FISH AND WILDLIFE RESOURCES

KRS tit. XII, ch. 150

in effect

KRS 150.010 Definitions for chapter

150.010. Definitions for chapter As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires: (1) "Administrative regulation" means a written regulation promulgated, pursuant to KRS Chapter 13A, by the commissioner with the approval of the commission; (2) "Angling" means the taking or attempting to take fish by hook and line in hand, rod in hand, jugging, setline, or sport fishing trotline; (3) "Buy" includes offering to buy, acquiring, or possessing through purchase, barter, exchange, or trade; (4) "Cervid" means a hoofed mammal from the family Cervidae, including but not limited to white-tailed deer, mule deer, elk, moose, and caribou; (5) "Commercial trotline" means a line to which are attached more than fifty (50) single or multibarbed baited hooks, which shall not be placed closer than eighteen (18) inches; (6) "Commission" means the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources Commission; (7) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources; (8) "Daylight hours" means the period from one-half (1/2) hour before sunrise to one- half (1/2) hour after sunset; (9) "Device" means any article, instrument, or equipment of whatever nature or kind which may be used to take wild animals, wild birds, or fishes; (10) "Department" means the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources; (11) "Dependent child" means any of the following: (a) A permanent resident, or a part-time resident pursuant to a shared custody agreement under KRS Chapter 403, who is: 1. A natural or legally adopted child of the landowner of the property; 2. A stepchild of at least one (1) landowner of the property; or 3. A child under the care of the landowner who is fictive kin, as defined in KRS 199.011, to the child; or (b) A child, regardless of age, who has been determined to be eligible for federal Social Security disability benefits or is being claimed as a qualifying child for tax purposes due to the child's total and permanent disability; (12) "Fishing" means to take or attempt to take in any manner, whether the fisherman has fish in possession or not; (13) "Game warden" means any member of the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources Law Enforcement Division appointed pursuant to KRS 150.090, who possesses the powers of a peace officer; (14) "Gigging" means the taking of fish by spearing or impaling on any pronged or barbed instrument attached to the end of any rigid object; (15) "Grabbing" means the taking of fish, frogs, or turtles directly by hand or with the aid of a handled hook; (16) "Guide" means a person who holds a guide's license issued according to the requirements of this chapter and the administrative regulations promulgated hereunder; (17) "Hunting" means to take or attempt to take in any manner, whether the hunter has game in possession or not; (18) "Identification tag" means a marker made of specified material upon which a name and address or number is placed and attached to unattended gear to designate ownership or responsible operator; (19) "Impounded waters" means any public waters backed up behind a dam and includes all water upstream from the dam to the first riffle or shoal; (20) "Jugging" means a means of fishing by which a single baited line is attached to any floating object; (21) "License" means any document issued by the department authorizing its holder to perform acts authorized by the license and includes any other form of authorization in addition to or in lieu of an actual document which may be authorized by the department by administrative regulation; (22) "Light geese" means snow geese and Ross's geese; (23) "Light geese conservation order" means a wildlife management action needed to control populations of light geese for a period of time established pursuant to 50 C.F.R. sec. 21.60; (24) "Livestock" means cattle, sheep, swine, goats, horses, alpacas, llamas, buffaloes, and any other animals of the bovine, ovine, porcine, caprine, equine, or camelid species; (25) "Migratory shore or upland game birds" means all species of migratory game birds except waterfowl; (26) "Minnows" means all fish under six (6) inches in length, except basses, either largemouth, smallmouth or Kentucky; rock bass or goggle-eye; trout; crappie; walleye; sauger; pike; members of the striped bass family; and muskellunge; (27) "Navigable waters" means any waters within this state under lock and dam; (28) "Nonresident" means a person who has not established a permanent domicile in this state and has not resided in this state for thirty (30) days immediately prior to his or her application for a license; (29) "Outfitter" means a person who holds a resident or nonresident outfitter license issued according to the requirements of this chapter and the administrative regulations promulgated hereunder; (30) "Permit" means any document issued by the department authorizing its holder to perform acts authorized by the permit and includes tags or devices as evidence of holding a permit and includes any other form of authorization in addition to or in lieu of an actual document authorized by the department by administrative regulation; (31) "Possess" means the act of having or taking into control; (32) "Prescribed by the department" means established by an administrative regulation; (33) "Processed wildlife" means any wildlife specimen or parts thereof that have been rendered into a permanently preserved state; (34) "Protected wildlife" means all wildlife except those species declared unprotected by administrative regulations promulgated by the department; (35) "Public roadway" includes rural roads, highways, bridges, bridge approaches, city streets, viaducts, and bridges which are normally traveled by the general public and are under the jurisdiction of a state, federal, county, or municipal agency; (36) "Public waters" means all waters within the state flowing in a natural stream channel or impounded on a natural stream; (37) "Raw fur" means a hide, fur, or pelt of a fur-bearing animal which has not been processed. Skinning, stretching, oiling, or coloring of the pelt of the animal shall not be considered processing; (38) "Resident" means any person who has established permanent domicile and legal residence and has resided in this state for thirty (30) days immediately prior to his or her application for a license. All other persons shall be classed as nonresidents, except students enrolled for at least six (6) months in an educational institution as full-time students and military personnel of the United States who are under permanent assignment, shall be classified as residents while so enrolled or assigned in this state; (39) "Resist" means to leave the scene, intimidate or attempt to intimidate in any manner, or further interfere in any manner with any officer in the discharge of his or her duties; (40) "Rough fish" means all species of fishes other than those species designated by administrative regulation as sport fishes; (41) "Sell" includes offering to sell, having or possessing for sale, barter, exchange, or trade; (42) "Setline" means a line to which is attached one (1) single or multibarbed hook. This line may be attached to a tree limb, tree trunk, bank pole, or other stationary object, on the bank of a stream or impoundment; (43) "Shooting range" or "range" means a public facility on lands owned or managed by the department or a facility owned or managed by an affiliated partner of the department that is designated for the shooting of firearms or archery equipment; (44) "Snagging" means the taking of fish or other aquatic animals through the use of a hand-held pole and attached line with single or multiple fish hooks in which the fish is hooked by a rapid drawing motion rather than enticement by bait; (45) "Sports fishing trotline" means a line to which are attached no more than fifty (50) single or multibarbed baited hooks which shall not be placed closer together than eighteen (18) inches; (46) "Take" includes pursue, shoot, hunt, wound, catch, kill, trap, snare, or capture wildlife in any way and any lesser act designed to lure, attract, or entice for these purposes; and to place, set, aim, or use any device, animal, substance, or agency which may reasonably be expected to accomplish these acts; or to attempt to do these acts or to assist any other person in the doing of or the attempt to do these acts; (47) "Tenant" means any resident sharecropper, lessee, or any other person actually engaged in work upon a farm or lands and residing in a dwelling on the farms or lands including noncontiguous lands, but shall not include any other employee or tenant unless actually residing on the property and engaged or employed as above mentioned; (48) "Transport" means to carry, move, or ship wildlife from one (1) place to another; (49) "Waterfowl" means all species of wild ducks, geese, swans, mergansers, and coots; and (50) "Wildlife" means any normally undomesticated animal, alive or dead, including without limitations any wild mammal, bird, fish, reptile, amphibian, or other terrestrial or aquatic life, whether or not possessed in controlled environment, bred, hatched, or born in captivity and including any part, product, egg, or offspring thereof, protected or unprotected by this chapter. Effective: July 15, 2024 History: Amended 2024 Ky. Acts ch. 159, sec. 6, effective July 15, 2024. -- Amended 2020 Ky. Acts ch. 115, sec. 2, effective July 15, 2020. -- Amended 2019 Ky. Acts ch. 115, sec. 1, effective June 27, 2019; and ch. 167, sec. 1, effective June 27, 2019. - - Amended 2017 Ky. Acts ch. 129, sec. 4, effective June 29, 2017. -- Amended 1998 Ky. Acts ch. 512, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1998. -- Amended 1996 Ky. Acts ch. 268, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1996. -- Amended 1994 Ky. Acts ch. 239, sec. 3, effective July 15, 1994. -- Amended 1990 Ky. Acts ch. 474, sec. 1, effective July 13, 1990. -- Amended 1988 Ky. Acts ch. 365, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1988. -- Amended 1986 Ky. Acts ch. 265, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1986. -- Amended 1978 Ky. Acts ch. 178, sec. 1, effective June 17, 1978. -- Amended 1972 Ky. Acts ch. 273, sec. 1. -- Amended 1968 Ky. Acts ch. 38, sec. 1. -- Amended 1956 Ky. Acts ch. 115, sec. 1. -- Amended 1952 Ky. Acts ch. 200, sec. 1. -- Amended 1948 Ky. Acts ch. 78, sec. 2. -- Amended 1946 Ky. Acts ch. 84, sec. 1. -- Amended 1944 Ky. Acts ch. 6, sec. 2; and ch. 124, sec. 1. -- Amended 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 68, sec. 1. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. secs. 1893d-10, 1954- 2. Legislative Research Commission Note (7/15/2020). Under the authority of KRS 7.136(1), the Reviser of Statutes has altered the format of this statute during codification to place the terms in alphabetical order. The words in the text were not changed.

KRS 150.015 Purpose of 1952 Act amending game and fish laws -- Policy of state as to wildlife -- Liberal construction -- Promotion of hunger relief through wildlife management and conservation

150.015. Purpose of 1952 Act amending game and fish laws -- Policy of state as to wildlife -- Liberal construction -- Promotion of hunger relief through wildlife management and conservation (1) The declared purpose of Acts 1952, ch. 200, and the policy of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, is to protect and conserve the wildlife of this Commonwealth so as to insure a permanent and continued supply of the wildlife resources of this state for the purpose of furnishing sport and recreation for the present and for the future residents of this state; to promote the general welfare of the Commonwealth; to provide for the prudent taking and disposition of wildlife within reasonable limits, based upon the adequacy of the supply thereof; to protect the food supply of this state, and to insure the continuation of an important part of the commerce of this state which depends upon the existence of its wildlife resources. It is further the declared purpose of Acts 1952, ch. 200, and the policy of this Commonwealth, that an adequate and flexible system be installed to accomplish the aforesaid purposes. All of the provisions of Acts 1952, ch. 200, shall be liberally construed in such manner as most effectually to carry out its purposes and intent. (2) The commission shall establish a program to promote hunger relief through specific wildlife management and conservation efforts and shall utilize the funds derived from the sources outlined in KRS 150.150(3). Effective: July 12, 2006 History: Amended 2006 Ky. Acts ch. 57, sec. 1, effective July 12, 2006. -- Amended 1952 Ky. Acts ch. 200, sec. 2, effective June 19, 1952. -- Created 1948 Ky. Acts ch. 78, sec. 1.

KRS 150.021 Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources -- Administrative attachment to Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet -- Assessment of fee for debt service on radio system capital project -- Department not subject to reorganization

150.021. Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources -- Administrative attachment to Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet -- Assessment of fee for debt service on radio system capital project -- Department not subject to reorganization (1) The Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources shall constitute an independent department of state government within the meaning of KRS Chapter 12, and shall be administratively attached to the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet only for those limited functions and purposes expressly requested by the department to be performed by the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet. The department shall have sole discretion as to which functions shall be deemed necessary for the efficient operation of the department and the properties in its custody and control. The department shall consist of a commissioner, a Fish and Wildlife Resources Commission, the Division of Law Enforcement, and other agents and employees provided for in this chapter. The department shall enforce the laws and regul ations adopted under this chapter relating to wildlife and shall exercise all powers necessarily incident thereto. (2) (a) The Finance and Administration Cabinet shall assess the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources each fiscal year a fee in an amount equal to five percent (5%) of the debt service associated with all phases and implementation of the capital project to replace, repair, or maintain the two (2) way radio system utilized by the Department of Kentucky State Police. (b) The fee shall be assessed on each phase of the implementation of the two (2) way radio system and shall continue to be assessed until all debt for the system has been retired. (3) On April 13, 2022, copies of any records, files, or documents, including any legal documents or memoranda, associated with functions of the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources that were previously performed by the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet but for which it is no longer deemed responsible, shall be transmitted to the department. (4) The department shall not be subject to reorganization under KRS Chapter 12. Effective: April 13, 2022 History: Amended 2022 Ky. Acts ch. 197, sec. 3, effective April 13, 2022. -- Amended 2021 Ky. Acts ch. 161, sec. 1, effective March 29, 2021. -- Amended 2018 Ky. Acts ch. 171, sec. 10, effective April 14, 2018; and ch. 207, sec. 10, effective April 27, 2018. -- Amended 1998 Ky. Acts ch. 23, sec. 14, effective July 15, 1998. -- Amended 1994 Ky. Acts ch. 118, sec. 9, effective July 15, 1994. -- Amended 1990 Ky. Acts ch. 496, sec. 43, effective July 13, 1990. -- Amended 1966 Ky. Acts ch. 255, sec. 143 -- Amended 1952 Ky. Acts ch. 200, sec. 3 -- Amended 1948 Ky. Acts ch. 78, sec. 3 -- Created 1944 Ky. Acts ch. 6, sec. 1. 2026-2028 Budget Reference. See State/Executive Branch Budget, 2026 Ky. Acts ch. 168, Pt. I, F, 3, (1) at 2082.

KRS 150.022 Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources Commission -- Appointment processes and conditions -- Ethics requirement -- Prohibition against use of state seal -- Definition of "sportsman" and sportswoman"

150.022. Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources Commission -- Appointment processes and conditions -- Ethics requirement -- Prohibition against use of state seal -- Definition of "sportsman" and sportswoman" (1) The Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources Commission shall consist of nine (9) members, one (1) from each commission district, as set out by the commissioner with the approval of the commission, and not more than five (5) of the same political party. (2) (a) The Governor shall appoint the members of the commission subject to confirmation by the Senate as described in subsection (3) of this section. Each of the members shall be appointed for a term ending on December 31 of the fourth calendar year following his or her appointment. (b) A member whose reappointment is not confirmed by the Senate while it is in session shall vacate his or her seat upon the date of sine die adjournment of the session in which the confirmation was declined. Otherwise, a member's term shall continue until his or her successor is duly appointed and confirmed by the Senate, but no later than one (1) year following the expiration of the member's term. If after one (1) year a successor has not been duly appointed and confirmed by the Senate, the commission member's seat for that district shall be vacant until a successor is duly appointed and confirmed by the Senate. (c) A member shall serve no more than two (2) full terms, not including any partial term that a member may additionally serve. A person who has been convicted of a felony offense, in Kentucky or under the law of any other state, or any other law of the United States shall not be eligible to serve on the commission. (3) (a) Vacancies through the expiration of terms of the members of the commission shall be filled by appointment by the Governor from a list of five (5) names from each commission district, recommended and submitted by the sportsmen or sportswomen of each respective district. (b) When the term of a member expires, the commissioner shall call a meeting of the sportsmen and sportswomen in that district not later than thirty (30) days prior to the expiration of the member's term. At least thirty (30) days before the meeting is called, the commissioner shall provide notice of the location, date, and time of the meeting. Notice of the meeting shall be given by publication pursuant to KRS Chapter 424. (c) At the meeting, the sportsmen and sportswomen in attendance shall select and submit to the Governor a list of five (5) residents and citizens of the district, each of whom: 1. Is either an experienced hunter, angler, trapper, or biologist; 2. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, has held a hunting and fishing license in Kentucky for at least the previous five (5) consecutive years; and 3. Is well informed on the subject of wildlife conservation and restoration. (d) A person desiring to be a member of the commission shall, at least fifteen (15) days prior to the meeting conducted in accordance with paragraph (c) of this subsection, present to a representative of the department an affidavit, duly signed and sworn, with accompanying documentation setting forth in detail how he or she complies with the qualifications and requirements of this subsection. The department shall make a determination based off of the affidavit and documentation submitted by the applicant whether he or she meets the qualifications and provide a list of the qualified applicants to the commission before the meeting. (e) Each sportsman or sportswoman may vote for one (1) candidate only, and the list submitted to the Governor shall be made up of the names of the five (5) candidates receiving the five (5) highest vote totals. (f) The Governor shall appoint a successor to the member whose term has expired no later than January 20 of the year following the year in which the member's term expired. (4) Upon appointment to the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources Commission, each member of the commission shall execute a bond of one thousand dollars ($1,000) in favor of the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, the premium on this bond to be paid out of department funds. (5) In the event of vacancies other than by expiration, the Governor shall fill the vacancy for the unexpired part of the term from the names remaining on the list previously submitted for the district from which the vacancy arose. An appointee chosen under this subsection shall not serve on the commission until duly confirmed by the Senate. (6) Each member of the commission shall take the constitutional oath of office. (7) The Governor shall remove any member of the commission for cause under subsection (2) of this section and may remove a member of the commission for nonfeasance, neglect of duty, or misconduct in office; but shall first deliver to the member a copy of all charges in writing and afford to him or her an opportunity for an administrative hearing to be conducted in accordance with KRS Chapter 13B. (8) Each member of the commission shall be entitled to reimbursement for actual and necessary traveling and other expenses incurred by him or her in the discharge of his or her official duties and to be paid from the game and fish fund. (9) A majority of the commission shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of any business, for the performance of any duty or for the exercise of any power vested in the commission. At the commission's first meeting after sine die of the regular session of the General Assembly of each year, it shall elect from among its members a person to serve as chairperson of the commission for the coming calendar year. (10) The department shall have its principal office in Franklin County, and is authorized to purchase all supplies, equipment, and printed forms and to issue any notices and publications as the commissioner may deem necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter. (11) Within one (1) year of his or her initial appointment to the commission, a commission member shall complete three (3) hours of executive branch ethics training conducted by the Executive Branch Ethics Commission established under KRS Chapter 11A. Each commission member shall complete three (3) hours of executive branch ethics training each year that he or she serves on the commission thereafter. Current commission members shall complete their initial three (3) hours of executive branch ethics training within one (1) year after April 10, 2026. (12) Official logos, decals, or emblems used by the department or that bear the state seal shall not be used on any vehicle, except in accordance with KRS 186.065. Members of the commission shall not place official department logos, decals, or emblems with the state seal on any personal vehicle used by them. This subsection does not apply to the placement of bumper stickers or any other decals or emblems that are not used by the department to designate the vehicle as a state-owned vehicle. (13) The word "sportsman" or "sportswoman" as used in this section shall mean a resident hunter or fisherman or fisherwoman who has been licensed in Kentucky for each of the past two (2) consecutive years. Effective: April 16, 2026 History: Amended 2026 Ky. Acts ch. 93, sec. 5, effective April 10, 2026; and ch. 178, sec. 8, effective April 16, 2026. -- Amended 2025 Ky. Acts ch. 116, sec. 1, effective March 27, 2025. -- Amended 2023 Ky. Acts ch. 139, sec. 13, effective March 29, 2023. -- Amended 2022 Ky. Acts ch. 1 97, sec. 4, effective April 13, 2022. -- Amended 2010 Ky. Acts ch. 158, sec. 5, effective July 15, 2010. -- Amended 1998 Ky. Acts ch. 296, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1998. -- Amended 1980 Ky. Acts ch. 336, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1980. -- Amended 1978 Ky. Acts ch. 178, sec. 2, effective June 17, 1978. -- Amended 1966 Ky. Acts ch. 239, sec. 143 -- Amended 1956 Ky. Acts ch. 115, sec. 2 -- Amended 1952 Ky. Acts ch. 200, sec. 4 -- Created 1944 Ky. Acts ch. 6, sec. 1. Legislative Research Commission Note (4/16/2026). This statute was amended by 2026 Ky. Acts chs. 93 and 178, which do not appear to be in conflict and have been codified together.

KRS 150.023 Meetings and functions of commission

150.023. Meetings and functions of commission (1) The members of the commission shall meet in Frankfort, quarterly, upon a date to be determined and fixed by the commissioner, or as often as may be necessary for the transaction of business, upon reasonable notice to each member of such meetings. Committees created by the commission may meet as often as necessary to conduct their assigned business at locations throughout the Commonwealth. Committees must provide public notice of each meeting including date, time, and location information. Public notice shall be provided no less than seven (7) days before the meeting date. (2) The commission shall at all times keep a watchful eye upon the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, and advise the commissioner to take such action as may be beneficial to the department and in the interest of wildlife and conservation of natural resources. (3) The commissioner, with the approval of the commission, shall authorize such scientific and other studies as he deems necessary, and shall collect, classify and disseminate such statistics, data and information as in his discretion will tend to promote the objects of this chapter. (4) The commissioner, with the approval of the commission, shall have the exclusive power to expend for the protection, conservation, propagation and restoration, and taking and harvesting of all wildlife all funds of the state acquired for the protection, conservation, propagation or restoration of all wildlife arising from licenses, gifts or otherwise. Effective: June 27, 2019 History: Amended 2019 Ky. Acts ch. 115, sec. 2, effective June 27, 2019. -- Amended 1986 Ky. Acts ch. 265, sec. 2, effective July 15, 1986. -- Amended 1960 Ky. Acts ch. 63, sec. 25, effective July 1, 1960. -- Amended 1956 Ky. Acts ch. 115, sec. 3. -- Amended 1952 Ky. Acts ch. 200, sec. 5. -- Created 1944 Ky. Acts ch. 6, sec. 1.

KRS 150.024 Power to acquire property -- Condemnation

150.024. Power to acquire property -- Condemnation The department shall have the right to acquire such property as may be necessary to carry out the purpose of this chapter, and it shall have the right of eminent domain as provided in the Eminent Domain Act of Kentucky. History: Amended 1976 Ky. Acts ch. 140, sec. 65. -- Amended 1952 Ky. Acts ch. 200, sec. 6, effective June 19, 1952. -- Created 1944 Ky. Acts ch. 6, sec. 1.

KRS 150.025 Power of department to make administrative regulations as to game and fish, including seasons and limits -- Inclusion of administrative regulations on department's website

150.025. Power of department to make administrative regulations as to game and fish, including seasons and limits -- Inclusion of administrative regulations on department's website (1) In carrying out the provisions of this chapter the department may , by administrative regulations promulgated under the provisions of KRS Chapter 13A: (a) Fix, close, terminate, shorten, or divide open season, or make open seasons conditional; (b) Regulate bag or creel limits and possession limits; (c) Regulate buying, selling, or transporting; (d) Regulate the size or type of any device used for taking, and regulate any method of taking; (e) Regulate or restrict the places where taking is permitted; (f) Regulate taking, or the opening or closing of seasons, in waters in which the department is conducting experiments or making improvements for the purpose of promoting the conservation of wildlife and increasing the supply thereof; (g) Regulate water safety enforcement as provided in KRS Chapter 235; (h) Make administrative regulations apply to a limited area or to the entire state; and (i) Promulgate any other administrative regulations reasonably necessary to implement or carry out the purposes of this chapter. (2) The commissioner shall cause the text of every administrative regulation to be made available electronically on the department's website within five (5) working days of filing. The commissioner shall also cause to be prepared news releases concerning all new or amended administrative regulations for distribution to radio, television, and newspaper media. (3) This section shall apply to KRS Chapter 150 and no other KRS chapter pertaining to this subject shall apply to KRS Chapter 150. Effective: July 15, 2024 History: Amended 2024 Ky. Acts ch. 159, sec. 7, effective July 15, 2024. -- Amended 2009 Ky. Acts ch. 20, sec. 1, effective June 25, 2009. -- Amended 2006 Ky. Acts ch. 127, sec. 2, effective July 12, 2006. -- Amended 1996 Ky. Acts ch. 83, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1996. -- Amended 1978 Ky. Acts ch. 384 Ky. Acts ch. 288, effective June 17, 1978. -- Amended 1968 Ky. Acts ch. 38, sec. 2 -- Amended 1966 Ky. Acts ch. 239, sec. 144 -- Amended 1956 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1 -- Amended 1952 Ky. Acts ch. 200, sec. 7 -- Created 1948 Ky. Acts ch. 78, sec. 4.

