Complete deer hunting information.

1. WHAT DEER PERMITS ARE AVAILABLE, AND HOW MUCH ARE PERMIT FEES? - Last Updated: 4/7/2011

RESIDENTS

The following permit must be obtained through online draw (application deadline midnight July 8); price includes $6.50 nonrefundable application fee; if unsuccessful in the draw, hunter receives refund of permit fee and earns preference point for next year’s draw. (A 2.5 percent internet processing fee will be charged for all permits purchased or applied for online.)

• Resident Firearm Either-species/Either-sex Deer permit (white-tailed or mule deer buck, doe or fawn) -- $37.50 for general resident; $22.50 for landowner/tenant; $22.50 for youth. Firearms Either-species/Either-sex Deer permits are valid either in the West Zone, which includes Deer Management Units 1, 2, 17, and 18, OR in the East Zone, which includes Deer Management Units 3, 4, 5, 7, and 16, during the regular firearm season using any legal equipment.
• Preference Point for next year’s draw – $6.50

Permits available over-the-counter through Dec 30.

• Resident Any-Season White-tailed Deer permit (white-tailed deer buck, doe or fawn) – $32.50 for general resident; $17.50 for landowner/tenant; $17.50 for youth 15 and younger. Resident Any-season White-tailed Deer permits are valid statewide in any season with equipment legal for that season.
• Resident Archery Either-species/Either-sex Deer permit (white-tailed or mule deer buck, doe or fawn) -- $32.50 for general resident; $17.50 for landowner/tenant; $17.50 for youth 15 and younger. Resident Archery Either-species/Either-sex Deer permits are valid statewide with archery equipment only, during archery season (Sept. 19-Dec. 31).
• Resident Muzzleloader Either-species/Either-sex Deer permit (white-tailed or mule deer buck, doe or fawn) – $32.50 for general resident; $17.50 for landowner/tenant; $17.50 for youth 15 and younger. Muzzleloader Either-species/Either-sex Deer permits are valid either in the West Zone, which includes Deer Management Units 1, 2, 17, and 18, OR in the East Zone ,which includes Deer Management Units 3, 4, 5, 7, and 16, during the early muzzleloader season (Sept. 19-Oct. 2) and the regular firearm season (Nov. 30-Dec. 11) using muzzleloading equipment only.
• Resident Hunt-Own-Land Deer permit (white-tailed or mule deer buck, doe or fawn) – $17.50. Hunt-Own-Land permits are valid for any season with equipment legal for that season, and only on lands owned or operated for agricultural purposes. This permit is available to individuals who qualify as resident landowners or as tenants, or as family members living with the landowner or tenant. Evidence of tenancy, if requested, shall be provided to the department and may include, but is not limited to, Natural Resource Conservation Service records, Farm Service Records, or written agricultural contract or lease documentation. Permits are limited to one per person per 80 acres owned or operated. This permit is not transferable. Use of this permit does not require a Kansas hunting license.
• Special (relative) Hunt-Own-Land Deer permit (white-tailed or mule deer buck, doe or fawn) – $32.50. This permit may be issued to a resident landowner’s or tenant’s siblings and lineal ascendants or descendants, and their spouses, whether or not a Kansas resident. (For example, a grandson and his wife, a daughter and her husband, a parent, or a brother and his wife would be eligible for this permit. A landowner’s or tenant’s uncle, aunt, nephew, niece, or cousin would not be eligible for this permit.) The permit is valid only on lands owned or operated by the landowner or tenant, and may be used in any season with equipment legal for that season. Permits are limited to one per 80 acres owned or operated. This permit is not transferable. Use of this permit requires a Kansas hunting license unless exempt by Kansas law.

Resident antlerless permits available over-the-counter through Jan 30, 2012; hunters must possess a permit that allows the harvest of an antlered deer before they can purchase either type of antlerless deer permit until Dec. 30. During extended antlerless whitetail seasons, hunters may purchase antlerless permits without first purchasing an antlered permit.

