Kansas Non-Resident Hunting License 2026: Trophy Deer, Pheasant & Turkey Costs
Kansas consistently produces Boone & Crockett whitetails and world-class pheasant hunting — here's the complete non-resident license guide for 2026.
TL;DR — Key Takeaways
- NR base hunting license: $97.50. NR whitetail deer permit: $477.50 (includes $27.50 application fee).
- NR turkey permit: $75. Total NR deer hunt cost: ~$575.
- Deer permits allocated through a competitive draw — rifles legal statewide.
- OTC archery deer hunting available without draw for most units.
- Kansas is a premier trophy whitetail state — consistently in top 5 for B&C entries.
- Pheasant and quail hunting: NR base license covers small game statewide.
- [DATA UNVERIFIED] — Confirm current fees and draw deadlines at ksoutdoors.com.
In This Guide 8 sections
Why Non-Residents Hunt Kansas
Kansas has quietly become one of the most sought-after non-resident deer destinations in America. The state offers:
- Trophy genetics — Corn belt nutrition, limited pressure, and strong herd management produce mature bucks
- Rifle legality — Unlike many Midwest states, rifles are fully legal for deer statewide
- World-class pheasant — Tallgrass Prairie and CRP grasslands support some of the best wild pheasant populations in the nation
- Affordable small game — One base license covers pheasant, quail, turkey, and small game
The challenge: non-resident deer permits are competitive and expensive. The draw system limits NR tags, and demand for trophy units is high.
Non-Resident License Costs 2026
| License / Permit | NR Cost |
|---|---|
| NR Adult Hunting License | $97.50 |
| NR Whitetail Deer Permit (16+) | $477.50 (includes $27.50 application fee) |
| NR Youth Whitetail Deer (under 16) | $117.50 |
| NR Turkey Permit | $75.00 |
| NR Youth Hunting (under 16) | $42.50 |
Total NR deer hunt cost: $97.50 + $477.50 = $575.00 Total NR turkey hunt cost: $97.50 + $75.00 = $172.50
Purchase at ksoutdoors.com/License-Permits.
The Kansas Deer Draw System
How NR Deer Permits Are Allocated
Kansas limits the total number of non-resident deer permits issued each year. Permits are allocated through a competitive draw with a non-refundable $27.50 application fee (included in the $477.50 permit price).
Important: Kansas offers two deer methods:
- Archery — OTC availability in most units; hunters can purchase without draw in many areas
- Rifle/Firearms — Draw-required in most units; the 12-day rifle season in December is prime rut hunting
Application Process
- Go to ksoutdoors.com
- Create a customer account
- Apply for the desired unit and method
- Pay the $477.50 (includes non-refundable $27.50 application fee)
- Await draw results
[DATA UNVERIFIED] — Confirm exact 2026 application dates at KDWP before applying.
Season Dates
| Species | Method | Season |
|---|---|---|
| White-tailed Deer | Archery | Sept 14 – Dec 31 |
| White-tailed Deer | Muzzleloader | Sept 14–27 |
| White-tailed Deer | Firearms (Rifle) | Dec 2–13 |
| Turkey | Spring | Apr 15 – May 31 |
| Turkey | Fall | Oct 1 – Nov 10 |
| Pheasant | General | Nov 14 – Jan 31 |
| Quail | General | Nov 14 – Jan 31 |
Trophy Deer Strategy for Non-Residents
Where Kansas Whitetail Are Biggest
Kansas produces outsized bucks for several reasons:
- Age structure — The draw system limits overall hunter density, allowing bucks to reach 4.5–6.5 years of age
- Nutrition — Corn and milo fields provide excellent late-season food sources
- Terrain funnels — Creek drainages and timber corridors concentrate deer movement
Top trophy counties: Crawford, Elk, Greenwood, Chautauqua (southeast); Republic, Cloud, Ottawa (north-central); Clark, Comanche (southwest).
December Rifle Season
The December 2–13 firearms season is when most trophy bucks are taken. Bucks are in post-rut, moving to food sources and recovering from the November rut. Late archery season (November) catches bucks during peak rut.
Pheasant Hunting for Non-Residents
Kansas is one of the top 3 pheasant states in America. The NR hunting license ($97.50) covers pheasant and quail statewide — no additional stamp required. Key areas:
- Northwest Kansas — Highest pheasant density; rolling wheat fields and CRP grasslands
- Southwest Kansas — Less pressure; mixed terrain with quail opportunity
- Flint Hills — Walk-in hunting access on enrolled private land
Walk-In Hunting Access (WIHA): Kansas has an extensive WIHA program providing free public access to enrolled private land. Check the current WIHA map at ksoutdoors.com before your trip.
Hunter Education
Required for anyone born on or after July 1, 1957. Kansas accepts certificates from all other states. Complete online at hunter-ed.com/kansas.
Planning Tips
- Book lodging early — The December firearms deer season fills lodging in trophy counties quickly
- Scout before the trip — Kansas has abundant public land (WMAs, WIHA, state forests) but private land access dramatically improves success
- Combine deer and pheasant — Many Kansas NR hunters book a December trip combining the firearms deer season with pheasant hunting
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Kansas non-resident deer permit cost?
The NR whitetail deer permit costs $477.50 (including a non-refundable $27.50 application fee). The required NR hunting license costs $97.50. Total: $575.
Do I need a draw for Kansas deer hunting?
The December rifle season requires a draw for most units. Archery deer hunting has OTC availability in many areas. Apply through ksoutdoors.com.
Is Kansas good for non-resident pheasant hunting?
Yes — Kansas is one of the top pheasant states in America. The NR base hunting license ($97.50) covers pheasant and quail statewide with no additional stamp. The Walk-In Hunting Access (WIHA) program provides free access to millions of acres of private land.
Are rifles legal for deer hunting in Kansas?
Yes — Kansas allows rifles for deer hunting statewide, unlike many neighboring Midwest states. The firearms season runs December 2–13.
Why is Kansas famous for trophy whitetail?
Kansas combines excellent nutrition (corn and milo fields), limited hunter pressure through the draw system, and favorable terrain that allows bucks to reach mature age classes. The state consistently ranks in the top 5 for Boone & Crockett entries.
View Page Update History (1)
- 2026-04-01:Initial publication. Costs from KDWP official fee schedule.