How to Get a Hunting License in Kansas
A Step-by-Step Guide
Discover > Hunting Licenses State by State > How to Get a Hunting License in Kansas: A Step-by-Step Guide
Obtaining a hunting license in Kansas is a straightforward process that requires applicants to meet certain requirements and follow specific steps. The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) is responsible for issuing hunting licenses in the state. The agency offers different types of hunting licenses, such as resident and non-resident licenses, youth licenses, and disability licenses.
To be eligible for a hunting license in Kansas, applicants must meet certain requirements. They must be at least 16 years old, have completed a hunter education course, and not have any hunting violations or convictions. Additionally, non-residents must have a valid non-resident hunting license from their home state or country to hunt in Kansas. Once an applicant meets these requirements, they can proceed with the application process.
Understanding Kansas Hunting Licenses
To legally hunt in Kansas, a hunting license is required. The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) issues hunting licenses to residents and non-residents. The department provides various types of hunting licenses to meet the needs of different hunters.
Kansas hunting licenses are valid from the date of purchase until the end of the season. The hunting season varies depending on the type of game being hunted. It is important to note that hunting licenses are not transferable and non-refundable.
There are several types of hunting licenses available, including:
Resident Hunting License
Youth Hunting License
Disability Hunting License
Lifetime Hunting License
The fees for hunting licenses vary depending on the type of license and the age of the hunter. Residents of Kansas are eligible for a reduced fee, while non-residents are required to pay a higher fee.
Applicants for hunting licenses must provide their name, address, date of birth, and social security number. They must also provide proof of residency, such as a driver's license or a utility bill.
It is important to note that hunters must also obtain additional permits for certain types of game, such as deer and turkey. These permits are available for purchase at the same time as the hunting license.
In summary, obtaining a hunting license in Kansas is a straightforward process that requires hunters to provide basic personal information and pay the appropriate fees. By obtaining the necessary licenses and permits, hunters can enjoy the rich hunting opportunities that Kansas has to offer.
How to Purchase a Hunting License
To legally hunt in Kansas, hunters must obtain a hunting license. Fortunately, purchasing a hunting license in Kansas is a straightforward process that can be completed in several ways.
Purchase Options
Hunters can purchase their hunting license online, by phone, or through licensed agents.
Online
To purchase a hunting license online, hunters can visit the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism's website. The website offers a user-friendly platform that allows hunters to purchase a hunting license, as well as other permits and tags.
Phone
Hunters can also purchase their hunting license over the phone by calling the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism's customer service line. The customer service representative will guide the hunter through the purchase process and provide the necessary information.
Licensed Agents
Licensed agents are also available throughout Kansas to sell hunting licenses. These agents include sporting goods stores, convenience stores, and other retailers. A complete list of licensed agents can be found on the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism's website.
Purchase Description
When purchasing a hunting license, hunters will need to provide their personal information, such as name, address, and date of birth. They will also need to provide their social security number or a valid driver's license number. Additionally, hunters will need to select the type of hunting license they wish to purchase, such as a resident or non-resident license, and the duration of the license, such as an annual or lifetime license.
In conclusion, purchasing a hunting license in Kansas is a simple process that can be completed online, by phone, or through licensed agents. Hunters should ensure they have the necessary personal information and select the appropriate type and duration of the license when making their purchase.
Resident vs Nonresident Licenses
When it comes to getting a hunting license in Kansas, there are two main types of licenses available: resident and nonresident licenses. The type of license that an individual needs will depend on whether they are a Kansas resident or a nonresident.
Resident Licenses
Kansas residents who want to hunt in the state can purchase a resident hunting license. This license is valid for one year from the date of purchase and allows the holder to hunt small game, big game, and furbearers. Kansas residents can also purchase a combination hunting and fishing license, which allows them to hunt and fish in the state.
Nonresident Licenses
Nonresident hunters who want to hunt in Kansas must purchase a nonresident hunting license. This license is also valid for one year from the date of purchase and allows the holder to hunt small game, big game, and furbearers. Nonresident hunters can also purchase a nonresident combination hunting and fishing license, which allows them to hunt and fish in the state.
