Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources

What Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources does

The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) is a state government agency of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, headquartered in Frankfort, with statutory responsibility for managing fish and wildlife resources, regulating hunting and fishing, enforcing conservation law, and providing outdoor recreation services across all 120 Kentucky counties. The agency operates two state-owned fish hatcheries (Minor Clark and Peter W. Pfeiffer) producing cool and warm water species for statewide stocking, seven Fisheries Division district offices, the Salato Wildlife Education Center, three youth conservation summer camps (Camp Currie, Camp Wallace, Camp Webb), and an enforcement division that conducts Operation Dry Water patrols and other public safety initiatives. Its technology platform centers on an integrated digital ecosystem including the Solar License Sales Portal (app.fw.ky.gov/Solar), the My Profile customer self-service portal, the Telecheck electronic harvest reporting system (phone and online), the Quota Hunt application system, the Fish Boat KY mobile application for iOS/Android, the WMA Explorer ArcGIS-based mapping tool, and the Conservation Vendor Database.

KDFWR maintains one of the longest-running state-level fisheries research programs in the United States, with 124 published Fisheries Research Bulletins spanning from 1941 to present, plus continuous annual fish sampling reports from 2004-2024 covering 120+ lakes and tailwaters. The agency also maintains the Kentucky State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP) for biodiversity conservation, a fish stocking scheduling system with monthly archive data, the Trophy Fish/Master Angler recognition program, and a Kentucky Wild citizen engagement program for non-consumptive wildlife users.

The agency's revenue model combines individual user fees (annual and short-term hunting and fishing licenses, combination licenses, senior and youth licenses, elk hunt lottery applications, quota hunt applications, boat registrations, and conservation-related merchandise) with state appropriations and federal grants, notably from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Distribution is hybrid: a 24/7 online portal and mobile app for digital self-service plus a statewide network of license agents in every county for in-person transactions. Customer segments span hunters, anglers, boaters, wildlife enthusiasts, private pond owners, and commercial fishermen, all served under the agency's exclusive regulatory authority within Kentucky.

Name

Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources

Legal name

Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources

Website

https://fw.ky.gov

Company type

Private

Founded year

1912

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources is a Kentucky state government agency that manages fish and wildlife resources, enforces conservation law, and serves hunters, anglers, boaters, and outdoor recreation enthusiasts through licensing, hatchery operations, conservation programs, and statewide education facilities.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Wildlife Conservation Services

NAICS

Animal Production and Aquaculture (112), Fishing (1141)

SIC

Fishing, Hunting And Trapping (900)

akta.pro primary industry

Wildlife, Biodiversity & Habitat Conservation Administration (BPAIAMAG)

akta.pro secondary industry

Aquaculture & Fish Health Services (AFAEANAE)

Keywords

• Wildlife resource management
• Hunting fishing licenses
• Fish stocking programs
• Boater safety education
• Conservation education programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Frankfort

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Hunting and Fishing Licenses: The agency generates revenue through the sale of annual and short-term hunting and fishing licenses to residents and non-residents. License types include annual fishing licenses, annual hunting licenses, combination licenses, senior licenses, youth licenses, and various permits for specific activities like elk hunting, quota hunts, and special permits.
2. Permits and Stamps: Revenue is generated from various permits including boat registration, fishing permits, hunting permits, special use permits, and stamps such as the elk lottery application and quota hunt applications.
3. Merchandise Sales: The online license portal also sells merchandise including apparel and conservation-related products.
4. Elk Hunt Drawing Applications: Revenue from lottery applications for limited elk hunting permits through the Elk Loyalty Redraw Program.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) is a state government agency that manages and conserves fish and wildlife resources across the Commonwealth of Kentucky. It sells annual and short-term hunting and fishing licenses, permits, and stamps to residents and visitors; operates two state fish hatcheries (Minor Clark and Peter W. Pfeiffer) for stocking public waters; runs hunter and boater safety certification programs; manages Wildlife Management Areas; and delivers conservation education through the Salato Wildlife Education Center, youth camps, and the Kentucky Afield television program.

