How Much Does a Whitetail Deer Hunt Cost in Kentucky?
By Quick answerA guided whitetail deer hunt in Kentucky runs $600 to $12,500 across 205 packages from 36 outfitters, with the middle of the market at $3,000 — before the state hunting license and deer permit, which are separate money.
What a guided whitetail deer hunt costs in Kentucky
A guided whitetail deer hunt in Kentucky typically costs $3,000, with half of packages between $2,500 and $4,000.
From 157 priced packages of 205 across 36 outfitters, checked August 2026.
15 packages run higher, up to $12,500 — typically multi-day trips with lodging.
Full price breakdown
Guided whitetail deer package prices in Kentucky, August 2026 — 157 priced packages
| Point | Price |
|---|---|
| Lowest | $600 |
| 25th percentile | $2,500 |
| Median | $3,000 |
| 75th percentile | $4,000 |
| Highest | $12,500 |
The priciest hunts aren't longer versions of the cheapest ones
A hunt priced by antler score climbs fast as the score does — because you're paying for the animal, not the day. A day-rate or per-hunter package prices the opposite: how long you're in the stand, not what you're allowed to shoot. Ask an outfitter which one you're quoted before you compare his number to anyone else's; the two aren't the same product.
What that number doesn't cover
Kentucky requires its own hunting license and deer permit on top of whatever an outfitter quotes, priced separately below, and different for residents and nonresidents. Add it before you call the number above the cost of the trip.
Why Tad Ladd comes out on top
Several outfitters on this page also hold a perfect five stars. Tad Ladd West Kentucky Whitetails leads anyway — the ranking weighs a rating by how many reviews back it up, so a perfect score built on dozens of reviews outranks the same score built on a handful.
Match your weapon and your season against the outfitters below before you compare their prices to the median above.
How guided whitetail deer hunts in Kentucky are hunted
- archery 61 packages from $1,050
- rifle 50 packages from $1,450
- muzzleloader 32 packages from $1,750
- crossbow 4 packages from $1,750
Pricing reflects live GuidedHunts outfitter listings, last updated August 2026. Always confirm current pricing and availability directly with the outfitter before booking.
Top 6 of 36 whitetail deer outfitters in Kentucky
- Guide
- Lodging
- Meals
- Transportation
- Guide
- Lodging
- Meals
- Meat processing
- Guide
- Lodging
- Meals
- Meat processing
- Guide
- Lodging
- Meals
- Guide
- Lodging
- Meals
- Meat processing
- Guide
- Lodging
- Meals
- Alcohol
How we rank: Outfitters are ranked by a credibility-weighted rating that blends each outfitter's verified Google star rating with how many reviews back it up — so a strong average from many hunters outranks the same average from only a few — then by the breadth of whitetail deer packages they offer (live inventory, last updated August 2026). Prices, ratings and review counts come straight from each outfitter's current listings — always confirm details before you book.
What's included in a guided whitetail deer hunt in Kentucky
Across 204 guided whitetail deer packages in Kentucky that list what they include, these come up most often:
- Lodging97%
- Guide89%
- Meals84%
- Meat processing39%
- Transportation39%
- Alcohol3%
- Dogs3%
- Game cooler / storage3%
- License & tags3%
- Taxidermy3%
- Game recovery & pack-out2%
- Beverages1%
- Rifle/Archery range1%
Inclusions vary by outfitter and package — always confirm what's covered before you book.
Required licenses & tags
| Licence | Residency | Cost | Tag |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Hunting License | nonresident | $169.12 | — |
| Annual Hunting License | resident | $28.54 | — |
| Senior/Disabled Sportsman's License | resident | $12.68 | — |
| Statewide Deer Permit | resident | $37 | — |
| Statewide Deer Permit | nonresident | $248.4 | — |
| Youth Annual Hunting License | resident | $6.34 | — |
| Youth Annual Hunting License | nonresident | $10.57 | — |
| Youth Deer Permit | resident | $10.57 | — |
| Youth Deer Permit | nonresident | $15.86 | — |
| Additional Deer Permit | Any | $15.86 | — |
Weapon regulations
- archeryLongbows, recurves and compound bows of any draw weight. Fixed blade or mechanical broadheads at least 7/8” wide (when blades extended). Arrows and broadheads may not be chemically-treated.
- crossbowCrossbows of any draw weight with a working safety. Fixed blade or mechanical broadheads at least 7/8” wide (when blades extended). Arrows (bolts) and broadheads may not be chemically-treated.
- handgunAny caliber centerfire handgun. Magazines may not be capable of holding more than 10 rounds.
- muzzleloaderMuzzle-loading rifles or handguns of any caliber, with flint or percussion ignition (including in-lines), shooting round balls, conical bullets or saboted bullets. Muzzle-loading shotguns no larger than 10-gauge are also permitted.
- rifleAir guns of .35 caliber or larger charged by an external tank, shooting single projectile ammunition designed to expand upon impact.
- rifleAny caliber centerfire rifle. Magazines may not be capable of holding more than 10 rounds.
- shotgun10-gauge or smaller, shooting slug ammunition only (includes saboted bullets).
Hunters 15 years old and younger who use a firearm for deer or bear must be accompanied by an adult, who shall remain in a position to take immediate control of the youth’s firearm.
What hunters say about whitetail deer outfitters in Kentucky
33 whitetail deer outfitters in Kentucky carry 1,161 Google reviews averaging 4.60 — including 119 at three stars or below.
Sourced from Google · most recent review .
| 5 stars | 1,019 | |
|---|---|---|
| 4 stars | 23 | |
| 3 stars | 10 | |
| 2 stars | 13 | |
| 1 star | 96 |
I had an absolutely incredible experience hunting at Kentucky Trophy Deer. From the moment I arrived, the entire operation was professional, welcoming, and extremely well-run…
I had an incredible time hunting whitetail during the early rut with Tad Ladd West Kentucky Whitetails…
5 out of 5. Steven David · Tad Ladd West Kentucky Whitetails ·
Got to say a very outstanding setup. Mike has some great quality deer on his property. He does his homework and puts you in the best situation to see and harvest good deer…
5 out of 5. Michael Mauldin · Whitetail Hunting Kentucky ·
This is my third year hunting with Terry and Stephanie and I must say, I have always been treated like family. I had good success and missed a really nice 9 point Kentucky buck this year, but I’ll get him next time…
5 out of 5. Patrick Hunt · Racknine Outdoors LLC ·
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Browse every matching package and outfitter in Kentucky.