Hunters in Kansas should mark their calendars for the upcoming 2024 and 2025 deer seasons. The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) has announced the dates for the upcoming seasons, which promise to offer ample opportunities for hunters to pursue white-tailed deer in the state’s diverse landscapes. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a first-time hunter, the Kansas deer season offers an unforgettable experience amidst the rolling hills and abundant wildlife of the Sunflower State.
The 2024 deer season will kick off with the archery season, which runs from September 15th to December 31st. Archery hunters will have the chance to pursue deer in all 105 Kansas counties, offering a wide range of terrain and hunting opportunities. The firearms season, which is typically the most popular among Kansas deer hunters, will be split into two segments. The first segment of the firearms season will run from November 11th to 24th, while the second segment will be held from December 2nd to 11th. Hunters will be able to use either a rifle or a muzzleloader during the firearms season.
The 2025 deer season will follow a similar schedule, with the archery season running from September 13th to December 31st. The firearms season will be divided into two segments, with the first segment running from November 10th to 23rd and the second segment from December 1st to 10th. Hunters should note that the specific dates and regulations for the 2025 deer season may be subject to change, so it’s important to check with the KDWPT for the most up-to-date information. With its abundant deer population, diverse landscapes, and ample hunting opportunities, Kansas offers an exceptional deer hunting experience that is sure to create lasting memories for hunters of all levels.
Archery Season Opening Day
The Kansas archery season for deer hunting opens in September and continues till the end of December. It is an excellent time to hunt deer, as they are transitioning between their summer and winter ranges and are more likely to be moving during daylight hours. The archery season is also a great time to target bucks, as they are starting to rut and become more active in search of females. Archery hunters can use tree stands, ground blinds, or spot-and-stalk techniques to hunt deer during this season.
Archery equipment regulations for the Kansas deer season include the use of bows with a minimum draw weight of 35 pounds, arrows with broadheads that are at least 7/8 inches wide, and mechanical broadheads that are at least 1 inch wide. Hunters must also wear hunter orange during archery season.
The following table summarizes the key dates for the Kansas archery season for deer hunting in 2024-2025:
| Year | Opening Day | Closing Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | September 14 | December 31 |
| 2025 | September 13 | December 31 |
Gun Season Opening Day
Get ready to experience the thrill of the hunt during the Kansas deer season in 2024 and 2025. The gun season opens with a bang, offering hunters ample opportunities to bag their prized game.
Youth Season
Aspiring young hunters will have their chance to shine during the Youth Season, which runs from October 19th to 21st, 2024, and October 18th to 20th, 2025. This is an excellent time for kids to learn the ropes and experience the excitement of deer hunting in a safe and supervised environment.
Firearm Deer Season
The most anticipated event for avid deer hunters is the Firearm Deer Season, which takes place from November 5th to 18th, 2024, and November 4th to 17th, 2025. During this period, hunters are allowed to use rifles, shotguns, and muzzleloaders to pursue their quarry. With the vast expanses of hunting grounds available in Kansas, there are plenty of opportunities for hunters to find success.
Muzzleloader Season
Traditionally minded hunters can enjoy the Muzzleloader Season, which runs from December 2nd to 10th, 2024, and December 1st to 9th, 2025. This season offers a unique challenge as hunters rely on the precision and skill required for muzzleloading firearms.
Muzzleloader Season Opening Day
For the 2024-2025 season, the Muzzleloader season will open on **October 13, 2024** and close on **November 3, 2024**. The season is divided into two periods: the early period, which runs from October 13-20, and the late period, which runs from October 21-November 3.
Hunters must possess a valid Kansas hunting license and a muzzleloader permit to participate in the season. Only muzzleloading rifles and shotguns are permitted during this season. Muzzleloading rifles must be .50 caliber or larger, and shotguns must be 10 gauge or larger. Hunters may use either loose powder or pelletized powder in their muzzleloaders.
The following table provides a summary of the Muzzleloader Season:
| Season | Dates |
|---|---|
| Early Period | October 13-20, 2024 |
| Late Period | October 21-November 3, 2024 |
Youth Season Dates
Young hunters in Kansas have the opportunity to participate in a special youth deer season before the regular season begins. The youth season provides a great chance for young hunters to get their first taste of deer hunting in a safe and supervised environment.
For the 2024-2025 season, the youth deer season will be held on the following dates:
Firearm Zone 1
| September 21-22, 2024 |
| September 20-21, 2025 |
Firearm Zone 2
| September 28-29, 2024 |
| September 27-28, 2025 |
Firearm Zone 3
| October 5-6, 2024 |
| October 4-5, 2025 |
Archery Season
The youth archery deer season will run from September 15th through October 15th, 2024 and 2025.
