The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, an agency of the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, is responsible for the conservation of wildlife resources and for boating projects in the state. A commissioner appointed by the Fish and Wildlife Commission heads the department. The commission—which oversees the department's commissioner and promulgates regulations governing fishing, hunting, and boating—is a nine-member bipartisan board appointed by the governor from a list of candidates nominated by active hunters and anglers in each of nine geographic districts in the state.
Financial support of the department is derived through the sale of hunting and fishing licenses, boat registrations, federal grants and numerous other receipts. The department has a $68 million budget and employs about 400 full-time staff and more than 100 interim (seasonal) employees and contract labor.
Mission statement
The department's mission is to conserve, protect and enhance Kentucky's fish and wildlife resources and provide outstanding opportunities for fishing, hunting, trapping, boating, shooting sports, wildlife viewing, and related activities.
History of the Department: 1945 to 1995
1912: Kentucky's fish and wildlife agency was first formed in 1912 as a small commission with very limited staff. It was focused on regulations to protect and help recover the fish and wildlife populations of the state that had been depleted as a result of unregulated exploitation of various kinds, as well as rapid habitat loss. The agency's administrative designation and organization changed over time, and was re-organized in 1944 with an emphasis on professional, science-based conservation.
1945: Division purchases experimental Game Farm for $12,575—for propagation of game birds, animals; experiments with trees, shrubs for improvement of wildlife environment. Nation's first Junior Conservation Club program begins. Kentucky deer population is less than 1,000. Division of Publicity (Public Relations) and Conservation Education begins. Nine law enforcement districts align with congressional districts. Commissioner Earl Wallace announces the department will start its own magazine with a press run of 15,000 and a subscription cost of 50 cents a year. First issue of Happy Hunting Ground is published in December.
1946: First legal deer hunt (January 2–14) in 30 years; $15 tag required if deer is taken. Big Game Restoration Program, cooperative quail raising project with sportsmen begin. Two wildlife biologists pioneer process of live-trapping wild turkeys for restocking. 181,153 hunting licenses sold.
1948: Amendment to Kentucky Statutes legalizes hunting coons with dogs. Statewide development of Big Game Refuges begins, continues to 1951. Legislature approves bill allowing fishing during the month of May (previously banned to protect fish during spawning) and raises the cost of fishing license from $1 to $2. First official documented use of aircraft to apprehend poachers. Kentucky hosts 10th Annual Crow Shooting Championship (June 26–27).
1952: General Assembly rewrites game and fish laws, changes name of division to Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. Kentucky Afield radio show premieres (15-minute weekly series). Experimental release of Great Plains jackrabbits in Mercer, Pendleton and Hancock counties. Commission orders closed season on all game November 6–16. All netting operations in Tennessee River below Kentucky Dam banned due to widespread violations. County licenses eliminated; only statewide licenses available. Junior hunting license for under age 16 and 10-day nonresident license begin. 119 conservation officers employed.
1953: Kentucky Afield-TV premieres on WAVE-TV. First color photo appears on cover of Happy Hunting Ground. Tradewater WMA land acquisition . Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources receives money from John A. Kleber estate to establish songbird sanctuary; the Department acquires Kleber Sanctuary .
1955: By this year, 21 public lakes are complete or land purchased to create public fishing opportunities. Fisheries project "Small Lake and Stream Investigation and Management" begins. Ballard WMA land acquisition . Conservation officers must have permission from central office to hunt first 10 days of any hunting season.
1956: Happy Hunting Ground subscription cost raised to $1.00 a year.
1957: First formal training for Conservation Officers given by: Dept. of Personnel, Kentucky State Police, County Court Officials.
1960: First spring turkey season (April 27–29) in 35 years.
1961: Buckhorn, Rough and Dewey lakes have 12" size limit on black bass. Trout stocking program begins.