Canine companions are a valuable asset while hunting a variety of different game animals, provided they are trained and handled properly.
Kentucky’s state regulations from the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources restrict what dogs can pursue and hunt, however, as well as when and where. At all wildlife management areas throughout the state, leash law restrictions remain in effect from the beginning of March through the third Saturday of August. The exceptions are department authorized field trials, or the training of water dogs in authorized areas indicated by signs.
Establishing shooting preserves or dog training areas requires special state permits. These permits must be renewed annually. In addition, there are specific regulations which must be followed regarding area parameters and the transport of potentially invasive exotic birds. The individual holding the permit for the training area is also required to maintain documentation of persons using the area each day, including the hunting license number of each person.
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The use of dogs is especially popular in Kentucky for those hunting raccoons, squirrels, rabbits, and other furbearers or small game. There are a variety of organizations and clubs through which hunters can obtain valuable insight, information, group training and engage in hunting activities as well. The Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources permits the aid of dogs for small game hunting during valid open season periods. Hunters should pay special attention to property lines where they choose to hunt with the assistance of dogs, as state law does not permit trespassing on privately owned property under any circumstances. A hunter retrieving their dogs is not an exception to this law.
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Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources holds a special bear season quota hunt with dogs for hunting parties. Each party can consist of up to five adult hunters, two youth or junior hunters, and eight dogs. All hunters must have valid and current hunting licenses, bear chase permits, and bear permits to enter the annual drawing. Any hunter with dogs may pursue bear in the bear chase zones during this quota hunt, but only hunt parties are authorized to kill and take bears. This special season has a quota limit, and once the state’s quota is met and the specified number of bears taken, the season ends the following day. There are chase-only zones throughout the state as well, which are open during the entire month of August.
This article is for information only. Please check current regulations before hunting.
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