Deer

Two deer species thrive in Kansas – the mule deer and the white-tailed deer. Mule deer are restricted to the western one-third of the state, primarily on the High Plains, Smoky Hills, and Red Hills regions. As you travel west to east, mule deer are less abundant, and whitetail numbers increase.

White-tailed deer can be found virtually statewide wherever suitable habitat exists, and there is excellent potential for trophy-sized bucks in all regions. Whitetails have adapted well to Kansas’ modern landscape, finding cover in natural woodlands, shelterbelts, old homesteads and grasslands, and abundant food in cropfields.

What You Need to Know to Hunt Deer in Kansas

You must have both a valid hunting license and a deer permit to hunt deer in Kansas.

Resident hunters ages 16–74 must have a resident hunting license, unless exempt by Kansas law. (Residents age 75+ do not need a hunting license.)
All nonresident hunters must have a nonresident hunting license, regardless of age.
A deer permit is also required for all hunters. Permit availability and requirements differ for residents and nonresidents.
No hunter may purchase more than one permit that allows the harvest of an antlered deer.
All nonresident deer permits are issued through a lottery (draw).
Some resident permits are issued through a lottery. The Resident Any‑Deer Firearms Permit is allocated through a draw. Most other resident permits, such as archery, whitetail any‑season, and antlerless permits, are available over the counter.
Preference points can only be purchased during the specified application periods. Preference points increase your chances of drawing a deer permit in future years. Each year you choose to purchase a preference point instead of applying for a permit, you accumulate one point. In draw years, hunters with more points have a higher likelihood of being selected. (Points are used only in the nonresident deer draw and the resident antelope draw.)
Resident permits are generally available August 5-December 31, with draw-only permit applications accepted during a specified timeframe, generally in May or June.
Non-resident permit applications areaccepted during a specified timeframe, generally inApril.
All hunters (resident and nonresident) born on or after July 1, 1957 must be hunter‑education certified to hunt in Kansas.
Deer must be tagged immediately after harvest, and hunters must complete all required electronic check‑in steps before transporting meat or antlers.

Kansas Resident Deer Permits & Applications

Use the expandable sections below to view information for each permit type.

Fees listed do not include applicable agent and transaction fees.

Resident Any Season White-tailed

Resident White-tailed Antlerless Only (WAO) Permit

Resident Antlerless White-tailed Deer permit

Any white-tailed deer without a visible antler protruding from the skull.

$20.00 General Residents
$10.00 Resident Youth (15 and younger)

Hunters may purchase up to 10 Whitetail Antlerless-Only (WAO) Permits and use them as follows:

No WAO Permits are valid in Units: 1, 2, 17, and 18.
The First Issued WAO permit is valid in all units, including Walk-in Hunting Access (WIHA and iWIHA) areas, except Units 1, 2, 17, and 18.
WAO Permits 2-5 may are valid in Units 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 10A, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 19 only. These permits are valid on Elk City, Berentz-Dick Wildlife Areas and Walk-in Hunting Areas (WIHA/iWIHA) within valid units.
- WAO Permits #2-5 are not valid on KDWP-managed public wildlife areas that are not listed above.
- Permits 4 and 5 may not be used on 8A (Ft. Riley)
WAO Permits 6-10 are valid in units 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 19 only. Elk City, Berentz-Dick Wildlife Areas and Walk-in Hunting Areas (WIHA/iWIHA) within valid units.
- WAO Permits #6-10 are not valid on Unit 10A( Ft. Leavenworth) or on KDWP-managed public wildlife areas that are not listed above.
All unfilled Either Sex Permits can be used in their designated units during the January Extended Season except Units 1, 2, 17, and 18 which do not have an extended season.
Either Species Antlerless Only permits not available

Resident Archery Either Species/Either Sex Permit

Resident Firearms Either Species/Either Sex - Draw Only

Resident Firearms Either Species/Either Sex Firearms Permit

White-tailed or mule deer; buck, doe, or fawn

Application Period: May 12 - June 12, 2026 (available through resident draw only)

$50.00 General Resident
$30.00 Resident Landowner/Resident Tenant
$95.00 Non-Resident Tenant
$20.00 Resident Youth (15 and younger)

Permits are valid either in the East Units (3, 4, 5, 7, 16) or the West Units (1, 2, 17, 18) during the regular firearms season using any legal equipment.

A resident hunter who does not want to hunt in the current year season may purchase a $10.00 preference point that will count toward a firearm either species, either sex deer permit in a future drawing.

