In the heat of the blistering dog days of summer, there is nothing better than heading out for some night hunting. The Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) manages a number of year-round game species valid for night hunting during the off-season summer months, as well as the limited open season for amphibians. Here is a look at some of the animals that can be hunted legally during the summer. In each case, a hunting license is required by state regulations unless the hunter qualifies as exempted.
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- Bullfrog - Open season runs from the third Friday in May through the end of October, day and night. According to KDFWR Daily bag limits are measured from noon to noon, and possession limits also apply. Hunters may also be required to obtain a fishing license, depending on the type of equipment they choose. This is one game species for which hunting becomes as much an atmospheric experience as a sport. Harvest of this species helps maintain healthy population numbers for the available habitats, and keeps them from overwhelming more at-risk species, such as various breeds of salamanders.
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- Wild Boar - Feral pigs are considered an invasive exotic species in North America. Kentucky maintains an unlimited year-round open season on them. Trapping is permitted, but live transport is illegal. The use of dogs for pursuit and take is also permitted.
- Groundhog - This native species often proves itself a nuisance to both livestock owners and the agriculture industry at large. Their tendency to burrow is destructive, and their adaptability and resilience means their population growth forces out other species with which they share habitat resources. The state maintains an unlimited open season on groundhogs year-round. Although these creatures are diurnal and not active during the night hours, they are often seen being most active during the hours around dusk and dawn. During these times, the natural lighting is poor, giving them an advantage against natural predators like raptors and coyotes. The temperature is also cooler during this time, meaning browsing is better.
This article is for information only. Please check current regulations before hunting.
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