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Kansas Hunting Season Dates 2026–27

Season openers, closers, and tag requirements by species. Always confirm against KS Dept of Wildlife & Parks before you hunt. Dates can change.

License: resident $42.5 · nonresident $127.5. Species tags and permits are extra. See each section below.

White-tailed Deer Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Youth and DisabilitySep 5, 2026Sep 13, 2026Deer Permit + Youth/Disability eligibility
Muzzleloader OnlySep 14, 2026Sep 27, 2026Deer Permit valid for muzzleloader
Regular ArcherySep 14, 2026Dec 31, 2026Deer Permit valid for archery
Extended Archery Whitetail Antlerless Only - Unit 19: Deer Management Unit 19Jan 25, 2027Jan 31, 2027Whitetail Antlerless-Only (WAO) Permit
Pre-Rut Firearms, Whitetail Antlerless OnlyOct 10, 2026Oct 12, 2026Whitetail Antlerless-Only (WAO) Permit
Extended Pre-Rut Firearms, Whitetail Antlerless Only - Unit 12: Deer Management Unit 12Oct 13, 2026Oct 18, 2026Whitetail Antlerless-Only (WAO) Permit
Regular FirearmsDec 2, 2026Dec 13, 2026Deer Permit valid for firearms
Extended Firearms Whitetail Antlerless Only - Unit 3: Extended WAO group 1 - Unit 3Jan 1, 2027Jan 10, 2027Whitetail Antlerless-Only (WAO) Permit
Extended Firearms Whitetail Antlerless Only - Units 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 16: Extended WAO group 2 - Units 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 16Jan 1, 2027Jan 17, 2027Whitetail Antlerless-Only (WAO) Permit
Extended Firearms Whitetail Antlerless Only - Units 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 19: Extended WAO group 3 - Units 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 19Jan 1, 2027Jan 24, 2027Whitetail Antlerless-Only (WAO) Permit
Fort Riley Subunit 8A - Regular Firearms (first block): Fort Riley, Subunit 8ADec 19, 2026Dec 23, 2026Deer Permit + Fort Riley permits
Fort Riley Subunit 8A - Regular Firearms (second block): Fort Riley, Subunit 8ADec 26, 2026Dec 31, 2026Deer Permit + Fort Riley permits
Fort Riley Subunit 8A - Firearms WAO (first segment): Fort Riley, Subunit 8ANov 27, 2026Nov 29, 2026Whitetail Antlerless-Only (WAO) Permit + Fort Riley permits
Fort Riley Subunit 8A - Firearms WAO (second segment): Fort Riley, Subunit 8AJan 1, 2027Jan 17, 2027Whitetail Antlerless-Only (WAO) Permit + Fort Riley permits
Fort Leavenworth Subunit 10A - Regular Firearms (first segment): Fort Leavenworth, Subunit 10ANov 14, 2026Nov 15, 2026Deer Permit + Fort Leavenworth permits
Fort Leavenworth Subunit 10A - Regular Firearms (second segment): Fort Leavenworth, Subunit 10ANov 21, 2026Nov 22, 2026Deer Permit + Fort Leavenworth permits
Fort Leavenworth Subunit 10A - Regular Firearms (third segment): Fort Leavenworth, Subunit 10ANov 26, 2026Nov 29, 2026Deer Permit + Fort Leavenworth permits
Fort Leavenworth Subunit 10A - Regular Firearms (fourth segment): Fort Leavenworth, Subunit 10ADec 5, 2026Dec 6, 2026Deer Permit + Fort Leavenworth permits
Fort Leavenworth Subunit 10A - Regular Firearms (fifth segment): Fort Leavenworth, Subunit 10ADec 12, 2026Dec 13, 2026Deer Permit + Fort Leavenworth permits
Fort Leavenworth Subunit 10A - Firearms WAO: Fort Leavenworth, Subunit 10AJan 1, 2027Jan 24, 2027Whitetail Antlerless-Only (WAO) Permit + Fort Leavenworth permits
Fort Leavenworth Subunit 10A - Extended Archery WAO: Fort Leavenworth, Subunit 10AJan 25, 2027Jan 31, 2027Whitetail Antlerless-Only (WAO) Permit + Fort Leavenworth permits
Smoky Hill Air National Guard Range Subunit 4A - Regular Firearms: Smoky Hill Air National Guard Range, Subunit 4ADec 2, 2026Dec 13, 2026Deer Permit + range access