Product overview

The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources operates a comprehensive suite of web-based platforms and programs serving hunters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts. The core offering is the integrated digital licensing and permit system (License Sales Portal and My Profile Portal) that enables online purchase of hunting/fishing licenses, harvest reporting via Telecheck, quota hunt applications, and education card management. Supporting products include the Fish Boat KY mobile app for fishing access and species information, WMA Explorer for exploring public hunting lands, and the Conservation Vendor Database for finding approved pond management contractors. Educational offerings span the Salato Wildlife Education Center, conservation camps for youth, Kentucky Afield television programming, and hunter/boater education certification programs. The department maintains extensive data resources including fish stocking schedules, fisheries research bulletins dating to 1941, annual fish sampling reports, and a comprehensive farm pond management guidance system. The Fishing and Boating Guide provides regulatory reference materials. All services are delivered through the main fw.ky.gov web portal with specialized sub-applications for licensing, profile management, and vendor services.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Hunting and Fishing Licenses Annual and short-term hunting and fishing licenses sold to Kentucky residents and non-residents, including combination, senior, youth, and species-specific permits such as elk hunting licenses. The license year runs from March 1 through February 28 of the following year.
• Permits and Stamps Boat registration, fishing permits, hunting permits, special use permits, and stamps including elk lottery applications and quota hunt applications sold through the online licensing portal.
• Elk Hunt Drawing Applications Lottery applications for limited elk hunting permits in Kentucky, including the Elk Loyalty Redraw Program for repeat applicants.
• Quota Hunt System Application platform for managing quota-based hunt opportunities including elk and other limited-entry hunts, with preference point tracking and drawing result access.
• Fish Boat KY Mobile App Mobile application for iOS and Android providing fishing and boating access site locations, species information, regulations, and real-time fishing resources for on-the-go anglers.
• My Profile Self-Service Portal Customer self-service portal for accessing license history, Telecheck harvest reports, harvest records, printing licenses and education cards, completing the HIP Migratory Bird Survey, applying for quota hunts, and registering for conservation education camps.
• Telecheck Harvest Reporting System Electronic harvest reporting system allowing Kentucky hunters to report game harvests by phone (800-245-4263) or online through the My Profile portal.
• WMA Explorer Interactive ArcGIS-based mapping tool that enables users to explore Wildlife Management Areas and public hunting lands across Kentucky.
• Hunter Education Program Certification program providing safe hunting practices training required for obtaining hunting licenses in Kentucky.
• Boater Education Program Boating safety certification program offering education classes and cards required for safe and legal watercraft operation on Kentucky waterways.
• Salato Wildlife Education Center State-operated wildlife education facility in Franklin County offering educational programs, animal exhibits, and conservation awareness activities for Kentucky visitors and school groups.
• Conservation Education Camps Youth conservation camps including Camp Currie, Camp Wallace, and Camp Webb offering hands-on outdoor education experiences for Kentucky children and teens.
• Kentucky Afield TV Program Weekly television program and video series covering hunting, fishing, and wildlife topics in Kentucky, with associated YouTube channel and multimedia content.
• Trophy Fish / Master Angler Program Recognition program for anglers catching trophy-sized fish, offering certificates and Master Angler awards for qualifying catches submitted through the My Profile portal.
• Fish Stocking Program Statewide program producing and stocking trout, catfish, bass, and other game fish into Kentucky's public lakes, tailwaters, and streams, with publicly available monthly stocking schedules and historical data.
• Fish Hatcheries (Minor Clark and Peter W. Pfeiffer) State-operated fish hatcheries producing cool and warm water species including largemouth bass, muskellunge, walleye, striped bass, catfish, and sunfish for stocking Kentucky's public waters.
• Shooting Ranges Directory Directory of approved shooting ranges across Kentucky providing safe recreational and educational shooting facilities for hunters and recreational shooters.
• Farm Pond Management Services Comprehensive guidance program for Kentucky landowners covering pond construction, fish stocking recommendations, water quality management, aquatic vegetation control, and troubleshooting for private farm ponds.
• Conservation Vendor Database Public database connecting landowners with approved contractors for conservation services including fish suppliers, fencing, vegetation control, and pond management consulting.
• Kentucky Wild Program Conservation initiative promoting wildlife appreciation and participation in wildlife viewing activities across Kentucky.

