The Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Commission has awarded special commission permits for the 2019-20 seasons to qualifying nonprofit wildlife conservation organizations.
Recipients must use these special permits to raise funds for projects that enhance fish and wildlife, habitats, education efforts, or related recreation in Kentucky.
By state regulation, the commission may award a maximum of 10 special permits for deer, turkey, elk and waterfowl, respectively, to qualifying organizations, which may receive up to one permit each, per year. Nonprofit wildlife organizations may apply for the special permits by May 1 each year. The commission reviews applications and its members vote at their quarterly public meeting in June.
The special commission permits awarded for the 2019-2020 seasons were as follows:
2020 Elk:
• Kentucky Houndsmen Foundation for Sportsmen’s Rights, Inc.
• Kentucky Trapshooters League
• League of Kentucky Sportsmen, Inc.
• Northern Kentucky Quail Forever
• Quality Deer Management Association (National Office)
• Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
• Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Foundation
2019/2020 Deer:
• Appalachian Outdoorsmen Association, Inc.
• Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Foundation
• Kentucky Houndsmen Foundation for Sportmen’s Rights, Inc.
• Kentucky Hunters for the Hungry, Inc.
• Kentucky Trapshooters League
• League of Kentucky Sportsmen, Inc.
• Quality Deer Management Association (National Office)
• Scholastic Archery Association – Kentucky Division
• The Nature Conservancy of Kentucky
• Ruffed Grouse Society – Tri-State Drumming Feathers Chapter (WV,KY,OH)
2020 Spring Turkey:
• Appalachian Outdoorsmen Association, Inc.
• Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Foundation
• Kentucky Hunters for the Hungry, Inc.
• Ruffed Grouse Society – Kentucky River Chapter
• Kentucky Trapshooters League
• League of Kentucky Sportsmen, Inc.
• Quality Deer Management Association (National Office)
• Scholastic Archery Association – Kentucky Division
• The Nature Conservancy of Kentucky
• Ruffed Grouse Society – Tri-State Drumming Feathers Chapter (WV, KY,OH)
2019/2020 Waterfowl:
• Appalachian Outdoorsmen Association, Inc.
• Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Foundation
• Kentucky Hunters for the Hungry, Inc.
• Ruffed Grouse Society – Kentucky River Chapter
• Kentucky Trapshooters League
• League of Kentucky Sportsmen, Inc.
• Ruffed Grouse Society – Tri-State Drumming Feathers Chapter (WV,KY,OH)
• Scholastic Archery Association – Kentucky Division
• The Nature Conservancy of Kentucky
• National Wild Turkey Federation – Kentucky River Longbeards Chapter
Commission members cast votes to award special commission permits at their most recent quarterly public meeting in June, which resulted in ties for three special permits. Because the commission adjourned its June meeting before votes were tallied, a special called meeting was subsequently held on July 12 to cast tie-breaking votes.
More information about special commission permits, including how qualifying nonprofits may apply, is available on the department website at fw.ky.gov.
The Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Commission is a nine-member board, comprised of volunteers who serve four-year terms after being nominated by active hunters and anglers, appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Kentucky senate. The commission meets quarterly to recommend hunting, fishing and boating regulations on behalf of the sportsmen and sportswomen of the Commonwealth.
It also approves department research projects and awards the special commission permits.
Commission meetings are open for the public, and video recordings and approved minutes are published thereafter on the department’s website.