To participate in the youth deer season, hunters must be under the age of 16 and must be accompanied by a licensed adult mentor. The adult mentor must be present during all hunting activities and must be within sight and sound of the young hunter at all times.
The youth deer season is a great opportunity for young hunters to learn about deer hunting and to develop their skills. It is also a great way for young hunters to bond with their mentors and to create lasting memories.
Disabled Hunter Season
The Disabled Hunter Season provides opportunities for individuals with qualifying disabilities to hunt deer before the regular firearms season. This season is open to archers, muzzleloaders, and firearms, depending on the specific regulations for each management unit. Interested hunters must meet certain eligibility requirements and obtain a Disabled Hunter Permit. The season dates for 2024-2025 are as follows:
| Season | Dates |
|---|---|
| Archery | September 15-October 14 |
| Muzzleloader | October 22-27 |
| Firearms | October 29-November 4 |
To participate in the Disabled Hunter Season, applicants must submit a completed application and provide documentation verifying their disability. The application deadline is August 15th for the 2024-2025 season. Successful applicants will receive a Disabled Hunter Permit that specifies the type of weapon they are authorized to use. Hunters should consult the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism (KDWPT) for detailed regulations and application information.
The Disabled Hunter Season offers a unique opportunity for individuals with disabilities to engage in the hunting experience. By providing accessible and flexible hunting options, KDWPT aims to promote inclusivity and ensure that all hunters have the opportunity to participate in this cherished tradition.
Holiday Season
The holiday season in Kansas is a time of year when many people enjoy spending time with family and friends, eating delicious food, and enjoying the beautiful winter weather. There are many things to do in Kansas during the holiday season, including visiting Christmas markets, attending holiday parties, and going ice skating.
Christmas Markets
There are several Christmas markets in Kansas where you can find unique gifts, decorations, and food. Some of the most popular Christmas markets include the Country Christmas Market in Wichita, the Christmas Market in the Park in Overland Park, and the Dickens on the Strand festival in Atchison.
Holiday Parties
Many businesses, organizations, and families host holiday parties during the holiday season. These parties are a great way to get into the holiday spirit and socialize with friends and family. Some of the most popular holiday parties include the Winterfest at the Kansas City Zoo, the Holiday Extravaganza at the Sedgwick County Zoo, and the Christmas at the Castle festival at the Great Plains Black History Museum.
Ice Skating
Ice skating is a popular winter activity in Kansas. There are several ice skating rinks in the state, including the Ice Rink at Crown Center in Kansas City, the Winter Wonderland ice skating rink in Wichita, and the Lawrence Outdoor Ice Rink in Lawrence.
Other Holiday Activities
In addition to the activities listed above, there are many other things to do in Kansas during the holiday season. Some of the most popular activities include:
- Visiting a Christmas tree farm
- Going on a sleigh ride
- Singing Christmas carols
- Baking Christmas cookies
- Watching Christmas movies
Holiday Events in Kansas
The following table lists some of the most popular holiday events in Kansas:
| Event | Location | Dates |
|—|—|—|
| Country Christmas Market | Wichita | November 18-20, 2022 |
| Christmas Market in the Park | Overland Park | November 25-27, 2022 |
| Dickens on the Strand | Atchison | December 2-4, 2022 |
| Winterfest at the Kansas City Zoo | Kansas City | November 19, 2022 – January 1, 2023 |
| Holiday Extravaganza at the Sedgwick County Zoo | Wichita | November 25, 2022 – January 1, 2023 |
| Christmas at the Castle | Great Plains Black History Museum | December 1-23, 2022 |
Late Season
The late season in Kansas for deer runs from December 10th to January 31st. This season is popular for hunters who want to take advantage of the rut, when bucks are most active. The rut typically begins in mid-November and peaks in late December. During the rut, bucks will travel long distances in search of does, and they will be more likely to respond to calls and decoys. The late season can also be a good time to hunt does, as they will be more concentrated in areas with food and cover.
Late Season Hunting Tips
- Hunt during the rut, when bucks are most active.
- Use calls and decoys to attract bucks.
- Hunt in areas with food and cover.
- Be patient and persistent.
- Dress in warm clothing, as temperatures can be cold during the late season.
- Bring plenty of food and water, as you may be spending long hours in the field.
- Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to avoid accidents.
