Hunting is a popular recreational activity and is an integral part of our wildlife management program. In the absence of large predators, hunting helps to maintain healthy populations of species such as white-tailed deer.
With thousands of acres teeming with game and over 300 miles of undeveloped shoreline, Land Between the Lakes offers an impressive variety of hunting opportunities and more than 250 days a year of in-season hunting. Hunters will find white-tailed deer, wild turkey, squirrels, and other forest game species abundant.
We offer annual spring turkey and squirrel hunts, fall/winter hunts for deer, waterfowl, and a variety of small game species. Hunters can also enjoy a variety of camping choices, from the convenience of our developed campgrounds to the rustic adventure of camping in our dispersed areas. For more detailed hunting information, email us at lblquotahunt@usda.gov.
Deer Hunting
2025-2026 Deer Hunt Fact Sheet
Kentucky
Adult quota hunts
- October 31-Nov 2, 2025
- Nov 21-23, 2025
Youth-only quota hunt
- October 25-26, 2025
Tennessee
Adult quota hunts
- Nov 14-16, 2025
- Nov 28-30, 2025
Youth-only quota hunt
- October 18-19, 2025
Turkey Hunting
Thank you for Turkey Hunting at LBL in 2025. New dates will be out in 2026.
Small Game, Waterfowl, & Trapping
2025-2026 Small Game Fact Sheet – COMING SOON
Fishing
For Safety, Rules and Regulations please follow Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) or Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency with the exception of the following:
- Night hunting for coyotes and bobcats is prohibited on Land Between the Lakes. Persons are prohibited from hunting coyotes from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes prior to sunrise. 36 CFR 261.58(v). This order is established for regulating the night hunting of coyote in order for the protection of visitors, local, state, and federal personnel.
- No hog hunting. It is illegal to chase, hunt, transport, or release feral hogs on Land Between the Lakes. Those caught are subject to citation. Learn more on our feral hog information page.
Hunter Use Permits
All hunters age 16 and over must have a Land Between the Lakes Hunter Use Permit and applicable state licenses- ie: must hunt in Kentucky if hunter possesses a Kentucky state license.
The Annual Land Between the Lakes Hunter Use Permit is available online, in-person at the Welcome Stations and Visitor Center, or anywhere Tennessee State hunting licenses are sold.
Hunter Use Permits are valid for one year from date of purchase.
- Hunter Use Permit – $25 – good 1 year from date of purchase
- Combo Permit – $50 – includes annual hunter use permit and backcountry camping permit
- Quota Hunt Online Application – $10
- Hunters may use printed or digital documentation with proof of identity.
- Permits cannot be changed, altered, or transferred to another hunter.
- All hunters ages 16 and over must have in their possession at all times:
- Land Between the Lakes Hunter Use Permit.
- Applicable state hunting licenses– ie: must hunt in Kentucky if hunter possesses a Kentucky state license. There is not a reciprocal agreement between states. State hunting licenses are not sold at Land Between the Lakes and must be purchased prior to hunting.
- Quota hunt permit (if applicable)
