Are you prepared for hunting season in Kansas this year? With its expansive and varied terrain, prepare for an exhilarating adventure as you set your sights on species such as Whitetail deer and Mule deer.
Before the start of hunting season, it is crucial to obtain the appropriate licenses, familiarize yourself with the designated dates, and ensure that your weapons comply with the regulations established by the state of Kansas. Here, we provide you with the essential information to ensure your readiness for deer hunting season:
Season Dates
While season dates change depending on what area of Kansas you live in, below you will find the general dates that deer seasons open and close with the various hunting methods you use. With that said, you must know the specific dates per unit. To do so, you can check out the Kansas e-regulations page.
| Season | Season Open | Season Close |
|---|---|---|
| Bow/ Archery | Sept. 12th | Dec. 31st |
| Youth & Disability | Sept. 2nd | Sept. 10th |
| Rifle | Oct. 7th | Oct. 9th |
| Muzzleloader | Sept. 12th | Sept. 24th |
Firearm / Archery Whitetail Deer Only
| Extended Hunt | Season Open | Season Close |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Extended Whitetail Antlerless Only | Jan. 1st | Jan. 7th |
| 2nd Extended Whitetail Antlerless Only | Jan. 1st | Jan. 14th |
| 3rd Extended Whitetail Antlerless Only | Jan. 1st | Jan. 21st |
| Extended Archery Whitetail Antlerless Only | Jan. 22nd | Jan 31st |
Licensing & Draw License Fees
Hunting licenses are usually paired with fishing licenses for convenience. If you want to go hunting this season, you will find licenses and fees below. With each purchase, an administration fee needs to be paid. You also need to purchase a permit for the deer you are hunting. Let’s take a look at the costs.
| License | Fee |
|---|---|
| Lifetime Senior Resident Hunt/Fish Combination | $42.50 |
| Senior Resident Hunt: | $15 |
| Senior Resident Combination Hunt/Fish: | $25 |
| Resident Hunt: | $27.50 |
| Residents under 16: | No Licence needed |
| Resident Combination Hunt & Fish: | $47.50 |
| Resident Apprentice | $27.50 |
| 5 Year Resident Combo Hunt & Fish: | $182.50 |
| 5 Year Resident Hunt License: | $102.50 |
| Multi-Year Resident Youth Hunt (ages 16-20) | $42.50 |
| Multi-Year Resident Youth Combination Hunt & Fish (ages 16-20): | $72.50 |
| Nonresident: | $97.50 |
| Nonresident under 16: | $42.50 |
| Nonresident Apprentice | $97.50 |
| Nonresident Combination Hunt & Fish: | $137.50 |
| Resident Any-Season White-tailed Deer permit | |
| General residents | $42.50 |
| Resident Landowner/Resident Tenant | $22.50 |
| NR Tenant | $87.50 |
| Resident Youth (15 and Younger) | $12.50 |
| *The same prices apply to the Resident Archery Either-species/Either-sex Deer permit | |
| Resident Firearm Either-species/Either-sex Firearms Deer permit | |
| General residents | $52.50 |
| Resident Landowner/Resident Tenant | $32.50 |
| NR Tenant | $97.50 |
| Resident Youth (15 and Younger) | $22.50 |
What Weapons can you Hunt Deer Within California?
Firearms:
| Weapon | Details |
|---|---|
| Shotguns | Must be a minimum of 20 gauge. Loaded with single slugs. Barrel must be a minimum of 18 inches long. The minimum overall length must be 26 inches. |
| Centerfire rifle | 0.24 Caliber and up with a magnum load or centerfire cartridge. |
| Handguns | 43 caliber and down with a barrel no longer than four and a half inches. |
Bow and Arrow:
| Weapon | Details |
|---|---|
| Arrows | Arrows must be 24 inches in length. |
| Broadheads | Broadheads can be fixed with two blades and must be 3/4 inches wide at their widest point. |
| Bow characteristics | LongBow minimum draw weight for hunting deer is 40 lbs and a draw length of 28’. Recurve Bows’ minimum draw weight is 40 lbs. |
Crossbow:
| Weapon | Details |
|---|---|
| Crossbow draw weight | Crossbows have a minimum draw weight of 125 lbs and must be mechanically safe. Draw length must be a minimum of 14 inches. |
| Arrows/ bolts | The arrow/ bolt must be at least 16 inches, excluding the broad head. |
| Broadheads | It must be ⅞ inches at the widest point. |
Muzzleloading Rifle:
| Weapon | Details |
|---|---|
| Powder | black powder or black powder substitute only. |
| Caliber | A single barrel of .40 caliber or greater. |
| Legal projectile | Muzzleloaders can be smoothbore or rifled. Must be a single barrel that fires a single round ball or conical projectile. |
| Ignition | Matchlock, flintlock ignition system, percussion ignition system with a primer or percussion cap, or a wheel-lock. |
What Types of Deer Are Popular in Kansas?
In Kansas, hunters love to target two species of deer: the Mule deer and the Whitetail deer. These species of deer are popular because they provide hunters with a unique hunting experience every time. If you want to get out there and target either species, you must know how to identify them.
The Whitetail deer, known for its distinctive white tail, is the most common and widely distributed deer species in Kansas. It is found in various habitats, including woodlands, fields, and river bottoms.
The Mule deer, named for its large mule-like ears, is less common in Kansas than the Whitetail deer. They tend to live in more open areas, such as the western parts of the state. Their distinctive behavior and impressive antlers make them a sought-after game species.
What Else is Popular to Hunt in Kansas?
While the deer hunting season garners favor among the hunters in and outside of Kansas, there are tons of other species which you can target as well. Each gives you a unique experience on the hunt. Let’s take a look at other species you can hunt in Kansas:
Big Game:
- Mule Deer
- White-tailed Deer
- Elk
- Moose
- Pronghorn Antelope
- Bighorn Sheep
- Mountain Goat
- Black Bear
- Mountain Lion (with specific regulations)
Upland Birds:
- Ring-necked Pheasant
- Blue Grouse
- Sage Grouse
- Sharptail Grouse
- Dusky (Blue) Grouse
- Chukar Partridge
- Hungarian Partridge
- Ruffed Grouse
Waterfowl:
- Mallard
- Teal
- Pintail
- Wigeon
- Gadwall
- Canada Goose
- Snow Goose
- Ross’s Goose
- Various duck and goose species
Small Game:
- Rabbit (Cottontail and Snowshoe Hare)
- Squirrel (Red and Fox Squirrel)
- Prairie Dog
- Coyote
- Fox (Red and Gray)
- Bobcat
- Raccoon
- Badger
There is quite an extensive list of animals to hunt here. Like deer, there come licenses and permits that you must purchase to hunt the animals listed above legally. The Kansas e-regulations page will have everything you need to find out how to hunt in the state and what licenses and weapon requirements you must adhere to.