Kansas Hunting Seasons 2025/2026: Complete Guide

Before heading into Kansas’s prairies and woodlands for the 2025/26 season, proper planning is essential for a successful hunt. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything from licensing requirements to season dates for all game species. You’ll learn:

• How to navigate Kansas’s permit system and secure the licenses you need
• Complete season dates and unit restrictions for all major game species
• Essential strategies for accessing both public and private hunting land
• Special opportunities for youth, disabled, and non-resident hunters

Ready to plan your Kansas hunting adventure? Let’s dive into the essential details you need to know.

Understanding Kansas Hunting Licenses and Permits

Before heading into the field, hunters must navigate the licensing and permit requirements established by the Kansas Department of Wildlife. These requirements ensure proper wildlife management and provide funding for conservation efforts across the state.

Resident License Options and Requirements

The Kansas Department offers several license options for resident hunters. A resident hunting license or annual hunting license serves as the foundation for all hunting activities within the state. Residents between ages 16 and 74 must possess a valid license, with special provisions available for youth and senior hunters.

The fishing combination license (also called a hunt/fish combo) provides the best value for those who enjoy both activities. This comprehensive license grants access to both hunting and fishing license privileges throughout the state. For those planning to hunt white-tailed deer buck or antlered deer, a white-tailed deer permit must be purchased in addition to your basic license. Additionally, lifetime hunting license options offer long-term value for dedicated sportsmen and women. The lifetime license program includes special rates for youth applications, making it an attractive option for families committed to Kansas outdoor recreation.

Nonresident Hunting Opportunities

Nonresident hunters contribute significantly to Kansas’s wildlife management efforts through increased nonresident hunting license fees. These fees support conservation programs while providing access to some of the finest hunting opportunities in the Midwest. Nonresident hunters must carefully review unit restrictions and special permit requirements, as some areas have limited access or require participation in lottery draws.

Out-of-state hunters should note that the nonresident tenant deer permit offers special privileges for those with legitimate connections to Kansas agricultural operations. These permits acknowledge the role that agricultural tenants play in wildlife management, even when residing out of state.

Special Permits and Documentation

Beyond basic licensing, specific hunting activities require additional permits and documentation. The Kansas state waterfowl stamp and federal migratory bird hunting certification are mandatory for waterfowl hunters. Those pursuing mule deer must obtain a mule deer stamp, while modern hunting methods might require a night vision equip permit under certain circumstances.

Permit Type	Resident Cost	Nonresident Cost	Valid Period
Annual Hunting License	$27.50	$102.50	12 months
Combination Hunt/Fish	$47.50	$137.50	12 months
Lifetime License	$502.50	Not Available	Lifetime
State Waterfowl Stamp	$10.00	$10.00	Season
Deer Permit	$32.50	$442.50	Season

Deer Hunting Seasons and Regulations

The Kansas deer hunting season attracts sportsmen from across the country, offering opportunities to pursue both white-tailed deer and mule deer. Understanding the various seasons and their specific requirements helps ensure a successful and legal hunt.

Regular Firearms Season

The regular firearms season runs from December 3 through December 14, 2025. This period represents the primary opportunity for hunters using modern firearms to pursue both white-tailed and mule deer. Hunters must possess either a resident deer permit or nonresident deer permit, along with their valid Kansas hunting license.

Equipment restrictions apply during this season, with specific rules for archery equipment and muzzleloader permit holders. The kdwpt header middle section of their website provides detailed regulations about legal firearms and ammunition. All hunters pursuing antlerless white-tailed deer or attempting to fill antlerless whitetail permits valid during this season must wear blaze orange clothing meeting minimum requirements for visibility and safety.

Archery Season Opportunities

Archery season provides the longest period of deer hunting opportunity, running from September 15 through December 31, 2025. This extended timeframe allows bowhunters to experience various phases of deer behavior, from early season patterns through the rut and into late season movements.