Preference points can only be purchased during the application period.
Applicants must apply online at www.gooutdoorskansas.com, or by phone 1-833-587-2164. Applicant will be asked at the time of application to select the choice of permit delivery.
- Printed tags will be mailed to the address on the application
- E-Tag/Mobile will be tagged electronically only through our mobile app: Go Outdoors KS (free download available in your mobile app store).

Resident Preference Point Applications

Preference Point Application

$10.00 Preference Point
If unsuccessful in the draw, applicant will be issued a preference point for a future drawing.
Preference points remain on file for 5 years from last date a point was issued or purchased. If applicant fails to make at least one application or purchase one point within 5 consecutive years, all earned preference points will be reset to zero.
Preference points can be purchased online at GoOutdoorsKS.gov or by calling 1-833-587-2164 between 6am and 9pm.
1. Log in to your account
2. Click Limited Draw Applications
3. Select the Resident Deer - Either Species/Sex Deer Firearm Application
4. Select Apply for Points only
5. Complete your payment

Resident Muzzleloader Either Species/Either Sex Permit

Resident Muzzleloader Either-species/Either-sex Deer Permit

White-tailed or mule deer; buck, doe or fawn

Resident Muzzleloader Either-species/Either-sex Deer permits are valid either in the east unit (3, 4, 5, 7, 16) or the west unit (1, 2, 17, 18) during the early muzzleloader season and the regular firearm season using muzzleloading equipment only. Available Aug. 5 - Dec. 31

$40.00 General residents
$20.00 Resident Landowner/Resident Tenant
$85.00 NR Tenant
$10.00 Resident Youth (15 and Younger)

Resident Hunt Own Land Permit

Hunt-Own-Land Deer Permit

Available to individuals who qualify as resident landowners, including family members living with the landowner or tenant. Permit valid for any white-tailed or mule deer only on land owned or operated by landowner or tenant during muzzleloader-only, archery, and firearm seasons using equipment legal for that season. Available Aug. 5 - Dec. 31

$20.00 Resident Landowner/Resident Tenant
Hunter must first have a resident deer permit that allows the taking of an antlered deer, unless purchased after Dec. 31

Non-Resident Deer Permits & Applications

Use the expandable sections below to view information for each permit type.

Fees listed do not include applicable agent and transaction fees.

Non-Resident Whitetail Antlerless-Only (WAO) Permits

Whitetail Antlerless-Only (WAO) Permits

$50.00 each, available August 5-December 31

Hunters may purchase up to 10 Whitetail Antlerless-Only (WAO) Permits and use them as follows:

No WAO Permits are valid in Units: 1, 2, 17, and 18.
The First Issued WAO permit is valid in all units, including Walk-in Hunting Access (WIHA and iWIHA) areas, except Units 1, 2, 17, and 18.
WAO Permits 2-5 may are valid in Units 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 10A, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 19 only. These permits are valid on Elk City, Berentz-Dick Wildlife Areas and Walk-in Hunting Areas (WIHA/iWIHA) within valid units.
- WAO Permits #2-5 are not valid on KDWP-managed public wildlife areas that are not listed above.
- Permits 4 and 5 may not be used on 8A (Ft. Riley)
WAO Permits 6-10 are valid in units 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 19 only. Elk City, Berentz-Dick Wildlife Areas and Walk-in Hunting Areas (WIHA/iWIHA) within valid units.
- WAO Permits #6-10 are not valid on Unit 10A( Ft. Leavenworth) or on KDWP-managed public wildlife areas that are not listed above.

All unfilled Either Sex Permits can be used in their designated units during the January Extended Season except Units 1, 2, 17, and 18 which do not have an extended season.

Non-Resident Deer Permits

Nonresident Deer Permits 2026

APPLICATION PERIOD: April 1 - April 24, 2026

Preference points can only be purchased during the application period.
Applicants must apply online at www.gooutdoorskansas.gov or call 1-833-587-2164.
All fees listed below will have an internet convenience fee added at time of applying online for a permit or preference point.

You will also need to possess a valid nonresident hunting license at the time of application, $125.00 (16 and over), $40.00 (15 and younger)

The nonresident hunting license fee and application fee are NONREFUNDABLE.