It is important to note that nonresident licenses are typically more expensive than resident licenses. This is because nonresidents do not contribute to the conservation efforts in Kansas through taxes like residents do. However, nonresident hunters can still enjoy the hunting opportunities that Kansas has to offer by purchasing a nonresident license.
In summary, residents of Kansas can purchase a resident hunting license, while nonresidents must purchase a nonresident hunting license to hunt in the state. Nonresident licenses are typically more expensive than resident licenses, but they allow nonresidents to enjoy the hunting opportunities that Kansas has to offer.
Types of Hunting Licenses
In Kansas, there are various types of hunting licenses available for different categories of hunters. Below are some of the most common types of hunting licenses available in Kansas:
Resident Youth Hunting License: This type of license is available for residents under the age of 16 who wish to hunt. It is valid for the entire hunting season.
Archery Hunting License: This license is required for hunters who wish to hunt with a bow and arrow. It is available to both residents and non-residents.
Resident Landowner Hunting License: This license is available to residents who own at least 80 acres of land in Kansas. It allows the landowner and their immediate family members to hunt on their land without a separate hunting license.
Resident Tenant Hunting License: This license is available to residents who rent or lease at least 80 acres of land in Kansas. It allows the tenant and their immediate family members to hunt on the rented/leased land without a separate hunting license.
Resident Combination Hunt & Fish License: This license allows the holder to hunt and fish in Kansas. It is available to residents only.
Resident Apprentice Hunting License: This license is available to residents who have never hunted before and wish to try it out. It is valid for one year and requires the holder to hunt with a licensed hunter who is at least 18 years old.
5-Year Resident Combo Hunt & Fish License: This license allows the holder to hunt and fish in Kansas for five years. It is available to residents only.
5-Year Resident Hunting License: This license allows the holder to hunt in Kansas for five years. It is available to residents only.
Multi-Year Resident Youth Hunt License: This license is available to residents under the age of 16 who wish to hunt for multiple years. It is valid for up to five years.
Multi-Year Resident Youth Combination Hunt & Fish License: This license is available to residents under the age of 16 who wish to hunt and fish for multiple years. It is valid for up to five years.
Youth Hunting and/or Fishing License: This license is available to residents and non-residents under the age of 16 who wish to hunt and/or fish. It is valid for the entire hunting season.
Lifetime Hunting License: This license allows the holder to hunt in Kansas for their entire life. It is available to residents and non-residents.
Lifetime Hunting & Fishing Combination License: This license allows the holder to hunt and fish in Kansas for their entire life. It is available to residents and non-residents.
Lifetime Senior Resident Hunt/Fish Combination: This license allows senior residents (age 65 and older) to hunt and fish in Kansas for their entire life.
Senior Resident Hunt License: This license allows senior residents (age 65 and older) to hunt in Kansas. It is valid for the entire hunting season.
Senior Resident Combination Hunt/Fish License: This license allows senior residents (age 65 and older) to hunt and fish in Kansas. It is valid for the entire hunting season.
It is important to note that some of these licenses require additional permits or stamps, depending on the type of game being hunted. It is the responsibility of the hunter to ensure they have all necessary licenses and permits before hunting.
Special Licenses and Permits
In addition to the standard hunting license, Kansas offers a variety of special licenses and permits for specific situations and groups of people.
Kansas National Guard Permit
Members of the Kansas National Guard who are on active duty are eligible for a free hunting and fishing permit. This permit is valid for the duration of their active duty service and can be obtained from the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) by presenting their military ID.
Kansas Kids' Lifetime Hunting and Fishing Licenses
Kansas residents under the age of 16 can purchase a lifetime hunting and fishing license for a reduced fee. This license allows them to hunt and fish in Kansas for the rest of their life without ever having to purchase another license.
Controlled Shooting Area Permit
Hunters who wish to hunt on a controlled shooting area (CSA) must obtain a permit from the KDWPT. CSA permits are available for both residents and non-residents and are valid for a specific CSA for a specific time period.
Disabled Veterans Entitlement Papers
Kansas residents who are disabled veterans may be eligible for free hunting and fishing licenses. To obtain these licenses, they must present their disabled veterans entitlement papers to the KDWPT.