Wild Turkey Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Fall (first segment) - residents only: Fall turkey Units 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6Oct 31, 2026Dec 1, 2026Fall Turkey Permit (resident only, one bearded bird)
Fall (second segment) - residents only: Fall turkey Units 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6Dec 14, 2026Jan 31, 2027Fall Turkey Permit (resident only, one bearded bird)
Spring - Youth and DisabilityApr 1, 2027Apr 13, 2027Spring Turkey Permit
Spring - Archery OnlyApr 5, 2027Apr 13, 2027Spring Turkey Permit
Spring - Regular (firearms and archery)Apr 14, 2027May 31, 2027Spring Turkey Permit

Elk Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Archery (statewide except Fort Riley 2a and Unit 1): Statewide elk, excluding Fort Riley Subunit 2a and Unit 1Sep 14, 2026Dec 31, 2026Elk Permit
Muzzleloader Only (statewide except Unit 1): Statewide elk, excluding Fort Riley Subunit 2a and Unit 1Sep 1, 2026Sep 30, 2026Elk Permit
Firearms (first segment): Statewide elk, excluding Fort Riley Subunit 2a and Unit 1Aug 1, 2026Aug 31, 2026Elk Permit
Firearms (second segment): Statewide elk, excluding Fort Riley Subunit 2a and Unit 1Dec 2, 2026Dec 13, 2026Elk Permit
Firearms (third segment): Statewide elk, excluding Fort Riley Subunit 2a and Unit 1Jan 1, 2027Mar 15, 2027Elk Permit
Fort Riley Subunit 2a - Archery and Muzzleloader Only: Fort Riley, Elk Subunit 2aSep 1, 2026Sep 30, 2026Fort Riley Elk Permit
Fort Riley Subunit 2a - Firearms (first segment): Fort Riley, Elk Subunit 2aOct 1, 2026Oct 31, 2026Fort Riley Elk Permit
Fort Riley Subunit 2a - Firearms (second segment): Fort Riley, Elk Subunit 2aNov 1, 2026Nov 30, 2026Fort Riley Elk Permit
Fort Riley Subunit 2a - Firearms (third segment): Fort Riley, Elk Subunit 2aDec 1, 2026Dec 31, 2026Fort Riley Elk Permit
Fort Riley Subunit 2a - Extended Season: Fort Riley, Elk Subunit 2aJan 1, 2027Jan 31, 2027Fort Riley Elk Permit

Beaver Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
TrappingNov 18, 2026Mar 31, 2027Furharvester License

Bobcat Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Hunting and trapping (general furbearer season)Nov 18, 2026Feb 28, 2027Furharvester License
Running season (bobcat, red fox and gray fox) - no takeMar 1, 2027Nov 10, 2027Furharvester License

Bullfrog Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
RegularJul 1, 2026Oct 31, 2026Fishing License (bullfrog take is covered under fishing regulations)

Coyote Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Open hunting and trapping season (calendar year 2026)Jan 1, 2026Dec 31, 2026Hunting License to hunt; Furharvester License to trap
Open hunting and trapping season (calendar year 2027)Jan 1, 2027Dec 31, 2027Hunting License to hunt; Furharvester License to trap
Night Vision season (first segment)Sep 1, 2026Sep 4, 2026Hunting License + night vision equipment permit
Night Vision season (second segment)Sep 28, 2026Dec 1, 2026Hunting License + night vision equipment permit
Night Vision season (third segment)Dec 14, 2026Mar 31, 2027Hunting License + night vision equipment permit

