Understanding Kentucky's New Big Game Recording and Tagging Requirements

HUNTER HARVEST LOG
Beginning with the 2002 Hunting Seasons, ALL hunters will be required to fill out a hunter harvest log for any turkey or deer they take during those seasons.On the back of every paper license or permit purchased from a license dealer, such as Wal-mart or K-mart, hunters will notice some pre-printed blanks like the example shown here.

The process of filling in the log is easy: Before you move the animal from the spot it is found:

Step 1: Mark the appropriate species box, write in the date, county where taken and sex of the animal, and put the harvest log back in your pocket.

Step 2: When you call to check in the animal, write down the confirmation number on the log in the blank provided, and keep the log with you anytime you're in the field during the season.

Hunters who do not recieve a hunter log as part of a license or permit purchase may request a blank log sheet from any license dealer, use the example shown here or in the 2002-03 Kentucky Turkey Hunting Guide or Kentucky Hunting & Trapping Guide, print one or make their own using an index card and writing down the required information as described here.

Mandatory Harvest Check-In,
Toll Free 1-800-245-4263

All harvested deer and turkeys must be telechecked through the toll-free, 24-hour automated phone-in system by midnight on the day the deer (or turkey) is recovered, and before being transported out of Kentucky.

HARVEST LOGS MUST NOT BE USED AS CARCASS TAGS!!!

Hunters must keep log information for any turkey or deer they take in their possession whenever they are in the field hunting during those seasons.

Tagging
Tagging an animal is only required when a harvested turkey or deer, for whatever reason, leaves the hunter's immediate possession. If the hunter who shot the animal leaves the carcass somewhere he or she's not, the carcass must be tagged first. If the hunter who shot the animal leaves the carcass with another hunter to transport, and isn't in the vehicle with the other hunter, the carcass must be tagged first. If the hunter who shot the animal leaves the carcass with a processor or taxidermist, the hunter must FIRST attach a carcass tag to the animal.

If the carcass never leaves the hunter's possession, no tag is required.

Carcass Tags are not provided with any type of permit purchase. ALL HUNTERS MUST MAKE THEIR OWN CARCASS TAGS IF NECESSARY.

A tag must be attached so it remains attached to the carcass until processing begins. When carcass tags are required, they must contain the information below:

1. Name
2. Address
3. Confirmation Number or Authorization Number

Again, DO NOT USE YOUR HARVEST LOG AS A CARCASS TAG. Last Updated: 04/07/03