Kentucky has a growing black bear population and, with that, a regulated bear hunting season!
Hunters can pursue bears by archery, crossbow, firearm, or by dog, with specific dates for three zones and seasons.
Speaking of which… archery/crossbow season starts this week (Oct. 24) for Zones 1-3!
As with every season, hunters must obtain the necessary permits and adhere to regulations regarding firearms, baiting, and bag limits.
For more on black bear hunting in Kentucky, including zones and season dates, refer to the 2026-27 Hunting Guide, available here: https://fw.ky.gov/Hunt/Documents/huntingguideentire.pdf