Kentucky

With over a million acres of public land and the strongest elk population east of the Mississippi, Kentucky is a sporting paradise. Key land features in Kentucky include the Bluegrass region, the Cumberland Plateau, the Western Coal Fields, Pennyroyal, and the Jackson Purchase. Joining the Union in 1792, Kentucky has been at the center of agriculture throughout America’s history and remains a large coal producer. Kentucky is also home to the infamous Army installation Fort Knox. Iconic species to the Bluegrass State include white-tailed deer, elk, wild turkey, black bear, gray squirrel, rabbits, various species of ducks and geeseruffed grouse, and quail.

For more information on the elected officials protecting and promoting the sportsmen’s traditions in Kentucky, please contact: Conner Barker

Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus

Representative Andy Barr Representative James Comer Representative Brett Guthrie Representative Thomas Massie Senator Mitch McConnell Representative Harold Rogers

Kentucky Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus Leadership

Senator Robin Webb

Kentucky Policy Highlights

In 2023, Senator Webb sponsored legislation (SB 241) that secured public access to 54,000 acres in Kentucky’s Elk Management Zone.

The Caucus was instrumental in the passage of a regulation in 2019 that significantly increased opportunities for hunting with a crossbow by adding more than 50 days to the deer crossbow season and expanding the youth deer crossbow season to be fully concurrent with the vertical archery season.

In 2024, led by Senator Webb, the Caucus was pivotal in defeating legislation that would have administratively attached the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources to the Department of Agriculture and authorized the Commissioner of Agriculture to appoint all members of the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Commission.

Paid Hunting License Holders

Paid Angling License Holders

.1 M

Generated for Wildlife Conservation

Crossbows

Over the last decade, many states have expanded opportunities for archery hunters wishing to use crossbows. Incorporating crossbow hunting opportunities into game management may increase… Read more.

Federal Land Hunting & Angling Access

Many sportsmen and women depend on federal lands managed by agencies such as the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Fish and… Read more.

No-Net-Loss

“No-Net-Loss” of public lands has become increasingly important to ensure access to public lands and waterways for current and future generations of sportsmen and women.… Read more.

Federal Land Habitat Management

Properly managed wildlife habitat is essential for supporting sustainable and healthy wildlife populations. Well-managed lands containvarious successional stages that provide a diversity of habitats capable… Read more.

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November 17, 2025

From New Opportunities to Decades Old Traditions, Bear Hunting Remains a Staple Among Hunters in the Southeast

Why It Matters: Black bears present hunters with the opportunity to get afield in pursuit of one of the most storied big game animals in the country, both past and present. Simultaneously, black bear hunters generate valuable conservation funding dollars through the “user pays – public benefits” structure of the American System of Conservation Funding…

August 18, 2025

CSF Supports Prescribed Fire Project on the Daniel Boone National Forest

Why It Matters: Prescribed fire is a cost-effective management tool that can be utilized at scale to improve wildlife habitat, increase vegetation diversity, and reduce fuel loads to lessen wildfire severity. Over time, fire suppression and reduced burning in fire-adapted communities on the Daniel Boone National Forest has allowed leaf litter to accumulate on the…

December 16, 2024

Crossbows – Extending Opportunities and Providing Access

Why It Matters: As states look to appeal to new hunters, offering methods of take that are beginner-friendly can positively impact hunter recruitment, retention, and reactivation efforts. With the growing popularity of crossbows, hunters have the opportunity to pursue our time-honored traditions in an exciting manner while expanding access to novice and seasoned hunters alike…

August 12, 2024

CSF Hosts Successful Policy Forum and Reception at NCSL

Why It Matters: The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) has long attended the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) where we connect with state legislators who take interest in natural resource management issues. Providing opportunities for the sportsmen’s community and members of the National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses (NASC) to come together and discuss current issues…

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Kentucky: American System of Conservation Funding Fact Sheet

2013 Sportsmen’s Economic Impact Report – Kentucky

2006 Economic Impact Report — Kentucky

View All Kentucky Reports

Impact You Can See

Hunter safety and the conservation ethic remain protected in KY.

Legislatures in AL, AR, DE, GA, IL, KY, LA, MS, NH, NV, NY, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, UT, VT, and WV celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Sportfish Restoration Program and formally recognized the crucial role that sportsmen and women play in funding conservation efforts through the “user pays, public benefits” structure of the American System of Conservation Funding.