Lifetime Furharvester License
Hunters who wish to trap fur-bearing animals in Kansas can purchase a lifetime furharvester license. This license is valid for the rest of their life and allows them to trap any fur-bearing animal in Kansas.
Night Vision Equipment Permit
Hunters who wish to use night vision equipment while hunting in Kansas must obtain a permit from the KDWPT. This permit is valid for a specific time period and allows the hunter to use night vision equipment while hunting.
Prairie Chicken Permit
Hunters who wish to hunt prairie chickens in Kansas must obtain a prairie chicken permit from the KDWPT. This permit is valid for a specific time period and allows the hunter to hunt prairie chickens in specific areas of the state.
Deer Hunting in Kansas
Kansas is known for its deer hunting, with both mule deer and white-tailed deer available to hunt. Hunters can obtain a deer permit through the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) website or at any vendor that sells hunting licenses.
Deer hunting in Kansas is divided into units, with each unit having its own set of regulations and bag limits. Hunters should be aware of the specific regulations for the unit they plan to hunt in and obtain any necessary tags or preference points.
There are several types of deer permits available to hunters in Kansas. The resident any-season white-tailed deer permit allows hunters to take one white-tailed deer of either sex in any unit during any season. The statewide muzzleloader permit allows hunters to take one deer of either species during the muzzleloader season. The extended whitetail antlerless only permit and extended archery whitetail antlerless only permit allow hunters to take antlerless white-tailed deer during the extended archery season.
The bag limit for deer hunting in Kansas varies depending on the unit and type of permit. Hunters should check the regulations for their specific unit to determine the bag limit.
Residents of Kansas can also obtain a resident archery either-species/either-sex deer permit or a resident firearm either-species/either-sex firearms deer permit. Nonresidents can obtain a nonresident deer permit or a hunt-own-land deer permit.
Residents can also obtain a resident antlerless white-tailed deer permit, which allows them to take one antlerless white-tailed deer in addition to their other deer permit.
Application Process
To apply for a hunting license in Kansas, there are a few steps that need to be followed. The process may vary depending on the type of license being applied for, but the general steps are as follows:
Nonrefundable Application Fee: Before applying, applicants should be aware that there is a nonrefundable application fee that must be paid. The fee may vary depending on the type of license being applied for.
Application Period: The application period for hunting licenses in Kansas typically begins in mid-June and ends in mid-September. It is important to apply during this time frame to ensure that the application is considered.
Go Outdoors Kansas: The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism uses an online system called "Go Outdoors Kansas" to process hunting license applications. Applicants will need to create an account on this system to begin the application process.
Download Application: Once an account has been created, applicants can download the hunting license application from the Go Outdoors Kansas website. The application can be found under the "Hunting" section.
Do Not Fax!: Applicants should not fax their applications. Instead, they should print out the completed application and mail it to the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism.
Download National Guard Hunting, Fishing, and Park Vehicle Permit Application: If the applicant is a member of the National Guard, they may be eligible for a discounted hunting license. To apply for this license, applicants can download the National Guard Hunting, Fishing, and Park Vehicle Permit Application from the Go Outdoors Kansas website.
Download Disabled Veterans Hunting and Fishing License Application: Disabled veterans may also be eligible for a discounted hunting license. To apply for this license, applicants can download the Disabled Veterans Hunting and Fishing License Application from the Go Outdoors Kansas website.
Do Not Fax: Like the regular hunting license application, the National Guard and Disabled Veterans applications should not be faxed. Instead, they should be printed out and mailed to the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism.
Print and Mail: Once the application has been completed, it should be printed out and mailed to the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism. The address can be found on the application form.
Electronic Delivery: Applicants can choose to have their hunting license delivered electronically. This option is available for an additional fee.
By following these steps, applicants can successfully apply for a hunting license in Kansas.
Hunting Seasons
Kansas offers a variety of hunting seasons throughout the year, including archery season, muzzleloader season, youth and disability season, early muzzleloader season, and regular firearms season. Each season has its own set of rules and regulations that hunters must follow.
Archery season typically runs from mid-September to mid-December. During this season, hunters are allowed to use a bow and arrow to hunt deer, turkey, and other game.
Muzzleloader season usually takes place in late September or early October. This season is limited to hunters who use muzzleloading firearms, which are loaded through the muzzle rather than the breech.