KRS 150.027 Hearing required before promulgation, amendment, or repeal of administrative regulations affecting property owners or occupants of property adjacent to a lake or other real property owned or controlled by the department

150.027. Hearing required before promulgation, amendment, or repeal of administrative regulations affecting property owners or occupants of property adjacent to a lake or other real property owned or controlled by the department (1) Not less than sixty (60) days nor more than ninety (90) days prior to the submission of a proposed administrative regulation, proposed amendment to an administrative regulation, or proposed repeal of an administrative regulation to the Administrative Regulation Review Subcommittee which affects property owners or occupants of property adjacent to any lake or other real property owned or controlled by the department, the department shall: (a) Hold a public hearing at a time and location most convenient to the public at a location within ten (10) miles of the boundary of the lake so that the public can make comments about the proposed administrative regulation, proposed amendment to an administrative regulation, or proposed repeal of an administrative regulation. Copies of the proposed administrative regulation, proposed amendment to an administrative regulation, or proposed repeal of an administrative regulation shall be distributed to members of the public attending the meeting without cost; (b) Advertise the hearing in accordance with KRS Chapter 424; (c) Electronically record the hearing and the comments made at the hearing; and (d) Within thirty (30) days of the close of the hearing, file a statement of consideration with the Administrative Regulation Review Subcommittee summarizing the comments made at the hearing and the department's response thereto containing the information required by KRS 13A.010. (2) The Administrative Regulation Review Subcommittee shall find deficient any proposed administrative regulation, proposed amendment to an administrative regulation, or proposed repeal of an administrative regulation covered by this section which does not comply with the provisions of this section. Effective: July 15, 2010 History: Created 2010 Ky. Acts ch. 158, sec. 12, effective July 15, 2010.

KRS 150.028 Required administrative regulations

150.028. Required administrative regulations The department shall promulgate administrative regulations regarding: (1) Specific permitted and prohibited uses of department-owned property and activities on department-owned property; (2) For a violation of an administrative regulation promulgated under subsection (1), (4), or (5) of this section relating to prohibited uses of department-owned property and prohibited activities thereon, offenses and penalties which do not authorize imprisonment, and for which the offense and the penalty are not established by statute; (3) The issuance of licenses or permits for the use of and conduct of activities on department-owned property, including but not limited to docks on department- owned lakes; (4) The revocation or suspension, following a hearing pursuant to KRS Chapter 13B, of a license or permit issued pursuant to this section; and (5) Specific permitted and prohibited uses of a department-owned or controlled buffer zone on land adjacent to a department-owned lake, including sanctions which do not authorize imprisonment for violation of the administrative regulations where a statute does not provide an offense and does not provide a penalty. Effective: July 15, 2010 History: Created 2010 Ky. Acts ch. 158, sec. 13, effective July 15, 2010.

KRS 150.061 Commissioner -- Appointment -- Qualifications -- Term -- Removal -- Vacancies in office -- Compensation -- Oath -- Bond -- Duties -- Annual report -- Salary structure guidelines -- Authority to appoint additional employees if grant funds available

150.061. Commissioner -- Appointment -- Qualifications -- Term -- Removal -- Vacancies in office -- Compensation -- Oath -- Bond -- Duties -- Annual report -- Salary structure guidelines -- Authority to appoint additional employees if grant funds available (1) (a) Notwithstanding any provisions of KRS Chapter 18A, 42, 45, 45A, 56, or 64 to the contrary, the commission shall have the sole authority to appoint a commissioner of the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, who shall be a person: 1. With knowledge of and experience in the requirements for the protection, conservation, and restoration of the wildlife resources of the Commonwealth; 2. Who has demonstrated active participation in hunting, fishing, or both for ten (10) years prior to appointment; 3. Who, notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, has held a hunting and fishing license in Kentucky or another state for at least the previous ten (10) consecutive years; and 4. Who has not served on the Department of Fish and Wildlife R esources Commission or in the General Assembly for at least two (2) years. (b) The commission shall be the sole contracting body for the purposes of KRS Chapter 45A and shall submit any proposed personal service contract with a commissioner to the Government Contact Review Committee for its review pursuant to KRS 45A.690 to 45A.725. The commissioner shall serve for a defined employment contract term not to exceed four (4) years and shall be subject to: 1. Annual review by the commission in closed, executive session; 2. Removal by the commission for the same cause and in the same manner in which the Governor may remove a member of the commission; 3. Reappointment by the commission; and 4. Confirmation by the Senate in accordance with KRS 11.160. (2) For commissioner vacancies that occur after April 10, 2026, the commission shall conduct a national search to identify the best qualified individual to hold the position and carry out the requirements of this chapter. (3) The commissioner shall receive such compensation as the commission may solely determine, and shall be reimbursed for all actual and necessary travel and other expenses incurred by him or her in the performance of his or her offi cial duties. (4) Before entering upon the duties of his or her office, the commissioner shall take and subscribe to the constitutional oath of office, and shall, in addition thereto, swear or affirm that he or she holds no other public office, nor any posi tion upon or under any political committee or party. Upon appointment by the commission, the commissioner shall execute a bond of five thousand dollars ($5,000) in favor of the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, the premium on said bond to be paid out of department funds. (5) Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, the commissioner shall be the sole appointing authority for the department for the purposes of KRS Chapter 18A and shall have general supervision and control of all activities, functions, appointments, and employees of the department. He or she shall enforce all provisions of the laws of the state relating to wild animals, birds, fish and amphibians, and shall exercise all powers necessarily incident thereto not specifically conferred on the commission. The commissioner shall make an annual report of all receipts and disbursements and file same with the Secretary of State of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. (6) (a) Notwithstanding any provision of KRS Chapter 18A to the contrary, the commissioner shall establish a salary structure for the sworn employees of the department's Division of Law Enforcement that is competitive with the pay structures for other state and local law enforcement personnel in the Commonwealth and is adequate to meet the department's recruitment and retention goals. (b) The secretary of the Personnel Cabinet established under KRS Chapter 18A shall take every action necessary to implement the requirements of paragraph (a) of this subsection and to ensure that the sworn employees of the department's Division of Law Enforcement are otherwise subject to the requirements and benefits of KRS Chapter 18A. (7) If federal or other grant funds become available to pay their salaries, the commissioner may appoint and employ other persons that he or she may deem necessary or desirable to accomplish the purposes of this chapter. The commissioner shall determine the compensation, duties, and terms of employment of these employees, and grant funded, time-limited positions shall be approved by the commission as needed. Employees whose salaries are funded through federal or other grant funds shall not be counted in any tally of permanent employees made for employee cap or budgetary purposes. Effective: July 15, 2026 History: Amended 2026 Ky. Acts ch. 93, sec. 6, effective April 10, 2026; ch. 148, sec. 2, effective July 15, 2026; and ch. 178, sec. 9, effective April 16, 2026. -- Amended 2022 Ky. Acts ch. 197, sec. 6, effective April 13, 2022. -- Amended 2021 Ky. Acts ch. 161, sec. 2, effective March 29, 2021. -- Amended 2010 Ky. Acts ch. 158, sec. 7, effective July 15, 2010. -- Amended 2003 Ky. Acts ch. 170, sec. 1, effective June 24, 2003. -- Amended 1974 Ky. Acts ch. 386, sec. 28. -- Amended 1956 Ky. Acts ch. 115, sec. 4, effective May 18, 1956. -- Amended 1952 Ky. Acts ch. 200, sec. 8. -- Created 1944 Ky. Acts ch. 6, sec. 1. Legislative Research Commission Note (7/15/2026). This statute was amended by 2026 Ky. Acts chs. 93, 148, and 178, which do not appear to be in conflict and have been codified together.

KRS 150.065 Temporary employees

150.065. Temporary employees The commissioner may employ temporarily such other persons as he may deem necessary or desirable to accomplish the duties and functions assigned by law to the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources; may fix the compensation and the terms of employment of those employed; and may assign to them such duties and responsibilities as he may determine. Effective: July 15, 1982 History: Created 1982 Ky. Acts ch. 439, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1982.

KRS 150.081 Political activity forbidden

150.081. Political activity forbidden While retaining the right to vote as he may please and to express privately his opinion of all political subjects and issues, no employee or officer of the department including the commissioner, shall take any active part in political management or political campaigns, nor shall he use his office or influence for the purpose of interfering in any election or affecting the results thereof, or for the purpose of coercing the political action of any body or person or for the purpose of directly or indirectly influencing any person in the selection or appointment of a member to the commission. Effective: July 15, 1982 History: Amended 1982 Ky. Acts ch. 106, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1982. -- Amended 1952 Ky. Acts ch. 200, sec. 12, effective June 19, 1952. -- Created 1944 Ky. Acts ch. 6, sec. 1.

KRS 150.090 Commissioner's power and duty to appoint all game wardens considered to be necessary for the efficient administration of the department -- Each game warden is individually vested with the powers of a peace officer in all parts of the state -- Employment contract permitted

150.090. Commissioner's power and duty to appoint all game wardens considered to be necessary for the efficient administration of the department -- Each game warden is individually vested with the powers of a peace officer in all parts of the state -- Employment contract permitted (1) The commissioner shall appoint, promote, or take other employment actions to the ranks, grades, and positions of the department game wardens who are considered by the commissioner to be necessary for the efficient ad ministration of the department. (2) Game wardens appointed by the commissioner shall have full powers as peace officers for the enforcement of all of the laws of the Commonwealth, including the administrative regulations promulgated pursuant to KRS Chapter s 150 and 235 and to serve process. (3) Each game warden is individually vested with the powers of a peace officer and shall have in all parts of the state the same powers with respect to criminal matters and enforcement of the laws relating thereto as she riffs, constables, and police officers in their respective jurisdictions, and shall possess all the immunities and matters of defense now available or hereafter made available to sheriffs, constables, and police officers in any suit brought against them in consequence of acts done in the course of their employment and within the scope of their duties. Any warrant of arrest may be executed by any officer of the department. (4) Game wardens charged with the enforcement of this chapter and the administrative regulations issued thereunder shall have the right to go upon the land of any person or persons whether private or public for the purpose of the enforcement of laws or orders of the department relating to game or fish, while in the normal, lawful and peaceful pursuit of such investigation or work or enforcement, may enter upon, cross over, be upon, and remain upon privately owned lands for such purposes, and shall not be subject to arrest for trespass while so engaged or for such cause thereafter. They may arrest on sight, without warrant, any person detected by them in the act of violating any of the provisions of this chapter. They shall have the same rights as sheriffs to require aid in arresting with or without process any person found by them violating any of the provisions of this chapter and may seize without process anything declared by this chapter to be contraband. No liability shall be incurred by any person charged or directed in the enforcement of this chapter. (5) Game wardens and other officers charged with the enforcement of this chapter, shall have the authority to call for and inspect the license or tag, bag or creel of any person engaged in any activity for the performance of which a license is required under this chapter, and shall also have the authority to take proper identification of any person, or hunter, or fisherman who is actually engaged in any of these activities, and to call for and inspect any and all firearms and any other device that may be used in taking wildlife and is in the possession of any person so engaged. (6) No person shall resist, obstruct, interfere with or threaten or attempt to intimidate or in any other manner interfere with any officer in the discharge of his duties under the provisions of this chapter. This subse ction shall not apply to a criminal homicide or an assault upon such officer. An assault upon such officer shall be deemed an offense under KRS Chapter 507 or 508, as appropriate. (7) The commissioner may, as a condition of employment, require a newly appo inted department game warden to enter into an employment contract for a period of no longer than five (5) years from the date of appointment. If a department game warden who entered into a contract authorized under this subsection accepts employment as a peace officer with another law enforcement agency, that law enforcement agency shall reimburse the department for the actual costs incurred and expended by the department that are associated with the initial hiring of that department game warden, including but not limited to the application process, training costs, equipment costs, salary, and fringe benefits. The department shall be reimbursed for the costs from the time of department game warden initial application until appointment. Effective: July 15, 2024 History: Amended 2024 Ky. Acts ch. 159, sec. 8, effective July 15, 2024. -- Amended 2023 Ky. Acts ch. 69, sec. 3, effective June 29, 2023. -- Amended 2019 Ky. Acts ch. 167, sec. 2, effective June 27, 2019. -- Amended 1986 Ky. Acts ch. 424, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1986. -- Amended 1968 Ky. Acts ch. 38, sec. 3 -- Amended 1956 Ky. Acts ch. 115, sec. 7 -- Amended 1952 Ky. Acts ch. 200, sec. 14 -- Amended 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 68, sec. 9 -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 1954d-9.

KRS 150.092 Consent requirement for entry upon lands of another person -- Private lands incentive programs -- Arrest and citation authority

150.092. Consent requirement for entry upon lands of another person -- Private lands incentive programs -- Arrest and citation authority (1) Persons shall not enter upon the lands of another to shoot, hunt, trap, or fish, or for other wildlife-related recreational purposes, without the oral or written permission of the landowner, tenant, or person who has authority to grant permission. (2) The department may promulgate administrative regulations pursuant to KRS Chapter 13A to establish private lands incentive programs encouraging voluntary access to private lands for hunting, fishing, or other wildlife-related recreation, while at the same time protecting the rights of private property owners. Participation in these programs shall not waive any protection granted to the landowner by KRS 150.645 or 411.190. (3) A fish and wildlife law enforcement officer may arrest or issue a citation to any person who is in violation of this section or the administrative regulations adopted thereunder. (4) Persons who enter upon the lands of another to shoot, hunt, trap, or fish, or for other wildlife-related recreational purposes, shall not, through their actions, cause damage to any buildings, fences, crops, livestock or domestic animals, machinery, or other property while upon these lands. (5) Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the existing powers of peace officers. Effective: July 15, 1996 History: Amended 1996 Ky. Acts ch. 250, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1996. -- Amended 1990 Ky. Acts ch. 474, sec. 2, effective July 13, 1990. -- Amended 1988 Ky. Acts ch. 365, sec. 2, effective July 15, 1988. -- Amended 1976 Ky. Acts ch. 227, sec. 3. -- Created 1960 Ky. Acts ch. 74, sec. 2, effective June 16, 1960.

KRS 150.095 Game wardens may bear arms

150.095. Game wardens may bear arms Game wardens are authorized to keep and bear arms upon their person, concealed or otherwise, in the same manner as all other peace officers, and to exercise the use of such arms to such extent as the same may be necessary in the discharge of their duties. Effective: July 15, 2024 History: Amended 2024 Ky. Acts ch. 159, sec. 9, effective July 15, 2024. -- Amended 2019 Ky. Acts ch. 115, sec. 3, effective June 27, 2019. -- Amended 1968 Ky. Acts ch. 38, sec. 4 -- Amended 1952 Ky. Acts ch. 200, sec. 15 -- Created 1944 Ky. Acts ch. 6, sec. 1.

KRS 150.097 Indemnification by the Commonwealth of game warden who is sued in his or her individual capacity and personally suffers financial loss -- Indemnification contingent upon findings that the act or omission which resulted in liability was lawful and proper and within the officer's scope and course of employment -- Indemnification does not abrogate, limit, or constitute

150.097. Indemnification by the Commonwealth of game warden who is sued in his or her individual capacity and personally suffers financial loss -- Indemnification contingent upon findings that the act or omission which resulted in liability was lawful and proper and within the officer's scope and course of employment -- Indemnification does not abrogate, limit, or constitute a waiver of any privilege, immunity, or matter of defense otherwise available to the game warden. (1) Any game warden who is su ed for any act or omission in the line of duty and who has a judgment for monetary damages rendered against him or her in his or her individual capacity, and who personally suffers actual financial loss, unreimbursed from any source, by the enforcement and satisfaction of the judgment, including any costs or attorney fees awarded pursuant thereto, shall be indemnified by the Commonwealth, from funds appropriated to the fish and game fund for the payment of judgments, to the extent of his or her actual finan cial loss. (2) The indemnification shall be contingent upon an express determination by the commissioner that the act or omission which resulted in liability was within the scope and course of employment of the game warden, and occurred during the performa nce of duty, and was committed or omitted in the good faith belief that the act or omission was lawful and proper. (3) The indemnification shall not be construed to abrogate or limit any privilege, immunity, or matter of defense otherwise available to the game warden and shall not constitute a waiver of any privilege, immunity, or matter of defense, including the sovereign immunity of the Commonwealth. Effective: July 15, 2024 History: Amended 2024 Ky. Acts ch. 159, sec. 10, effective July 15, 2024. -- Created 2019 Ky. Acts ch. 167, sec. 3, effective June 27, 2019.

KRS 150.100 Execution of process by commissioner, department personnel and persons appointed by commissioner

150.100. Execution of process by commissioner, department personnel and persons appointed by commissioner The commissioner, all personnel of the department and all officers and other persons appointed by the commissioner may execute any process issued by a court, enforcing the provisions of this chapter or any law relating to the propagation or protection of fish and wildlife in the same manner as any sheriff. To accomplish that purpose they may call any peace officer or other person to their aid. Effective: January 1, 2023 History: Amended 2022 Ky. Acts ch. 90, sec. 18, effective January 1, 2023. -- Amended 1952 Ky. Acts ch. 200, sec. 16, effective June 19, 1952. -- Amended 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 68, sec. 10. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 1954d-23.

KRS 150.105 Destruction or control of animals causing damage

150.105. Destruction or control of animals causing damage Notwithstanding any other provisions of this chapter, the commissioner may, with the approval of the commission, authorize game wardens or any other persons to destroy or bring under control in such manner as he deems necessary any wild animal, fish or wild birds, protected or unprotected which are causing damage to persons, property or other animals, fish or birds or spreading diseases and which in his judgment should be eliminated or controlled to prevent further damage. Effective: July 15, 2024 History: Amended 2024 Ky. Acts ch. 159, sec. 11, effective July 15, 2024. -- Amended 1956 Ky. Acts ch. 115, sec. 8, effective May 18, 1956. -- Amended 1952 Ky. Acts ch. 200, sec. 17. -- Created 1944 Ky. Acts ch. 6, sec. 1.

KRS 150.110 Enforcement of law as to mussels

150.110. Enforcement of law as to mussels The commissioner and game wardens may arrest without warrant anyone violating any of the provisions of KRS 150.520 or any of the rules and regulations made by the department for the protection of mussels under this chapter. They may inspect mussels in any warehouse, boat, store, car, or receptacle when they have good cause to believe that any of the provisions of KRS 150.520 or any of the rules or regulations made thereunder have been or are being violated. This authority does not include the right to enter any dwelling house without a search warrant. When the officers find mussels in the possession of anyone in violation of this chapter, the mussels shall be confiscated and sold in the manner provided by KRS 150.120 for the sale of confiscated wildlife. Effective: July 15, 2024 History: Amended 2024 Ky. Acts ch. 159, sec. 12, effective July 15, 2024. -- Amended 1994 Ky. Acts ch. 413, sec. 2, effective July 15, 1994. -- Amended 1986 Ky. Acts ch. 265, sec. 3, effective July 15, 1986. -- Amended 1978 Ky. Acts ch. 384, sec. 31, effective June 17, 1978. -- Amended 1968 Ky. Acts ch. 38, sec 5 -- Amended 1966 Ky. Acts ch. 255, sec. 144 -- Amended 1952 Ky. Acts ch. 200, sec. 18 -- Amended 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 68, sec 11 -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 1954d-50.

KRS 150.120 Seizure and sale of contraband

150.120. Seizure and sale of contraband (1) The commissioner, all game wardens, persons appointed by the commissioner, and all peace officers and their deputies shall seize and take possession of any and all furs, wildlife, guns, dogs, instruments, boats, or devices which have been taken, used, transported, or possessed contrary to any law or regulation adopted under this chapter. Upon complaint showing probable cause for believing that any of the wildlife protected by any law or regulation are illegally kept in any building, car, or receptacle, any court having jurisdiction may issue a search warrant and cause the same to be searched. Any wildlife, furs, guns, dogs, instruments, or devices seized in accordance with this section shall be impounded by the arresting officer and shall be taken before the court trying the person arrested. (2) Upon conviction, the court trying the case shall have the discretion of determining whether or not any of the things seized under the provisions of subsection (1) of this section shall be declared contraband. Any wildlife, fur or dog taken, and any device used or possessed contrary to the provisions of this chapter, or any regulations adopted hereunder, is subject to being declared contraband. When any such item is declared contraband, the court shall enter an order accordingly. A copy of the order shall be forwarded to the commissioner and the contraband shall be placed in the custody of the arresting officer, to be delivered to the commissioner. (3) The commissioner may sell to the residents of this state, at the highest market price obtainable, with the approval of the commission all contraband which comes to his or her possession under the order of any court, or which has been seized under this chapter and declared to be contraband under any law relating to fish or wildlife. All proceeds arising from the sale of contraband articles shall be paid into the game and fish fund, and shall be subject to audit by the Auditor of Public Accounts under KRS 150.152. A record of the sale, including the name of the purchaser and the price paid, shall be kept by the commissioner. (4) Any device or contrivance, the use of which is not expressly recognized and sanctioned by the provisions of this chapter for the taking of wildlife, is hereby declared to be an illegal device. No person shall have in his or her possession any illegal device or other thing prohibited by law or by any regulation adopted under this chapter for the taking of wildlife. Effective: July 15, 2024 History: Amended 2024 Ky. Acts ch. 159, sec. 13, effective July 15, 2024. -- Amended 2023 Ky. Acts ch. 139, sec. 15, effective March 29, 2023. -- Amended 1986 Ky. Acts ch. 265, sec. 4, effective July 15, 1986. -- Amended 1956 Ky. Acts ch. 115, sec. 9, effective May 18, 1956. -- Amended 1952 Ky. Acts ch. 200, sec. 19. -- Amended 1948 Ky. Acts ch. 78, sec. 5. -- Amended 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 68, sec. 12. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. secs. 1954d-21, 1954d-27.

KRS 150.130 County and Commonwealth's attorneys to enforce laws and regulations

150.130. County and Commonwealth's attorneys to enforce laws and regulations All county attorneys and Commonwealth's attorneys shall enforce the provisions of this chapter and all regulations adopted hereunder. Effective: January 1, 1978 History: Amended 1976 (1st Extra. Sess.) Ky. Acts ch. 17, sec. 44, effective January 1, 1978. -- Amended 1952 Ky. Acts ch. 200, sec. 20, effective June 19, 1952. -- Amended 1948 Ky. Acts ch. 78, sec. 6. -- Amended 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 68, sec. 13. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 1954d-22.

KRS 150.140 Report and payment of moneys by circuit clerk

150.140. Report and payment of moneys by circuit clerk Each circuit clerk responsible for the court before whom any prosecution under this chapter for the violation of any law or regulation for the protection of wildlife may be commenced or shall go on appeal shall, within ten (10) days after the end of each month, report in writing to the commissioner the result of the prosecution, the amount of fine collected or penalty imposed, if any. All moneys collected as fines or penalties for the violation of any law or regulation which, according to law, goes to the game and fish fund, shall be paid to the State Treasurer within ten (10) days after the end of each month and the same shall be paid by the State Treasurer into the game and fish fund within thirty (30) days thereafter. Effective: July 15, 1986 History: Amended 1986 Ky. Acts ch. 265, sec. 5, effective July 15, 1986. -- Amended 1978 Ky. Acts ch. 178, sec. 3, effective June 17, 1978; and ch. 384, sec. 32, effective June 17, 1978. -- Amended 1952 Ky. Acts ch. 200, sec. 21, effective June 19, 1952. - - Amended 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 68, sec. 14. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 1954d-12.

KRS 150.150 Game and fish fund -- Mussel beds -- Funds for hunger relief -- Accounting and report -- Contribution to Becoming an Outdoors -Woman Program

150.150. Game and fish fund -- Mussel beds -- Funds for hunger relief -- Accounting and report -- Contribution to Becoming an Outdoors -Woman Program (1) (a) Except as provided in this chapter, all moneys derived from the sale of licenses or from any other source connected with the administration of this chapter shall be promptly paid over to the State Treasurer, who shall deposit such moneys in a special fund, known as the game and fish fund, except that the moneys shall be entered under separate re stricted fund accounts, not commingled, and maintained according to generally accepted accounting principles. (b) Moneys derived from the sale of licenses issued under this chapter shall be under separate restricted fund account from any other proceeds der ived from this chapter or from proceeds obtained under any other chapter. (c) The game and fish fund: 1. Shall be used to carry out the purposes of this chapter and any law or regulation for the protection of wildlife; and 2. Shall not be used for any other purpose. (2) All funds received under KRS 150.110 and 150.520 shall be used by the department for the purpose of enforcing those sections and for the protection and propagation of mussel beds. Any surplus remaining in the fund at the close of each calend ar year shall be turned into the general fund of the department. (3) In addition to the funds derived pursuant to KRS 186.050(15), the department shall by August 1 of each fiscal year set aside not less than twenty -five thousand dollars ($25,000) from the game and fish fund for the purpose of promoting hunger relief through specific wildlife management and conservation efforts. The department shall provide for a separate accounting of these funds and shall, by October 1, 2007, and annually thereafter, report on the expenditures made pursuant to this subsection to the Governor and the Legislative Research Commission. (4) The department shall prescribe a method to allow any applicant for a license required under KRS 150.175 to make, at the time of application, a voluntary contribution in the amount of two dollars ($2) for the Becoming an Outdoors - Woman Program or other hunter and angler recruitment and retention program. The voluntary contribution shall be deposited into a separate, restricted account within the game and fish fund. The Becoming an Outdoors -Woman Program shall encourage women in developing skills for outdoor recreational activities including but not limited to hunting and angling. The voluntary contribution shall be automatically added to the cost of the license at the time of sale. Effective: July 15, 2026 History: Amended 2026 Ky. Acts ch. 148, sec. 3, effective July 15, 2026. -- Amended 2018 Ky. Acts ch. 89, sec. 14, effective July 1, 2018. -- Amended 2010 Ky. Acts ch. 158, sec. 6, effective July 15, 2010. -- Amended 2006 Ky. Acts ch. 57, sec. 2, effective July 12, 2006. -- Amended 1994 Ky. Acts ch. 413, sec . 3, effective July 15, 1994. -- Amended 1986 Ky. Acts ch. 265, sec. 6, effective July 15, 1986. -- Amended 1978 Ky. Acts ch. 384, sec. 33, effective June 17, 1978. -- Amended 1968 Ky. Acts ch. 38, sec. 6 -- Amended 1952 Ky. Acts ch. 200, sec. 22 -- Amended 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 68, sec. 15 -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. secs. 1954d-10, 1954d-48.

