Hunting Seasons in Kansas 2025: Big Game and Small Game, Licenses, and Regulations Guide

Plan your 2025–26 KS hunt with our comprehensive guide—season dates, bag limits, licenses, bow & rifle rules, and popular game species from whitetail deer and elk to pheasants, turkey, and waterfowl. With its vast prairies, agricultural fields, and river corridors, Kansas offers diverse hunting opportunities across big and small game categories. Whether you’re glassing open fields for rutting bucks or walking CRP land for upland birds, Kansas provides some of the Midwest's most rewarding experiences. What Is There to Hunt in Kansas? Kansas is home to a variety of game species. Big game hunters can pursue whitetail deer, mule deer, and elk. For small game and upland hunters, there’s an abundance of pheasants, bobwhite quail, rabbits, and squirrels. Migratory bird hunters can take advantage of extensive seasons for ducks, geese, doves, and sandhill cranes. With its open landscapes and reliable populations, the state remains a favorite for both resident and nonresident hunters. What Animals Can You Hunt Year‑Round in Kansas? Hunters in Kansas can pursue unprotected species such as coyotes, prairie dogs, bobcats (with restrictions), and feral hogs (in limited areas) year-round. These provide exciting off-season opportunities and help manage local predator and invasive populations. However, always confirm specific land use and method regulations before heading out. Kansas Big Game Hunting Seasons 2025–26 Deer (Whitetail & Mule Deer) Archery: Sept 16 – Dec 31, 2025 Muzzleloader: Sept 16 – Sept 29, 2025 Firearm: Dec 4 – Dec 15, 2025 Youth & Disabled Hunt: Sept 7 – Sept 15, 2025 Kansas offers both resident and nonresident deer permits, including antlerless-only options and special management hunts. Units vary across the state, and lottery drawings apply to many nonresident licenses. Elk Archery: Sept 1 – Sept 30, 2025 Firearm (Any Elk): Oct 1 – Dec 31, 2025 Muzzleloader: Sept 1 – Sept 30, 2025 Elk hunting in Kansas is mostly limited to Fort Riley and surrounding areas, with permits issued through a draw system. Both bull and cow tags are available depending on season. Kansas Small Game & Upland Seasons 2025–26 Upland Game Birds Pheasant: Nov 9, 2025 – Jan 31, 2026 Quail: Nov 9, 2025 – Jan 31, 2026 Prairie Chicken (Southwest Unit): Nov 16 – Jan 31 Kansas is well known for its upland bird hunting. Walk-in hunting areas and CRP fields make ideal habitats for flushing pheasants and coveys of bobwhite quail. Rabbit & Squirrel Cottontail Rabbit: Nov 16, 2025 – Feb 28, 2026 Squirrel (Gray & Fox): June 1, 2025 – Feb 28, 2026 Small game hunting is ideal for beginners or those looking to explore Kansas woods and farmlands without high permit fees. Waterfowl & Migratory Birds Ducks & Geese High Plains Duck Zone: Oct 12 – Jan 7, plus Jan 25 – 26 (Youth) Low Plains Early Zone: Oct 5 – Dec 1 & Dec 21 – Jan 26 Canada Goose: Oct 26 – Feb 16, 2026 Light Goose Conservation Order: Feb 17 – Apr 30, 2026 Migratory bird seasons are zone-based, and hunters must hold the proper HIP registration, federal duck stamp, and state waterfowl stamps to hunt legally. Non-toxic shot is required statewide. Turkey Seasons Fall Archery & Firearm: Oct 1 – Nov 10, 2025 Spring Youth Season: April 1 – April 14, 2026 Spring Regular Season: April 15 – May 31, 2026 Kansas is home to a healthy turkey population, particularly in the eastern and central portions of the state. Both resident and nonresident hunters can participate with the appropriate tags. Bag Limits by Species Deer: 1 buck per permit; antlerless-only tags available by unit Elk: 1 per permit (bull or cow depending on draw) Pheasant: 4 roosters daily (after first 5 days), 2 during opening Quail: 8 daily limit Ducks: 6 total per day, species-specific sub-limits apply Geese: 3–6 per day depending on species and zone Rabbit: 10 per day Squirrel: 5 per day Bag limits protect game populations while providing fair opportunity. Check annual regulation updates before heading afield. License & Tags Information for Kansas Hunters (2025–26) All hunters must carry a valid Kansas hunting license, with additional permits or stamps required for specific species: Resident Annual License: $27.50 Nonresident Annual License: $97.50 Deer Permits: $52.50–$442.50 based on residency and draw Turkey Tags: $27.50 (residents), $62.50 (nonresidents) Waterfowl Stamps & HIP: Required for migratory bird hunting Youth, disabled, and senior discounts are available, and permits may vary depending on unit and method of take. Approved Hunting Methods: Bow, Rifle, Muzzleloader Kansas allows multiple hunting methods depending on the season: Archery: Longbows, compound, and crossbows Firearms: Centerfire rifles and shotguns with slugs Muzzleloaders: Legal during muzzleloader or firearm seasons Some species and seasons require specific weapon types, so consult current regulations for legal gear and restrictions by zone. Regulations & Resources To ensure a safe and ethical hunt, follow all rules set by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP): Legal Shooting Hours: 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset Hunter Orange: Required for deer and elk firearm seasons Hunt Zones: Confirm unit-specific boundaries for big game Game Tagging: All deer and turkey must be tagged immediately upon harvest Youth Requirements: Hunters under 16 must meet specific supervision or education rules Before you head out, always verify season dates, bag limits, and license requirements on the official Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks website to stay compliant and ensure a legal, ethical hunt. This guide was created based on information from the Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks (KDWP): https://ksoutdoors.com/Hunting/When-to-Hunt/Hunting-Seasons