New Shooting Range Permit — Free for Annual License Holders

March 9, 2026 Kisha Jones Outdoors
New Shooting Range Permit — Free for Annual License Holders
If you enjoy practicing at Kentucky Fish and Wildlife–managed shooting ranges, there’s a new permit requirement to be aware of. The good news: it’s free for anyone who holds an annual Kentucky hunting or fishing license, including the Sportsman’s License.
A recent amendment to a state administrative regulation now requires range users to have either a daily or annual Shooting Range Permit when using firearms or archery equipment at shooting ranges managed, leased or affiliated with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources.
Here’s what to know:
✅ FREE for anyone ages 16+ with a valid annual Kentucky hunting or fishing license
☑️ License holders must still select the permit in their license profile (it’s not automatically added)
Cost for those without an annual license:
-$26.43 annual permit
-$5.29 one-day permit
👨‍👩‍👧 Youth 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult
The permit system will help Kentucky Fish and Wildlife better understand how many people use these ranges, promote safe practices and support maintenance, improvements and future range development across the state.
This permit applies to several Kentucky Fish and Wildlife ranges, including those at:
-Curtis Gates Lloyd WMA
-Higginson-Henry WMA
-John A. Kleber WMA
-Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Headquarters
-Miller Welch–Central KY WMA
-Taylorsville Lake WMA
-Veterans Memorial WMA
-West Kentucky WMA
Participants in official department events or authorized club shoots are exempt from the permit requirement.
You can obtain the new Shooting Range Permit the same place you purchase licenses and permits through Kentucky Fish and Wildlife.