KRS 150.152 Report of audit of department by Auditor of Public Accounts

150.152. Report of audit of department by Auditor of Public Accounts Each year when the Auditor of Public Accounts conducts the statewide single audit of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, the Auditor of Public Accounts shall with respect to the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources: (1) Examine the separate revenue streams of each account within the game and fish fund to ensure compliance with the prohibition against commingling of funds; (2) Disaggregate and report the revenue and expenditures, by type, within the program income fund of the fish and game fund; (3) Identify internal controls, weaknesses, operating inefficiencies, and make recommendations for improvements; (4) Examine procurements, expenditures, and procurement policies to ensure compliance with the procurement procedure requirements of KRS Chapter 45A and 150.0242; and (5) Submit a written report to the Interim Joint Committee on Natural Resources and Energy in conjunction with the release of the statewide single audit of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Effective: March 29, 2023 History: Amended 2023 Ky. Acts ch. 139, sec. 16, effective March 29, 2023. -- Amended 2022 Ky. Acts ch. 197, sec. 7, effective April 13, 2022. -- Created 2010 Ky. Acts ch. 158, sec. 1, effective July 15, 2010.

KRS 150.160 Disposition of fines

150.160. Disposition of fines Sixty percent (60%) of a fine imposed for the violation of this chapter or KRS Chapter 235 shall, when collected, be paid into the game and fish fund. Effective: July 15, 1998 History: Amended 1998 Ky. Acts ch. 275, sec. 2, effective July 15, 1998. -- Amended 1976 (1st Extra. Sess.) Ky. Acts ch. 17, sec. 45, effective January 1, 1978. -- Amended 1952 Ky. Acts ch. 200, sec. 23, effective June 19, 1952. -- Amended 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 68, sec. 16. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. secs. 1954d-25, 1954d-26.

KRS 150.165 Nongame fish and wildlife fund

150.165. Nongame fish and wildlife fund (1) There is established a special fund to be known as the "Nongame Fish and Wildlife Fund" which shall be under the control of the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources Commission for the purpose of protecting and preserving nongame fish and wildlife and their habitat. (2) The nongame fish and wildlife fund shall consist of all moneys transferred to it under KRS 141.465, appropriations, donations, federal funds, other revenues designated for the fund from any source whatever, and all interest earned thereon. (3) Moneys contained in the nongame fish and wildlife fund shall be deemed a trust and agency account and shall not lapse and moneys contained in the fund shall be continuously appropriated for the purposes specified in this section. (4) The Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources Commission shall have access to and control of the moneys held in the nongame fish and wildlife fund, but shall expend such moneys only to protect and preserve nongame fish and wildlife and their habitat. Effective: July 15, 1980 History: Created 1980 Ky. Acts ch. 121, sec. 5, effective July 15, 1980.

KRS 150.170 Requirement of hunting, fishing, trapping, or guide's license -- Exceptions -- Rights and privileges of resident owners of private land and bodies of water -- Taking of wildlife causing damage -- Reporting requirements -- Reciprocity with adjoining states -- Exception for active duty or reserve members on military property -- Exemption from live-fire hunter education course

150.170. Requirement of hunting, fishing, trapping, or guide's license -- Exceptions -- Rights and privileges of resident owners of private land and bodies of water -- Taking of wildlife causing damage -- Reporting requirements -- Reciprocity with adjoining states -- Exception for active duty or reserve members on military property -- Exemption from live-fire hunter education course component for military or peace officers. (1) Except as provided in the following subsections of this section, and subjec t to administrative regulations promulgated under this chapter, no person, resident, or nonresident shall do any act authorized by any kind of license or permit or assist in any way any person in doing any act provided for in this chapter with respect to wildlife unless he or she holds the kind of license or permit, resident or nonresident, that authorizes the act. It shall be the specific purpose of this chapter to prohibit the taking or pursuing of any wildlife, protected or unprotected, or the fishing in any stream or body of water whether public or private, without first procuring the license provided for in KRS 150.175, except to the extent as may be otherwise provided in this section. (2) A person under sixteen (16) years of age may, without a sport fi shing license, take fish by angling, or take minnows by the use of a minnow seine, minnow trap, or dip net. (3) A person under twelve (12) years of age shall be exempt from being required to obtain a sport hunting or sport trapping license as required by t his chapter. (4) An owner of farmlands who is a resident of the Commonwealth or his or her spouse or dependent children shall, without procuring any sport hunting or sport fishing licenses, have the right to take fish or hunt during the open season, except trapping, on farmlands of which they are bona fide owners. Tenants or their dependent children residing upon these farmlands shall have the same privilege. (5) (a) A bona fide owner of private land in Kentucky who is also a resident of the Commonwealth shall: 1. Not be subject to any limits or restrictions established in this chapter or the administrative regulations promulgated under this chapter for creel, possession, size, or method of take for the fish in the private landowner's private lake or pond; 2. Be able to extend the privileges in subparagraph 1. of this paragraph in written or electronic form to any other person who has a valid fishing license; and 3. Include the landowner's address and telephone number in any written or electronic permission extended to another person under this paragraph. (b) Except for restrictions on the stocking of invasive fish, a bona fide owner of private land shall: 1. Not be subject to any state requirements regarding the stocking of private lakes or ponds located in the private landowner's property; and 2. Provide written or electronic permission to any person allowed to obtain and transport live fish from the bona fid e owner's private pond or lake to another location. The person granted permission to transport the fish from the bona fide landowner's lake or pond shall, while transporting the live fish, keep and be able to furnish the bona fide landowner's written permission to a game warden. The written or electronic permission shall detail the species of fish, the amounts allowed to be in his or her possession, and the bona fide landowner's address and phone number. (c) There shall not be any restriction on the stocking of first filial (F1) largemouth bass or Florida (Micropterus salmoides floridanus) bass in a bona fide landowner's private lakes and ponds. (d) Paragraphs (b) and (c) of this subsection shall not apply to private lakes and ponds located within the one hundred (100) year floodplain. (6) Residents or nonresidents observing and participating in field trials, training exercises, or other competitions as authorized by the department may observe and participate without obtaining a hunting or guide's license so long as game is not taken. (7) Any resident serviceman on furlough of more than three (3) days in this state may, without any Kentucky sport hunting or sport fishing licenses, do any act authorized by the licenses, but while so doing he or she shall carry on his or her person proper identification and papers showing his or her furlough status. (8) (a) A bona fide landowner or his or her spouse or dependent children: 1. May take or trap on their lands any wildlife causing damage to the lands or any real or personal property situated thereon during periods other than the open season for the particular species, without a hunting or trapping license; 2. May dispose of the carcass on site; 3. Shall request a carcass tag from the department before transporting the carcass from the property upon which it was taken; and 4. Shall report the destruction of any wildlife under this paragraph to the department within twenty-four (24) hours of the take. (b) A tenant that resides on the landowner's land and is engaged in work upon the landowner's farm or land, or his or her spouse or dependent children: 1. May take or trap on the lands any wildlife causing damage to the lands or any personal property situated thereon during periods other than the open season for the particular species, without a hunting or trapping license; 2. May dispose of the carcass on site; 3. Shall request a carcass tag from the department before transporting the carcass from the property upon which it was taken; and 4. Shall report the destruction of any wildlife under this paragraph to the department within twenty-four (24) hours of the take. (c) A person who has been designated by a bona fide landowner as a designee for the purposes of this subsection: 1. Shall hold a valid Kentucky hunting licens e or trapping permit in accordance with the method of take; 2. Shall be approved by the department, if eligible; 3. Shall be issued a destruction tag by the department in order to take or trap on the landowner's land any wildlife causing damage to the landowner's lands or the landowner's real or personal property situated thereon, during periods other than the open season for the particular species; 4. May dispose of the carcass on site; 5. Shall request a carcass tag from the department before transporting the carcass from the property upon which it was taken; and 6. Shall report the destruction of any wildlife under this paragraph to the department within twenty-four (24) hours of the take. (9) (a) Any designee selected by the landowner and approved by the department whose landowner's land or real or personal property has been damaged by wildlife may request a destruction tag from the department. Within fifteen (15) days of receiving the request, the department shall inspect and confirm any damage to the lands or personal property caused by wildlife. Upon confirmation of damage, the department shall issue to the designee a minimum of five (5) destruction tags each year for the duration of a two (2) year period. The destruction tag shall authorize the designee to take antlerless deer outside of an established hunting season for a period of two (2) years from the date of confirmation of damage to the lands or personal property. (b) The department shall grant immediate renewal of a destruction tag if the designee provides verification of continued damage to the lands or personal property by submitting a: 1. Time- and date-stamped electronic image; or 2. Current crop production report documenting evidence of the damage. (c) Any approved designee who has been issued a destruction tag by the department in the consecutive three (3) year period prior to April 14, 2026, under administrative regulations promulgated by the department may request renewal of an existing destruction tag by providing verification of continued damage to the lands or personal property by submitting to the department a: 1. Time- and date-stamped electronic image; or 2. Current crop production report documenting evidence of the damage. (10) (a) Upon destruction of any wildlife by individuals specified in subsection (8) of this section, the act shall be reported to the department through a reporting mechanism established by the department, as promulgated by administrative regulation, within twenty-four (24) hours of the take. Individuals wishing to transport the carcass from the property upon which it was taken shall contact personnel of the department as designated by administrative regulation to request a carcass tag or other authorization. Inedible parts from wildlife taken under the authorization of this section shall not be utilized for any purpose and shall be destroyed or left on the property on which the taking occurred. (b) The department shall promulgate administrative regulations establishing procedures for the designee appointment process, including request and approval deadlines. (11) If a reciprocal agreement is entered into by the commissioner, with the approval of the commission, and promulgated as an administrative regulation by the department and similar action is taken by the appropriate authority in Missouri, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Indiana, Ohio, or Illinois, persons holding a resident or nonresident fishing or a resident or nonresident hunting license issued in these states shall be permitted to perform the acts authorized by the license upon certain contiguous waters and land areas adjacent to the common boundaries of the above- mentioned states and the State of Kentucky. A resident of the State of Kentucky shall purchase a proper Kentucky license to conform with the reciprocal agreement. (12) Any member of the Kentucky Army or Air National Guard, active duty or Reserve Component, in any branch in the United States Armed Forces that is based in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, shall have the right to take fish or hunt on any military property belonging to the Commonwealth without procuring any sport hunting or sport fishing license. (13) A person not otherwise exempted from hunter safety education or from procuring any sport hunting or sport fishing license shall be exempt from the department- sanctioned live-fire exercise component of the hunter education course requirement if he or she: (a) Is a current member of the Armed Forces of the United States; (b) Has served in the Armed Forces of the United States and was discharged or released therefrom under conditions other than dishonorable; or (c) Is a peace officer certified pursuant to KRS 15.380 to 15.404. (14) Any person found in violation of administrative regulations promulgated under this chapter for creel, possession, size, or method of take when checked by a game warden on public lakes, rivers, or streams shall not claim as a defense any right or privilege conferred to a landowner under subsection (5)(a) of this section for fishing in a private lake or pond on the landowner's private land. (15) As used in this section, "private lake or pond" means a lake or pond that is: (a) Not connected by surface water to any public waters; (b) Not accessible to fish from other public bodies of water; and (c) Not located within the one hundred (100) year floodplain. Effective: April 14, 2026 History: Amended 2026 Ky. Acts ch. 93, sec. 1, effective April 10, 2026; and ch. 174, sec. 1, effective April 14, 2026. -- Amended 2024 Ky. Acts ch. 2, sec. 1, effective February 29, 2024; and ch. 159, sec. 14, effective July 15, 2024. -- Amended 2023 Ky. Acts ch. 139, sec. 17, effective March 29, 2023. -- Amended 2022 Ky. Acts ch. 142, sec. 1, effective July 14, 2022. -- Amended 2014 Ky. Acts ch. 19, sec. 1, effective July 15, 2014. -- Amended 2011 Ky. Acts ch. 12, sec. 1, effective June 8, 2011. -- Amended 2008 Ky. Acts ch. 42, sec. 1, effective July 15, 2008. -- Amended 2002 Ky. Acts ch. 173, sec. 1, effective July 15, 2002. -- Amended 1998 Ky. Acts ch. 274, sec. 1, effective March 1, 1999. -- Amended 1996 Ky. Acts ch. 112, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1996; and ch. 133, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1996. -- Amended 1994 Ky. Acts ch. 181, sec. 99, effective April 4, 1994. – Amended 1992 Ky. Acts ch. 353, sec. 1, effective July 14, 1992. -- Amended 1990 Ky. Acts ch. 40, sec. 1, effective July 13, 1990; and ch. 90, sec. 1, effective July 13, 1990. -- Amended 1986 Ky. Acts ch. 7, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1986; ch. 265, sec. 7, effective July 15, 1986; and ch. 273, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1986. -- Amended 1984 Ky. Acts ch. 320, sec. 1, effective July 13, 1984. -- Amended 1974 Ky. Acts ch. 386, sec. 29. -- Amended 1972 Ky. Acts ch. 273, sec. 2. -- Amended 1970 Ky. Acts ch. 92, sec. 27. - - Amended 1968 Ky. Acts ch. 38, sec. 7; and ch. 95, sec. 1. -- Amended 1966 Ky. Acts ch. 256, sec. 1. -- Amended 1956 Ky. Acts ch. 115, sec. 10. -- Amended 1952 Ky. Acts ch. 200, sec. 24. -- Amended 1948 Ky. Acts ch. 78, sec. 7. -- Amended 1946 Ky. Acts ch. 84, sec. 2. -- Amended 1944 Ky. Acts ch. 110, sec. 1; and ch. 124, sec. 2. -- Amended 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 68, sec. 17. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 1954d-13. Legislative Research Commission Note (4/14/2026). This statute was amended by 2026 Ky. Acts chs. 93 and 174, which do not appear to be in conflict and have been codified together.

KRS 150.172 Possession and use of firearm for self-defense and defense of others while hunting or trapping -- Exceptions -- Administrative regulations

150.172. Possession and use of firearm for self-defense and defense of others while hunting or trapping -- Exceptions -- Administrative regulations (1) Any person who is not prohibited by state or federal law from possessing a firearm may carry a firearm and ammunition for that firearm for purposes of self -defense and defense of others while hunting, fishing, trapping, or engaging in any other activity not constituting a crime under KRS Chapter 218A or Chapters 500 to 534, and may do so on any public lands under the control of the department and on any private land under the control of the department, unless the owner of the private land has posted notice that concealed deadly weapons are not allowed in a building where they may be prohibited pursuant to KRS 237.110 or 237.115. (2) (a) A person may use a firearm, if he or she is not prohibited by state or federal law from possessing a firearm, or may use any other deadly weapon, at any time and during any season to: 1. Kill or attempt to kill an anima l, whether protected or unprotected, in self-defense or defense of another person; or 2. Kill or attempt to kill an injured animal for humane purposes; and in either event, reports the kill or attempted kill to a game warden before midnight of the same day as the kill or attempted kill. (b) An investigation by the department shall be authorized to substantiate and provide evidence on whether the kill or attempted kill of the animal is in violation of paragraph (a) of this subsection or if the animal presen ts a threat to public health and safety. If no violation is shown to exist, and if there is no threat to public health and safety, then the animal or parts thereof shall: 1. Remain the property and in the possession of the person taking the animal; or 2. If the animal or parts thereof were surrendered to the department, be immediately returned to the person. (c) An arrest shall not be made, except upon a warrant issued by a judge of a court of competent jurisdiction, and a citation shall not be issued by a peace officer if an animal is killed under circumstances described in paragraph (a) of this subsection. (d) A citation may be issued by a peace officer who witnesses the killing of an animal in violation of a statute or federal regulation under circumstan ces different from those described in paragraph (a) of this subsection. (e) An arrest warrant or a summons may be issued by a judge of a court of competent jurisdiction, upon application of the appropriate county attorney, if the court believes that there is sufficient cause to doubt the claim that the animal was killed under circumstances described in paragraph (a) of this subsection. (3) In cases where an animal is killed and there is a claim that the animal was killed under circumstances described in par agraph (a) of subsection (2) of this section, the department shall provide competent evidence as to how the animal was killed and the circumstances surrounding the event. (4) The department shall not promulgate administrative regulations restricting any right provided by this section or the spirit thereof. (5) This section shall not apply to the killing, wounding, or other prohibited act relating to specific wildlife which are protected by the federal Endangered Species Act, 16 U.S.C. secs. 1531 to 1544; federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act, 16 U.S.C. secs. 703 to 712; or federal Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, 16 U.S.C. secs. 668 to 668d. (6) The principles contained in KRS Chapter 503 relating to the use of force and deadly force against human beings shall apply to acts where wildlife is involved. Effective: July 15, 2024 History: Amended 2024 Ky. Acts ch. 159, sec. 15, effective July 15, 2024. -- Amended 2019 Ky. Acts ch. 115, sec. 4, effective June 27, 2019. -- Created 2010 Ky. Acts ch. 158, sec. 3, effective July 15, 2010.

KRS 150.175 Kinds of licenses and tags -- Multiyear licenses or permits

150.175. Kinds of licenses and tags -- Multiyear licenses or permits The kinds of licenses and tags authorized by this chapter, and the acts authorized to be performed under the licenses and tags, subject to the other provisions of this chapter and subject to administrative regulations promulgated under this chapter, shall be as follows: (1) Statewide resident sport fishing license, which authorizes the holder to take fishes by angling, or take crayfish by a minnow seine, or by hand, to take minnows b y the use of a minnow seine, minnow trap, or dip net, or to take fishes by grabbing, gigging, snagging, snaring, jugging, and bow and arrow, and to take frogs and turtles from any waters in any county of this state open for such purposes and subject to the limitations in this chapter and additional limitations that the department may from time to time prescribe. This license shall not authorize the holder to sell fish; (2) A short-term sport fishing license, which authorizes the holder to perform all acts authorized by a statewide sport fishing license and subject to the same limitations or prescribed administrative regulations. This license shall not authorize the holder to sell fish; (3) A resident commercial fishing license and a nonresident commercial fi shing license, which authorize a holder to perform any act authorized by a sport fishing license and to take rough fishes from the waters of the state by the use of commercial fishing gear as prescribed by administrative regulation. The license shall also authorize the holder to sell rough fishes, other than those protected by administrative regulation; (4) A commercial fishing gear tag, which shall be attached to each piece of commercial fishing gear including hoop nets, slat traps, trotline, wing nets, an d to each one hundred (100) feet of linear gear or portion thereof in use, including commercial seines, gill nets, or trammel nets. Commercial gear tags may be issued only to a person holding a resident or nonresident commercial fishing license; (5) Live fish and bait dealer's licenses, resident and nonresident, which authorize the holder to sell bait and live fish as may be prescribed by administrative regulation; (6) Musseling licenses, resident and nonresident, which authorize the holder to take mussels for commercial purposes as may be prescribed by administrative regulation; (7) A statewide resident hunting license, which authorizes the holder to take or pursue wild animals, wild birds, frogs, and turtles with gun, bow and arrow, dog, or falcon, or to participate in a fox-hunting party engaged in the hunting or pursuing of foxes with dogs for sport, according to the provisions of the laws and administrative regulations of the department; (8) A youth statewide hunting license, which may be issued to a per son before he or she has reached his or her sixteenth birthday, and which authorizes the holder to exercise all the privileges authorized by a statewide hunting license; (9) Trapping licenses, resident and nonresident, which authorize the holder to take wi ld animals by trapping upon his or her own lands or upon the lands of another person, if the holder of the license has first obtained oral or written consent as provided in KRS 150.092 and administrative regulation; (10) A taxidermist license, which authorizes the holder to engage in the act of preparing, stuffing, and mounting the skins of wildlife; (11) A guide's license, which authorizes the holder to assist an outfitter license holder's client in taking or attempting to take fish or wildlife and is employed by or contracted with an outfitter license holder as prescribed by the administrative regulations of the department; (12) Fur buyer's licenses, resident and nonresident, which authorize the holder to buy raw furs from licensed trappers and hunters and to sell raw furs so purchased. Applicants for the license shall state the number of premises to be used and shall display at each a copy of the license as furnished by the department, except that the commissioner may limit the number of copies furnished and may revoke the license for violation; (13) A fur processor's license, which may be issued only to a resident, a partnership, firm, or corporation of this state and which authorizes the holder to buy raw furs when in legal possession for processing, manufacture, or retention in cold storage or for resale; (14) A nonresident sport fishing license, which authorizes the holder to perform any act authorized by a resident statewide sport fishing license. This license shall not authorize the holder to sell fish; (15) A nonresident annual hunting license, which authorizes the holder to perform any act authorized by a resident statewide hunting license; (16) Shoot-to-retrieve field trial permits, four (4) day and single day, which authorize a permit holder to conduct a shoot-to-retrieve field trial on private or government- owned lands. With a four (4) day permit, all participants, whether residents or nonresidents, shall not be required to possess any other license to participate in the permitted field trial, and the permit shall expire four (4) days after the date on which the field trial began. With the single day permit, the permit is valid for one (1) day and all participants shall have a valid resident or nonresident annual Kentucky hunting license. A permit is not required to conduct a shoot -to-retrieve field trial on a licensed shooting preserve; however, all participants that take or attempt to take game shall have in their possession a resident or nonresident annual Kentucky hunting license; (17) Game permits and youth game permits, which, in combination with a valid statewide hunting license or a valid youth statewide hunting license, authorize the holder to take or pursue the specified game species in any designated open area of this state, during the open season and according to the provisions of the laws and administrative regulations governing the hunting; (18) A combination hunting and fishing license, which authorizes only resident holders to perform all acts valid under either a sport fishing or hunting license; (19) A trout permit, which in combination with a valid statewide fishing license, authorizes the holder to take trout by angling or as may be prescribed by administrative regulation; (20) A commercial waterfowl permit, which authorizes the holder to establish and operate a commercial waterfowl hunting preserve; (21) A short-term hunting license, which authorizes the holder to perform all acts authorized by a statewide hunting license according to the provisions of the laws and administrative regulations of the department; (22) A joint statewide resident sport fishing license issued to a husband and wife which authorizes them to take fish as provided in subsection (1) of this section. The license fee for this joint license shall be ten percent (10%) less than the license fee set by the commission for two (2) statewide resident sport fishing licenses; (23) A Kentucky migratory bird permit, which in combination with a valid statewide hunting license and compliance with applicable federal law, authorizes the holder to take or pursue waterfowl and migratory shore or upland game birds; (24) A pay lake license which authorizes the holder to operate privately owned impounded waters for fishing purposes for which a fee is charged; (25) A senior sportsman's hunting and fishing license, which authorizes the holder to perform all acts valid under a sport fishing license, a sport hunting license, or a state permit to take deer, turkey, trout, waterfowl, or migratory shore or upland game birds, and which shall be available to a Kentucky resident who is sixty-five (65) years of age or older. The senior sportsman's hunting and fishing license shall not be valid unless the holder carries proof of residency and proof of age, as the department may require by administrative regulation, on his or her person while performing an act authorized by the license; (26) A senior lifetime sportsman's hunting and fishing license, which remains valid until the death of the holder and authorizes the holder to perform all acts valid under a sport fishing license, a sport hunting license, and a state permit to take deer, turkey, trout, waterfowl, and migratory shore and upland game birds, and which shall be available to a Kentucky resident who is sixty-five (65) years of age or older; (27) A disabled sportsman's hunting and fishing license, which authorizes the holder to perform all acts valid under a sport fishing license, a sport hunting license, and a state permit to take deer, turkey, trout, waterfowl, and migratory shore and upland game birds, and which shall be available to a Kentucky resident who is: (a) An American veteran at least fifty percent (50%) disabled as a result of a service-connected disability; or (b) Declared permanently and totally disabled by the federal Social Security Administration, the United States Office of Personnel Management, the Kentucky Teachers' Retirement System, the Department of Workers' Claims or its equivalent from another state, or the United States Railroad Retirement Board. The disabled sportsman's hunting and fishing license shall not be valid unless the holder carries proof of residency, as the department may require by administrative regulation, on his or her person while performing an act authorized by the license; (28) A sportsman's license and youth sportsman's license for residents that include annual hunting and fishing licenses and such permits as allowed by administrative regulations promulgated by the department; (29) A special license for residents and nonresidents for the purpose of hunting on licensed shooting areas. This license shall be valid only for the shooting areas for which it was issued and shall remain in effect for one (1) year. If the hunter holds either a nonresident or resident statewide hunting license for the current year, the special license shall not be required; (30) A resident outfitter license and a nonresident outfitter license, each of which authorizes the holder to solicit for guiding services or provide guiding services for clients in taking or attempting to take fish or wildlife and which may have a guide authorized to assist clients on behalf of the license holder as prescribed by the administrative regulations of the department; and (31) A shooting range permit, which authorizes the holder to use both department-owned or managed shooting ranges and affiliated partner shooting ranges. The department may offer multiyear licenses or permits for any of the annual licenses or permits authorized in subsections (1), (7), (9), (14), (15), (17), (18), (19), (23), and (28) of this section. A multiyear license or permit shall authorize the holder to perform all acts authorized by the same license or permit if purchased annually and shall be issued in accordance with the provisions of this chapter and the administrative regulations promulgated hereunder. Any multiyear licenses or permits offered by the department relating to the annual licenses or permits authorized in subsections (1), (7), (9), (14), (15), (17), (18), (19), (23), and (28) of this section shall be implemented by administrative regulation and may be discontinued at any time. Effective: July 15, 2024 History: Amended 2024 Ky. Acts ch. 159, sec. 16, effective July 15, 2024. -- Amended 2023 Ky. Acts ch. 139, sec. 18, effective March 29, 2023. -- Amended 2013 Ky. Acts ch. 50, sec. 1, effective June 25, 2013. -- Amended 2010 Ky. Acts ch. 24, sec. 175, effective July 15, 2010. -- Amended 2009 Ky. Acts ch. 20, sec. 2, effective June 25, 2009. -- Amended 2008 Ky. Acts ch. 42, sec. 2, effective July 15, 2008. -- Amended 2006 Ky. Acts ch. 212, sec. 1, effective July 12, 2006. -- amended 2000 Ky. Acts ch. 35, sec. 3, effective July 14, 2000; and ch. 459, sec. 1, effective July 14, 2000. -- Amended 1998 Ky. Acts ch. 274, sec. 2, effective March 1, 1999. -- Amended 1996 Ky. Acts ch. 268, sec. 2, effective July 15, 1996. -- Amended 1994 Ky. Acts ch. 239, sec. 4, effective July 15, 1994. – Amended 1992 Ky. Acts ch. 353, sec. 2, effective July 14, 1992. -- Amended 1990 Ky. Acts ch. 474, sec. 3, effective July 13, 1990. -- Amended 1988 Ky. Acts ch. 365, sec. 3, effective July 15, 1988. -- Amended 1984 Ky. Acts ch. 111, sec. 82, effective July 13, 1984; and ch. 220, sec. 1, effective July 13, 1984. -- Amended 1980 Ky. Acts ch. 351, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1980. -- Amended 1978 Ky. Acts ch. 178, sec. 4, effective June 17, 1978; and ch. 384, sec. 34, effective June 17, 1978. -- Amended 1972 Ky. Acts ch. 273, sec. 3. -- Amended 1968 Ky. Acts ch. 38, sec. 8. -- Amended 1958 Ky. Acts ch. 166, sec. 1. -- Amended 1956 Ky. Acts ch. 115, sec. 11. - Amended 1952 Ky. Acts ch. 200, sec. 25. -- Amended 1948 Ky. Acts ch. 76, sec. 1; ch. 77, sec. 3; and ch. 78, sec. 8. -- Created 1946 Ky. Acts ch. 84, sec. 3. Legislative Research Commission Note (10/6/2005). Under the authority of KRS 7.136(1), the Reviser of Statutes has changed the internal numbering system in this statute, inserting subsection numbers [(1), (2), etc.] in place of parag raph designations [(a), (b), etc.] and deleting the subsection number at the beginning of the statute. The words in the text were not changed.