Late Season Bag Limits
The bag limit for deer during the late season is one buck and one doe. Hunters may also harvest one additional antlerless deer with a special permit.
| Deer Season | Bag Limit |
|---|---|
| Late Season: December 10-January 31 | 1 buck, 1 doe, 1 antlerless deer with permit |
Antlerless Season
Deer hunting in Kansas offers a unique opportunity for hunters to experience the thrill of the chase and harvest a beautiful animal. The state provides a variety of hunting methods, including archery, rifle, and muzzleloader. The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) has established specific hunting seasons for antlerless deer to ensure a sustainable population and provide hunters with a fair chance of success.
Dates and Bag Limits
The antlerless deer season in Kansas runs from January 1st to January 31st. Hunters are allowed to harvest one antlerless deer per day, with a maximum of five per season.
Legal Methods
Archery, rifle, and muzzleloader hunting are all legal methods during the antlerless deer season. Hunters must follow all safety regulations and use legal hunting equipment.
Chronic Wasting Disease Management
Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a fatal neurological disease that affects deer and elk. KDWP has established mandatory CWD testing for all harvested deer in certain counties. Hunters should contact their local wildlife office for more information about CWD testing.
Hunter Education
All hunters born on or after January 1, 1967, must complete a hunter education course before purchasing a hunting license. Hunter education courses provide essential information about hunting safety, ethical hunting practices, and wildlife conservation.
License and Permit Requirements
Hunters must purchase a valid hunting license and deer permit before participating in the antlerless deer season. Licenses and permits can be purchased online or at local license vendors.
Youth Hunting
Youth hunters under the age of 16 are eligible for special youth hunting opportunities. These opportunities may include reduced license fees, youth-only hunting days, and special hunting areas.
Landowner-Tenant Relationships
Hunting on private land requires the permission of the landowner or tenant. Hunters should always obtain written permission before hunting on private property.
Hunter Ethics
Ethical hunting practices are crucial for the long-term sustainability of deer populations. Hunters should always respect wildlife, follow hunting regulations, and minimize their impact on the environment.
Season Bag Limits
Hunters in Kansas are allowed to harvest a certain number of deer each season. The bag limit for white-tailed deer is as follows:
Archery
In the archery season, hunters can harvest one antlered deer and one antlerless deer per license year.
Muzzleloader
In the muzzleloader season, hunters can harvest one antlered deer and one antlerless deer per license year.
Rifle
In the rifle season, hunters can harvest one antlered deer and one antlerless deer per license year.
Late Archery
In the late archery season, hunters can harvest one antlered deer and one antlerless deer per license year.
Youth (12-17 years old)
Youth hunters (12-17 years old) can harvest one antlered deer and one antlerless deer per license year.
Disabled
Disabled hunters can harvest one antlered deer and one antlerless deer per license year.
Lifetime
Lifetime license holders can harvest two antlered deer and two antlerless deer per license year.
Special Permits
Special permits may be issued for hunters who have special circumstances, such as a disability or military service. The bag limit for special permits varies.
License and Tag Information
Licenses
A valid hunting license is required for all deer hunters in Kansas. Licenses can be purchased online at the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) website or at any KDWPT office.
Tags
In addition to a license, deer hunters must also purchase a deer tag. Tags are specific to the county in which you plan to hunt. You can purchase tags online at the KDWPT website or at any KDWPT office.
Tag Fees
The fee for a deer tag varies depending on the county in which you plan to hunt. The following table lists the tag fees for the 2024-2025 deer season:
| County | Tag Fee |
|---|---|
| Allen | $25.00 |
| Anderson | $25.00 |
| Atchison | $25.00 |
| Barber | $25.00 |
| Barton | $25.00 |
| Bourbon | $25.00 |
| Brown | $25.00 |
| Butler | $25.00 |
| Chase | $25.00 |
| Chautauqua | $25.00 |
| Cherokee | $25.00 |
| Cheyenne | $25.00 |
| Clark | $25.00 |
| Clay | $25.00 |
| Cloud | $25.00 |
| Coffey | $25.00 |
| Comanche | $25.00 |
| Cowley | $25.00 |
| Crawford | $25.00 |
| Decatur | $25.00 |
| Dickinson | $25.00 |
| Doniphan | $25.00 |
| Douglas | $25.00 |
| Edwards | $25.00 |
| Elk | $25.00 |
| Ellis | $25.00 |
| Ellsworth | $25.00 |
| Finney | $25.00 |
| Ford | $25.00 |
| Franklin | $25.00 |
| Geary | $25.00 |
| Gove | $25.00 |
| Graham | $25.00 |
| Grant | $25.00 |
| Gray | $25.00 |
| Greeley | $25.00 |
| Greenwood | $25.00 |
| Hamilton | $25.00 |
| Harper | $25.00 |
| Harvey | $25.00 |
| Haskell | $25.00 |
| Hodgeman | $25.00 |
| Jackson | $25.00 |