Crow Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
RegularNov 10, 2026Mar 10, 2027Hunting License

Mourning and White-winged Dove Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
RegularSep 1, 2026Nov 29, 2026Hunting License + Kansas HIP Permit

Exotic Dove (Eurasian Collared-Dove and Ringed Turtledove) Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Continuous open season (calendar year 2026)Jan 1, 2026Dec 31, 2026Hunting License
Continuous open season (calendar year 2027)Jan 1, 2027Dec 31, 2027Hunting License

General Furbearer Season (badger, bobcat, gray fox, red fox, swift fox, mink, muskrat, opossum, raccoon, striped skunk, weasel) Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
General furbearer hunting and trappingNov 18, 2026Feb 28, 2027Furharvester License

Mule Deer Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Youth and DisabilitySep 5, 2026Sep 13, 2026Deer Permit valid for mule deer
Muzzleloader OnlySep 14, 2026Sep 27, 2026Either-species permit or Mule Deer Stamp
Regular ArcherySep 14, 2026Dec 31, 2026Either-species permit or Mule Deer Stamp
Regular FirearmsDec 2, 2026Dec 13, 2026Either-species firearms permit

Opossum Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Regular seasonNov 18, 2026Feb 28, 2027Furharvester License
Extended hunting and trapping seasonMar 1, 2027Nov 16, 2027Furharvester License

River Otter Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
TrappingNov 18, 2026Mar 31, 2027Furharvester License

Ring-necked Pheasant Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Youth and DisabilityNov 7, 2026Nov 8, 2026Hunting License
RegularNov 14, 2026Jan 31, 2027Hunting License

Greater Prairie-Chicken Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
RegularSep 15, 2026Jan 31, 2027Hunting License + Prairie Chicken Permit

Pronghorn Antelope Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
ArcherySep 19, 2026Sep 27, 2026Antelope Permit (resident draw)
Muzzleloader OnlySep 28, 2026Oct 5, 2026Antelope Permit (resident draw)
FirearmsOct 2, 2026Oct 5, 2026Antelope Permit (resident draw)

Bobwhite Quail Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Youth and DisabilityNov 7, 2026Nov 8, 2026Hunting License
RegularNov 14, 2026Jan 31, 2027Hunting License

Cottontail Rabbit and Jackrabbit Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Open season for taking rabbits (calendar year 2026)Jan 1, 2026Dec 31, 2026Hunting License
Open season for taking rabbits (calendar year 2027)Jan 1, 2027Dec 31, 2027Hunting License
Running season (no take)Mar 1, 2027Nov 1, 2027Hunting License

Raccoon Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Regular seasonNov 18, 2026Feb 28, 2027Furharvester License
Extended hunting and trapping seasonMar 1, 2027Nov 16, 2027Furharvester License

Rail (Sora and Virginia) Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
RegularSep 1, 2026Nov 9, 2026Hunting License + Kansas HIP Permit

Sandhill Crane Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Central Crane ZoneNov 11, 2026Jan 7, 2027Hunting License + HIP + Sandhill Crane Permit
West Crane ZoneOct 17, 2026Dec 13, 2026Hunting License + HIP + Sandhill Crane Permit

Wilson's Snipe Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
RegularSep 1, 2026Dec 16, 2026Hunting License + Kansas HIP Permit

Fox and Gray Squirrel Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
RegularJun 1, 2026Feb 28, 2027Hunting License

