Maintaining a healthy deer population in Kentucky relies on hunting. When deer populations exceed the carrying capacity of their habitat, it negatively affects not only the deer but also humans and the ecosystem. Deer become more susceptible to disease, automobile accidents involving deer increase, and deer begin feeding on agricultural crops and landscapes. In addition to helping manage a healthy and safe deer population, local hunters can also assist in feeding citizens in need.
The Kentucky deer season is officially underway, with archery season starting on September 7th and running through January 20th, 2025. Modern gun season will be from November 9th through 24th. In Adair County, hunters may harvest up to four deer this season, with only one being antlered. Visit fw.ky.gov for more information on Kentucky deer season, permits, and reporting requirements.
Thanks to the efforts of local volunteers, businesses, charitable organizations, and local governments, the Kentucky Hunters for the Hungry program has become well established in Adair County in recent years. Local facilitator Terry Partin mentioned at a recent field day that this program helps feed less fortunate children, families, and seniors on fixed incomes. Any legally harvested deer may be donated to the program at no cost to the hunter. Deer should be field-dressed and delivered to the local participating meat processor, Hometown Meats or any other KHFH approved processor. The deer will then be processed and distributed to individuals in need through food banks and youth service groups. Learn more about the Hunters for the Hungry Program at kyhuntersforthehungry.info.
Statistics from the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife show a steady increase in the deer population over the past three decades. In 1995, Kentucky had an estimated 400,000 deer. By 2023, the statewide estimate before hunting season was 985,386. During the 2023-24 season, 140,811 deer were harvested, making it the seventh-largest harvest on record.
When deer populations grow and become concentrated in certain areas, farmers are often the first to notice, as deer can cause significant damage to sensitive crops like soybeans. In these situations, farmers have options for managing the damage. The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife recommends that landowners experiencing deer damage first try to reduce damage by allowing hunting under the normal season framework. If that is not or has not been successful landowners can receive deer control tags for taking additional antlerless deer during the regular hunting season. For ongoing situations of severe deer damage there are also options for taking deer outside of the regular hunting season. Adair Co. landowners can work with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife on nuisance deer issues by contacting Regional Wildlife Biologist, Chris Mason, at 270-259-1353, and remember that any legally harvested deer can be donated to Hunters for the Hungry.
Preserving hunting traditions is crucial for maintaining a healthy whitetail deer population in Kentucky. Harvesting both antlered and antlerless deer is equally important. Teaching our youth safe and ethical help practices helps ensure a sustainable deer population. Deer hunting can also be a tool to demonstrate the importance of helping others by donating harvested deer to the Kentucky Hunters for the Hungry Program.
