I have family that lives in Kentucky, but never been there.  I was wondering how the hunting was and a place where I can find all the hunting regulations.  I might be going next year and always dreamed about sitting in the woods of a different state during hunting season.  I sit here and only can dream of the scenery and the experience.  I would really love to take a deer out of state even if it's a doe.  That would be a trophy of a life time to me seeing that a wife and two kids can take up the majority of opportunity, which is okay by me.  Any info of where to get information and places I might want to look into to hunt?

Robert, what part of Ky are you planning on visiting?

Frakes Kentucky

Looks like on the boarder of Tennessee south east of Kentucky

Now it looks like the wife wants to go this year

Google ky department of fish and wildlife for license, regulations and wma's in the area. Also maybe someone here that knows the area  around where you will be visiting can give you some more information.

I have never hunted Kentucky but wanted to say I love the way you worded your original post. Every thing you said is the true essence of what hunting is all about.

Here is my advise assuming you don't have private land to hunt (all I hunt is public and in multiple states).

Google public hunting lands close to where you will be. Download the hunting regulations and license info, etc.
Then use google earth to get a look at the land. Then use mytopo.com to view the topo maps of the area. If possible print out a map. Mark off areas where other hunters will most likely go, areas that deer won't want to go, and areas that don't offer deer anything to use.
 Then start looking at the rest to find funnels, pinch points, food, bedding, travel corridors, etc.
When you get there head right to those good spots and verify fresh sign and start hunting when the wind works for each spot.
Then post the details and pics of your amazing adventure here for us to enjoy as well.

If you need and more help on how to plan it just ask. I live for this style of hunting... Always a new place and a new adventure.

Shed Hunter is right on!  fw.ky.gov

Hey Tom!

KY is great hunting!! I hunted south western KY once it was great!

If you have family there its most likely they could secure you a place to hunt. If not the daniel boone national forest is nearby . I live probably 30 miles or so from frakes as the crow flies. I don't have any honey holes but surely we could find you a place to hunt ! Johnny

Lots of public land close down there.   Not great deer numbers in that part of the state, but plenty enough for some good hunting

Thanks all, I looked at KY website and its going to be a little less than $300 just for the license and permit for the hunting.  As it sits right now we are trying to decide if we will be going this year or the next.  I am thinking more next year so I can plan things better.  I will keep you guys updated if we decide to go this year and I will be bringing my bow and a camera.  I just want to experience the different scenery.  

My mother in-law also owns about 90 acres in Alabama, which my be something else to look into.  I have opportunity I just have to reach out and take it.

Thanks KyBownut, I am reading more about the Daniel Boone National Forest now and the Wife's grandmother is talking with her neighbors as well.  We will see what happens.  If I make my way up their this year and your not busy I would love to learn from and experienced bow hunter from a different state.  I will let you know whats going on.

Prime elk territory in Bell County

Public land is usually a lot tougher after modern gun season! As friend posted ky has an elk lottery drawing if you get lucky enough to get drawn it's probably one of the cheapest non resident elk hunts going. Johnny

I am now excited but a little nerves seeing I never been hunting out of state.  I am going to start applying for the Elk lottery as soon as it opens.  It looks like we are also going this year to go up their.  I will get to ground hunt for deer with bow in hand and at the same time try to scout Elk territory.

The excitement of fair chase after my number 1 dream animal to take (even when I was gun hunting)  Looks like it now may be possible without spending $12k.  Thank you so much for pointing that out.  If I do make my way up their this year and anyone wants to join please let me know.  Experience in this type of terrain, I have none and would love to learn.  To me it is more exciting than taking a deer.

Nervous*

So it looks like I will be up in KY Jan 10-18 in 2015 for my first visit.

KY bow season till Jan 19th. Elk appl online till Apr 30th.  Enjoy your visit/hunt !