KRS 150.177 Special permit for incorporated nonprofit wildlife conservation organization

150.177. Special permit for incorporated nonprofit wildlife conservation organization In addition to the game permits issued under KRS 150.175, the commission may issue a special permit to an incorporated nonprofit wildlife conservation organization. The commission shall promulgate administrative regulations governing the number of special permits to be issued per year per species for which a game permit is required. An organization that receives a special permit issued under this section may sell and transfer the permit if all proceeds of the sale are used in Kentucky for wildlife management. Effective: June 26, 2007 History: Amended 2007 Ky. Acts ch. 110, sec. 2, effective June 26, 2007. -- Amended 2006 Ky. Acts ch. 127, sec. 3, effective July 12, 2006. -- Amended 2004 Ky. Acts ch. 85, sec. 2, effective July 13, 2004. -- Created 2000 Ky. Acts ch. 35, sec. 1, effective July 14, 2000.

KRS 150.178 Cooperator permits -- Administrative regulations

150.178. Cooperator permits -- Administrative regulations In addition to the game permits issued under KRS 150.175, the commission may promulgate administrative regulations allowing the issuance of cooperator permits to individuals or entities who enroll land with the department for public hunting and meet all applicable regulatory requirements. An individual or entity that receives a cooperator permit issued under this section may sell or transfer the permit. Effective: June 26, 2007 History: Created 2007 Ky. Acts ch. 110, sec. 1, effective June 26, 2007. Legislative Research Commission Note (6/26/2007). The words "cooperative permit" in the second sentence of this section have been changed in codification by the Reviser of Statutes to "cooperator permit" under the authority of KRS 7.136(1)(h). 2007 Ky. Acts ch. 110, sec. 2, amended KRS 150.177 to delete references to administrative regulations regarding "cooperator permits," and 2007 Ky. Acts ch. 110, sec. 1, created this section to include language similar to the deleted language. The use of "cooperative" instead of "cooperator" was a manifest clerical or typographical error.

KRS 150.179 Waiver of license requirement and discounting of licenses or permits for event supporting a recreational activity -- Free-fishing weekend

150.179. Waiver of license requirement and discounting of licenses or permits for event supporting a recreational activity -- Free-fishing weekend (1) In this section, "recreational activity" means hunting, fishing, or trapping for sport. (2) For an event or program supporting a recreational activity, the commission may waive the requirement that participants hold licenses, or may discount licenses or permits, required under this chapter if the commission finds that: (a) The special event or program will provide education in or appreciation of the recreational activity; and (b) The waiver of the license requirement will not result in a substantial loss of revenue to the department. (3) The department shall, for one (1) weekend each year, suspend enforcement of the requirement that persons fishing in the waters of the Commonwealth buy and hold a license. Effective: June 25, 2009 History: Amended 2009 Ky. Acts ch. 20, sec. 3, effective June 25, 2009. -- Created 2000 Ky. Acts ch. 35, sec. 2, effective July 14, 2000.

KRS 150.180 Buying, selling, or transporting protected wildlife, mussels and fishes, raw fur, or processed wildlife

150.180. Buying, selling, or transporting protected wildlife, mussels and fishes, raw fur, or processed wildlife (1) Except as otherwise provided for in this chapter, and subject to regulations adopted under this chapter, no person, for himself or as the agent or employee of another shall buy, or sell, or attempt to buy, or sell, barter, exchange, or trade, or have in possession for the purpose of selling, bartering, or trading any protected wildlife or part thereof, raw fur or processed wildlife, no matter where or when caught or killed, whether caught or killed in this state or in any other state or other country. (2) Mussels and fishes, other than sport fishes as designated by departmental regulations, and all fishes, regardless of species, raised by licensed propagation permittees may be bought, sold, and transported, if in legal possession. (3) Raw furs, if in legal possession, may be sold, transported, or shipped, by a licensed trapper or licensed hunter to a licensed fur buyer (resident or nonresident), and by a licensed fur buyer to a licensed fur processor or to another fur buyer if in legal possession. A fur processor may hold raw furs or sell to another licensed fur processor at any time. (4) Subject to regulations adopted under this chapter, a person who has been issued a license under this chapter and who has the license on his person may transport anywhere as a part of his personal baggage any protected wildlife legally taken by him under such license, not in excess of the number that the law or regulation permits him to have in possession at any one (1) time. (5) A person who has legally taken any protected wildlife in another state and who has in his possession the license which authorizes such taking may, if the same be dead, transport the same in this state, as part of his personal baggage at any time during the open season for the particular species in the state in which taken or within ten (10) days after the close of such season. Any person may ship dead game or dead fish so taken subject to the provisions of the laws of the state in which the same was taken and the laws and regulations of the United States relating thereto. (6) No person shall import or transport into the State of Kentucky or receive shipment in the state from without the state, any live fish or wildlife without first procuring from the department a written fish transportation permit or wildlife transportation permit. If it is determined upon inspection that such fish or wildlife would not constitute a menace to the state and are free from disease and other undesirable physical characteristics, the commissioner shall issue a permit for a fee to be determined by the Fish and Wildlife Commission by administrative regulation, pursuant to KRS Chapter 13A. A fish transportation permit shall be valid for one (1) year from the date of issuance, and a wildlife transportation permit shall be valid for specific dates as indicated on the permit. (7) (a) No person may at any time stock any species of fish secured from any source into the public waters of the Commonwealth without first securing a permit from the commissioner. (b) The stocking or intentional release of first filial (F1) largemouth bass or Florida (Micropterus salmoides floridanus) bass from any source into the public waters of the Commonwealth is strictly prohibited, except that the department may promulgate administrative regulations in accordance with KRS Chapter 13A to stock first filial (F1) largemouth bass and Florida (Micropterus salmoides floridanus) bass in department-owned lakes. (8) This section shall not in any way interfere with the transportation of any fish or wildlife by authorized personnel of the department. (9) Federal and state regulations shall govern the transportation of all migratory wild birds. Effective: April 10, 2026 History: Amended 2026 Ky. Acts ch. 93, sec. 2, effective April 10, 2026. -- Amended 2006 Ky. Acts ch. 127, sec. 4, effective July 12, 2006. -- Amended 1992 Ky. Acts ch. 353, sec. 3, effective July 14, 1992. -- Amended 1988 Ky. Acts ch. 365, sec. 4, effective July 15, 1988. -- Amended 1978 Ky. Acts ch. 178, sec. 5, effective June 17, 1978. -- Amended 1968 Ky. Acts ch. 38, sec. 9. -- Amended 1956 Ky. Acts ch. 115, sec. 12. -- Amended 1952 Ky. Acts ch. 200, sec. 27. -- Amended 1948 Ky. Acts ch. 77, sec. 4; and ch. 78, sec. 9. -- Amended 1946 Ky. Acts ch. 84, sec. 5. -- Amended 1944 Ky. Acts ch. 124, sec. 3. -- Amended 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 68, sec. 18. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. secs. 1893d-11, 1954d-14.

KRS 150.183 Importing, transporting or possessing endangered species of wildlife

150.183. Importing, transporting or possessing endangered species of wildlife (1) No person shall import, transport, possess for resale or sell any endangered species of wildlife, the hides, skins, or other parts thereof, or any article made in whole or in part from the skin, hide, or other parts of any species of wildlife designated as an endangered species by regulation promulgated by the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources except as provided in subsection (3) of this section. As used in this section, the term "endangered species" means any species of wildlife seriously threatened with worldwide extinction or in danger of being extirpated from the Commonwealth of Kentucky. (2) The regulation or regulations promulgated pursuant to subsection (1) of this section shall include, but not be limited to, all species of wildlife designated as endangered species by the United States Secretary of the Interior on January 1, 1973. (3) The Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources may permit, under such terms and conditions as it may prescribe, the importation, transportation, possession, or sale of any species of wildlife otherwise prohibited pursuant to this section for zoological, educational, or scientific purposes, and for the propagation of such wildlife in captivity for preservation purposes except as otherwise prohibited by law. Effective: July 15, 1986 History: Amended 1986 Ky. Acts ch. 265 Ky. Acts ch. 8, effective July 15, 1986. -- Amended 1978 Ky. Acts ch. 384, sec. 35, effective June 17, 1978. -- Created 1972 Ky. Acts ch. 40 secs. 1(1) to (3), effective January 1, 1973.

KRS 150.186 Release of hog or pig into the wild prohibited -- Importing, possessing, or transporting wild or feral pig or boar prohibited -- Accidental escape of livestock exempted

150.186. Release of hog or pig into the wild prohibited -- Importing, possessing, or transporting wild or feral pig or boar prohibited -- Accidental escape of livestock exempted (1) No person shall release a hog or pig from the family Suidae into the wild. (2) No person shall import, possess, or transport in Kentucky any wild or feral pig, Eurasian or Russian boar, or any hybrid of these, whether born in the wild or captivity. (3) This section shall not apply to the accidental escape of animals of the porcine species raised as livestock as defined in KRS 246.010. Effective: July 12, 2012 History: Created 2012 Ky. Acts ch. 82, sec. 1, effective July 12, 2012.

KRS 150.190 Outfitter license or guide's license

150.190. Outfitter license or guide's license (1) Any applicant for an outfitter license or guide's license shall be required to present proof to the satisfaction of the commissioner that he is qualified to act as a guide or outfitter, as prescribed by administrative regulations of the department. (2) Any applicant for a fur processor's license shall be required to present proof to the satisfaction of the commissioner, in accordance with regulations prescribed by the department that he has sufficient equipment and facilities to engage in the business of processing, manufacture, and storage of raw furs. (3) A guide's license or an outfitter license is not required of residents or nonresidents who are participating in field trials, training exercises, or other competitions where no game is harvested. Effective: July 15, 2024 History: Amended 2024 Ky. Acts ch. 159, sec. 17, effective July 15, 2024. -- Amended 2002 Ky. Acts ch. 173, sec. 2, effective July 15, 2002. -- Amended 1994 Ky. Acts ch. 239, sec. 5, effective July 15, 1994. -- Amended 1990 Ky. Acts ch. 474, sec. 4, effective July 13, 1990. -- Amended 1986 Ky. Acts ch. 265, sec. 9, effective July 15, 1986. -- Amended 1978 Ky. Acts ch. 178, sec. 6, effective June 17, 1978; and ch. 384, sec. 36, effective June 17, 1978. -- Amended 1972 Ky. Acts ch. 273, sec. 4. -- Amended 1968 Ky. Acts ch. 38, sec. 10. -- Amended 1958 Ky. Acts ch. 166, sec. 2. - - Amended 1956 Ky. Acts ch. 115, sec. 14. -- Amended 1952 Ky. Acts ch. 200, sec. 28. -- Amended 1946 Ky. Acts ch. 84, sec. 6. -- Amended 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 68, sec. 19. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 1954d-15.

KRS 150.195 Design, issuance, and distribution of licenses and permits -- Administrative regulations

150.195. Design, issuance, and distribution of licenses and permits -- Administrative regulations (1) The department shall by administrative regulation provide for the control of the design, issuance, distribution, and other matters relating to all licen ses and permits issued by the department. (2) The department shall name each county clerk not granted an exemption from selling licenses or permits by the commissioner as an agent for the sale of licenses and permits or other items. The county clerk shall not appoint any other person or organization, other than a paid deputy clerk, to sell licenses and permits. A county clerk may, at any time during his term of office, apply in writing to the commissioner for an exemption from the requirement that he or she sell licenses and permits or other items for the department. The commissioner shall then grant the exemption until the clerk requests otherwise in writing. (3) The department may sell its own licenses or permits and may name any other persons, governmental entities, businesses, or organizations meeting the requirements specified by statute and by the department by administrative regulation as agents for the sale of specified licenses and permits or other items for the department. (4) The department shall, by administrative regulation, determine: (a) The number and distribution of agents in a county; (b) Which licenses and permits or other items shall be sold or issued by the department and agents of the department; (c) The requirements for persons, governmental entities, businesses, or organizations to sell licenses and permits or other items issued by the department; (d) The fees allowed to be retained by agents of the department; (e) Matters relating to the remittance of license and permit fees and proceed s of the sale of other items, procedures for accountability for licenses and permits, and accountability for license and permit fees and proceeds of the sales of other items; (f) The license and permit term, and the date of expiration of licenses and permits; and (g) The manner in which the licenses, permits, and other items issued by the department are designed, issued, and sold, and details relating to the application for and sale of licenses, permits, and other items, the reporting of license, permit, and other sales, and other matters deemed necessary by the department for the proper administration and operation of a program relating to the design, issuance, and sale of licenses, permits, and other items issued by the department. (5) No person shall make a false statement or provide any false information when applying for a license or permit. (6) Unless permitted to do so by administrative regulation, no person shall alter or modify a license or permit in any manner. (7) No person shall knowingly make a false entry upon a license or permit, license or permit record, or an application or report required by this chapter or by an administrative regulation issued thereunder. (8) The department shall keep a correct and complete record of all licenses and permits applied for or issued, and all other records required to be kept by statute or by the department by administrative regulation. License and permit records shall be public records and shall be open to public inspection in the manner provided by KRS 61.870 to 61.884. (9) No fee for the issuance of a license or permit issued by or on behalf of the department shall be charged or collected by the department or agent of the department other than the amount specified by administrative regulation. Tie-in sales required to obtain a license or permit are prohibited. (10) The department shall by administrative regulation develop a procedure for suspending or revoking the agent status of a person or organization violating any provision of this chapter, or the administrative regulations promulgated thereunder, relating to the sale, reporting of, or financial accountability for the sale of licenses or permits which the agent is authorized to sell on behalf of the department. (a) The initial determination to suspend or revoke an agent's status shall be made by the commissioner, or by his or her designee; and the agent shall be informed of the decision in writing. (b) A decision of the commissioner or his or her designee may be appealed to the commission in writing and received by the department within ten (10) days of receipt of the commissioner's notice. Hearings of appeals shall be conducted in accordance with KRS Chapter 13B. (c) Appeals from a final order of the commission shall be to the Franklin Circuit Court in accordance with KRS Chapter 13B. (11) Penalties which the commissioner, his or her designee in writing, or the commission may assess are: (a) A suspension of the agent's status for not less than one (1) nor more than five (5) years; or (b) Revocation of the agent's status permanently, if a natural person, or for not less than ten (10) years to permanently, if an organization. (12) Suspension periods shall not be waived, probated, or delayed by the commissioner, his or her designee in writing, or the commission. The commission or the Franklin Circuit Court, as appropriate, may reduce a suspension period ordered by the commissioner or his or her designee in writing, but to not less than one (1) year, and may reduce a revocation to a suspension. (13) The department may experiment with computerized, electronic, or other improved forms of license and permit sales by the department and its agents. Experiments may be conducted on a regional or other basis. The commission shall implement any improved method of license and permit sales finally selected, on a statewide basis by administrative regulation. Effective: March 29, 2023 History: Amended 2023 Ky. Acts ch. 139, sec. 19, effective March 29, 2023. -- Amended 1996 Ky. Acts ch. 83, sec. 2, effective July 15, 1996; and ch. 318, sec. 40, effective July 15, 1996. -- Created 1994 Ky. Acts ch. 239, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1994. Legislative Research Commission Note (7/15/96). This section was amended by 1996 Ky. Acts chs. 83 and 318 which are in conflict. Under KRS 446.250, Acts ch. 318, which was last enacted by the General Assembly, prevails.

KRS 150.225 Prescription of license, permit, and registration fees -- Fiduciary capacity of person who collects, receives, possesses, or manages fees

150.225. Prescription of license, permit, and registration fees -- Fiduciary capacity of person who collects, receives, possesses, or manages fees (1) The Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources shall, by its commission and through administrative regulation promulgated in accordance with KRS Chapter 13A, prescribe reasonable fees for the licenses, permits, and registrations authorized by KRS Chapters 150 and 235. (2) A person who collects, receives, possesses, or manages fees for the department's licenses and permits acts in a fiduciary capacity for the Commonwealth, and all moneys collected from the sale of licenses and permits, except agent fees for selling licenses or permits, shall be held in trust for the department. Effective: July 15, 1998 History: Amended 1998 Ky. Acts ch. 275, sec. 3, effective July 15, 1998. -- Amended 1988 Ky. Acts ch. 365, sec. 6, effective July 15, 1988. -- Created 1958 Ky. Acts ch. 166, sec. 3, effective June 19, 1958.

KRS 150.235 License or permit required -- To be carried on person -- Nonresidents -- Effect of revocation or suspension of license or permit

150.235. License or permit required -- To be carried on person -- Nonresidents -- Effect of revocation or suspension of license or permit (1) No person shall perform any act authorized to be performed by any of the various licenses or permits provided for in this chapter without first procuring the type of license which authorizes the performance of the act and unless at the time of the performance of the act he has the license on his person, except that in the case of a fur processor it shall be sufficient if the license is posted in a conspicuous place upon the licensed premises. (2) Wherever in this chapter reference is made to the "holder" of a license, or permit, it means the person in whose name the license or permit was issued. No person to whom a license or permit has been issued under this chapter may authorize or permit any other person to carry his license or permit. No person shall present the license of another person for inspection. (3) No nonresident shall perform any act under this chapter without first procuring the proper nonresident license or permit. (4) No person who has had his privilege to perform an act authorized under this chapter revoked or suspended shall possess the kind of license or permit that would otherwise permit the act for the period of the suspension. Effective: July 15, 1994 History: Amended 1994 Ky. Acts ch. 239, sec. 6, effective July 15, 1994. -- Amended 1988 Ky. Acts ch. 365, sec. 8, effective July 15, 1988. -- Amended 1978 Ky. Acts ch. 178, sec. 8, effective June 17, 1978. -- Amended 1968 Ky. Acts ch. 38, sec. 11. -- Amended 1952 Ky. Acts ch. 200, sec. 33. -- Amended 1948 Ky. Acts ch. 77, sec. 6. - - Created 1946 Ky. Acts ch. 84, sec. 9.

KRS 150.236 Effect of revocation or suspension of license by another jurisdiction in United States or Canada

150.236. Effect of revocation or suspension of license by another jurisdiction in United States or Canada A person whose privilege to hunt or fish has been suspended or revoked by any jurisdiction within the United States or Canada shall not purchase or possess a license to hunt or fish, nor shall that person perform any act permitted by the license in Kentucky during the period of suspension or revocation. Effective: July 15, 1998 History: Created 1998 Ky. Acts ch. 275, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1998.

KRS 150.238 Reciprocal agreements with other states relating to violations of hunting and fishing laws -- Administrative regulations

150.238. Reciprocal agreements with other states relating to violations of hunting and fishing laws -- Administrative regulations (1) The department may enter into reciprocal agreements with one (1) or more states relating to violations of hunting and fishing laws. Upon entering into such an agreement, the department shall promulgate an administrative regulation adopting the provisions of the agreement and incorporating the entire document by reference. (2) The department may, pursuant to a reciprocal agreement and administrative regulation authorized by subsection (1) of this section, deny, suspend, revoke, or reinstate: (a) A hunting, fishing, or trapping license; or (b) A privilege, in the case of an individual who is license-exempt. Effective: July 12, 2006 History: Created 2006 Ky. Acts ch. 94, sec. 1, effective July 12, 2006.

