iSportsman Staff

Kentucky hunters are celebrating a major win this season with a near-record Kentucky deer harvest that solidifies the state’s reputation as a prime hunting destination. According to the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Department, hunters took an impressive 149,868 deer during the 2024-25 season, marking the second-highest harvest in the state’s history. This total is only surpassed by the 2015 season, when 155,730 deer were harvested. 

The Success of the 2024-25 Kentucky Deer Season 

Joe McDermott, Deer Program Coordinator for Kentucky Fish and Wildlife, attributed the success to the dedication of hunters and careful management practices. “We’re very pleased with harvest results,” McDermott said to Bowling Green Daily News. “We had a great season, even with subpar weather at times.” 

The 2024-25 season set a record for the percentage of antlered deer taken, with 71% of bucks harvested being at least 2½ years old. This reflects hunters’ increasing selectivity, a practice encouraged by the department to sustain the state’s healthy deer population. Public lands also saw an unprecedented harvest, with popular areas like Peabody Wildlife Management Area yielding high results. 

Despite poor weather during the opening weekend of modern gun season, hunters remained resilient, harvesting over 107,000 deer (71.6%) by firearm. Other methods included bow (11.1%), crossbow (9.4%), and muzzleloader (7.9%). Kentucky residents accounted for 80% of the total harvest, showcasing strong local engagement in the sport. 

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The Impact of Deer Hunting in the State

Hardin County led the pack with 3,228 deer harvested, followed by Christian, Breckinridge, Grayson, and Hart counties. Notably, Breckinridge and Hardin counties managed high harvests despite a baiting ban aimed at preventing the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). Kentucky Fish and Wildlife continues to monitor for CWD through rigorous testing, with no new detections this season. 

With deer hunting contributing an estimated $800 million to Kentucky’s economy annually, this season’s results not only highlight hunters’ passion but also the significant economic impact of outdoor recreation. 

For more details on Kentucky’s record-breaking season and future updates, visit the original report at Bowling Green Daily News. 

Find more about Kentucky deer and other record-breaking deer stories on iSportsmanUSA.