Application Period Now Open for Nonresident Deer Permits
For Immediate Release
April 13, 2026
Media Contact:
Laura Rose Clawson, Chief of Public Affairs
Application Period Now Open for Nonresident Deer Permits
TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks announced nonresident deer hunters can apply for limited draw permits in Kansas now through April 24, 2026.
Nonresident deer permits in Kansas are issued through a limited draw system. Hunters must apply during the application period to be considered for a permit or to purchase a preference point for future drawings.
Hunters can apply online at license.gooutdoorskansas.gov.
Nonresident Deer Permits
Nonresident hunters must apply for a deer permit through the lottery draw and possess a valid nonresident hunting license at the time of application. A nonresident hunting license costs $125.00 for adults (16 and older) or $40.00 for youth (15 and younger), plus an application fee of $25.00, in addition to processing and agent fees. License and application fees are nonrefundable.
Permit options include:
• Nonresident White-tailed Deer Permit (16 and older): $477.50 (includes $27.50 nonrefundable application fee)
• Nonresident Youth White-tailed Deer Permit (15 and younger): $117.50 (includes application fee)
Each permit includes a bag limit of one white-tailed deer (buck, doe, or fawn) and one additional white-tailed antlerless deer at no extra cost.
Applicants will apply in a primary unit and may also select one adjacent unit, along with their preferred equipment type (archery, muzzleloader, or firearm). Up to four unit-combination choices may be selected.
Preference Points
The Kansas deer preference point system allows hunters to build priority for future drawings if they choose not to hunt in a given year. Each point increases the likelihood of drawing a permit in future years.
Applicants who are unsuccessful in the draw will automatically receive a preference point. Hunters may also choose to purchase a preference point only during the application period rather than entering the permit draw by selecting "Apply for points only" during their application.
Preference points cost $25.00 plus additional processing and agent fees, and remain valid for five years, provided the applicant continues to apply or purchase a point within that timeframe.
Group Applications
Hunters may apply as a group of up to five individuals. Groups are evaluated based on the lowest preference point total in the group. This application method ensures all members draw together or not at all.
Mule Deer Stamp Option
Nonresidents may also apply for a mule deer stamp for an additional $150. Hunters who draw eligible white-tailed deer permits in Units 1, 2, 17, or 18 may be selected for a limited number of stamps, which upgrade the permit to either-species, either-sex. Unsuccessful applicants will be issued a white-tailed deer permit for the unit and weapon choice they applied for.
To apply or purchase a preference point:
• Visit license.gooutdoorskansas.gov now until April 24, 2026
• Log in to your existing account or create a new account
• Select “Limited Draw Applications”
• Choose “Nonresident Whitetail Deer Application”
• Select your application type (Individual, Create Group, Join Group, or Apply for Points Only) and continue to follow the prompts to complete your application.
Applicants will be notified of draw results after the application period via email. Successful applicants will have permit fees automatically charged the day of the drawing to the credit card provided at the time of application.
For more information on deer hunting in Kansas, including unit maps, season dates, and regulations, visit ksoutdoors.gov/deer.
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The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) is dedicated to the conservation and enhancement of Kansas’s natural resources for the benefit of both current and future generations. KDWP manages 29 state parks, 177 lakes and wildlife areas, more than 300 public waterbodies, and 5 nature centers. Other services include management of threatened, endangered, and at-risk species, law enforcement, and wildlife habitat programs. For more information about KDWP, visit ksoutdoors.gov.
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