$475.00 Nonresident White-tailed Deer Permit, (16 and older and includes $25.00 nonrefundable application fee)
$115.00 Nonresident Youth White-tailed Deer Permit (youth 15 and younger and includes $25.00 nonrefundable application fee)

Bag Limit: (1) white-tailed deer - buck, doe or fawn AND (1) white-tailed antlerless deer (No additional fee required. Included with White-tailed Deer Permit)

The credit card provided will be used to pay for the total price of the awarded permits at the time of the draw if this application is selected as a winner for the hunt.

The deadline for applying is APRIL 24, 2026.

Apply Online

Non-Resident Group Hunt Applications

Group Hunt

The group hunt application is to accommodate those who do not want to hunt unless their hunting partners draw also. Applicants (up to 5) must apply for the same unit and the same weapon choice. Each person will make application and there will be a question on the application about groups.

The first applicant in the group to apply would select the create group option on this question. This will create a group and you will be given a group number.

Each applicant applying after the group has been set up would select the join group option and they would fill in the Group number. Applicant will be asked at the time of application to select the choice of permit delivery.

Printed tags will be mailed to the address on the application, E-Tag/Mobile will be tagged electronically only through our mobile app: Go Outdoors KS (free download available in your mobile app store).

The overall group will be drawn from the lowest preference point in the group.

The credit card provided will be used to pay for the total price of the awarded permits at the time of the draw if this application is selected as a winner for the hunt.

Any members added by the leader will be charged on the leader's credit card by default. Credit card information for each applicant can be modified after the application is submitted.

Non-Resident Mule Deer Stamp

$150.00 Mule Deer Stamp Fee (plus Nonresident White-tailed deer permit fee listed above)

A nonresident must apply for the Mule Deer Stamp during the April application period. A nonresident who successfully draws an archery or muzzleloader White-tailed Deer Permit among units 1, 2, 17 or 18 and has applied for the Mule Deer Stamp will be entered into a draw for one of a limited number of Mule Deer Stamps. If drawn, the applicant's White-tailed Deer Archery or Muzzleloader Permit converts to an Either-species/Either-sex Archery or Muzzleloader Permit. Preference points do not count toward the Mule Deer Stamp draw.

If unsuccessful in the Mule Deer Stamp Draw, hunter will be issued the White-tailed Deer Archery or Muzzleloader Draw Permit for the successful draw unit.

Non-Resident Preference Point Applications

Preference Point Applications

$25.00 Preference Point
A nonresident hunter who does not want to hunt in the current season can purchase a preference point that will count toward a white-tailed deer permit in a future drawing.
If unsuccessful in the draw, hunter will be issued a preference point for a future drawing.
Preference points remain on file for 5 years from last date a point was issued or purchased. If applicant fails to make at least one application or purchase one point within 5 consecutive years, all earned preference points will be reset to zero.
Preference points can be purchased online at GoOutdoorsKS.gov or by calling 1-833-587-2164 between 6am and 9pm.
1. Log in to your account
2. Click Limited Draw Applications
3. Select the Nonresident Whitetail Deer Application
4. Select Apply for Points only
5. Complete your payment

Non-Resident Hunt Own Land Permit

Kansas offers special deer permits for nonresidents who own or operate land in the state, as well as certain relatives of resident landowners and tenants. These permits allow eligible individuals to hunt only on the qualifying property and are valid during all deer seasons using equipment legal for each season.

$85.00 Nonresident Hunt-Own-Land Deer Permit: Available to nonresident individuals who qualify as Kansas landowners. Permit valid for any white-tailed or mule deer only on land owned or operated by the nonresident landowner, during muzzleloader-only, archery, and firearm seasons using equipment legal for that season. Available at vendor locations or online August 5 - Dec. 31
$40.00 Special Hunt-Own-Land Relative Deer Permit: Available to individuals who qualify as lineal ascendants or descendants or siblings of resident landowners or all tenants, and spouses of a qualifying landowner. Permit valid for any white-tailed or mule deer only on land owned or operated by landowner or tenant during muzzleloader-only, archery, and firearm seasons using equipment legal for that season. Lineal relatives include direct ascendants or descendants such as a grandfather, mother, son, or granddaughter. Cousins, uncles/aunts, or nephews/nieces are not lineal family members. You would also need to purchase an annual hunting license. Available at vendor locations or online August 5 - Dec. 31

All hunters must first have a nonresident deer permit that allows the taking of an antlered deer, unless they are purchasing the Hunt Own Land permit after December 31 for that hunting season.