• Resident Antlerless-Only White-tailed Deer permit (any white-tailed deer without a visible antler) – $17.50 for general resident; $10 for youth 15 and younger. The first antlerless permit purchased will be valid statewide on all lands (department lands, WIHA, private lands with landowner permission); the second whitetail antlerless permit purchased will be valid on WIHA and private lands in units 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 19, on private lands with landowner permission, on Walk-In Hunting Areas, and on Cedar Bluff Wildlife Area; the third through fifth whitetail antlerless permit will be valid on private lands and WIHA areas in units 7, 8, 10A, 12, 13, 15, 16, and 19. All deer hunters will be required to have a deer permit that allows them to take an antlered deer before they may acquire an antlerless-only permit. (After Dec. 30, hunters may purchase antlerless permits without first purchasing an antlered permit.) All Antlerless-Only White-tailed Deer permits are valid during any season with equipment legal for that season. Permits may be purchased over-the-counter through January 30, 2012.
• Resident Antlerless-Only Either-species Deer permit (any white-tailed or mule deer without a visible antler) – $17.50 for general resident; $10 for youth 15 and younger. Antlerless Either-species Deer permits are valid for any antlerless white-tailed or mule deer in Deer Management units 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 17, and 18 only, during any season with equipment legal for that season. Permits are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. All deer hunters will be required to have a deer permit that allows them to take an antlered deer before they may acquire an antlerless-only permit.

NONRESIDENTS

Permits available through online draw (Application deadline April 29. ) A 2.5 percent internet processing fee will be charged for all permits purchased or applied for online.

• Nonresident White-tailed Deer permit (white-tailed deer buck, doe or fawn) – $322.50. Hunter applies in one deer management unit and selects one adjacent unit in which to also hunt. Hunters also select one equipment type and season choice (archery, muzzleloader, or firearm) at the time of application. Muzzleloader permit holders may hunt during early muzzleloader season and regular firearm season using muzzleloader equipment only. If unsuccessful in the draw, applicant receives a $301 refund and a preference point for next year’s draw. A nonresident who successfully draws an archery or muzzleloader White-tailed Deer permit in Unit 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 16, 17, or 18 may also apply for one of a limited number of Mule Deer Stamps for an additional fee of $102.50 submitted at time of application; if drawn, the applicant’s archery or muzzleloader whitetail permit converts to an either-species/either-sex archery or muzzleloader permit. Preference points do not count toward this stamp. If unsuccessful in the Mule Deer Stamp draw, hunter will receive a $101 refund and be issued the whitetail permit.
• Preference Point – $21.50. A nonresident hunter who doesn’t want to hunt in 2011 has the option of purchasing a preference point that will count toward a Nonresident White-tailed Deer permit in a future drawing.

Nonresident permits available over-the-counter through Dec 30.

• Nonresident Hunt-Own-Land Deer permit (white-tailed or mule deer buck, doe or fawn) – $77.50. Hunt-Own-Land permits are valid during any deer season with equipment legal for that season, and only on lands owned or operated for agricultural purposes. Only those individuals listed on the property deed are eligible. Use of this permit does not require a Kansas hunting license.

Nonresident antlerless permits available over-the-counter through Jan. 30, 2012. Hunter must possess a permit that allows the harvest of an antlered deer before purchasing either type of antlerless deer permit.

• Nonresident Antlerless-Only White-tailed Deer permit (any white-tailed deer without a visible antler) – $52.50. The first antlerless permit purchased will be valid statewide on all lands (department lands, WIHA, private lands with landowner permission); the second whitetail antlerless permit purchased will be valid on WIHA and private lands in units 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 19, on private lands with landowner permission, on Walk-In Hunting Areas, and on Cedar Bluff Wildlife Area; the third through fifth whitetail antlerless permit will be valid on private lands and WIHA areas in units 7, 8, 10A, 12, 13, 15, 16, and 19. All deer hunters will be required to have a deer permit that allows them to take an antlered deer before they may acquire an antlerless-only permit. (After Dec. 30, hunters may purchase antlerless permits without first purchasing an antlered permit.) All Antlerless-Only White-tailed Deer permits are valid during any season with equipment legal for that season. Permits may be purchased over-the-counter through January 30, 2012.
• Nonresident Antlerless-Only Either-species Deer permit (any white-tailed or mule deer without a visible antler) – $ 52.50. On sale June 15. This is a limited permit available only in Deer Management units 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 17, and 18. It is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