KRS 150.240 Contract for game refuge -- Public or commercial shooting areas

150.240. Contract for game refuge -- Public or commercial shooting areas (1) The commissioner, with the approval of the commission, may contract with any landowner of the state, for a specified term of years, to set aside and maintain land as a game refuge. Any such contracts may be recorded in the county clerk's office of the county in which the land is situated. (2) The commissioner, with the approval of the commission, may issue permits for public or commercial shooting areas, and shall adopt regulations governing same. Effective: June 17, 1978 History: Amended 1978 Ky. Acts ch. 384, sec. 289, effective June 17, 1978. -- Amended 1952 Ky. Acts ch. 200, sec. 34, effective June 19, 1952. -- Amended 1944 Ky. Acts ch. 6, sec. 5. -- Amended 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 68, sec. 24. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 1954d-30.

KRS 150.0241 Access to and use of commission-managed lands for hunting -- Duties of commission and other state agencies -- Reports

150.0241. Access to and use of commission-managed lands for hunting -- Duties of commission and other state agencies -- Reports (1) As used in this section unless the context otherwise requires: (a) "Commission" has the same meaning as in KRS 150.010; (b) "Commission-managed lands" means those lands owned by the commission, those lands owned by the Commonwealth over which the commission holds management authority, or those privately owned lands that are leased or managed by the commission; and (c) "Hunting" means the lawful pursuit, trapping, shooting, capture, collection, or killing of wildlife or the lawful attempt to do the same. (2) Commission-managed lands shall be open to access and use for hunting except as limited by the commission for reasons of fish or wildlife management, or as otherwise limited by a statute outside KRS Chapter 150 or 235. (3) The commission, in exercising its authority under the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Kentucky and statutes, shall exercise its authority consistent with subsection (2) of this section, in a manner that supports, promotes, and enhances hunting opportunities to the extent authorized by law. (4) Commission land management decisions and actions, including decisions made by private owners to close land managed by the commission, shall not result in any net loss of habitat land acreage available for hunting opportunities on commission-managed lands that exists on July 15, 2010. The commission shall expeditiously find replacement acreage for hunting to compensate for closures of any existing hunting land. Replacement lands shall, to the greatest extent possible, be located within the same commission district and shall be consistent with the hunting discipline that the commission allowed on the closed land. (5) Any state agency that owns or manages lands shall assist and coordinate and cooperate with the commission to allow hunting on these lands if the lands are determined by the commission and that agency to be suitable for hunting. To ensure no net loss of land acreage available for hunting, state agencies shall cooperate with the commission to open new, additional hunting lands to replace lost hunting acreage. Lands officially designated as units within the state park system may be considered for replacement hunting lands and may be open for hunting when necessary as a wildlife control or management tool as determined by the Department of Parks. (6) By October 1 of each year, the commissioner shall submit to the Legislative Research Commission and the Interim Joint Committee on Natural Resources and Environment a written report describing: (a) The acreage managed by the commission that was closed to hunting during the previous fiscal year and the reasons for the closures; and (b) The acreage managed by the commission that was opened to hunting to compensate for closures of existing land pursuant to subsection (4) of this section. (7) By October 1 of each year, any state agency that owns or manages lands shall submit a written report to the commission, the Legislative Research Commission, and the Interim Joint Committee on Natural Resources and Environment describing: (a) A list of properties that were open for hunting during the previous fiscal year; (b) A list of properties that were not open for hunting during the previous fiscal year; and (c) 1. The acreage for each property and the county where each property is located, including lands on which a right-of-way exists which make the lands unsuitable for hunting, and an explanation of why the right-of-way makes the land unsuitable for hunting; and 2. Parcels under fifty (50) acres. No agency shall subdivide land it owns or manages into parcels under fifty (50) acres in an attempt to avoid compliance with the provisions of this section. (8) The first report under this section shall be due no later than October 1, 2010. Effective:April 13, 2022 History: Amended 2022 Ky. Acts ch. 197, sec. 5, effective April 13, 2022. -- Created 2010 Ky. Acts ch. 158, sec. 4, effective July 15, 2010.

KRS 150.0242 Department procurements -- Applicability of Executive Branch Code of Ethics -- Administrative regulations

150.0242. Department procurements -- Applicability of Executive Branch Code of Ethics -- Administrative regulations (1) Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, the department shall conduct all procurements necessary for the performance of i ts duties in accordance with the procurement procedures outlined in KRS Chapter 45A, this chapter, and the administrative regulations promulgated under this chapter, but the department shall not be subject to any provision of KRS Chapter 45A that requires the approval of any Finance and Administration Cabinet official for the department to proceed with any aspect of the procurement process. Upon approval of the commission, the commissioner shall be deemed the chief purchasing officer for the purposes of conducting procurements for the department and shall have all of the authority and responsibility with regard to the department's procurements as the secretary for the Finance and Administration Cabinet has for procurements under KRS Chapter 45A. All department personal service contracts, tax incentive agreements, and memoranda of agreement shall be subject to review by the Government Contract Review Committee established by KRS 45A.705. (2) In its bidding and negotiation processes, the department, upon approv al of the commission, shall perform its own bidding and procurement in accordance with the procedures established by KRS Chapter 45A. (3) All members of the commission, the commissioner, and employees of the department shall be subject to the requirements of the Executive Branch Code of Ethics established under KRS Chapter 11A. (4) On or before January 1, 2024, the department shall promulgate administrative regulations pursuant to KRS Chapter 13A to implement its procedures for the procurement of engineering services pursuant to this chapter and KRS 45A.800 to 45A.835. Effective: March 29, 2023 History: Amended 2023 Ky. Acts ch. 139, sec. 14, effective March 29, 2023. -- Created 2022 Ky. Acts ch. 197, sec. 1, effective April 13, 2022. Legislative Research Commission Note (3/29/2023). 2023 Ky. Acts ch. 139, sec. 22, provides, "The requirements of this Act shall apply to all procurements and acquisitions of interests in real property undertaken by, or for the benefit of, the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, including procurements and acquisitions of interests in real property that commenced prior to the effective date of this Act [March 29, 2023]."

KRS 150.250 Contract for wildlife preservation or propagation

150.250. Contract for wildlife preservation or propagation The department, with the approval of the commission, may enter into any contract with the United States government, or any department or agency thereof, or with any individual in regard to the preservation, protection and propagation of wildlife which it may deem to the advantage of the state to enter into. Effective: March 29, 2023 History: Amended 2023 Ky. Acts ch. 139, sec. 20, effective March 29, 2023. -- Amended 1986 Ky. Acts ch. 265, sec. 10, effective July 15, 1986. -- Amended 1952 Ky. Acts ch. 200, sec. 35, effective June 19, 1952. -- Amended 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 68, sec. 25. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 1954d-37.

KRS 150.255 Wetland or stream compensatory mitigation projects -- Mitigation fund -- Purposes

150.255. Wetland or stream compensatory mitigation projects -- Mitigation fund -- Purposes (1) Upon request of any state agency or any other entity, the department may contract with the agency or party to undertake any compensatory mitigation project, including, but not limited to, wetland or stream mitigation. (2) The department may establish and manage wetland or stream compensatory mitigation banks, the purpose of which shall be to restore, create, or enhance wetlands and streams as compensatory mitigation where a state agency or other party is required to provide compensatory mitigation, and where the use of banked mitigation is approved by the agency requiring mitigation. The department may create the bank in advance of requests for banked mitigation credits. (3) There is established and created in the State Treasury the "Kentucky Wetland and Stream Mitigation Fund" for the purpose of restoring, creating, enhancing, or preserving the Commonwealth's wetlands or streams that may be damaged or destroyed due to any project, recovering costs associated with performing these projects, and administering these programs. The fund shall be deemed a trust and agency fund account and made available solely for the purposes and benefits of the Kentucky wetland and stream mitigation projects. The fund may receive state appropriations, gifts, grants, federal funds, revolving funds, and any other funds both public and private. Money deposited in the fund shall be disbursed by the State Treasurer upon the request of the commissioner with the approval of the commission. Any unallocated or unencumbered balance in the fund shall be invested as provided in KRS 42.500(9), and any income earned from the investments, along with the unallocated or unencumbered balance in the fund, shall not lapse. Effective: July 14, 2000 History: Created 2000 Ky. Acts ch. 284, sec. 1, effective July 14, 2000.

KRS 150.260 Wildlife restoration in cooperation with federal government

150.260. Wildlife restoration in cooperation with federal government Kentucky assents to the provisions of acts of Congress which provide that the United States shall aid the states in wildlife restoration projects, and for other purposes, as approved September 2, 1937, and August 9, 1950, as well as other acts related to wildlife. The department shall supervise and/or carry out such programs as may be necessary to the establishment and conduct of cooperative wildlife restoration projects in compliance with said acts and with rules and regulations promulgated thereunder by the Secretary of the Interior or other secretaries dealing with matters related to wildlife. No game and fish funds accruing to the department shall be diverted to any objective other than the purposes as outlined in this chapter and more particularly defined in KRS 150.015. History: Amended 1968 Ky. Acts ch. 38, sec 12 -- Amended 1952 Ky. Acts ch. 200, sec 36 -- Amended 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 68, sec 26 -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 1954d-35.

KRS 150.270 Consent to acquisition by United States of migratory bird reservations

150.270. Consent to acquisition by United States of migratory bird reservations (1) Kentucky consents to the acquisition by the United States by purchase, gift, devise or lease of such areas in Kentucky as the United States may deem necessary for the establishment of migratory bird reservations in accordance with the Migratory Bird Conservation Act, approved February 18, 1929 (45 Stat. 1222). (2) Kentucky reserves complete jurisdiction and authority in and over all such areas not incompatible with the administration, maintenance, protection, and control thereof by the United States under the terms of Acts of Congress. This section shall in no wise deprive the courts of Kentucky of jurisdiction to try and punish all violations of any of the criminal or penal statutes of Kentucky in such areas. Effective: June 19, 1952 History: Amended 1952 Ky. Acts ch. 200, sec. 37, effective June 19, 1952. -- Amended 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 68, sec. 27. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 1954d-36.

KRS 150.275 Permit to take and transport wildlife for commercial nuisance wildlife control, scientific, or educational purposes -- Fees to be set by administrative regulation

150.275. Permit to take and transport wildlife for commercial nuisance wildlife control, scientific, or educational purposes -- Fees to be set by administrative regulation (1) The commissioner may issue to any qualified person a permit to take and transport wildlife at any time for commercial nuisance wildlife control, scientific, or educational purposes; such permits shall be valid at the discretion of the commissioner and shall show upon their face the period of their validity. (2) The Fish and Wildlife Commission may set fees, by administrative regulation pursuant to KRS Chapter 13A, for the issuance of permits authorized by subsection (1) of this section. Effective: July 14, 1992 History: Amended 1992 Ky. Acts ch. 353, sec. 4, effective July 14, 1992. -- Amended 1986 Ky. Acts ch. 265, sec. 11, effective July 15, 1986. -- Amended 1978 Ky. Acts ch. 178, sec. 9, effective June 17, 1978. -- Amended 1952 Ky. Acts ch. 200, sec. 38, effective June 19, 1952. -- Created 1946 Ky. Acts ch. 84, sec. 10.

KRS 150.280 Propagation and holding of protected wildlife -- Permits -- Revocation for violation of state or federal law

150.280. Propagation and holding of protected wildlife -- Permits -- Revocation for violation of state or federal law (1) Except as provided by administrative regulation, a person shall not propagate or hold protected wildlife without obtaining a permit to do so from the department. The department shall promulgate administrative regulations governing all such activity and prescribing permit fees. Any permit issued pursuant to this section may be revoked for a violation by the holder thereof of any of the provisions of this chapter, any administrative regulation of the department, or hunting, fishing, or wildlife laws of the federal government. (2) The department shall by administrative regulation identify species of wildlife potentially damaging to native ecosystems and shall prohibit the transporting or holding of these wildlife. Effective: July 12, 2006 History: Amended 2006 Ky. Acts ch. 94, sec. 2, effective July 12, 2006. -- Amended 1998 Ky. Acts ch. 512, sec. 2, effective July 15, 1998. -- Amended 1992 Ky. Acts ch. 353, sec. 5, effective July 14, 1992. -- Amended 1978 Ky. Acts ch. 178, sec. 10, effective June 17, 1978. -- Amended 1968 Ky. Acts ch. 38, sec. 13. -- Amended 1952 Ky. Acts ch. 200, sec. 39. -- Amended 1948 Ky. Acts ch. 78, sec. 14. -- Amended 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 68, sec. 28. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 1954d-31.

KRS 150.290 Sale and transportation of wildlife by breeders

150.290. Sale and transportation of wildlife by breeders (1) Any breeder may sell and transport wildlife alive for propagation, and for food purposes, or minnows for bait, during seasons prescribed by the commission. Such wildlife shall be identified either by marking their container or by individual tagging, as the commissioner may prescribe. (2) No breeder shall sell wildlife procured from other than a licensed propagation farm. Effective: July 15, 1986 History: Amended 1986 Ky. Acts ch. 265, sec. 12, effective July 15, 1986. -- Amended 1978 Ky. Acts ch. 178, sec. 11, effective June 17, 1978. -- Amended 1952 Ky. Acts ch. 200, sec. 40, effective June 19, 1952. -- Amended 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 68, sec. 29. - - Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. secs. 1954d-32, 1954d-33.

KRS 150.300 Poaching -- Destroying or defacing signs and notices

150.300. Poaching -- Destroying or defacing signs and notices (1) No person shall, without first securing the permission of the commissioner, enter upon the premises of a propagation farm, game farm or game refuge, or fish hatchery and take wildlife; or, without the consent of the property owner, enter upon any pond and take wildlife or foul the waters of any pond or farm with a substance injurious to life or growth of wildlife, or break or destroy any dam, reservoir, or embankment or divert the waters or otherwise willfully damage the farm or pond. (2) It is unlawful for any person to mar, deface, destroy or in any wise damage, or attempt to mar, deface, destroy or damage any sign or posted notice upon any game farm, game or wildlife refuge or fish hatchery in the state. Effective: July 14, 2000 History: Amended 2000 Ky. Acts ch. 35, sec. 4, effective July 14, 2000. -- Amended 1986 Ky. Acts ch. 265, sec. 13, effective July 15, 1986. -- Amended 1952 Ky. Acts ch. 200, sec. 41, effective June 19, 1952. -- Amended 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 68, sec. 30. - - Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 1954d-34.

KRS 150.305 Possession of wildlife or raw fur out of season -- Inspection of commercial frozen food lockers

150.305. Possession of wildlife or raw fur out of season -- Inspection of commercial frozen food lockers (1) Subject to regulations adopted under this chapter and except as otherwise provided in this section, no person shall have in his possession any wildlife protected by this chapter, or any raw fur, except during the open season for the particular species, unless such person be the holder of a valid permit issued pursuant to the provisions of KRS 150.275 or 150.280. (2) Any person who has legally taken any wildlife may possess same in cold storage. If possessed in a commercial locker plant, the name of the taker, his license number, the date of taking, and the number and species of wildlife must be marked on the package in which the same is stored. Legally imported wildlife from other states or countries may be similarly held. (3) Federal regulations shall govern the possession of migratory wild birds. (4) To facilitate the enforcement of subsection (2) of this section, the commissioner, or such agents and employees of the department as may be designated by him, shall have authority to inspect all commercial frozen food lockers within the State of Kentucky at such periods and intervals as the commissioner shall, in the exercise of a reasonable discretion, fix and determine. No search warrant or other legal process shall be required of any properly authorized person as a condition precedent to the making of the inspections herein authorized. Effective: July 15, 1986 History: Amended 1986 Ky. Acts ch. 265, sec. 14, effective July 15, 1986. -- Amended 1968 Ky. Acts ch. 38, sec. 14. -- Amended 1952 Ky. Acts ch. 200, sec. 42. -- Amended 1948 Ky. Acts ch. 78, sec. 15. -- Created 1946 Ky. Acts ch. 84, sec. 11.

KRS 150.320 Birds not protected -- Nests and eggs

150.320. Birds not protected -- Nests and eggs (1) No person shall take any wild bird except game birds or live raptors for which there is an open season, either under the laws of Kentucky and the regulations of the department or the laws of the United States, except those birds mentioned in subsection (2) of this section. (2) This chapter does not protect or in any way limit the taking of the starling or the English sparrow, but any persons taking any of them must have a hunting license. (3) No person shall take, disturb, or destroy the nest or eggs of any wild birds except for raptors as prescribed by regulation. Effective: July 12, 2006 History: Amended 2006 Ky. Acts ch. 127, sec. 5, effective July 12, 2006. -- Amended 1978 Ky. Acts ch. 178, sec. 12, effective June 17, 1978. -- Amended 1968 Ky. Acts ch. 38, sec. 15. -- Amended 1952 Ky. Acts ch. 200, sec. 44. -- Amended 1948 Ky. Acts ch. 78, sec. 16. -- Amended 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 68, sec. 32. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 1954d-53.

KRS 150.330 Migratory birds -- Waterfowl

150.330. Migratory birds -- Waterfowl (1) No person shall take, pursue, possess, transport, purchase or sell or attempt to do so, any migratory birds, except as authorized by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (40 Stat. 755) as amended and regulations under it. (2) No person sixteen (16) years of age or older shall hunt any waterfowl unless, at the time, in addition to the appropriate state hunting license and current migratory bird/waterfowl permit, he has on his person a valid migratory bird hunting stamp of current issue as required by the Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp Act (48 Stat. 451) as amended. Effective: June 27, 2019 History: Amended 2019 Ky. Acts ch. 115, sec. 5, effective June 27, 2019. -- Amended 1988 Ky. Acts ch. 365, sec. 9, effective July 15, 1988. -- Amended 1968 Ky. Acts ch. 38, sec. 16. -- Amended 1964 Ky. Acts ch. 143, sec. 1. -- Amended 1952 Ky. Acts ch. 200, sec. 45. -- Amended 1948 Ky. Acts ch. 78, sec. 17. -- Amended 1946 Ky. Acts ch. 84, sec. 13. -- Amended 1944 Ky. Acts ch. 124, sec. 6. -- Amended 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 68, sec. 33. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 1954d-54.

KRS 150.340 Bag and creel limits -- Limit on possession -- Migratory birds

150.340. Bag and creel limits -- Limit on possession -- Migratory birds (1) No person shall take more wildlife in any one (1) day than the bag or creel limit prescribed for the species by the department. (2) A person who has hunted two (2) or more days in succession may transport as personal baggage a total of not more than three (3) times the bag limit as set by the regulations for any one (1) day. (3) Federal and state regulations shall apply to all migratory birds and waterfowl. Effective: June 27, 2019 History: Amended 2019 Ky. Acts ch. 115, sec. 6, effective June 27, 2019. -- Amended 1968 Ky. Acts ch. 38, sec. 17. -- Amended 1960 Ky. Acts ch. 125, sec. 1. -- Amended 1952 Ky. Acts ch. 200, sec. 46. -- Amended 1948 Ky. Acts ch. 78, sec. 18. -- Amended 1946 Ky. Acts ch. 84, sec. 32. -- Amended 1944 Ky. Acts ch. 124, sec. 7. -- Amended 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 68, sec. 34. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 1954d-55.

KRS 150.355 Ferrets

150.355. Ferrets (1) No person shall use ferrets in hunting. No person shall keep a ferret which was born in the wild as a pet or for any purpose, unless he has procured a ferret permit from the commissioner. A permit must be obtained within ten (10) days after the person acquires possession of a ferret and one (1) permit shall entitle the holder to keep any number of ferrets. If the owner of any ferret uses it contrary to the provisions of this chapter, the commissioner may revoke his permit and confiscate all of his ferrets. Each use of a ferret in hunting shall constitute a separate offense. (2) The provisions of subsection (1) of this section shall not apply to a ferret which has been born and raised in captivity nor to a ferret born and raised in captivity which was obtained from a pet store or private vendor. Except for the prohibition on using a ferret for hunting, no permit shall be necessary to keep a ferret which was born and raised in captivity and a ferret born and raised in captivity shall be exempt from regulation under this chapter or administrative regulations promulgated thereunder. Effective: July 15, 1998 History: Amended 1998 Ky. Acts ch. 356, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1998. -- Amended 1952 Ky. Acts ch. 200, sec. 47, effective June 19, 1952. -- Created 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 68, sec. 36.

KRS 150.360 Restrictions on taking of wildlife -- Discharge of weapon across public roadway prohibited

150.360. Restrictions on taking of wildlife -- Discharge of weapon across public roadway prohibited (1) No person shall take any wildlife, whether protected by this chapter or not, except by trapping, snaring, gig, crossbow, bow and arrow, hook and l ine, nets, gun, gun and dog, dog, falconry, or as expressly prescribed by regulation. (2) Shotguns used in the taking of wildlife, protected or unprotected, shall not be larger than 10-gauge and shall be fired from the shoulder. No wildlife, except deer or light geese during a light geese conservation order, protected or unprotected, shall be taken with or by means of any automatic loading or hand -operated repeating shotgun capable of holding more than three (3) shells, the magazine of which has not been cut off or plugged with a one (1) piece filler incapable of removal through the loading end, in such manner as to reduce the capacity of the gun to not more than three (3) shells at one (1) time in the magazine and chamber combined. (3) No person shall take or attempt to take any wildlife, protected or unprotected, from an automobile, or other vehicle, unless prescribed by regulation. Boats may be used except as prohibited by state or federal regulation. (4) No person shall discharge any firearm, bow and arro w, crossbow or other similar device, upon, over, or across any public roadway. (5) No person shall take wildlife, except opossum, raccoon, fishes, beavers, and frogs, with lights or other means designed to make wildlife visible at night. Within ninety (90) days after April 10, 2026, the department shall promulgate administrative regulations in accordance with KRS Chapter 13A for nocturnal beaver hunting. (6) Coyotes and bobcat may be taken at night with means designed to make wildlife visible at night, including but not limited to night vision, thermal, and infrared technologies, as established by administrative regulation. Effective: April 10, 2026 History: Amended 2026 Ky. Acts ch. 93, sec. 3, effective April 10, 2026. -- Amended 2019 Ky. Acts ch. 115, sec . 7, effective June 27, 2019. -- Amended 2013 Ky. Acts ch. 29, sec. 1, effective June 25, 2013. -- Amended 1990 Ky. Acts ch. 474, sec. 6, effective July 13, 1990. -- Amended 1986 Ky. Acts ch. 265, sec. 15, effective July 15, 1986. -- Amended 1978 Ky. Acts ch. 178, sec. 13, effective June 17, 1978. -- Amended 1968 Ky. Acts ch. 38, sec. 18. -- Amended 1952 Ky. Acts ch. 200, sec. 48. -- Amended 1946 Ky. Acts ch. 84, sec. 14. -- Amended 1944 Ky. Acts ch. 124, sec. 9. -- Amended 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 68, sec. 37. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. secs. 1954d-56, 1954d-60.

KRS 150.361 Taking game with a firearm during bow season prohibited

150.361. Taking game with a firearm during bow season prohibited (1) Except as provided in this section, no person shall knowingly take game with a firearm during bow season. (2) This section shall not apply to a person who: (a) Uses a firearm permitted by law to take game permitted by law to be taken during bow season; or (b) Kills, attempts to kill, wounds, or attempts to wound an animal in self- defense, in defense of another person, or in defense of property, or as provided in KRS 150.172. Effective: July 15, 2010 History: Created 2010 Ky. Acts ch. 158, sec. 2, effective July 15, 2010.

KRS 150.362 Prohibition against taking wildlife by person under influence of alcohol or controlled substance

150.362. Prohibition against taking wildlife by person under influence of alcohol or controlled substance (1) A person shall not take or attempt to take wildlife with a firearm, bow, or crossbow, if the person is manifestly under the influence of alcohol or any controlled substance, and the person: (a) May endanger himself or herself or other persons or property; or (b) Is engaging in any behavior specified in subsection (1)(a) to (d) of KRS 525.060. (2) A peace officer may arrest a person for violating subsection (1) of this section. Effective: July 15, 1998 History: Created 1998 Ky. Acts ch. 606, sec. 168, effective July 15, 1998.

KRS 150.363 Computer-assisted remote hunting unlawful -- Citizens with disabilities

150.363. Computer-assisted remote hunting unlawful -- Citizens with disabilities (1) For purposes of this section, "computer-assisted remote hunting" means the use of a computer or any other device, equipment, or software to remotely control the aiming and discharge of a rifle, shotgun, handgun, bow and arrow, crossbow, or any other implement to hunt or harvest wildlife in the Commonwealth. (2) It shall be unlawful for any person to hunt or harvest wildlife in the Commonwealth by means of computer-assisted remote hunting. (3) It shall be unlawful for any person to provide or operate a facility that allows others to engage in computer-assisted remote hunting of wildlife in the Commonwealth. (4) The provisions of this section shall not be construed to limit or prohibit the hunting rights or privileges provided to citizens with disabilities pursuant to KRS 150.025, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and Kentucky administrative regulations. Additionally, this section shall not be construed to prohibit a person who is physically impaired, to the degree that he or she cannot operate a device allowed for taking of game under Kentucky law, from taking game, subject to administrative regulations, with a device which is in the immediate vicinity of the permittee and which the permittee operates using remote-control technology other than the Internet. Effective: July 12, 2006 History: Created 2006 Ky. Acts ch. 209, sec. 1, effective July 12, 2006.

