NDA Derby City Branch

02/05/2026

https://www.wkyufm.org/news/2026-02-03/kentucky-fish-and-wildlife-urging-hunters-to-harvest-more-does

“If you’re wondering this season which doe is the right one to take, it’s the next one that comes across your sights," said Joe McDermott.

10/01/2025

🌰 2025 Mast Crop Survey Results 🍂

Each year, Kentucky Fish and Wildlife biologists measure hard mast crops — acorns, hickory nuts, and beechnuts availability. These food sources are critical for deer, bear, elk, turkey, squirrels, grouse, and many other species through fall and winter.

In 2025, surveys covered 2,766 trees across 35 routes in 32 counties. Here’s how mast production rated:

Statewide Results

-White Oaks: Good

-Red Oaks: Good

-Hickories: Average

-American Beech: Good

Regional Differences

East Kentucky: White Oak – Good | Red Oak – Good | Hickory – Poor | Beech – Bumper

West Kentucky: White Oak – Good | Red Oak – Good | Hickory – Average | Beech – Average

Why does this matter? Hard mast availability directly affects wildlife movement, health, and survival through the cold months. In years with plenty of mast, wildlife may move less and enter spring in better condition. In lean years, animals often travel farther to find food, which can mean more encounters with people.

📊 View the full 2025 Mast Crop Survey report and charts here:https://fw.ky.gov/Hunt/Documents/2025-mast-report.pdf

10/14/2024

Tony Lawson, whom many will remember headed up our youth hunts at the landfill for many years needs some thoughts and prayers. He is starting recovery from treatment for throat cancer. Doctors are optimistic that they got it but it will be 30 days before they know for sure. He is communicating text only, his voice is gone, hopefully temporarily.

10/13/2024

Aiden Fritzler with mentor (and grandmother) Dana Currier's help, bagged this fine 5 pointer.

10/13/2024

Mason Blackburn with mentor Brandon Blackburn scored on nice doe.

10/12/2024

Elijah Fritzler with mentor Nevin Salda connected at a long 129 yards on nice doe!
Edited: was a 139 yard shot!

10/12/2024

Emory Anderson with mentor Wayne Guy dropped huge doe!

10/12/2024

Adeline Beard with mentor Mona Waldeck scored with fine buck!

10/12/2024

Trevor Bothur with mentor Ben Reichert drew first blood with this button buck.

10/12/2024

I marked where I wanted the Porta Potty set, told the guy to put it right beside the stick with the surveyors tape on it. I think the guy was showing off!

10/12/2024

Fi****ms safety, accuracy and skills are tested and stressed at the range. Thanks to the volunteers who helped.
And thanks to those back at camp who who took a week deserved rest.

10/12/2024

S'mores, conversation, guitar and harmonica around the campfire.