2. WHEN ARE DEER SEASONS? - Last Updated: 4/7/2011

Youth and Disability: September 10-18

Early Muzzleloader: September 19 – October 2

Archery: September 19 – December 31

Early Firearm (DMU 19 ONLY): October 8-16

Regular Firearm: November 30 – December 11

Extended White-tailed Antlerless-Only: January 1-8, 2012

Extended Archery (DMU 19 ONLY): January 9-31, 2012

Special Extended White-tailed Antlerless Only (DMU 7, 8, &15): January 9-15, 2012

3. WHICH PERMITS MUST BE APPLIED FOR IN THE ONLINE DRAW? - Last Updated: 4/7/2011

• Resident Firearm Either-species/Either-sex Deer Permit
• Nonresident White-tailed Deer Permit/Mule Deer Stamp

4. WHEN WERE APPLICATION DEADLINES? - Last Updated: 4/7/2011

• Nonresident White-tailed Deer Permit (archery, muzzleloader or firearms) and Mule Deer Stamp - midnight, April 29, 2011 (last Friday in April)
• Resident Firearms Either-species/Either-sex Deer Permit - July 8, 2011

5. HOW MANY PERMITS THAT ALLOW THE HARVEST OF AN ANTLERED DEER MAY A HUNTER RECEIVE? - Last Updated: 4/7/2011

Only one. No hunter may legally harvest more than one antlered deer per year.

(Exception: as many as seven Commissioner Deer permits may be drawn by conservation organizations. These may, in turn, be auctioned to raise money for conservation projects. Those who win auctions for these permits may also purchase another antlered deer permit. All Commissioner Deer permits have been sold.)

6. HOW MANY NONRESIDENT PERMITS ARE AUTHORIZED IN KANSAS FOR THE 2011 DEER SEASON? - Last Updated: 4/7/2011

A formula determines the total number of nonresident deer permits issued annually, based on hunter demand, landowner preferences, and established biological adjustment factors. This year's allotment is listed below:

Deer Management Unit -- Whitetail Deer Permits -- Mule Deer Stamps

1 -- 671 -- 50
2 -- 385 -- 40
3 -- 793 -- 36
4 -- 406 -- 12
5 -- 542 -- 12
6 -- 512 -- 0
7 -- 1,394 -- 12
8 -- 2,150 -- 0
9 -- 1,033 -- 0
10 -- 1,318 -- 0
11 -- 3,226 -- 0
12 -- 2,076 -- 0
13 -- 621 -- 0
14 -- 1,768 -- 0
15 -- 1,338 -- 0
16 -- 2,108 -- 24
17 -- 485 -- 50
18 -- 276 -- 30

There were leftover permits in many units after the draw, which are being
sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Click here for more information.

7. WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT KANSAS ANTLERLESS DEER PERMITS? - Last Updated: 4/7/2011

All hunters must first possess a permit that allows harvest of an antlered deer before any type of antlerless permit can be purchased, unless antlerless permit is purchased after Dec. 30. All antlerless deer permits may be purchased over-the-counter through January 30, 2012, regardless of residency.

The first antlerless permit purchased will be valid statewide on all lands (department land, WIHA, private lands with landowner permission); the second whitetail antlerless permit purchased will be valid on WIHA and private lands in units 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 19, and on Cedar Bluff Wildlife Area; the third through fifth whitetail antlerless permits will be valid on private lands and WIHA in units 7, 8, 10A, 12, 13, 15, 16, and 19. All deer hunters will be required to have a deer permit that allows them to take an antlered deer before they may acquire an antlerless-only permit. All Antlerless White-tailed Deer permits are valid during any season with equipment legal for that season. Permits may be purchased over-the-counter through January 30, 2012.
Antlerless Either-species Deer permits, valid for both white-tailed and mule deer, are available on a limited basis in Deer Management units 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 17, and 18 only.

8. HOW MANY DEER PERMITS CAN A RESIDENT RECEIVE? - Last Updated: 4/7/2011

As many as seven, as listed below:

• One antlered deer permit
• As many as five Antlerless-Only White-tailed Deer Permits
• One Antlerless Either-species Deer permit for units 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 17, and 18 only.

9. HOW MANY DEER PERMITS CAN A NONRESIDENT RECEIVE? - Last Updated: 4/7/2011

Up to seven, as listed below:

• One nonresident antlered deer permit
• As many as five Nonresident Antlerless-Only White-tailed Deer Permits
• One Nonresident Antlerless Either-species Deer permit for units 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 17, and 18 only.