KRS 150.365 Fire, explosives, electric devices, gas, smoke to take wildlife prohibited

150.365. Fire, explosives, electric devices, gas, smoke to take wildlife prohibited No wildlife may be taken as the result of a fire, or any type of explosive, or with the aid of any mechanical, electric or hand operated sonic recording devices, except as specified by regulation. No person shall use smoke or gas or in any other way molest or destroy the den, hole or nest of any wildlife, nor shall any person burn a field for the purpose of driving game, except employees or agents of the department in carrying out investigational, research or improvement projects. Effective: July 15, 1986 History: Amended 1986 Ky. Acts ch. 265, sec. 16, effective July 15, 1986. -- Amended 1972 Ky. Acts ch. 273, sec. 5. -- Amended 1968 Ky. Acts ch. 38, sec. 19. -- Amended 1956 Ky. Acts ch. 115, sec. 16. -- Amended 1952 Ky. Acts ch. 200, sec. 49. -- Created 1946 Ky. Acts ch. 84, sec 15.

KRS 150.370 Open season for wildlife -- Exceptions

150.370. Open season for wildlife -- Exceptions (1) No person shall take any wildlife except during the open season for the particular species as prescribed by the department. (2) Subsection (1) of this section shall not apply to persons who hunt red fox at night with dogs for sport and not to kill; and who during daylight or night hours exercise and train rabbit dogs, raccoon dogs, bird dogs, and retrievers, but not to kill. The department may, however: (a) Regulate training seasons for rabbit dogs, raccoon dogs, bird dogs, and retrievers in such manner as not to discriminate against one (1) type of animal over any other nor as to unduly limit such activities; and (b) Permit rabbit dog, raccoon dog, bird dog, fox dog, and retriever meets held by organized clubs, regardless of any hunting season, with the prior approval of the department provided said approval was requested at least thirty (30) days prior to the meet. Effective: July 12, 2006 History: Amended 2006 Ky. Acts ch. 127, sec. 6, effective July 12, 2006. -- Amended 1986 Ky. Acts ch. 265, sec. 17, effective July 15, 1986. -- Amended 1978 Ky. Acts ch. 178, sec. 14, effective June 17, 1978. -- Amended 1972 Ky. Acts ch. 273, sec. 6. - - Amended 1968 Ky. Acts ch. 38, sec. 20. -- Amended 1964 Ky. Acts ch. 143, sec. 2. -- Amended 1952 Ky. Acts ch. 200, sec. 50. -- Amended 1948 Ky. Acts ch. 78, sec. 19. -- Amended 1946 Ky. Acts ch. 84, sec. 16. -- Amended 1944 Ky. Acts ch. 124, sec. 10. -- Amended 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 68, sec. 38. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. secs. 1954d-57, 1954d-58, 1954d-70.

KRS 150.390 Restrictions on hunting wild elk, deer, wild turkey, or bear -- Depredation permits -- Administrative regulations -- Methods to reduce deer and elk populations that threaten agriculture or health and human safety -- Taking of anterless deer

150.390. Restrictions on hunting wild elk, deer, wild turkey, or bear -- Depredation permits -- Administrative regulations -- Methods to reduce deer and elk populations that threaten agriculture or health and human safety -- Taking of anterless deer (1) No person shall possess, take, pursue, or attempt to take or pursue or otherwise molest any wild elk, deer, wild turkey, or bear in any manner contrary to any provisions of this chapter or its regulations. (2) No person shall use a dog to chase or molest wild elk or deer in any manner, at any time, or at any place. Any game warden, peace officer, sheriff, or constable may take necessary steps to stop, prevent, or bring under control any dog or dogs found chasing or molesting wild elk or deer at any time . (3) The department shall establish by administrative regulation the conditions under which depredation permits may be issued without cost to persons suffering damage from wild elk to allow the taking of wild elk. (4) If Kentucky's wild elk population reaches a level that will sustain limited hunting, the department may establish by administrative regulations the conditions and permits that would allow the controlled taking of wild elk. (5) The department shall identify areas where deer and elk pose a sign ificant threat to agriculture or to health and human safety from automobile accidents and may take necessary steps to reduce the deer and elk population in those areas. Methods to reduce the deer and elk population may include but are not limited to the fo llowing: (a) Special hunts; (b) Increasing the doe harvest; and (c) Working with the Transportation Cabinet to make vegetation along highways unpalatable to deer and elk. (6) The commission shall promulgate administrative regulations establishing an additional seven (7) to ten (10) day season allowing the taking of antlerless deer in overpopulated areas, as designated by the department, until the population density is sufficiently decreased. (7) With exception to the taking of any wild elk, the department s hall allow an entry into the department's special agency fundraising permit drawing process to any individual who: (a) Has taken and reported to the department a minimum of four (4) female antlerless deer from a designated overpopulated area during the previous hunting season in accordance with the provisions of this chapter and the administrative regulations promulgated b y the department; (b) Provides a time-stamped photograph of each harvested female antlerless deer through the department's telecheck review system as required by administrative regulation; and (c) Submits a request to the department for entry into the spec ial agency fundraising permit drawing and confirms that the requester matches the name of the individual carrying out the requirements of paragraphs (a) and (b) of this subsection. (8) The department shall promulgate administrative regulations establishing objectives for circumstances in which the deer density of an overpopulated area meets or falls below the population objective. Effective: April 14, 2026 History: Amended 2026 Ky. Acts ch. 174, sec. 2, effective April 14, 2026. -- Amended 2024 Ky. Acts ch. 159, sec. 18, effective July 15, 2024. -- Amended 2017 Ky. Acts ch. 124, sec. 1, effective June 29, 2017. -- Amended 1998 Ky. Acts ch. 24, sec. 1, effective March 4, 1998. -- Amended 1990 Ky. Acts ch. 474, sec. 7, effective July 13, 1990. -- Amended 1988 Ky. Acts ch. 365, sec. 10, effective July 15, 1988. -- Amended 1986 Ky. Acts ch. 265, sec. 18, effective July 15, 1986. -- Amended 1978 Ky. Acts ch. 181, sec. 1, effective June 17, 1978. -- Amended 1968 Ky. Acts ch. 38, sec. 21. -- Amended 1956 Ky. Acts ch. 115, sec. 17. -- Amended 1952 Ky. Acts ch. 200, sec. 52. -- Amended 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 68, sec. 40. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 1954d-61.

KRS 150.395 Prohibition against use of artificial light

150.395. Prohibition against use of artificial light (1) No person or group of persons may deliberately cast the rays of a spotlight or other artificial light into any field, pasture, woodlands, or forest, whether public or private, where wildlife or domestic livestock may reasonably be expected to be located, or into any inhabited building. This section shall not apply to the rays of headlights of vehicles engaged in a normal course of travel; to employees or agents of the department while on official business; to peace officers in the line of duty; to those engaged in legitimate agricultural activities; or to anyone involved in activities legitimate to his business, occupation, or circumstances including lawful hunting and fishing activities, or any landowner, his immediate family, or any paid employee while working on his land at that time. (2) Any person who violates the provisions of this section shall be fined one hundred fifty dollars ($150), which shall be prepayable. Effective: July 14, 2000 History: Amended 2000 Ky. Acts ch. 168, sec. 1, effective July 14, 2000. -- Created 1990 Ky. Acts ch. 473, sec. 1, effective July 13, 1990.

KRS 150.399 Traps illegally set or used -- Seizure or treatment as contraband

150.399. Traps illegally set or used -- Seizure or treatment as contraband Any trap set, used, or maintained in violation of the provisions of KRS 150.400 or 150.410 shall be subject to confiscation as contraband under the provisions of KRS 150.120, except that any trap set, used, or maintained without the tag required by subsection (1) of KRS 150.410 is hereby declared contraband and shall be so treated without any order of court so declaring. Effective: July 14, 1992 History: Amended 1992 Ky. Acts ch. 353, sec. 6, effective July 14, 1992. -- Amended 1952 Ky. Acts ch. 200, sec. 53, effective June 19, 1952. - Created 1948 Ky. Acts ch. 52, sec. 3.

KRS 150.400 Traps -- Approval -- Prohibition -- New design

150.400. Traps -- Approval -- Prohibition -- New design (1) No person shall set, use or maintain, for the purpose of taking wildlife, any steel trap unless the size and type of the trap has been approved by the commissioner and the commission by regulation. (2) The commissioner may approve, by regulation, any commercially manufactured trap which is designed to take wildlife alive and unhurt or to kill instantly. (3) Subject to the provisions of KRS 150.410 it shall be lawful to use snares, deadfalls, wire cage or box traps, but no person shall set, use or maintain a snare large enough to take deer, elk or bear. (4) Any manufacturer designing a new trap may send a sample to the commissioner for approval or disapproval. Effective: July 15, 1986 History: Amended 1986 Ky. Acts ch. 265, sec. 19, effective July 15, 1986. -- Amended 1960 Ky. Acts ch. 126, sec. 1, effective June 16, 1960. -- Amended 1952 Ky. Acts ch. 200, sec. 54. -- Amended 1948 Ky. Acts ch. 52, sec. 1. -- Amended 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 68, sec. 41. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. secs. 1954d-62a to 1954d-62c.

KRS 150.410 Tagging of traps -- Visiting trap line -- Protection of domestic animals

150.410. Tagging of traps -- Visiting trap line -- Protection of domestic animals (1) No person shall set, use, or maintain a trap for the purpose of taking wildlife unless there is attached thereto a metal tag giving either the name and address of, or the wildlife identification number as prescribed in administrative regulation that corresponds to, the person setting, using, or maintaining the trap. (2) Each person who sets a trap for the purpose of taking wildlife shall visit the same at least once every twenty-four (24) hours and remove any wildlife found therein. (3) No person shall set a trap in such manner as unreasonably to endanger the life or safety of any domestic animal. Effective: June 25, 2009 History: Amended 2009 Ky. Acts ch. 20, sec. 4, effective June 25, 2009. -- Amended 1992 Ky. Acts ch. 353, sec. 7, July 14, 1992. -- Amended 1988 Ky. Acts ch. 365, sec. 11, effective July 15, 1988. -- Amended 1986 Ky. Acts ch. 265, sec. 20, effective July 15, 1986. -- Amended 1952 Ky. Acts ch. 200, sec. 55, effective June 19, 1952 -- Amended 1948 Ky. Acts ch. 52, sec. 2. -- Amended 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 68, sec. 42. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 1954d-62.

KRS 150.411 Taxidermist's records -- Mounting

150.411. Taxidermist's records -- Mounting (1) Every licensed taxidermist shall keep a suitable record for five (5) years in which shall be entered the species of each wildlife mounted by him and the name and address of the person for whom the mounting was done. (2) Any legally taken wildlife may be mounted, provided the wildlife bears identification with the name and address of the owner and date and place taken until such time as it is mounted. (3) A fish and wildlife disposal permit, signed by a game warden, must be attached to wildlife taken other than during a legally open hunting season. Such permit will substitute for the identification required in subsection (2) of this section. Effective: July 15, 2024 History: Amended 2024 Ky. Acts ch. 159, sec. 19, effective July 15, 2024. -- Amended 1988 Ky. Acts ch. 141, sec. 2, effective July 15, 1988. -- Amended 1986 Ky. Acts ch. 265, sec. 21, effective July 15, 1986. -- Amended 1978 Ky. Acts ch. 178, sec. 15, effective June 17, 1978. -- Amended 1952 Ky. Acts ch. 200, sec. 56, effective June 19, 1952. -- Created 1946 Ky. Acts ch. 84, sec. 18.

KRS 150.412 Restriction on commercial guide's participation in taking of wildlife or fish while providing guide services

150.412. Restriction on commercial guide's participation in taking of wildlife or fish while providing guide services (1) While providing the services of a commercial guide, a guide already possessing the applicable sport hunting licenses and permits may participate in the taking of wildlife protected by this chapter up to the bag limit set forth in administrative regulations. (2) While providing the services of a commercial guide, a guide already possessing the applicable sport fishing licenses and permits may participate in the taking of fish protected by this chapter up to the creel limit set forth in administrative regulations. Effective: July 12, 2006 History: Amended 2006 Ky. Acts ch. 127, sec. 7, effective July 12, 2006. -- Amended 1986 Ky. Acts ch. 265, sec. 22, effective July 15, 1986. -- Amended 1952 Ky. Acts ch. 200, sec. 57, effective June 19, 1952. -- Created 1946 Ky. Acts ch. 84, sec. 19.

KRS 150.415 Fur buyer -- Receipts for purchases

150.415. Fur buyer -- Receipts for purchases Every licensed fur buyer shall, upon purchasing any raw fur, issue a receipt to the trapper or hunter from whom he has purchased such furs, setting forth the number and kind of furs, the date of the purchase, the price paid for each fur and the license number of the trapper's or hunter's license. The buyer shall make out a duplicate receipt at the same time and obtain the signature and address on such duplicate of the trapper or hunter from whom the furs were purchased. Not later than March 15 of each year every licensed fur buyer shall submit to the department a complete report of all furs purchased during the previous buying season. The report shall contain the total number and value of each type of fur purchased. Failure on the part of any buyer to comply with the provisions of this section shall bar the licensee from obtaining a license for the following year. Effective: June 19, 1952 History: Amended 1952 Ky. Acts ch. 200, sec. 58, effective June 19, 1952. -- Created 1946 Ky. Acts ch. 84, sec. 20.

KRS 150.416 Fur processor -- Receipts and inventory

150.416. Fur processor -- Receipts and inventory Every licensed fur processor shall, within fifteen (15) days after January 1 and July 1 of each year file with the department an inventory of furs in his possession as of such dates. Every licensed fur processor shall also issue receipts for the total number of furs purchased from fur buyers, each of which shall show the license number of the fur buyer from whom purchased. Duplicates of such receipts shall be sent to the department with the inventory report. Effective: June 19, 1952 History: Amended 1952 Ky. Acts ch. 200, sec. 59, effective June 19, 1952. -- Created 1946 Ky. Acts ch. 84, sec. 21.

KRS 150.417 Nonresident accompanying resident fur buyer -- Presumption from

150.417. Nonresident accompanying resident fur buyer -- Presumption from In any prosecution of a nonresident from buying raw fur or furs without a fur buyer's license, proof that such person was in the company of a resident fur buyer at the time the latter purchased a raw fur shall constitute a prima facie evidence that such nonresident was engaged in the business of buying raw furs without a license. Effective: June 19, 1952 History: Amended 1952 Ky. Acts ch. 200, sec. 60, effective June 19, 1952. -- Created 1946 Ky. Acts ch. 84, sec. 22.

KRS 150.425 Bounty on beaver

150.425. Bounty on beaver (1) Upon adoption of a resolution by the fiscal court that beaver exist within the county in such quantities that they present a threat to the preservation of farmland, trees, and other property, the fiscal court may request the department to pay a bounty on beaver. Upon receipt of the resolution, a bounty on beaver of ten dollars ($10) for each beaver shall be paid in the following manner. Upon the presentation of the tail of any beaver, any game warden of the department shall issue a receipt, in the form as prescribed by the commission, to the person presenting the tail. The department shall redeem the receipts by paying to such person the sum of ten dollars ($10) for each receipt as bounty. The redemption of receipts shall be paid only from funds especially appropriated for this purpose and it is expressly provided that no bounty shall be paid from any regular receipts, funds, or appropriations of the department. However, the department may charge a maximum of one dollar ($1) against the appropriation for bounties for each bounty paid as reimbursement for the expense of administering the bounty program. (2) No bounty shall be paid when funds, personnel, or equipment of any governmental unit are used in capturing and killing beaver. (3) Upon receipt of an adopted resolution from a fiscal court stating that beaver no longer present a threat to property within the county, the department shall cease paying the bounty. Effective: July 15, 2024 History: Amended 2024 Ky. Acts ch. 159, sec. 20, effective July 15, 2024. -- Amended 1978 Ky. Acts ch. 264, sec. 1, effective June 17, 1978.

KRS 150.440 Open season and creel limits for rough fish

150.440. Open season and creel limits for rough fish (1) The open season for taking rough fish by gigging, grabbing, snaring, and snagging shall be prescribed by the department, by regulation. (2) Creel limits for rough fish taken by gigging, grabbing, snaring, and snagging shall be set by the department, by regulation. Effective: June 17, 1978 History: Amended 1978 Ky. Acts ch. 178, sec. 16, effective June 17, 1978. -- Amended 1952 Ky. Acts ch. 200, sec. 61. -- Amended 1948 Ky. Acts ch. 78, sec. 21. -- Amended 1946 Ky. Acts ch. 84, sec. 24. -- Amended 1944 Ky. Acts ch. 124, sec. 11. -- Amended 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 68, sec. 45. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. secs. 1954d-38, 1954d-42.

KRS 150.445 Fish not to be taken other than by pole and line near dams

150.445. Fish not to be taken other than by pole and line near dams No person shall take fish by any method other than pole and line in hand, for two hundred (200) yards below any dam on or across any stream except as otherwise provided by administrative regulation. Effective: July 15, 1986 History: Amended 1986 Ky. Acts ch. 265, sec. 23, efffective July 15, 1986. -- Amended 1968 Ky. Acts ch. 38, sec. 22. -- Amended 1952 Ky. Acts ch. 200, sec. 62. -- Amended 1948 Ky. Acts ch. 38, sec. 1; and ch. 78, sec. 22. -- Amended 1946 Ky. Acts ch. 84, sec. 25. -- Created 1944 Ky. Acts ch. 124, sec. 12.

KRS 150.450 Use, operation, and possession of certain fishing gear

150.450. Use, operation, and possession of certain fishing gear (1) The department shall promulgate reasonable regulations governing the taking of minnows and crayfish from the waters of the Commonwealth. The regulations shall prescribe the type of gear to be used, and shall prescribe the types of minnows and crayfish that may be taken and the purposes for which they may be used. (2) Any person possessing a commercial fishing license may take rough fishes, by the use of commercial fishing gear, the types and specifications of which shall be prescribed by the department by regulation. (3) No person shall operate any commercial fishing gear as prescribed by regulation unless he has procured a commercial fishing license and a tag for the use of each piece of commercial fishing gear and has complied with the provisions of this chapter or the regulations of the department. The tags shall be affixed to and displayed on each piece of commercial fishing gear in use. This section shall not be construed to require retail or wholesale dealers, or manufacturers to obtain licenses and tags for commercial fishing gear in their possession. Effective: July 14, 1992 History: Amended 1992 Ky. Acts ch. 353, sec. 8, effective July 14, 1992. -- Amended 1990 Ky. Acts ch. 474, sec. 8, effective July 13, 1990. -- Amended 1968 Ky. Acts ch. 38, sec. 23. -- Amended 1958 Ky. Acts ch. 166, sec. 4. -- Amended 1956 Ky. Acts ch. 115, sec. 18. -- Amended 1952 Ky. Acts ch. 200, sec. 63. -- Amended 1948 Ky. Acts ch. 38, sec. 2. -- Amended 1946 Ky. Acts ch. 84, sec. 26. -- Amended 1944 Ky. Acts ch. 124, sec. 13. -- Amended 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 68, sec. 46. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. secs. 1893d-10, 1954d-40, 1954d-41.

KRS 150.460 Use of certain substances and devices in public waters prohibited -- Use of explosives and firearms prohibited

150.460. Use of certain substances and devices in public waters prohibited -- Use of explosives and firearms prohibited (1) No person, firm or corporation, whether acting in a private or public capacity, shall place or cause to be placed in any public waters any substance that might injure, interfere with, or cause the waters to be unfit for the support of wildlife. When any employee of a person, firm or corporation, in the course of his employment, places or causes to be placed any such substance in any public waters, his act shall be prima facie evidence of the guilt of both the employee and the employer, and either one (1) or both may be punished as provided in subsection (7) of KRS 150.990. Each day that this section is violated shall constitute a separate offense. This section does not apply to employees or agents of the department acting in an official capacity. (2) No person shall use, or attempt to use any electrical device, fish-finding devices excepted, of any type, such as telephone, or electrical leads from a magneto, or battery, or motor, or any other type of electrical equipment, in any stream or body of water. This does not prevent the authorized employees or agents of the department from using this or any devices in research or investigational work. (3) No person, except employees or agents of the department, shall willfully place or attempt to place in any of the public waters of the state any substance which has a poisonous or intoxicating effect upon wildlife. (4) No person shall kill, injure, shock, or stun or attempt to kill, injure, shock, or stun any fishes by any explosive agent, firearm, or other device. This provision shall not apply to employees or agents of the department acting in an official capacity. Effective: July 13, 1990 History: Amended 1990 Ky. Acts ch. 474, sec. 9, effective July 13, 1990. -- Amended 1988 Ky. Acts ch. 365, sec. 12, effective July 15, 1988. -- Amended 1986 Ky. Acts ch. 265, sec. 24, effective July 15, 1986. -- Amended 1978 Ky. Acts ch. 384, sec. 37, effective June 17, 1978. -- Amended 1968 Ky. Acts ch. 38, sec. 24. -- Amended 1956 Ky. Acts ch. 115, sec. 19. -- Amended 1952 Ky. Acts ch. 200, sec. 64. -- Amended 1944 Ky. Acts ch. 124, sec. 14. -- Amended 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 68, sec. 47. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. secs. 1253, 1954d-29, 1954d-38, 1954d-39.

KRS 150.470 Creel and size limits for fish

150.470. Creel and size limits for fish (1) No person shall take or have in his or her possession in any one (1) day more fish than the creel limit prescribed in the regulation. The regulation shall also provide the possession limit. (2) No person shall take or have in his or her possession any fish smaller than the size limit prescribed in the regulation. Effective: June 19, 1952 History: Amended 1952 Ky. Acts ch. 200, sec. 65, effective June 19, 1952. -- Amended 1948 Ky. Acts ch. 78, sec. 23. -- Amended 1946 Ky. Acts ch. 84, sec. 27. -- Amended 1944 Ky. Acts ch. 124, sec. 15. -- Amended 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 68, sec. 48. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. secs. 1893d-9, 1954d-43.

KRS 150.485 Live fish and bait dealers

150.485. Live fish and bait dealers No person shall sell live crayfish, mud eels, spring lizards, fish, aquatic invertebrates, or amphibians for bait to be used in taking fishes, nor live fishes for stocking or fishing purposes unless he has obtained a live fish and bait dealer's license. Effective: July 15, 1994 History: Amended 1994 Ky. Acts ch. 239, sec. 7, effective July 15, 1994. -- Amended 1968 Ky. Acts ch. 38, sec. 25 -- Amended 1952 Ky. Acts ch. 200, sec. 66 -- Created 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 68, sec 50.

KRS 150.520 Department may regulate musseling

150.520. Department may regulate musseling The department shall make such requirements by administrative regulations governing the taking, selling, and buying of mussels and the reporting of musseling operations as it may deem best for the proper enforcement of this chapter. To prevent depletion of the mussel beds and to insure proper propagation of the mussels, the department may close any beds to operators at any time and for such length of time as it deems necessary. During such closed season on any bed no one shall take mussels therefrom. When an order is issued closing any mussel bed, due notice of the same shall be published pursuant to KRS Chapter 424. Effective: July 15, 1994 History: Amended 1994 Ky. Acts ch. 413, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1994. -- Amended 1988 Ky. Acts ch. 365, sec. 13, effective July 15, 1988. -- Amended 1966 Ky. Acts ch. 239, sec. 145 -- Amended 1952 Ky. Acts ch. 200, sec. 69 -- Amended 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 68, sec. 54 -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 1954d-49.

KRS 150.525 License for buying mussel shells or mussels in the shell

150.525. License for buying mussel shells or mussels in the shell No person may engage in the buying of mussel shells or mussels in the shell in this state unless he has in his possession a license authorizing him to do so. Effective: July 15, 1994 History: Amended 1994 Ky. Acts ch. 239, sec. 8, effective July 15, 1994. -- Amended 1988 Ky. Acts ch. 365, sec. 14, effective July 15, 1988. -- Amended 1978 Ky. Acts ch. 384, sec. 290, effective June 17, 1978. -- Amended 1952 Ky. Acts ch. 200, sec. 70, effective June 19, 1952. -- Created 1948 Ky. Acts ch. 50, sec. 1(1).