Whether pursuing a white-tailed antlerless deer or a trophy mule deer buck, archery hunters must ensure their equipment meets KDWP specifications. The season allows for both compound bows and crossbows, though specific requirements exist for draw weights and arrow specifications.

Special Season Segments

The muzzleloader season spans September 15-28, 2025, offering a unique opportunity for those who enjoy traditional hunting methods. Hunters can use either a muzzleloader permit or participate in the muzzleloader draw permit system. The muzzleloader permit converts to a regular firearms permit during the later season, providing additional hunting opportunities.

Youth and disabled hunters enjoy early access through a special season running September 6-14, 2025. This season requires adult supervision for youth hunters and offers specialized provisions for disabled hunters. Families can purchase youth permits through standard KDWP channels.

Extended Season Opportunities

Kansas offers extended seasons for antlerless whitetail deer management, with dates varying by unit:

Unit Numbers	Extended Season Dates	Special Requirements
6, 8, 9, 10, 17	Jan 1-4, 2026	Antlerless Permit
10A, 12, 13, 15, 19	Jan 1-18, 2026	Antlerless Permit
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 11, 14, 16	Jan 1-11, 2026	Antlerless Permit

Turkey Hunting Opportunities

Turkey hunting in Kansas provides exciting opportunities during both spring and fall seasons. Recent changes to the permit system require careful attention to ensure compliance with current regulations.

Check out our full guide to Turkey Hunting in Kansas. We cover every aspect of the season, including turkey hunting season dates, bag limits, KS turkey hunting regulations, and more.

Spring Turkey Season Structure

The spring turkey season offers multiple opportunities for different hunting methods and groups. Hunters need a valid spring turkey permit or youth spring turkey permit to participate. The archery equipment only season runs April 7-15, 2025, followed by the regular season from April 16 through May 31, 2025. Youth and disabled hunters enjoy early access from April 1-15, 2025.

Significant changes implemented for 2025 affect how permits resident and nonresident hunters obtain permits. Similar to the mule deer stamp draw system, Unit 4 requires participation in a hunting partners draw, and all nonresident hunters must now enter this draw for Units 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6. Once a permit is purchased, permit delivery printed tags will be available immediately. The lottery application period runs from January 8 through February 7, 2025. Fort Riley maintains a different schedule with a closed season during certain training periods.

Fall Turkey Opportunities

Fall turkey season runs October 1, 2025, through January 31, 2026, offering a different experience from spring hunting. Here’s what makes fall turkey hunting unique:

Seasonal Differences:

• Spring focus: Protect nesting hens during breeding
• Fall focus: Population management after breeding season
• Spring permits: Male/bearded turkeys only
• Fall permits: Either sex harvesting allowed

Permit Structure:

• Spring turkey permit requires lottery entry for Unit 4
• Nonresident spring hunters enter draw for Units 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6
• Fall permits available over-the-counter for all hunters
• Season limit of one turkey with valid permit
• Units 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6 open for fall hunting

To help hunters better understand the key differences between seasons, here’s a detailed comparison:

	Spring Turkey Season	Fall Turkey Season
Season Dates	April 7 – May 31, 2025	October 1, 2025 – January 31, 2026
Legal Harvest	Bearded turkeys only	Either sex permitted
Permit System	Lottery draw for Unit 4 and nonresidents	Over-the-counter permits available
Valid Units	Unit-specific permits required	Valid in Units 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6
Bag Limit	One turkey with visible beard	One turkey of either sex
Turkey Behavior	Active breeding/gobbling period	Flocked up, feeding patterns
Hunting Strategy	Calling to breeding birds	Pattern-based hunting near food sources
Overlapping Seasons	Limited overlap with other species	Coincides with deer and upland bird seasons
Weather Conditions	Spring conditions, warming trends	Variable fall/winter conditions
Time of Day	Morning activity peaks	All-day activity patterns

Fall turkey season overlaps with numerous other hunting opportunities, allowing sportsmen to maximize their time in the field. Consider these combination possibilities:

• Deer Hunting: Combine turkey hunting with archery or muzzleloader deer seasons
• Upland Birds: Pursue pheasants and quail while watching for turkey activity
• Waterfowl: Scout water sources for both turkeys and waterfowl during morning hunts
• Predator Hunting: Keep turkey hunting gear ready while calling coyotes

This strategic overlap of seasons allows hunters to efficiently plan multi-species hunts while reducing overall time and travel commitments.