$50.00 Nonresident Whitetail Antlerless Only (WAO) Deer Permit (any white-tailed deer without a visible antler).
- White-tailed Antlerless Deer permit (any white-tailed deer without a visible antler protruding from the skull. Available at vendor locations or online August 5 - Dec. 31

Either‑Species Antlerless Only permits are not available to nonresidents. Nonresidents may only purchase a Whitetail Antlerless Only permit, in addition to any permits obtained through the nonresident draw.

Non-Resident Tenant Hunt Own Land Permits

Nonresident Tenant Deer Permits

Available to individuals who qualify as a tenant, including family members living with the tenant. Permit valid for any white-tailed or mule deer only on land owned or operated by tenant during muzzleloader-only, archery, and firearm seasons using equipment legal for that season. Available at vendor locations or online August 5 - Dec. 31

$85.00 Nonresident Tenant Hunt-Own-Land Deer Permit (available online or at vendor locations over the counter)
- Hunter must first have a tenant deer permit that allows the taking of an antlered deer, unless purchased after Dec. 31.
$50.00 Nonresident Antlerless White-tailed Deer permit (any white-tailed deer without a visible antler)
- White-tailed Antlerless Deer permit (any white-tailed deer without a visible antler protruding from the skull) Available August 5 - Dec. 31

You can also purchase licenses and permits at most Kansas Department of Wildlife and Park offices, by calling 1-833-587-2164 between 6am and 9pm, or from one of more than 600 license vendors located around the state.

Helpful Application Information

Hunter applies in one unit and selects one adjacent unit to also hunt, as well as the season choice (archery, muzzleloader, or firearm) at the time of application. Muzzleloader permit holders may hunt during early muzzleloader season and regular firearm season using muzzleloader equipment only.

Applicant will be asked at the time of application to select the choice of permit delivery.

Printed tags will be mailed to the address on the application
E-Tag/Mobile will be tagged electronically only through our mobile app: Go Outdoors KS (free download available in your mobile app store).

Group Hunt Applications

The group hunt application is available for both resident and non-resident draw-only permits to accommodate those who do not want to hunt unless their hunting partners draw also. Applicants (up to 5) must apply for the same unit and the same weapon choice. Each person will make application and there will be a question on the application about groups.

The first applicant in the group to apply would select the create group option on this question. This will create a group and you will be given a group number.
Each applicant applying after the group has been set up would select the join group option and they would fill in the Group number. Applicant will be asked at the time of application to select the choice of permit delivery.
- Printed tags will be mailed to the address on the application
- E-Tag/Mobile will be tagged electronically only through our mobile app: Go Outdoors KS (free download available in your mobile app store).
The overall group will be drawn from the lowest preference point in the group.
The credit card provided will be used to pay for the total price of the award permits at the time of the draw if this application is selected as a winner for the hunt.
Any members added by the leader will be charged on the leader's credit card by default. If any individual members' credit card is unsuccessful, the entire group application will be unsuccessful. Credit card information for each applicant can be modified after the application is submitted.
All fees listed below will have an internet convenience fee added at time of applying online for a permit or preference point.

Deer Hunting Regulations

We’ve highlighted a few important deer‑specific regulations to help you prepare for your hunt. This overview is meant as a helpful guide, not a complete list of Kansas hunting laws. Learn more about Kansas outdoor regulations and statutes.

Hunter Education

All hunters (resident and nonresident) born on or after July 1, 1957 must be hunter‑education certified to hunt in Kansas. Anyone under 27 years old must carry their hunter education card while hunting. The minimum age for certification is 11 years, and youth 12-15 who have completed hunter education may hunt without adult supervision (except during youth seasons when adult supervision is required regardless of hunter education). Learn more about Hunter Education.

Age Requirements

There is no minimum age to apply for and receive a big game (deer, elk, antelope) permit.

Legal Equipment

Firearm permit holders may hunt with any legal equipment during the firearm season. Muzzleloader permit holders may only hunt with muzzleloading or archery equipment during the muzzleloader and firearm seasons. Archery permit holders may only use archery equipment during the archery season, even during days that overlap the muzzleloader or regular firearm season.

Blaze Orange Required

All deer hunters and persons assisting them must wear orange during an open firearm or muzzleloader season. An orange hat and at least 200 square inches of orange is required. Of this, 100 square inches must be visible from the front and 100 square inches must be visible from the back on the upper half of the body. Camouflage orange providing the required orange is legal.

Field Dressing & Local Processors

Wild game processors are exempt from registration or regulation under Kansas law with the Kansas Department of Agriculture. This is complementary list of known deer processors across the state and may not be all inclusive. This list also include processors who are affiliated with the Hunters Feeding the Hungry organization.