KRS 150.600 Regulation of the taking of waterfowl

150.600. Regulation of the taking of waterfowl The commissioner, with the approval of the commission, shall have the authority to regulate the taking of waterfowl within the state and shall further have the power to establish waterfowl refuges and waterfowl shooting grounds, regulate distance of pits and shooting from refuges, either on public or private lands, where hunting or shooting is permitted; to build shooting pits or blinds and make charges for their use; and do anything else necessary to control or improve the conservation or hunting of waterfowl not contrary to federal regulations. Effective: June 27, 2019 History: Amended 2019 Ky. Acts ch. 115, sec. 8, effective June 27, 2019. -- Amended 1978 Ky. Acts ch. 384, sec. 38, effective June 17, 1978. -- Amended 1972 Ky. Acts ch. 43, sec. 1. -- Created 1956 Ky. Acts ch. 115, sec. 22, effective May 18, 1956.

KRS 150.603 Migratory bird/waterfowl permit required -- Exceptions -- Use of revenue generated by sale of migratory bird/waterfowl permit

150.603. Migratory bird/waterfowl permit required -- Exceptions -- Use of revenue generated by sale of migratory bird/waterfowl permit (1) Any person required to possess a hunting license under the provisions of KRS 150.170, except children under sixteen (16) years of age, taking or attempting to take waterfowl within the state shall, in addition to the appropriate hunting license, possess a current migratory bird/waterfowl permit. The permit shall be carried while hunting waterfowl. (2) Any person required to possess a hunting license under the provisions of KRS 150.170, except children under sixteen (16) years of age, taking or attempting to take migratory shore or upland game birds within the state shall, in addition to the appropriate hunting license, possess a current migratory bird/waterfowl permit. The permit shall be carried while hunting migratory shore or upland game birds. (3) The Fish and Wildlife Commission shall administer all revenues generated by the sale of the permits. The revenue from the sale of current migratory bird/waterfowl permits shall be expended for waterfowl projects for the purpose of protecting and propagating migratory waterfowl and for the development, restoration, maintenance, and preservation of wetlands within the state. The intent of this section is to expand waterfowl research and management and increase waterfowl populations in the state without detracting from other programs. The expenditures of funds generated under the provisions of this section shall be included in the annual report provided for in KRS 150.061. Effective: June 27, 2019 History: Amended 2019 Ky. Acts ch. 115, sec. 9, effective June 27, 2019. -- Amended 2013 Ky. Acts ch. 50, sec. 2, effective June 25, 2013. -- Amended 1996 Ky. Acts ch. 268, sec. 3, effective July 15, 1996. -- Amended 1994 Ky. Acts ch. 239, sec. 9, effective July 15, 1994. -- Amended 1986 Ky. Acts ch. 265, sec. 25, effective July 15, 1986. -- Created 1984 Ky. Acts ch. 166, sec. 1, effective July 1, 1985.

KRS 150.610 Issuance of revenue bonds for purpose of establishing public shooting areas, wildlife refuges, public fishing lakes or other projects -- Pledging of revenue -- Liens

150.610. Issuance of revenue bonds for purpose of establishing public shooting areas, wildlife refuges, public fishing lakes or other projects -- Pledging of revenue -- Liens The commissioner of the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, with approval of the commission, may call for the issuance of revenue bonds pursuant to the entire terms of KRS 58.010 through 58.140 for the purpose of establishing public shooting areas, waterfowl or other wildlife refuges, public fishing lakes or the establishment of other projects of public benefit in the interest of fish and game and may unite into one (1) project for financing purposes all revenue as may be pledged by the commissioner. From every source whatsoever these revenues thus united shall be used for the payment of the principal and interest of all bonds which may be issued. Such united receipts, unless otherwise agreed upon by the commissioner and bonding company, shall continue until all bonds issued have been paid in full. The lien of the bonds from such limited project shall be a lien upon the united gross income and revenue as specified in the original terms ascribed to by the commissioner with the concurrence of the commission. Effective: May 18, 1956 History: Created 1956 Ky. Acts ch. 115, sec. 25, effective May 18, 1956.

KRS 150.620 Acquisition of lands for establishment and maintenance of public shooting, fishing, and other recreational areas -- Operation of facilities and lands -- Subleasing of land

150.620. Acquisition of lands for establishment and maintenance of public shooting, fishing, and other recreational areas -- Operation of facilities and lands -- Subleasing of land For the purpose of encouraging and developing public interest in wildlife and carrying out the policy of the Commonwealth of Kentucky under KRS Chapter 150, the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources Commission, as a state agency, and based upon investigations and recommendations of the commission, is hereby authorized to acquire lands including any improvements thereon by purchase, condemnation or lease from the State Property and Buildings Commission or from others, and partly by any or all of such means, and to thereafter establish, improve, maintain, and operate public shooting and fishing grounds and similar or related recreational facilities thereon, and for the purpose of paying the cost of any such purchase or condemnation and the maintenance and operation expenses may use and apply any funds available for that purpose. The payments under each such lease shall be deemed an administrative and operating expense of the department, and such payments may be secured by a pledge of and made from all or any part of the funds coming under the control of the department including the game and fish fund, as may be provided and specified in the lease. The commissioner, with the approval of the commission may sublease any lands and improvements thereon acquired under the provisions of this chapter for agricultural and for any purpose deemed by the commission to be incidental or beneficial to the maintenance and operation of the balance of said lands and improvements for the purpose herein stated. The commission may impose and enforce special regulations in the maintenance and operation of the facilities and lands acquired under the provisions of this section or lands that are managed by the department under a cooperative agreement and charge such rates as may be deemed fair and reasonable for the use of and participation of the public in the facilities and lands and lease payments aforesaid may be made a first charge on the income and revenues from the maintenance and operation of the facilities and lands and from the sublease of any portion thereof, to be supplemented with any other funds available for that purpose. Effective: July 14, 2000 History: Amended 2000 Ky. Acts ch. 35, sec. 5, effective July 14, 2000. -- Amended 1988 Ky. Acts ch. 365, sec. 15, effective July 15, 1988. -- Created 1956 Ky. Acts ch. 115, sec. 26, effective May 18, 1956.

KRS 150.625 Highway construction lakes

150.625. Highway construction lakes (1) The Department of Highways is authorized to construct fills, made necessary by road construction, so that such will impound water. (2) The Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources and the Department of Highways shall decide whether the creation of a lake in any one (1) particular spot is deemed reasonable and beneficial. The Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources shall do everything necessary to insure good fishing and may regulate boating and other recreational interest so that there may be the least amount of interference. (3) The Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources may, if the site is suitable, assist the local party or parties in obtaining deeds or easements where necessary. Interested local parties may obtain title to excess land required and deed it to the Commonwealth for creation of a public fishing lake. A parking lot at or near the fill may be created on land deeded free of charge to the Commonwealth. (4) Surrounding landowners may by permission irrigate from said lake providing that there is no adverse affect on the lake itself. (5) Parking shall be regulated to prevent obstruction of the highway. Effective: June 19, 1958 History: Created 1958 Ky. Acts ch. 115, sec. 1, effective June 19, 1958.

KRS 150.630 Violations of law pertaining to shooting or hunting preserves -- Cancellation or revocation of license

150.630. Violations of law pertaining to shooting or hunting preserves -- Cancellation or revocation of license No person shall violate any law or regulations relating to licensed shooting preserves, or licensed hunting preserves. Any owner or operator who permits any person to hunt on his or her licensed shooting preserve without the required license may have his or her license canceled or revoked by the commissioner of the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. Effective: May 18, 1956 History: Created 1956 Ky. Acts ch. 115, sec. 20, effective May 18, 1956.

KRS 150.640 Acts of depredation prohibited while hunting, fishing or trapping -- Domestic livestock roaming on department lands prohibited

150.640. Acts of depredation prohibited while hunting, fishing or trapping -- Domestic livestock roaming on department lands prohibited (1) No person engaged in hunting, fishing or trapping upon either public or private property shall commit any acts of depredation, such as setting of fires, destruction of fences, shooting of livestock or poultry, theft or causing damage to any property in any manner. (2) No person shall knowingly permit domestic livestock to feed or roam free upon lands owned, licensed or leased by the department except as provided by regulations or authorized by the commissioner. Effective: June 17, 1978 History: Amended 1978 Ky. Acts ch. 178, sec. 17, effective June 17, 1978. -- Created 1956 Ky. Acts ch. 115, sec. 21, effective May 18, 1956.

KRS 150.645 Liability of landowner consenting to hunting, fishing, and other outdoor activities on premises -- Claims for property damage by state employees participating in wildlife management practices

150.645. Liability of landowner consenting to hunting, fishing, and other outdoor activities on premises -- Claims for property damage by state employees participating in wildlife management practices (1) An owner, lessee, or occupant of premises who gives permission to another person to hunt, fish, trap, camp, hike, rock climb, boulder, or rappel upon the premises shall owe no duty to keep the premises safe for entry or use by the person or to give warning of any hazardous conditions on the premi ses, and the owner, lessee, or occupant, by giving his or her permission, does not thereby extend any assurance that the premises are safe for such purpose, or constitute the person to whom permission is granted an invitee to whom a duty of care is owed. T he owner, lessee, or occupant giving permission for any of the purposes stated above shall not be liable for any injury to any person or property caused by the negligent acts of any person to whom permission is granted. This section shall not limit the lia bility which would otherwise exist for willful and malicious failure to guard or to warn against a dangerous condition, use, structure, or activity; or for injury suffered in any case where permission to hunt, fish, trap, camp, hike, rock climb, boulder, o r rappel was granted for a consideration other than the consideration, if any, as set forth in KRS 411.190(1)(d), paid to said owner, lessee, or occupant by the state. The word "premises" as used in this section includes lands, rocks, boulders, cliffs, private ways, and any buildings and structures thereon. Nothing in this section limits in any way any liability which otherwise exists. (2) Department employees who participate in bona fide wildlife management practices are agents of the department and state and, in the event property damage does occur, a claim for property damages may only be brought in the Board of Claims pursuant to KRS 49.040 to 49.180. Effective: June 27, 2025 History: Amended 2025 Ky. Acts ch. 133, sec. 1, effective June 27, 2025. -- Amended 2021 Ky. Acts ch. 185, sec. 80, effective June 29, 2021. -- Amended 2017 Ky. Acts ch. 74, sec. 89, effective June 29, 2017. -- Amended 2004 Ky. Acts ch. 85, sec. 1, effective July 13, 2004. -- Amended 1998 Ky. Acts ch. 275, sec. 4, effective July 15, 1998. -- Created 1968 Ky. Acts ch. 38, sec. 29.

KRS 150.660 Establishment of pay lakes, authority of commissioner concerning -- Stocking requirement -- Permits -- Revocation of license

150.660. Establishment of pay lakes, authority of commissioner concerning -- Stocking requirement -- Permits -- Revocation of license (1) Any person may establish a pay lake subject to the approval of the commissioner of the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, who shall have the authority to approve or reject the establishment of pay lakes and issue to the owners or lessees of lakes a license for their operation. All pay lakes shall be stocked at least twice per calendar year with not less than five hundred (500) pounds of adult fish per surface acre of water. (2) When a pay lake is licensed by the department, the commissioner shall issue to the licensee, consecutively numbered permits to be issued, without cost, to pay lake patrons. The permits shall only be valid for fishing any licensed pay lake within the state and shall be valid for one (1) year beginning January 1. (3) No person, except those exempted elsewhere in this chapter, shall fish in a licensed pay lake without possessing a valid special pay lake permit or a valid statewide fishing license. No owner or operator of a licensed pay lake shall allow any patron to fish who is not properly licensed or permitted. (4) Any pay lake licensee that fails to comply with the laws or regulations governing the operation of a pay lake may have his operator's license revoked by the commissioner. Effective: July 14, 1992 History: Amended 1992 Ky. Acts ch. 353, sec. 9, effective July 14, 1992. -- Amended 1988 Ky. Acts ch. 365, sec. 16, effective July 15, 1988. -- Created 1956 Ky. Acts ch. 93, sec. 2, effective May 18, 1956.

KRS 150.680 Concurrent criminal jurisdiction of portions of Trigg and Lyon Counties within boundaries of Land Between the Lakes ceded to United States

150.680. Concurrent criminal jurisdiction of portions of Trigg and Lyon Counties within boundaries of Land Between the Lakes ceded to United States Kentucky cedes to the United States criminal jurisdiction concurrent with that of Kentucky, solely for the purposes of Section 13 of Title 18 of the United States Code and enforcement proceedings pursuant thereto, over those portions of Trigg and Lyon Counties that lie within the boundaries of the Kentucky portion of Land Between the Lakes and are more specifically described as follows: (1) Beginning at a point in the Tennessee River at Tennessee River mile 49.2, such being the point of separation between the Kentucky-Tennessee state line and the Trigg County-Calloway County line; thence with the Trigg County-Calloway County line as it meanders northward with the river for a distance of approximately 5.5 miles to a point where the Marshall County-Calloway County line intersects the Trigg County line; thence with the Trigg County-Marshall County line and the river as they meander northward approximately 9 miles to a point where the Trigg County-Lyon County line intersects the Marshall County line; thence with the Lyon County-Marshall County line in a northerly direction to a point in said county line opposite Tennessee River mile 25.7; thence leaving the Lyon County-Marshall County line and running N. 53 deg. 30 min. E. approximately 3,795 feet to U.S. TVA Monument 2CN-6 in the 378-foot contour on the east shore of Kentucky Lake; thence with the 378-foot contour as it meanders northerly to the southwest end of the canal connecting Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley; thence continuing with the 378-foot contour as it meanders along the southeast shore of the canal in a northeasterly direction to the northeast end of the canal; thence continuing with the 378-foot contour as it meanders eastward and southward to a point where the 378- foot contour intersects the Kentucky-Tennessee state line, said point being located on the west shore of Lake Barkley opposite Cumberland River mile 74.6; thence with the Kentucky-Tennessee state line in a westerly direction for a distance of approximately 8.6 miles to the point of beginning. The combined distance of the calls in the foregoing description that follow the meandering of the 378-foot contour from U.S. TVA Monument 2CN-6 to the Kentucky-Tennessee state line on the west shore of Lake Barkley is approximately 260 miles. (2) Nothing in this section shall be construed as ceding to the United States any existing legislative or other regulatory jurisdiction of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. History: Created 1974 Ky. Acts ch. 43, sec. 1.

KRS 150.690 Wrongfully entering park and injuring or killing deer, elk or buffalo -- Treble damages

150.690. Wrongfully entering park and injuring or killing deer, elk or buffalo -- Treble damages Any person who wrongfully breaks or enters a park or other enclosed grounds used for keeping deer, elk or buffalo, or hunts, drives, chases, takes out, maims or kills any deer, elk or buffalo therein shall, in addition to any other penalty, also pay to the person aggrieved treble the amount of damages sustained. Effective: July 15, 1980 History: Created 1980 Ky. Acts ch. 49, sec. 6, effective July 15, 1980.

KRS 150.700 Destroying private fish pond -- Treble damages

150.700. Destroying private fish pond -- Treble damages Any person who breaks or cuts down, cuts out or destroys any head or dam of any pool, pond, moat, slew, stagnet or pit wherein fish are or will be put or stored by the owner or person in possession, shall, in addition to any other penalty, pay the party aggrieved treble the damages sustained. Effective: July 15, 1980 History: Created 1980 Ky. Acts ch. 49, sec. 7, effective July 15, 1980.

KRS 150.710 Intentional obstruction of lawful taking of wildlife

150.710. Intentional obstruction of lawful taking of wildlife (1) No person shall intentionally obstruct or disrupt the right of a person to lawfully take wildlife by hunting, trapping, or fishing. (2) The Attorney General or any person directly affected may bring an action to restrain conduct unlawful under this section and may bring an action to recover damages. (3) The officers of the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, or any other peace officer, police officer, state police officer, or sheriff may enforce this section. (4) This section shall not apply to incidental interference with the taking of wildlife by hunting, trapping, or fishing caused by lawful activities including, but not limited to, farming, mining, or recreation. Effective: July 15, 1988 History: Created 1988 Ky. Acts ch. 81, sec. 1(1)-(4), effective July 15, 1988.

KRS 150.720 Administrative regulations relating to cervids -- Costs resulting from importation of diseased animal

150.720. Administrative regulations relating to cervids -- Costs resulting from importation of diseased animal (1) The Department of Agriculture in cooperation with the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources shall promulgate administrative regulations pertaining to health requirements, eradication of diseases, importation and unique individual identification, including visual identification tags, of privately owned and farm raised cervids maintained for the production of meat and other products. Nothing in this section shall limit the authority of the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources to regulate the unique individual identification, including visual identification, of captive cervids that are not privately owned and farm-raised cervids maintained for the production of meat and other products. The Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, in cooperation with the Department of Agriculture, shall promulgate administrative regulations pertaining to the holding of cervids. (2) If any person imports a diseased animal into the Commonwealth in violation of the statutes and administrative regulations, then that person shall be responsible to the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources for all costs incurred in the investigation, response, and eradication of that disease. Effective: June 25, 2009 History: Amended 2009 Ky. Acts ch. 62, sec. 2, effective June 25, 2009. -- Created 2002 Ky. Acts ch. 88, sec. 1, effective March 28, 2002.

KRS 150.722 Authorized methods of disposal of cervid carcass material and waste by cervid meat processors, butchers or meat processors, and licensed taxidermists

150.722. Authorized methods of disposal of cervid carcass material and waste by cervid meat processors, butchers or meat processors, and licensed taxidermists (1) As used in this section: (a) "Butcher or meat processor" means any person or business entity that: 1. Butchers or makes meat products from meat that is amenable under the Federal Meat Inspection Act, 21 U.S.C. secs. 601 et seq., and is not exempt from mandatory inspection by the United States Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service; and 2. Has been inspected and passed under voluntary Food Safety and Inspection Service inspection; and (b) "Cervid meat processor" means any person or business entity that: 1. Butchers or makes meat products from meat that is not amenable under the Federal Meat Inspection Act, 21 U.S.C. secs. 601 et seq., and is exempt from mandatory inspection by the United States Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service; 2. Has not been inspected and passed under voluntary Food Safety and Inspection Service inspection; and 3. Is paid to butcher or make meat products for human consumption from ten (10) or more animals that are members of the animal family Cervidae per calendar year. (2) Cervid meat processors, butchers or meat processors, and licensed taxidermists shall dispose of any unused cervid carcass material or cervid waste produced as a result of butchering, making meat products, or preparing, stuffing, or mounting wildlife by: (a) Burying the carcass and all of its parts and products in the earth at a point which is never covered with the overflow of ponds or streams and which is not less than one hundred (100) feet distant from any watercourse, sinkhole, well, spring, public highway, residence, or stable. The carcass shall be placed in an opening in the earth at least four (4) feet deep, the abdominal and thoracic cavities opened wide their entire length, and the entire carcass covered with two (2) inches of quicklime and at least three (3) feet of earth; (b) Removal of the carcass by a duly licensed rendering establishment; or (c) Deposition of the carcass in a contained landfill approved pursuant to KRS Chapter 224. Effective: July 15, 2020 History: Amended 2020 Ky. Acts ch. 115, sec. 1, effective July 15, 2020. -- Created 2018 Ky. Acts ch. 28, sec. 1, effective July 14, 2018. Legislative Research Commission Note (7/15/2020). Under the authority of KRS 7.136(1), the Reviser of Statutes has altered the format of subsection (1) of this statute during codification to place the terms in alphabetical order. The words in the text were not changed.

KRS 150.725 Definitions for KRS 150.725 to 150.735

150.725. Definitions for KRS 150.725 to 150.735 As used in KRS 150.725 to 150.735: (1) "Permit" means a permit to hold captive cervids; (2) "Applicant" means a person or entity who has applied to the department for a permit to hold captive cervids; (3) "Application" means an application to obtain a permit to hold captive cervids; (4) "Hold" means to confine to a facility regulated under KRS 150.725 to 150.735; (5) "Import" means to knowingly bring a captive cervid into the state for the purpose of that captive cervid remaining in the state or being slaughtered in the state. "Import" shall not include transporting a captive cervid into the state for the purpose of transporting that captive cervid through the state to a location out of the state. A captive cervid specified in this subsection shall be deemed to be in transit; and (6) "In transit" means to transport a captive cervid through this Commonwealth by a direct route and in a continuous manner from a location out of state to another location out of state. Effective: July 15, 2010 History: Amended 2010 Ky. Acts ch. 158, sec. 9, effective July 15, 2010. -- Amended 2009 Ky. Acts ch. 62, sec. 3, effective June 25, 2009. -- Created 2006 Ky. Acts ch. 159, sec. 1, effective July 12, 2006. Legislative Research Commission Note (7/12/2006). Under the authority of KRS 7.136(1), the Reviser of Statutes has changed the internal numbering system in this statute, inserting subsection numbers [(1), (2), and (3)] in place of paragraph designations [(a), (b), and (c)] and deleting the subsection number at the beginning of the statute. The words in the text were not changed.

KRS 150.730 Permits to hold captive cervids -- Amendments to existing holding and fencing requirements -- Duties of department

150.730. Permits to hold captive cervids -- Amendments to existing holding and fencing requirements -- Duties of department (1) Within sixty (60) days of July 12, 2006, the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources shall promulgate administrative regulations amending existing requirements for a permit to hold captive cervids in accordance with the provisions of KRS 150.725 to 150.735. All other fencing and holding requirements specified in existing administrative regulation for a permit to hold captive cervids adopted on January 5, 2004, shall not be amended in a manner that is in conflict with KRS 150.725 to 150.735 or that increases the stringency of those requirements, except when as ordered by the state veterinarian for disease control and as provided by law or in administrative regulations for the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources to control emergency conditions that detrimentally affect wildlife. (2) The department shall have thirty (30) days from the date it receives a completed application to either issue or deny captive permits for propagation and taking of captive cervids by any legal hunting or slaughter methods. If an application demonstrates that the applicant complies with the statutory and administrative requirements for a permit and the applicant removes all wild cervids from the facility, the department shall issue the permit. Effective: July 12, 2006 History: Created 2006 Ky. Acts ch. 159, sec. 2, effective July 12, 2006.

KRS 150.735 Placement of primary containment fence -- Expansion of captive cervid facility -- Transfer of permits -- Violation of captive cervid law or regulation -- Rights and potential penalties

150.735. Placement of primary containment fence -- Expansion of captive cervid facility -- Transfer of permits -- Violation of captive cervid law or regulation -- Rights and potential penalties (1) An applicant may place his or her primary containment fence on the property line. The department shall not require applicants to set primary containment fences any distance away from the property line. (2) Any person who operates a captive cervid facility in accordance with this chapter may petition the department at any time to expand his or her captive cervid facility, provided the expansion is adjacent and connected to his or her existing facility and continues to comply with all applicable statutes and regulations. (3) A lawful permit for an existing captive cervid facility may be transferred, along with any related benefits, rights, responsibilities, and liabilities, to any person who purchases or otherwise takes ownership of the land area on which the captive cervid facility exists. Within thirty (30) days of the date of any transfer of permits, the party transferring the permit shall notify the department of the following: (a) Name and address of the party to which the permit is to be transferred; (b) Permit number; (c) Deed indicating change of land ownership; and (d) Any additional information the department deems necessary. (4) If any person holding captive cervids is determined in violation of Kentucky statute or administrative regulation pertaining to the holding of those cervids, then that person shall have sixty (60) days from when the violation was identified to come into compliance. The permit holder has the following rights and potential penalties during the sixty (60) day period: (a) During the sixty (60) day period, the permit holder may continue to harvest, sell, or slaughter cervids unless the permit has been suspended in accordance with administrative regulations promulgated by the department; (b) Failure to come into compliance within sixty (60) days of the notice of violation may result in a citation and cause the captive cervids to be immediately seized by the department or the permit to be suspended; and (c) The individual whose cervids were seized or whose permit was suspended under paragraph (a) or (b) of this subsection may request an administrative hearing pursuant to KRS Chapter 13B within thirty (30) days of the issuance of a citation or suspension of the permit and may appeal the final decision to Franklin Circuit Court in accordance with KRS Chapter 13B. Pending the final outcome from all appeals, the seized cervids may be disposed of by the department without compensation to the owner. Effective: June 25, 2009 History: Amended 2009 Ky. Acts ch. 62, sec. 4, effective June 25, 2009. -- Created 2006 Ky. Acts ch. 159, sec. 3, effective July 12, 2006.