When planning a fall turkey hunt, hunters should consider how these birds’ behavior differs from spring patterns. Fall turkeys typically gather in larger flocks and follow more predictable feeding patterns. Success often comes from identifying travel routes between roosts and food sources rather than the calling strategies employed during spring breeding season.

Waterfowl and Migratory Bird Hunting

Kansas provides exceptional waterfowl hunting opportunities across its diverse landscapes. From early teal seasons through late-season goose hunting, proper planning and documentation ensure legal participation in these pursuits.

Required Licenses and Certifications

Waterfowl hunters need several documents before hunting ducks or other waterfowl:

Federal Documentation:

• Federal waterfowl stamp (required for hunting ducks)
• Kansas HIP stamp certification

State Requirements:

• Valid Kansas hunting license
• Kansas state waterfowl stamp
• Specific permits for to hunt cranes and other species

Sandhill crane hunters must complete additional certification before pursuing this species. Special regulations apply to species either sex harvest opportunities.

Sandhill Crane Hunting

Hunting sandhill crane requires special preparation and documentation. Before hunting cranes, hunters must complete an online crane identification test. Once passed, crane permits obtained through KDWP allow participation in this unique hunting opportunity. The certification ensures hunters can properly identify protected species and understand specific hunting regulations.

Duck and Goose Seasons

The state divides duck hunting into several zones, each with specific season dates:

Zone	First Segment	Second Segment	Daily Bag Limit
High Plains	Oct 5 – Jan 2	Jan 17 – 26	6 ducks
Low Plains Early	Oct 12 – Dec 8	Dec 21 – Jan 5	6 ducks
Low Plains Late	Oct 26 – Dec 29	Jan 18 – 26	6 ducks
Low Plains Southeast	Nov 9 – Jan 5	Jan 11 – 26	6 ducks

Upland Game Bird Hunting

Kansas maintains its reputation as one of America’s premier destinations for upland bird hunting. The state offers opportunities to pursue pheasants, quail, and prairie chickens across its diverse landscapes.

Pheasant and Quail Opportunities

The regular season for pheasant and quail runs November 8, 2025, through January 31, 2026. A special youth season occurs November 1-2, 2025, providing young hunters with first access to the year’s upland bird hunting. Daily bag limits allow for 4 cock pheasants and 8 quail.

The state’s walk-in hunting access program provides thousands of acres of private land access for upland bird hunting. These areas supplement public hunting lands and offer excellent opportunities for both resident and nonresident hunters.

Prairie Chicken Hunting

Greater prairie chicken hunting runs from September 15, 2025, through January 31, 2026. Special unit restrictions apply, and hunters must carefully identify legal hunting areas. The daily bag limit of 2 birds helps ensure sustainable populations of this iconic prairie species.

Planning Your Kansas Hunt

Successful hunting in Kansas requires careful preparation and understanding of available opportunities. Whether pursuing game on public or private land, proper planning enhances the hunting experience.

Public Land Opportunities

Public hunting access represents a cornerstone of Kansas’s outdoor recreation system, providing hunters with diverse opportunities across the state’s varied landscapes. The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks manages an extensive network of public hunting lands through several distinct programs, each offering unique advantages for different hunting styles and target species. From walk-in access on private lands to dedicated wildlife management areas, these programs ensure that both resident and nonresident hunters can find quality hunting opportunities without the need for private land leases. Here’s how each program works:

Wildlife Management Areas: These properties, managed by KDWP, provide diverse hunting opportunities across the state. Park vehicle permits may be required for access to some areas.