10. WHO MAY HUNT IN DEER MANAGEMENT UNIT (DMU) 19? - Last Updated: 4/7/2011

The following individuals may hunt in DMU 19:

State-owned or -managed lands are not included in Unit 19 special seasons.

• During the Early Firearm season (Oct. 8-16), firearm deer hunting is closed on all department-owned or -managed properties in Unit 19. During the Archery Extended Whitetail Antlerless season (Jan. 9-31, 2012), all deer hunting, including archery, is closed on department-owned or -managed properties in Unit 19.
• Unit 9, 10, 11, and 14 permit holders, with permit season and equipment restrictions.
• Archery permit holders during the regular archery season; the Jan. 1-8, 2012, whitetail antlerless-only season; and the Extended Archery-only Whitetail season, Jan. 9-31, 2012. Hunter orange is required of all deer hunters during any firearm season.
• Holders of Hunt-Own-Land permits valid in Unit 19, during any season with legal equipment.
• Holders of Whitetail Antlerless-Only permits, during any season with legal equipment.
• Holders of Any-season Either-sex Whitetail permits, during any season with legal equipment.

11. WHAT IS THE DEFINITION OF A LANDOWNER OR TENANT? - Last Updated: 4/7/2011

LANDOWNER?TENANT
A landowner is any resident who owns 80 acres or more of Kansas farm or ranch land. When applying for a landowner/tenant permit, land owned must be in the unit applying for.
A tenant is any resident or nonresident who is actively engaged in the agricultural operation of 80 acres or more of Kansas farm or ranch land for the purpose of producing agricultural commodities or livestock and (A) has a substantial financial investment in the production of agricultural commodities or livestock on such farm or ranch land and the potential to realize substantial financial benefit from such production or, (B) is a bona fide manager having an overall responsibility to direct, supervise and conduct such agricultural operation and have the potential to realize substantial benefit from such production in the form of salary, shares of such production or some other economic incentive based upon such production. Evidence of tenancy, if requested, shall be provided to the department and may include, but is not limited to, Natural Resource Conservation Service records, Farm Service Agency records, or written agricultural contract or lease documentation. Land must be located in the unit you are applying for to qualify.
Members of the immediate family who are domiciled with a resident landowner or tenant may apply for a resident big game permit as a landowner or as a tenant, but at least 80 acres must be owned by such landowner or operated by such tenant for each individual applying as a landowner or as a tenant.
NONRESIDENT?LANDOWNER
To qualify as a nonresident landowner, a person must own property in simple ownership with their name on the deed. Property held in a trust, LLC, partnership, or other legal entity is owned by that legal entity. Permits on properties owned by a legal entity are available only to tenants who either farm at least 80 acres, or manage an 80 acre or larger farm that produces an agricultural commodity such as crops or cattle. Serving as a board member, trustee, non managing partner or other such position does not qualify a person for a Kansas landowner deer permit. There are exceptions. For details, phone (620) 672-5911 and ask for Law Enforcement.

(Hunt-Own-Land Permits)
Hunt-Own-Land permits are valid for any season with equipment legal for that season, and only on lands owned and operated for agricultural purposes. This permit is available to individuals who qualify as landowners, tenants, nonresident landowners or family members living with a resident landowner or tenant.

12. CAN MY NONRESIDENT FAMILY MEMBERS OBTAIN HUNT-OWN-LAND PERMITS? - Last Updated: 4/7/2011

Yes, if you are a resident landowner. Although Hunt-Own-Land permits are NOT transferable to ANYONE, Special Hunt-Own-Land Deer permits are available to a resident landowner’s or tenant’s siblings and lineal family members and their spouses, regardless of residency — one permit per 80 acres owned or operated. A nonresident hunting license is required.

13. DO RESIDENT ARCHERY HUNTERS HAVE TO DESIGNATE HUNTING UNITS? - Last Updated: 4/7/2011

No. Resident archery permits will be valid statewide for white-tailed or mule deer, either sex.

14. DO NONRESIDENT HUNTERS HAVE TO DESIGNATE HUNTING UNITS? - Last Updated: 4/7/2011

Yes. All nonresident hunters must select a deer management unit, and they may select one adjacent unit. They must select the equipment type (archery, muzzleloader, or firearm) and season choice at the time of application. A nonresident archery permit is valid only during archery season; a nonresident firearm permit is valid only during regular firearm season; and a nonresident muzzleloader permit is valid during early muzzleloader season and regular firearm season using muzzleloader equipment only.