Quantifiable outcome

• Trout stocking program covers 100+ locations statewide including tailwaters, streams, and lakes with detailed monthly schedules
• +1 more outcomes

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) - Wolf Creek National Fish HatcherycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWolf Creek National Fish Hatchery is owned and operated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in partnership with KDFWR. The hatchery produces cold water fishes including brown, brook, and rainbow trout that are stocked throughout Kentucky's public waters.
• Kentucky Fish and Wildlife FoundationminorOthersThe Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Foundation is a nonprofit partner organization that supports conservation efforts and may provide sponsorship opportunities for the department's programs and initiatives.
• Kentucky State UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in the Conservation Vendor database system. KSUT's Cooperative Extension program collaborates on conservation planning and landowner education resources.
• University of Kentucky Cooperative ExtensionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity of Kentucky's Cooperative Extension program partners on the Conservation Vendor database and provides conservation planning resources for Kentucky landowners.
• USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUSDA NRCS partners on the Conservation Vendor database and provides technical assistance for pond construction and land conservation practices.
• Kentucky County Conservation DistrictsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCounty-level conservation districts partner on the Conservation Vendor database to provide local conservation planning and cost-share programs for landowners.

Scale indicators2 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Indiana Department of Natural Resources: Direct state-government peer operating fish and wildlife, forestry, and outdoor recreation programs in Indiana; comparable scope of license sales, fish stocking, education, and conservation enforcement functions.
• Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency: Direct counterpart state agency managing fish and wildlife in neighboring Tennessee; operates analogous license sales, hatcheries, hunter/boater education, quota hunts, and research programs serving a similar resident/visitor angler and hunter base.
• Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources: Direct state fish and wildlife agency peer; manages licenses, hatcheries, wildlife management areas, hunter/boater education, and quota hunts across a comparable multi-region state footprint.
• West Virginia Division of Natural Resources: Direct neighboring-state peer offering license sales, fish stocking, hunter education, wildlife management areas, and research programs serving a comparable Appalachian outdoor recreation base.
• Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission: Independent state agency with a focused mandate on fishing and boating closely parallel to KDFWR's fisheries and boating portfolio; operates license sales, stocking, waterways management, and boater education programs.
• Illinois Department of Natural Resources: Direct state government peer operating fish, wildlife, and outdoor recreation programs; comparable scale of license sales, hatcheries, conservation police, and hunter/boater education.
• Ohio Department of Natural Resources — Division of Wildlife: Direct state-level peer managing fish and wildlife in Ohio with parallel license, hatchery, research, hunter education, and quota-hunt functions; serves overlapping midwestern angler and hunter demographics.
• Missouri Department of Conservation: Highly regarded state fish and wildlife agency operating with a similar structure of license-funded conservation, hatcheries, research, and education programs; frequently cited as a model for state-level natural resource management.

Others

• Ducks Unlimited: Major nonprofit conservation organization that partners with state fish and wildlife agencies on habitat funding and waterfowl management; comparable in mission to deliver public-good conservation outcomes but funded by donations rather than licenses.

Broad incumbents

• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: Federal counterpart and existing partner (via Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery) operating at a national scale across fish and wildlife conservation, Endangered Species Act enforcement, and federal grant programs that fund state agencies like KDFWR.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/kyfishwildlife
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCs-FM1E9Y_Q17jRxS_GPlVg
• Facebookfacebook.com/kdfwr
• Instagraminstagram.com/kyfishwildlife

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources