Hunters in Kentucky recorded an impressive near-record deer harvest during the season that ended on January 20.
Just under 150,000 deer were taken, marking the second-highest harvest in the state’s history.
Joe McDermott, the coordinator of the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Deer Program, says more deer were harvested from public lands than ever before, and the percentage of antlered deer taken also set a new record.
Only 2015 had a higher harvest when over 155,000 deer were taken. McDermott says this season’s total exceeds the 10-year average of just over 143,000 by more than 6,000. Kentucky also recorded its highest buck harvest, with 86,000 male deer, including buck fawns.
76% of deer were taken with statewide or youth deer permits, 16% with landowner permits, and 7% with senior or disabled permits.
The remaining deer were harvested during public land quota hunts or through deer control damage permits. Kentucky residents accounted for 80% of the deer harvested.
Christian County had the second-highest harvest in the state at 3,092 and the second-highest buck harvest at 1,668. Hardin County had the highest harvest at 3,228.
Crittenden County ranked eighth in the state at 2,611 while Hopkins County was ninth at 2,563.
Trigg County was 17th in the state in deer harvested at 2,175, while Caldwell County was 27th with 1,774, and Todd County was 41st with 1,507.
The statewide deer hunting season in Kentucky begins annually with archery season in early September. The modern gun season, which runs for three weeks in November, typically accounts for more than two-thirds of the annual harvest.
Last year, over 107,000 deer were taken by firearm, 16,600 by bow, 14,000 with crossbows, and just under 12,000 using muzzle-loading firearms.
McDermott also says venison is a vital and healthy protein source for hunters and their families, as well as for food banks and shelters supported through donations or contributions to Kentucky Hunters for the Hungry.
Deer hunting also contributes an estimated $800 million to Kentucky’s economy annually.
