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Kansas Hunting Overview

Kansas is a popular destination for big game hunting, attracting both resident and non-resident hunters every year. The state is home to a variety of species, including mule deer, whitetail deer, antelope, and elk. The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism oversees the management of these species.

Limited opportunity Kansas hunting tags are regulated by a draw system, with hunters applying for permits through a lottery process. The draw system is open to both residents and non-residents, with the latter accounting for a significant portion of the hunting community in Kansas. Kansas is a top destination for big game hunting, with approximately 250,000 annual hunters including nearly 80,000 non-residents.

Big Game Species

Kansas offers big game hunting opportunities for Whitetail Deer, Mule Deer, Antelope, and Elk. Whitetail deer represent the largest population in the state, at approximately 700,000 and greatest hunting opportunity by numbers for both residents and non-residents. Mule deer number approximately 20,000, primarily in the western portion of the state. Both residents and non-residents are able hunt mule deer, but opportunities are limited and require additional application steps for non-residents, detailed in the Kansas non-resident deer draw summary. Elk and Antelope populations in the state are small and limited to residents or non-resident land owners.

Draw and OTC Sales and Dates

Name	Species	Opening	Deadline
Non-Resident Deer Draw	Whitetail, Mule Deer	April 1st, 2024	April 26th, 2024
Resident Elk, Deer, and Antelope Draw	All species	May 7th, 2024	June 7th, 2024 (tentative)

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Kansas Hunting Point System

Kansas uses primarily a preference point system, though has bonus points for Elk. Preference points are given to applicants who are unsuccessful in draws for hunting permits. For those who do not wish to apply for a permit but want to purchase a preference point, they can select the “preference point only” option. Only one preference point can be obtained per year. These preference points remain on file for five years from the last date a point was issued or purchased. If a hunter fails to make at least one application or purchase one point within five consecutive years, points will be reset to zero. In group applications the lowest number of preference points from the group is used.

Given the low quantity of tags allocated and high tag demand, elk permits use a standard bonus point system.

Kansas Point Types

Species	Type	Residency
Deer (Combined)	Preference Point	Resident
Whitetail Deer	Preference Point	Non-Resident
Turkey	Preference Point	Both
Pronghorn Antelope	Preference Point	Resident
Elk	Bonus Point	Resident

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How to build points

Points are acquired through draws, and there is no opportunity to acquire them outside of the draw. A valid hunting license is required to acquire points.

Tags, Licenses, and Pricing

A valid hunting license is required to apply for the draw, including for purchasing points only. Non-resident deer applications include a non-refundable $27.50 fee. Fees for resident and non-resident licenses and permits are in the table below.

General License Fees

Item	Resident Price	Non-Resident Price
Annual hunting license	$27.50	$127.50

Species Specific Fees

Item	Resident Price (2023*)	Non-Resident Price
Deer Draw Permit	$52.50	$477.50
General Deer OTC	$42.50	N/A
Mule Deer Stamp Fee	N/A	$150.00
Deer Preference Point Only	$12.50	$27.50
Antelope Draw Permit	$62.50	N/A
Archery Antelope General	$52.50	N/A
Antelope Preference Point Only	$12.50	N/A
Elk Permit	$302.50	N/A
Antlerless Elk	$152.50	N/A
Elk Preference Point Only	$12.50	N/A

Kansas Hunting Regulations

Kansas hunter requirements and regulations are available here.

Hunters Education

Hunters Education is required for individuals born on or after July 1, 1957, except that anyone 15 years old or younger may hunt without hunter education certification provided they are under the direct supervision of an adult 18 years old or older. Hunter Education Certification issued by any state, Canadian Province, or some foreign jurisdictions are deemed to meet the requirements of Kansas Law.
Individuals 16 or older may purchase a two-time purchase deferral of the Hunter Education requirements by purchasing an Apprentice hunting license. Apprentice hunting license holders must hunt under the supervision of a licensed hunter age 18 or older.

Age Restrictions

There is no minimum age to apply for or receive a big game permit in Kansas.

Archery Limitations

Mechanical broadheads and lighted nocks are allowed in Kansas.

Group Hunting

Hunters may apply as a group in Kansas, with up to five applicants for the same unit and weapon choice and each person will make an individual application. The first applicant in the group will select the “create group” option and will receive a group number. Subsequent applicants will select the “join group” option and enter the group number. The overall group will be drawn based on the lowest preference point in the group. Applicants will be asked to select their preferred permit delivery method (print and mail or electronic delivery through the Go Outdoors Kansas app) at the time of application.