct. 29 – Oct. 30, Nov. 2 – Feb. 12
White-Fronted GeeseOct. 29 – Jan. 1, Jan. 21 – Feb. 12
Light GeeseOct. 29 – Oct. 30, Nov. 2 – Feb. 12
Light Geese under Conservation OrderFeb. 13 – Apr. 30
Sandhill Crane, Central ZoneNov. 9 – Jan. 5
Sandhill Crane, West ZoneOct. 15 – Dec. 11

*Kansas has a complex system of zones called units, which each carry different seasons, requirements, and hunting parameters. Make sure to check the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks page when planning your hunt.

Kansas Upland Bird Seasons

Pheasant & Quail Regular SeasonNov. 12 – Jan. 31
Pheasant & Quail Youth SeasonNov. 5 – Nov. 6
Greater Prairie Chicken Regular SeasonSep. 15 – Jan. 31

*Kansas has a complex system of zones called units, which each carry different seasons, requirements, and hunting parameters. Make sure to check the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks page when planning your hunt.

Kansas Furbearer Seasons

CoyoteYear Round
Coyote – Night Vision SeasonJan. 1 – Mar. 31

*Kansas has a complex system of zones called units, which each carry different seasons, requirements, and hunting parameters. Make sure to check the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks page when planning your hunt.

Kansas Small Game Seasons

Bullfrog SeasonJul. 1 – Oct. 31
Crow SeasonNov. 10 – Mar. 10
Rabbit SeasonJan. 1 – Dec. 31
Squirrel SeasonJun. 1 – Feb. 28

*Kansas has a complex system of zones called units, which each carry different seasons, requirements, and hunting parameters. Make sure to check the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks page when planning your hunt.

Kansas Bear Seasons

Kansas does not offer a hunting season for bears and it is illegal to hunt, trap, stalk, or kill one without significant reason to do so.

Kansas Crossbow Regulations

Kansas definitely is not the most crossbow friendly state. In March of 2013 the Kansas Wildlife, Park, and Tourism Commission approved the use of a crossbow for hunting purposes. In years prior, using a crossbow was only legal if:

  • You had a disability permit.
  • You were under the age of 15.
  • You were over the age of 55.

Today, a crossbow can only be used during the January Deer Archery Season.

Kansas Hunting License

Unless exempt by law, all resident hunters ages 16 through 74 must obtain a resident hunting license. Residents ages 66+ can purchase a combination hunting/fishing license at half price. All nonresident hunters, regardless of age, must obtain a nonresident hunting license.

Resident License: $27.50

Nonresident License: $97.50

If you want to check out the next state on our list, click here to see Kentucky.

Or, you can check out the last state on our list, Iowa.

About Al Parsons

Al Parsons is originally from Alabama, but has had the pleasure of hunting all over the United States. Al is an expert on crossbow hunting, as well as traditional rifle hunting. His favorite time of year is the start of Archery Deer season in Alabama, so usually in October.