Download the List of Kansas Deer Processors

Your browser does not support online frames.<br> <br> Please visit <a href="https://youtu.be/ZLpMEeggIUc?si=IivmemZl8-80quWA" target="_blank">Field Dressing Deer</a>

Electronic Registration

A voluntary option for transporting harvested deer allows hunters to register their harvested deer through the Internet, using photos taken at the harvest site. This is not a telephone registration system, and it is not required unless you want to transport your deer without evidence of sex attached. (Without this system, deer taken with antlerless-only permits must have the head attached until it arrives at a commercial place of processing, preservation, or the permit holder's residence.)

Once a registration confirmation number has been obtained or the hunter retains the photographs necessary for electronic registration later, the hunter may then transport the carcass without the head or evidence of sex being attached.

For complete directions on this process, go to the Electronic Deer Check-in Application.

Quotas and Draw Statistics

Last season's quotas and draw outcomes can provide useful context for planning your application strategy, but they’re offered here for reference only. Permit numbers and draw odds can change from year to year.

2026 Resident Deer Permits

Management Unit	Permit TYPE	Permits Authorized	CHANGE FROM 2025
Western Kansas - Units 1,2,17 & 18	Either Species, Either Sex	854	Decreased by 105
Eastern Kansas - Units 3,4,5,7 & 16	Either Species, Either Sex	39	Decreased by 18

2025 Resident Either Species, Either Sex Deer Draw Stats Report

2026 Non-Resident Deer Permits

Management Unit	Permit Type	Permits Authorized	CHANGE FROM 2025
Unit 1	Whitetail Either Sex	389	Decreased by 62
Unit 1	Mule Deer Stamp	19	Decreased by 5
Unit 2	Whitetail Either Sex	303	Decreased by 10
Unit 2	Mule Deer Stamp	15	Decreased by 4
Unit 3	Whitetail Either Sex	689	Decreased 50
Unit 4	Whitetail Either Sex	442	Decreased 12
Unit 5	Whitetail Either Sex	679	Increased by 20
Unit 6	Whitetail Either Sex	604	Increased by15
Unit 7	Whitetail Either Sex	1,372	Decreased by 102
Unit 8	Whitetail Either Sex	1,841	Decrease 29
Unit 9	Whitetail Either Sex	1,206	Increase 24
Unit 10	Whitetail Either Sex	1,304	Decrease 35
Unit 11	Whitetail Either Sex	3,564	Increased by 41
Unit 12	Whitetail Either Sex	2,303	Increased by 110
Unit 13	Whitetail Either Sex	636	No Change
Unit 14	Whitetail Either Sex	2,079	Increased by 60
Unit 15	Whitetail Either Sex	1,705	Increase 47
Unit 16	Whitetail Either Sex	1,740	Decreased by 25
Unit 17	Whitetail Either Sex	619	No Change
Unit 17	Mule Deer Stamp	30	Decreased by 8
Unit 18	Whitetail Either Sex	228	Decreased by 13
Unit 18	Mule Deer Stamp	15	Decreased by 4

2025 Nonresident Deer Draw Stats Report

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Get ready for deer season with essential Kansas hunting information.

What You Need to Know to Hunt Deer in Kansas

Kansas Resident Deer Permits & Applications

Resident Any-Season White-tailed Deer Permit (white-tailed deer buck, doe or fawn)

Resident Antlerless White-tailed Deer permit

Resident Archery Either-species/Either-sex Deer Permit

White-tailed or mule deer; buck, doe or fawn

Resident Firearms Either Species/Either Sex Firearms Permit

White-tailed or mule deer; buck, doe, or fawn

Preference Point Application

Resident Muzzleloader Either-species/Either-sex Deer Permit

White-tailed or mule deer; buck, doe or fawn

Hunt-Own-Land Deer Permit

Non-Resident Deer Permits & Applications

Whitetail Antlerless-Only (WAO) Permits

Nonresident Deer Permits 2026

Group Hunt

Non-Resident Mule Deer Stamp

Preference Point Applications

Nonresident Tenant Deer Permits

Helpful Application Information

Group Hunt Applications

Deer Hunting Regulations

Age Requirements

Legal Equipment

Blaze Orange Required

Field Dressing & Local Processors

Quotas and Draw Statistics

2026 Resident Deer Permits

2026 Non-Resident Deer Permits