15. WHAT IS A MULE DEER STAMP? - Last Updated: 4/7/2011

Nonresidents who draw an archery or muzzleloader Nonresident White-tailed Deer Permit in designated units may apply for one of a limited number of Mule Deer Stamps. If drawn, the applicant’s white-tailed permit converts to an either-species/either-sex permit, which allows harvest of a white-tailed or mule deer buck, doe, or fawn. Mule Deer Stamps are available in limited numbers and only in designated deer management units (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 16, 17, and 18.) The stamp costs $102.50.

16. WILL MY NONRESIDENT PREFERENCE POINT COUNT FOR THE MULE DEER STAMP DRAW? - Last Updated: 4/7/2011

No. The preference point counts only for the Nonresident White-tailed Deer Permit draw. The Mule Deer Stamp draw is random and not based on preference points.

17. HOW WILL MY RESIDENT DEER PERMIT DIFFER FROM THE PAST? - Last Updated: 4/7/2011

There are no changes in resident deer permits in 2011.

18. ARCHERY SEASON RUNS CONCURRENTLY WITH MUZZLELOADER AND FIREARM SEASONS. MUST ARCHERS WEAR BLAZE ORANGE? - Last Updated: 4/7/2011

Yes, archery hunters who hunt during periods that coincide with early muzzleloader and firearm seasons must wear blaze orange. The law requires that all deer hunters afield during open firearm seasons must wear a blaze orange hat and at least 200 square inches of blaze orange. Archers are not required to wear blaze orange when muzzleloader or firearm seasons are closed.

19. WHAT ARE THE RULES FOR THE EXTENDED FIREARM SEASONS? - Last Updated: 4/7/2011

Unit restrictions on the permit remain in effect. Any unfilled 2011 deer permit valid in units statewide may be used during the extended white-tailed antlerless-only season. In addition, a Special Extended Firearm White-tailed Antlerless-only season -- Jan. 9-15, 2012 -- includes units 7, 8, and 15 only. Only antlerless white-tailed deer may be taken. Any equipment legal for use during a firearm season may be used during the extended season. Blaze orange clothing is required of all hunters during this season. A 2012 Kansas hunting license is required unless exempt by Kansas law.

20. CAN I HUNT WITH A CROSSBOW DURING THE 2011 DEER SEASON? - Last Updated: 4/7/2011

Yes, but only with a firearm permit or in other situations where legal equipment for firearm season applies (such as during the extended white-tailed antlerless-only season.) Crossbows are NOT legal equipment for use during archery or muzzleloader seasons. Legal crossbows must have draw weights of at least 125 pounds, with bolts at least 16 inches long, equipped with broadhead points that cannot pass through a ring 3/4” diameter.

Exception: Disabled persons in possession of an archery permit may use crossbows or locking draws while hunting deer, as permitted under KAR 115-18-7, by application and special permit only.

21. CAN I USE AN OPTICAL SCOPE ON MY MUZZLELOADER DURING THE EARLY MUZZLELOADER SEASON IN 2011? - Last Updated: 4/7/2011

Yes. Optical scopes, open sights, peep sights, and fiber optic sights that do not project visible light or electronically amplify visible or infrared light are legal for all muzzleloader hunting in Kansas.

22. MAY I CARRY AN ARCHERY OR MUZZLELOADER PERMIT WHEN I HUNT WITH A FIREARM USING MY ANTLERLESS WHITE-TAILED DEER PERMIT DURING THE FIREARM SEASON? - Last Updated: 4/7/2011

No. You are restricted to the equipment of the most limited permit in your possession. If you wish to hunt with a firearm for antlerless white-tailed deer, you must remove from your possession any restricted permit, such as an archery permit or muzzleloader permit, before you go afield. You are also restricted on the equipment you may have in your possession.

23. WHAT ARE THE RULES FOR THE SPECIAL EXTENDED FIREARM SEASON IN UNITS 7, 8, AND 15? - Last Updated: 4/7/2011

Dates for the season are Jan. 9-15, 2012. Any unfilled 2011 deer permit valid in these units may be used during this special extended season. Any legal equipment may be used to take a white-tailed deer without a visible antler plainly protruding from its skull during this season. A 2012 hunting license is required, unless exempt by Kansas law. Hunter orange clothing is required.