KRS 150.740 Ban on live Cervidae importation except under certain conditions -- Penalties -- Reports on chronic wasting disease to be submitted to Interim Joint Committees annually -- Authority of department to seize captive cervids - - Hearing -- Appeal

150.740. Ban on live Cervidae importation except under certain conditions -- Penalties -- Reports on chronic wasting disease to be submitted to Interim Joint Committees annually -- Authority of department to seize captive cervids - - Hearing -- Appeal (1) There shall be a ban on the importation of live members of the animal family Cervidae into the Commonwealth that have not been subject to a program of surveillance and identification for cervid chronic wasting disease (CWD) that meets or exceeds: (a) The requirements of the Kentucky Cervid CWD Surveillance and Identification (CCWDSI) Program set forth in this section and in administrative regulations promulgated by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture; and (b) Any other health requirements as regulated by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture or the United States Department of Agriculture for cervids. (2) The Kentucky Department of Agriculture shall be responsible for authorizing importation of the members of the animal family Cervidae into the Commonwealth that have been subject to a program of surveillance and identification for cervid CWD that meets or exceeds: (a) The requirements of the Kentucky CCWDSI Program set forth in this section and in administrative regulations promulgated by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture; and (b) Any other health requirements as regulated by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture or the United States Department of Agriculture for cervids. (3) Members of the animal family Cervidae shall not be eligible for importation into the Commonwealth unless the program of surveillance and identification for cervid CWD to which they have been subject: (a) Has been certified by the exporting state's state veterinarian or agency having jurisdiction over that state's surveillance and identification program; (b) Has been approved by the Kentucky state veterinarian as meeting or exceeding the standards imposed under the Kentucky CCWDSI Program; and (c) Meets, at minimum, the following requirements: 1. The program shall require cervid owners to obtain identification and laboratory diagnosis from brain tissue as directed by the exporting state's state veterinarian or agency with jurisdiction for cervids twelve (12) months of age or greater that: a. Display clinical signs of CWD; b. Die, including deaths by slaughter or by hunting, including hunting on hunting preserves; or c. Are ill or injured regardless of whether the illness or injury results in death; and 2. The program shall require cervid owners to obtain cervids from herds that have been monitored for at least five (5) years and that have complied with the standards contained in the Kentucky CCWDSI Program. (4) Cervids originating from a state that has reported a confirmed case of CWD in wild or captive cervids shall not be imported into Kentucky until The United States Department of Agriculture approves: (a) Regulations that allow importation from those states; and (b) A live test for CWD that is available for live testing of cervids. (5) Importation of members of the animal family Cervidae into the Commonwealth shall be consistent with this section and with administrative regulations promulgated by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture in cooperation with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. (6) A person shall be guilty of a Class D felony upon conviction for violating this section. Upon conviction of a second violation of this section and in addition to all other penalties, a person shall be permanently ineligible for renewal of a captive cervid permit. On or before November 1 of each year, the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources and the Department of Agriculture, Office of the State Veterinarian, respectively shall issue reports to the Interim Joint Committee on Agriculture and the Interim Joint Committee on Natural Resources and Environment on the status of chronic wasting disease, and the reports may include the status of other animal or wildlife diseases in Kentucky and the United States. The reports shall be used for the purpose of determining the need for modifications to the statutory ban on the importation of cervids into the Commonwealth. (7) The Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources shall have the authority to immediately, and without compensation to the owner, seize captive cervids that have been imported into the Commonwealth contrary to this section. The individual whose cervids were seized may request an administrative hearing pursuant to KRS Chapter 13B within thirty (30) days of the department's seizure and may appeal the final decision to Franklin Circuit Court in accordance with KRS Chapter 13B. Pending the final outcome of all appeals, the seized cervids may be disposed of by the department without compensation to the owner. (8) The department shall have the authority to immediately, and without compensation to the owner, seize and destroy captive cervids that are in the process of being imported into the Commonwealth contrary to this section. (9) A captive cervid originating from outside the Commonwealth of Kentucky which is in transit, as defined in KRS 150.725 and which is being transported through the Commonwealth to another state or nation of destination shall meet the entry requirements of the state or nation of destination. (10) A person intending to transport a captive cervid through Kentucky shall, prior to the captive cervid entering Kentucky, obtain a transportation permit from the Office of the State Veterinarian. This permit shall specify that: (a) A captive cervid being transported through Kentucky shall not remain in Kentucky for more than twenty-four (24) hours from the time of entry and, if this requirement cannot be met once the animal is in Kentucky, the Office of the State Veterinarian shall be contacted to secure a variance to the permit; (b) A captive cervid being transported through Kentucky shall not leave the transport vehicle while in Kentucky; and (c) The person transporting the captive cervid through Kentucky shall follow the routes specified in the transport permit, if this requirement cannot be met once the animal is in Kentucky, the Office of the State Veterinarian shall be contacted to secure a variance to the permit. Effective: July 15, 2010 History: Amended 2010 Ky. Acts ch. 135, sec. 1, effective July 15, 2010; and ch. 158, sec. 10, effective July 15, 2010. -- Amended 2009 Ky. Acts ch. 62, sec. 5, effective June 25, 2009. -- Created 2006 Ky. Acts ch. 159, sec. 4, effective July 12, 2006. Legislative Research Commission Note (7/15/2010). This section was amended by 2010 Ky. Acts chs. 135 and 158, which do not appear to be in conflict and have been codified together.

KRS 150.990 Penalties

150.990. Penalties (1) Each bird, fish, or animal taken, possessed, bought, sold, or transported and each device used or possessed contrary to the provisions of this chapter or any administrative regulation promulgated by the commission thereunder shall constitute a separate offense. The penalties prescribed in this section shall be for each offense. (2) (a) Any person who fails to appear pursuant to a citation or summons issued by a game warden or peace officer of this Commonwealth for violation of this chapter or any administrative regulation promulgated thereunder shall forfeit his or her license or, if that person is license-exempt, shall forfeit the privilege to perform the acts authorized by the license. The individual shall not be permitted to purchase another license or exercise the privileges granted by a license until the citation or summons is resolved. The court shall notify the department whenever a person has failed to appear pursuant to a citation or summons for a violation of this chapter or any administrative regulation promulgated thereunder. (b) Any person who violates any of the provisions of this chapter or any administrative regulations promulgated by the commission thereunder may, in addition to the penalties provided in subsections (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), and (8) of this section, forfeit his or her license or, if that person is license-exempt, may forfeit the privilege to perform the acts authorized by the license and shall not be permitted to purchase another license or exercise the privileges granted by a license during the same license year. No fines, penalty, or judgment assessed or rendered under this chapter shall be suspended, reduced, or remitted otherwise than expressly provided by law. Any person who violates any administrative regulation which has been or may be promulgated by the commission under any provisions of this chapter shall be subject to the same penalty as is provided for the violation of any provisions of this chapter under which the administrative regulation is promulgated. (3) Any person who violates any of the provisions of KRS 150.120, 150.170, 150.235(1), 150.280, 150.320, 150.330(2), 150.355, 150.362, 150.400, 150.410, 150.415, 150.416, 150.445, 150.450, 150.470, 150.603, or 150.722(2), or any of the provisions of this chapter or any administrative regulation promulgated by the commission for which no definite fine or imprisonment is fixed shall be fined not less than fifty dollars ($50) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500). (4) Any person who violates any of the provisions of KRS 150.195(5) to (8), 150.290, 150.300, 150.340, 150.360, 150.362(1), 150.485, 150.600, 150.630, or 150.660 shall be fined not less than fifty dollars ($50) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500) or be imprisoned for not more than six (6) months, or both. Also, any person violating the provisions of KRS 150.300 shall be assessed treble damages as provided in KRS 150.690 or 150.700. Damages assessed under this subsection shall be ordered to be paid directly to the department. The court shall not direct that the damages be paid through the circuit clerk. (5) Any person who violates any of the provisions of KRS 150.411, 150.412, or 150.417 shall be fined not less than one hundred dollars ($100) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500). (6) Any person who violates any of the provisions of KRS 150.183, 150.305, 150.365, 150.370, 150.330(1), 150.235(2), (3), or (4), or 150.363 shall be fined not less than one hundred dollars ($100) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500) or imprisoned for not more than six (6) months, or both. (7) Any person who violates any of the provisions of KRS 150.460 shall be fined not less than one hundred dollars ($100) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500) or imprisoned for not more than six (6) months, or both, and in addition to these penalties shall be liable to the department in an amount not to exceed the replacement value of the fish and wildlife which has been killed or destroyed. Costs assessed for the restoration of wildlife under this subsection shall be ordered to be paid directly to the department. The court shall not direct that the costs be paid through the circuit clerk. (8) (a) Any person who violates the provisions of KRS 150.180, 150.520, 150.525, or administrative regulations issued thereunder shall for the first offense be fined not less than one hundred dollars ($100) nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000); and shall for a second offense be fined not less than five hundred dollars ($500) nor more than one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500); and for any subsequent offense, be fined two thousand dollars ($2,000). (b) In addition to the penalties under paragraph (a) this subsection, any person who violates the provisions of KRS 150.180(7)(b) may be fined up to ten thousand dollars ($10,000) for each offense. (9) Any person who violates the provisions of KRS 150.520 or administrative regulations issued thereunder shall, if the violation relates to methods of taking mussels, for a first offense be imprisoned in the county jail for no more than thirty (30) days; for a second offense be imprisoned in the county jail for no more than six (6) months; and for any subsequent offense be imprisoned in the county jail for no more than one (1) year. The penalties for violation of this subsection shall be in addition to the penalties for violation of subsection (8). (10) Any person who violates any of the provisions of KRS 150.4111, 150.640, or KRS 150.450(2) or (3) shall be fined not less than one hundred dollars ($100) nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000). (11) Any person who violates any of the provisions of KRS 150.390 or KRS 150.092(4) shall be fined not less than one hundred dollars ($100) nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) or imprisoned for not less than thirty (30) days nor more than one (1) year, or both. In addition to the penalties prescribed above, he or she shall forfeit his or her license or, if license-exempt, the privilege to perform the acts authorized by the license for a period of one (1) to three (3) years and shall be liable to the department in an amount reasonably necessary to replace any deer, wild turkey, or bear taken in violation of KRS 150.390 and for violations of KRS 150.092(4) shall be liable to the landowner or occupant for reasonable compensation for damages. Wildlife replacement costs assessed under this subsection shall be ordered to be paid directly to the department. The court shall not direct that the damages be paid through the circuit clerk. Damages assessed under this subsection shall be ordered to be paid directly to the landowner or occupant. The court shall not direct that the damages be paid through the circuit clerk. Any person who possesses, takes, or molests a wild elk in violation of KRS 150.390 or administrative regulations promulgated under authority of that section shall be fined not less than one thousand dollars ($1,000) nor more than five thousand dollars ($5,000) or imprisoned for up to six (6) months, or both. In addition to these penalties, the person shall pay to the department an amount not to exceed the greater of the replacement cost of the wild elk or double any monetary gain realized from the illegal activity and shall forfeit his or her license or, if license-exempt, the privilege to perform the acts authorized by the license for a period of one (1) to three (3) years. (12) Any person who violates any of the provisions of KRS 150.090 other than a criminal homicide or an assault against an officer enforcing the provisions of this chapter, KRS Chapter 235, or the administrative regulations issued thereunder shall be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor. (13) Any person who commits a criminal homicide or an assault against an officer enforcing the provisions of this chapter, KRS Chapter 235, or the administrative regulations issued thereunder shall be subject to the penalties specified for the offense under KRS Chapter 507 or 508, as appropriate. (14) A person shall be guilty of a Class B misdemeanor upon the first conviction for a violation of KRS 150.710. A subsequent conviction shall be a Class A misdemeanor. (15) Any person who violates the provisions of KRS 150.092 or the administrative regulations promulgated thereunder for which no other penalty is specified elsewhere in this section shall for the first offense be fined not less than one hundred dollars ($100) nor more than three hundred dollars ($300); for the second offense, be fined not less than three hundred dollars ($300) nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000); and for subsequent offenses, shall forfeit the license or, if license-exempt, the privilege to perform the acts authorized by the license, for one (1) year and shall be fined not less than one thousand dollars ($1,000) or be imprisoned in the county jail for up to one (1) year, or both. In addition to the penalties prescribed in this subsection, the violator shall be liable to the landowner or tenant for the replacement cost of any property which was damaged or destroyed by his or her actions. Damages assessed under this subsection shall be ordered to be paid directly to the landowner or the tenant. The court shall not direct that the damages be paid through the circuit clerk. (16) (a) Any person who knowingly violates KRS 150.361 shall for a first offense be fined not less than one hundred dollars ($100) nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) or be imprisoned in the county jail for not more than six (6) months, or both. (b) Any person who knowingly violates KRS 150.361 shall for a second or subsequent offense be fined not less than five hundred dollars ($500) nor more than one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500) or be imprisoned in the county jail for not more than six (6) months, or both. (c) In addition to the penalties specified in paragraphs (a), (b), and (d) of this subsection, a person knowingly violating KRS 150.361 shall forfeit his or her hunting license or, if license-exempt, the privilege to perform the acts authorized by the license for a period of not less than one (1) nor more than three (3) years. (d) In addition to the penalties specified in paragraphs (a), (b), and (c) of this subsection any person knowingly violating KRS 150.361 shall be liable to the department in an amount not to exceed the greater of the replacement value of any wildlife killed or wounded in violation of KRS 150.361 or double the amount of the monetary gain from knowingly violating KRS 150.361. (e) Wildlife replacement costs or other costs specified in paragraph (d) of this subsection shall be ordered paid directly to the department. The court shall not direct that the replacement costs be paid through the circuit clerk. (17) Any person convicted of violating KRS 150.186 shall be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor and shall, whether licensed or license-exempt, forfeit his or her right to hunt, fish, trap, or be licensed as a guide for a period of ten (10) years. Effective: April 10, 2026 History: Amended 2026 Ky. Acts ch. 93, sec. 4, effective April 10, 2026. -- Amended 2024 Ky. Acts ch. 159, sec. 21, effective July 15, 2024. -- Amended 2023 Ky. Acts ch. 139, sec. 21, effective March 29, 2023. -- Amended 2018 Ky. Acts ch. 28, sec. 2, effective July 14, 2018. -- Amended 2012 Ky. Acts ch. 82, sec. 2, effective July 12, 2012. -- Amended 2010 Ky. Acts ch. 158, sec. 11, effective July 15, 2010. -- Amended 2006 Ky. Acts ch. 94, sec. 3, effective July 12, 2006; and ch. 209, sec. 2, effective July 12, 2006. -- Amended 2002 Ky. Acts ch. 183, sec. 13, effective August 1, 2002. -- Amended 2000 Ky. Acts ch. 512, sec. 2, effective July 14, 2000. -- Amended 1998 Ky. Acts ch. 24, sec. 2, effective March 4, 1998; ch. 275, sec. 5, effective July 15, 1998; and ch. 606, sec. 169, effective July 15, 1998. -- Amended 1996 Ky. Acts ch. 250, s ec. 2, effective July 15, 1996. -- Amended 1994 Ky. Acts ch. 239, sec. 10, effective July 15, 1994; ch. 413, sec. 5, effective July 15, 1994. – Amended 1992 Ky. Acts ch. 353, sec. 10. -- Amended 1990 Ky. Acts ch. 474, sec. 11, effective July 13, 1990. -- Amended 1988 Ky. Acts ch. 81, sec. 1(5), effective July 15, 1988. -- Amended 1986 Ky. Acts ch. 265, sec. 26, effective July 15, 1986; and ch. 424, sec. 2, effective July 15, 1986. -- Amended 1984 Ky. Acts ch. 194, sec. 2, effective July 13, 1984. -- Amended 1980 Ky. Acts ch. 49, sec. 8, effective July 15, 1980. -- Amended 1978 Ky. Acts ch. 178, sec. 18, effective June 17, 1978; ch. 181, sec. 2, effective June 17, 1978; and ch. 384, sec. 291, effective June 17, 1978. -- Amended 1972 Ky. Acts ch. 40, sec. 1(4), effective January 1, 1973. -- Amended 1970 Ky. Acts ch. 92, sec. 28. -- Amended 1968 Ky. Acts ch. 38, sec. 28. -- Amended 1956 Ky. Acts ch. 93, sec. 4; and ch. 115, sec. 23. -- Amended 1952 Ky. Acts ch. 200, sec. 72. -- Amended 1948 Ky. Acts ch. 50, sec. 1(2); ch. 77, sec. 8; and ch. 78, secs. 24, 25, and 26. -- Amended 1946 Ky. Acts ch. 84, sec. 31. -- Amended 1944 Ky. Acts ch. 124, sec. 17. -- Amended 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 68, sec. 55. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. secs. 1253, 1392a-3, 1954d-13, 1954d-14, 1954d-16, 1954d-29, 1954d-33, 1954d-34, 1954d-38, 1954d-39, 1954d-41, 1954d-49, 1954d-51, 1954d-52, 1954d-52c, 1954d- 53, 1954d-54, 1954d-55, 1954d-56, 1954d-57, 1954d-59, 1954d-60, 1954d-61, 1954d-62, 1954d-62d, 1954d-68, 1954d-69, 1954d-71. Legislative Research Commission Note (7/15/2010). 2010 Ky. Acts ch. 158, sec. 11, amended this section and added the phrase "the knowing violating of" in subsection 16(d). From an examination of the bill and of KRS 501.020, "Definition of mental states," it is apparent that the phrase used should have been "knowingly violating." This change has been made by the Reviser of Statutes under the authority of KRS 7.136.

KRS 150.995 Violations for which additional restitution shall be paid to department

150.995. Violations for which additional restitution shall be paid to department (1) As used in this section, "gross score" means the Boone and Crockett score derived by calculating the measurements of the antlers of a white-tailed deer or elk in accordance with subsection (2) of this section. (2) The gross score of an antlered white-tailed deer or elk shall be calculated in accordance with the Boone and Crockett Club's "Measuring and Scoring North American Big Game Trophies, Third Edition, 2009" and shall be taken by an official Boone and Crockett Club scorer. Measurements taken for the purpose of calculating the gross score may be taken at any time, with no drying time being required. (3) A person found guilty of a violation of the provisions of this chapter regarding the taking, buying, selling, transporting, or possessing of an antlered white-tailed deer with a gross score of more than one hundred twenty-five (125) inches shall pay to the department an additional restitution value calculated by squaring the difference between the gross score and one hundred (100) and multiplying the resulting number by one dollar and sixty-five cents ($1.65). (4) A person found guilty of a violation of the provisions of this chapter regarding the taking, buying, selling, transporting, or possessing of an antlered elk with a gross score of more than two hundred eighty (280) inches shall pay to the department an additional restitution value calculated by squaring the difference between the gross score and two hundred fifty-five (255) and multiplying the resulting number by one dollar and sixty-five cents ($1.65). (5) A person found guilty of a violation of the provisions of this chapter regarding the taking, buying, selling, transporting, or possessing of a bear shall pay to the department an additional restitution value of one thousand dollars ($1,000). (6) A person found guilty of a violation of the provisions of this chapter regarding the taking, buying, selling, transporting, or possessing of a turkey shall pay to the department an additional restitution value of five hundred dollars ($500). (7) A person found guilty of a violation of the provisions of this chapter regarding the taking, buying, selling, transporting, or possessing of a bobcat shall pay to the department an additional restitution value of five hundred dollars ($500). (8) The commissioner or designee may bring a civil action to recover the restitution value owed to the department under subsection (3), (4), (5), (6), or (7) of this section. A person who owes restitution to the department under subsection (3), (4), (5), (6), or (7) of this section shall forfeit his or her hunting license or, if license- exempt, the privilege to perform the hunting acts authorized by the license until the restitution owed has been paid. (9) The restitution required by this section shall be in addition to all other restitution, replacement costs, and civil or criminal penalties authorized by this chapter and the administrative regulations promulgated hereunder. Effective: June 25, 2013 History: Created 2013 Ky. Acts ch. 92, sec. 2, effective June 25, 2013.

KRS 150.999 Prepayment of fines subject to certain conditions

150.999. Prepayment of fines subject to certain conditions (1) All offenses classified as violations under this chapter shall be prepayable except for: (a) An offense where evidence of the commission of the offense, or of another offense, or a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument as defined in KRS 500.080 is seized and the citation is so marked and a court date set; (b) An offense is cited with another offense that is not prepayable and the citation is so marked and a court date set; or (c) An arrest is made under KRS 431.015. (2) In the event that a prepayable offense is cited with another offense that is not prepayable, a court appearance shall be required on all of the offenses as required by KRS 431.452. Effective: July 14, 2000 History: Created 2000 Ky. Acts ch. 512, sec. 1, effective July 14, 2000.

KRS 150.4111 Sale of legally taken wildlife

150.4111. Sale of legally taken wildlife (1) Any person may sell the inedible parts of any legally taken wildlife to a licensed taxidermist for the purpose of mounting. A licensed taxidermist may buy or sell the inedible parts of any legally taken wildlife for the purpose of mounting, except as otherwise prohibited by federal law. Any person may purchase from or sell to a licensed taxidermist any legally mounted specimen. (2) Within ten (10) days after the end of each month, a licensed taxidermist shall send to the department a report indicating the number and name of the wildlife of each species which he purchased during the preceding month and the name and address of the person from whom he purchased the wildlife. Effective: July 15, 1988 History: Created 1988 Ky. Acts ch. 141, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1988.

KRS 150.4112 Administrative regulations to allow resident nonprofit 501(c)(3)

150.4112. Administrative regulations to allow resident nonprofit 501(c)(3) institution to sell donated mounted wildlife specimen. (1) As used in this section, "mounted wildlife specimen" means: (a) A legally taken animal, including the skin of the head, cape, or the entire skin, mounted in a lifelike representation of the animal or any part thereof; or (b) A European mount in which the horns or antlers and the skull or a portion of the skull are mounted for display. (2) Notwithstanding KRS 150.180 and no later than January 1, 2014, the department shall promulgate administrative regulations to allow a resident nonprofit charitable, religious, or educational institution which has qualified for exemption from income taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code to sell mounted wildlife specimens, except as prohibited by federal law, that have been donated to that institution. (3) The administrative regulations promulgated under this section shall establish a means by which each transaction for the sale of donated mounted wildlife specimens for white-tailed deer, elk, bears, turkeys, and bobcats allowed under subsection (2) of this section shall be recorded by the department. The department shall make the recording of each transaction as reasonably convenient for all parties to the transaction as possible, which may include but not be limited to allowing telephone and Internet recording of sales. (4) Licensed taxidermists subject to the reporting requirements under KRS 150.4111 shall be exempt from the requirements of subsection (3) of this section. Effective: June 25, 2013 History: Created 2013 Ky. Acts ch. 13, sec. 1, effective June 25, 2013.

KRS 150.4113 Administrative regulations to allow sale and purchase of mounted wildlife specimens -- Recording of sales

150.4113. Administrative regulations to allow sale and purchase of mounted wildlife specimens -- Recording of sales (1) As used in this section, "mounted wildlife specimen" means: (a) A legally taken animal, including the skin of the head, cape, or the entire skin, mounted in a lifelike representation of the animal or any part thereof; or (b) A European mount in which the horns or antlers and the skull or a portion of the skull are mounted for display. (2) Notwithstanding KRS 150.180 and no later than January 1, 2014, the department shall promulgate administrative regulations to allow any person or entity to sell or buy mounted wildlife specimens, except as prohibited by federal law. (3) The administrative regulations promulgated under this section shall establish a means by which each transaction for the sale of mounted wildlife specimens for white-tailed deer, elk, bears, turkeys, and bobcats shall be recorded by the department. The department shall make the recording of each transaction as reasonably convenient for all parties to the transaction as possible, which may include but not be limited to allowing telephone and Internet recording of sales. (4) Mounted wildlife specimens purchased from or sold to a licensed taxidermist under KRS 150.4111 shall be exempt from the requirements of this section. Effective: June 25, 2013 History: Created 2013 Ky. Acts ch. 92, sec. 1, effective June 25, 2013.

Source: Kentucky Legislative Research Commission (legislature.ky.gov)URL: https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/chapter.aspx?id=37729Fetched: 10/20/2026