Kansas Deer Hunting for Non-Residents: Understanding the Kansas Deer Draw

Update: Dates have not been posted yet for the 2025 Kansas Nonresident Deer Draw. Click here to track the application deadline and get notified when dates are finalized. 

Kansas Nonresident Deer Draw

Are you interested in hunting deer in the state of Kansas, but unsure of the process and regulations for non-residents? In this article, we will go over the steps to obtain a non-resident deer hunting license in Kansas, as well as information on preference points, draw dates, and costs.

How do I get a non-resident deer license in Kansas?

To obtain a non-resident deer hunting license in Kansas, you must apply through the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) online licensing system. Non-residents are required to apply for a “Non-Resident Either-Species/Either-Sex Deer Permit” and pay a non-refundable application fee.

Can a non resident buy a deer tag over the counter in Kansas?

No, non-residents are not able to purchase deer tags over the counter in Kansas. All non-residents must enter into the draw to obtain a deer permit.

When is the 2025 Kansas non-resident deer draw?

The Kansas non-resident deer draw typically opens in early April and closes in late April. Results are usually announced in the early June after the resident application period closes. The 2025 non-resident deer application period is not finalized, but tentatively closes April 25th, 2025. Key dates for the draw are listed in the below. Click here to start tracking your apps for free, where dates will be updated as they are finalized by the states.

How does the Kansas non-resident deer draw work?

The Kansas non-resident deer draw is a lottery system used to allocate deer permits to non-residents. The draw is based on a preference point system and gives weighted preference to applicants who have been unsuccessful in recent years. When applying for the draw, non-residents can choose to apply for the draw or purchase preference points.

Both non-resident and resident hunters alike can hunt either whitetail or mule deer in Kansas. For non-residents, draw applications and preference points are specific to applying for a whitetail deer permit. If non-residents wish to hunt mule deer, they must apply for a Mule Deer Stamp during the April application period. If drawn for either an archery or muzzleloader whitetail deer permit in certain units and applied for the Mule Deer Stamp, non-residents will be entered into a draw for a limited number of Mule Deer Stamps. Preference points do not apply in the Mule Deer Stamp draw, and those successful in drawing a mule deer stamp will need to pay the $150 stamp fee. If not drawn for the mule deer stamp, non-residents will still receive a whitetail deer permit for that successful draw unit.

How do deer preference points work for non-residents?

Preference points are awarded for an unsuccessful draw application, or can be purchased directly for future lottery drawings. A preference point increases an applicant’s chance of being drawn in future years.

Purchasing a point costs $27.50, but requires an active hunting license. Preference points accrue over time, unless not making an application or purchasing a point within five consecutive years, in which case all preference points will be reset to zero.

Kansas Deer Zones

Kansas has 18 unique deer zones. Most of the zones are whitetail deer hunting only. Five units in the western part of the state have the potential for mule deer hunting. These are units 1, 2, 3, 17, and 18.

Kansas Deer Zones Map 2025

What does a non-resident need to hunt in Kansas and what does it cost?

In addition to the Non-Resident Whitetail or Either-Species/Either-Sex Deer Permit, non-residents must also purchase a hunting license and a Kansas Habitat Stamp.

How much is a non-resident deer tag in Kansas?

For the 2024 hunting season, a non-resident deer permit cost $477.50, while the hunting license cost $127.50.

Required Licenses and Tags:

Make sure to mark your calendars for the important draw dates and track them in the OnPoint app, and good luck in the hunt! For more information you can learn about the Kansas resident draw.