Youth and disability season is a special season designed for young hunters and hunters with disabilities. It usually takes place in early October and gives these hunters a chance to hunt deer and other game before the regular season begins.
Early muzzleloader season is another season that is limited to hunters who use muzzleloading firearms. It usually takes place in late October or early November and allows hunters to hunt deer and other game with these firearms.
Regular firearms season is the most popular hunting season in Kansas. It usually takes place in late November and runs for about two weeks. During this season, hunters are allowed to use firearms to hunt deer, turkey, and other game.
It's important for hunters to familiarize themselves with the rules and regulations for each season before heading out into the field. This includes obtaining the necessary licenses and permits, following bag limits and hunting hours, and using the appropriate equipment. By doing so, hunters can ensure a safe and successful hunting experience in Kansas.
Hunting Regulations
When it comes to hunting in Kansas, there are several hunting regulations that hunters need to be aware of. These regulations are in place to ensure that hunting is done in a safe and ethical manner, and to help protect the state's wildlife populations.
One of the first things that hunters need to be aware of is the state's hunting laws. These laws outline the rules and regulations that hunters must follow when hunting in Kansas. Some of the key things that hunters need to be aware of include hunting seasons, bag limits, and hunting methods.
In addition to the state's hunting laws, hunters in Kansas are also required to complete a hunter education course. This course is designed to teach hunters about hunting safety, ethics, and regulations. Once a hunter has completed this course, they will be issued a hunter education certificate, which they will need to have with them while hunting.
It's worth noting that there are some situations where hunters may be able to defer their hunter education requirement. For example, hunters who are under the age of 16, or who are hunting on land that is owned or leased by their immediate family, may be eligible for a hunter education deferral.
Overall, it's important for hunters in Kansas to be familiar with the state's hunting regulations. By following these regulations, hunters can help ensure that hunting is done in a safe and responsible manner, while also helping to protect the state's wildlife populations.
Group Hunting and Other Information
Kansas allows group hunting, which is a great way for friends and family to enjoy the outdoors together. When hunting in groups, it's important to keep safety in mind. Each person must have a valid hunting license, and everyone should be aware of their surroundings and the location of other hunters.
Kansas is divided into east and west units, each with different hunting regulations. Be sure to check the regulations for the unit you plan to hunt in before heading out.
When it comes to weapon choice, hunters in Kansas can use rifles, shotguns, handguns, muzzleloaders, and archery equipment. However, be aware that some units have specific regulations regarding the use of certain weapons.
To create a hunting group, one person must first purchase a group permit. They can then invite others to join the group by providing them with the group name and permit number. Each member of the group must have their own valid hunting license.
Both general residents and non-resident tenants can obtain hunting licenses in Kansas. Commercial dogs and field trial dogs are also permitted for hunting.
Permits are delivered via email, so be sure to provide a valid email address when applying for a hunting license. If a permit is lost or damaged, duplicates can be obtained from the Pratt Operations Office.
Finally, be aware that some counties in Kansas have additional regulations regarding hunting. It's important to check with local authorities before heading out to ensure compliance with all regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What license do I need to hunt deer in Kansas?
To hunt deer in Kansas, you will need a deer permit and a hunting license. The type of hunting license you need will depend on whether you are a resident or nonresident.
Where do I get a hunting license in Kansas?
You can purchase a hunting license and deer permit at any Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism office, or online through their website.
How much is a deer hunting license in Kansas?
The cost of a deer hunting license in Kansas varies depending on whether you are a resident or nonresident. For residents, a deer hunting license costs $27.50. For nonresidents, a deer hunting license costs $97.50.
Do you need a hunter safety course to hunt in Kansas?
Yes, if you were born on or after July 1, 1957, you must complete a hunter safety course before hunting in Kansas. The course can be taken online or in-person.
What is the Kansas nonresident deer draw for 2023?
The nonresident deer draw for 2023 has not been announced yet. It is typically held in April or May, and the results are posted in early June.
Can I get a lifetime hunting and fishing license in Kansas?
Yes, Kansas offers lifetime hunting and fishing licenses for both residents and nonresidents. Prices vary depending on age and residency status.