Walk-In Hunting Access: The walk in hunting access program opens thousands of private acres to public hunting. These areas require no additional permits beyond standard licensing and provide excellent opportunities for various species.

Federal Lands: National wildlife refuges and other federal properties supplement state-managed hunting areas. Special regulations may apply on these properties.

Private Land Access

While public hunting areas offer excellent opportunities, many of Kansas’s premier hunting spots are found on private land. These properties often feature carefully managed wildlife populations, reduced hunting pressure, and prime habitat that can significantly increase your chances of success. Accessing these private properties traditionally requires either personal connections with landowners or participation in tenant permit systems.

Hunting Locator simplifies this process by connecting hunters directly with pre-vetted private landowners across Kansas. Our extensive network includes thousands of acres of prime hunting land, featuring properties specifically managed for deer, turkey, waterfowl, and upland game. Each listing provides detailed property information, available species, and transparent pricing, eliminating the uncertainty often associated with private land access.

When hunting private land through Hunting Locator or other arrangements, always follow these essential guidelines:

• Written Agreements: Obtain proper documentation of your hunting rights through lease agreements or written permission
• Property Respect: Maintain positive relationships by following landowner guidelines and leaving gates and facilities as you found them
• Regulatory Compliance: Adhere to all unit-specific regulations and season dates for your hunting area
• Communication: Keep open lines of communication with property owners and report any issues or concerns promptly

For hunters seeking premium private land access without the hassle of cold-calling landowners or negotiating lease terms, Hunting Locator provides a streamlined solution. Browse available properties, compare amenities and prices, and secure your hunting spot all in one place. Visit our Kansas hunting leases page to explore available properties for the 2025/2026 season.

For those considering a more permanent investment in their hunting future, Hunting Locator also maintains an extensive database of Kansas hunting properties for sale. These carefully selected parcels range from small hunting retreats to large-scale wildlife management opportunities. Each listing includes detailed habitat information, wildlife populations, and property improvements, helping you make an informed decision about your investment. Explore our Kansas Hunting Land for Sale page to find your perfect hunting property.

The resident or nonresident tenant permit system offers another avenue for private land access, particularly for those involved in agricultural operations. These special permits acknowledge the role that agricultural tenants play in wildlife management and provide specific hunting privileges on leased farmland.

Additional Hunting Opportunities

Beyond primary game species, Kansas offers various other hunting opportunities. Hunting coyotes provides year-round recreation, while exotic species management helps control non-native wildlife populations. Special hunts and drawings may provide unique opportunities throughout the year.

Safety and Regulatory Considerations

Safe hunting practices ensure positive experiences and sustained access to Kansas hunting opportunities. All hunters must follow established regulations and safety protocols.

Required Safety Equipment

During firearms deer seasons, hunters must wear appropriate blaze orange clothing visible from all angles. Additional safety requirements may apply for specific seasons or hunting methods. The night vision equip permit comes with special safety considerations and usage restrictions.

Transportation and Storage

Proper game handling and transportation requirements help maintain meat quality and ensure regulatory compliance. Specific rules apply to:

1. Maintaining evidence of sex for deer and turkey
2. Proper tagging and documentation
3. Field dressing and storage procedures
4. Interstate transportation requirements

Conclusion

Kansas continues to provide exceptional hunting opportunities across its diverse landscapes. Whether pursuing trophy deer, waterfowl, upland birds, or other species, proper planning and regulatory compliance enhance the hunting experience. Stay current with KDWP announcements for any updates or changes to seasons and requirements.

Remember to verify all dates and requirements through official KDWP channels before your hunt, as regulations can change. Purchase licenses and permits well in advance through the KDWP website or authorized vendors to ensure availability for your planned hunting dates.