Duck, Goose & Waterfowl Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Blue-winged, Green-winged and Cinnamon Teal (September season): High Plains UnitSep 19, 2026Sep 27, 2026Hunting License + HIP + Kansas Waterfowl Stamp + Federal Duck Stamp
Blue-winged, Green-winged and Cinnamon Teal (September season): Low Plains UnitSep 12, 2026Sep 20, 2026Hunting License + HIP + Kansas Waterfowl Stamp + Federal Duck Stamp
High Plains Unit (first segment)Oct 10, 2026Jan 3, 2027Hunting License + HIP + Kansas Waterfowl Stamp + Federal Duck Stamp
High Plains Unit (second segment)Jan 22, 2027Jan 31, 2027Hunting License + HIP + Kansas Waterfowl Stamp + Federal Duck Stamp
Low Plains Early Zone (first segment)Oct 10, 2026Dec 6, 2026Hunting License + HIP + Kansas Waterfowl Stamp + Federal Duck Stamp
Low Plains Early Zone (second segment)Dec 19, 2026Jan 3, 2027Hunting License + HIP + Kansas Waterfowl Stamp + Federal Duck Stamp
Low Plains Late Zone (first segment)Oct 31, 2026Jan 3, 2027Hunting License + HIP + Kansas Waterfowl Stamp + Federal Duck Stamp
Low Plains Late Zone (second segment)Jan 23, 2027Jan 31, 2027Hunting License + HIP + Kansas Waterfowl Stamp + Federal Duck Stamp
Low Plains Southeast Zone (first segment)Nov 7, 2026Jan 3, 2027Hunting License + HIP + Kansas Waterfowl Stamp + Federal Duck Stamp
Low Plains Southeast Zone (second segment)Jan 16, 2027Jan 31, 2027Hunting License + HIP + Kansas Waterfowl Stamp + Federal Duck Stamp
Youth, Veteran and Active Military Days - High Plains UnitOct 3, 2026Oct 4, 2026Youth/Veteran/Active Military eligibility + HIP
Youth, Veteran and Active Military Days - Low Plains Early ZoneSep 26, 2026Sep 27, 2026Youth/Veteran/Active Military eligibility + HIP
Youth, Veteran and Active Military Days - Low Plains Late ZoneOct 17, 2026Oct 18, 2026Youth/Veteran/Active Military eligibility + HIP
Youth, Veteran and Active Military Days - Low Plains Southeast ZoneOct 24, 2026Oct 25, 2026Youth/Veteran/Active Military eligibility + HIP
Geese (Canada, Cackling, White-fronted and Light): Canada and Cackling Goose (first segment)Oct 31, 2026Nov 1, 2026Hunting License + HIP + Kansas Waterfowl Stamp + Federal Duck Stamp
Geese (Canada, Cackling, White-fronted and Light): Canada and Cackling Goose (second segment)Nov 4, 2026Feb 14, 2027Hunting License + HIP + Kansas Waterfowl Stamp + Federal Duck Stamp
Geese (Canada, Cackling, White-fronted and Light): White-fronted Goose (first segment)Oct 31, 2026Jan 3, 2027Hunting License + HIP + Kansas Waterfowl Stamp + Federal Duck Stamp
Geese (Canada, Cackling, White-fronted and Light): White-fronted Goose (second segment)Jan 23, 2027Feb 14, 2027Hunting License + HIP + Kansas Waterfowl Stamp + Federal Duck Stamp
Geese (Canada, Cackling, White-fronted and Light): Light Goose (first segment)Oct 31, 2026Nov 1, 2026Hunting License + HIP + Kansas Waterfowl Stamp + Federal Duck Stamp
Geese (Canada, Cackling, White-fronted and Light): Light Goose (second segment)Nov 4, 2026Feb 14, 2027Hunting License + HIP + Kansas Waterfowl Stamp + Federal Duck Stamp
Geese (Canada, Cackling, White-fronted and Light): Light Goose Conservation Order (unlimited daily bag)Feb 15, 2027Apr 30, 2027Hunting License + Light Goose Conservation Order permit

American Woodcock Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
RegularOct 17, 2026Dec 1, 2026Hunting License + Kansas HIP Permit
Verify before you hunt. These dates are compiled for planning and can change between when they're published and when the season opens, and many states vary dates by unit, zone, or WMU. Always confirm with KS Dept of Wildlife & Parks before heading out. Nothing here is legal advice.
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