With the coming of fall and
hunters throughout the county hitting the fields, I thought it may be helpful
and informative to review some of the laws related to hunting in the Commonwealth
of Kentucky.
Unless exempt, a person may not
hunt or fish without a valid license and must conduct such activity during open
seasons. Among the several exceptions, a
resident, owner, or tenant of farm lands, their spouse and dependent children
are exempt and permitted to hunt on their own land without obtaining a hunting
license. Moreover, a child under twelve
(12) is exempt from being required to obtain a hunting or trapping license and
a child under sixteen (16) is exempt from a fishing license. It is illegal for all others to hunt without
a license and the appropriate permits.
Special licenses are available for senior citizens age 65 or older and
children under 16 years of age.
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Open seasons are set every year
by the state and information on the open seasons for different game can be
found at: https://app.fw.ky.gov/seasondates/.
In addition, if you are required to
carry a license, a person must also complete a hunter education course and
obtain a hunter education card.
Information on courses and exemptions can be found at the Kentucky
Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources website at: https://fw.ky.gov/Education/Pages/Hunter-Education.aspx.
One common issue we have in
Northern Kentucky in particular is complaints of people hunting on another’s
land without permission. Under Kentucky
law, a person is prohibited from entering on another's land without their oral
or written permission. The penalty under
the Chapter 150 of Kentucky Revised Statute is up to a $300 fine for a first
offense; up to a $1,000 fine for a second offense; and up to $1,000 and/or a
year in jail plus forfeiture of one’s hunting license for a third or subsequent
offense. In addition, anyone trespassing
on another’s property would also be liable for damages caused to the property.
Another common complaint is
people hunting while under the influence.
Not only is this extremely dangerous, but under Kentucky law, it is
illegal to hunt if a person is manifestly under the influence of alcohol or any
controlled substance. Such a person may
be arrested by a peace officer and upon conviction, is subject to a fine of up
to $200 and/or up to six months in jail.
Although this time of the year is
very exciting for the many hunters in Campbell County, it is very important to
follow the law regarding hunting wildlife and fishing. The excitement and thrill of getting a deer
or other game is not worth the trouble that can occur if engaging in illegal
and/or dangerous activity.
If you have any topics you would
like to have covered in this column, please contact my office by e-mail at
countyattorney@campbellcountyky.org, by phone at (859) 491-7700 or by regular
mail addressed to 319 York Street, Newport, Kentucky 41071.
By Steven J. Franzen, Campbell County Attorney
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Steven Franzen. Provided. |
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