By Blake Jackson
Good news for Kentucky's small farm owners! Senate Bill 5 (SB 5), already approved by the Senate, is now awaiting consideration in the House of Representatives. This bill could significantly simplify their access to enjoying their own land for hunting and fishing.
Currently, even private property owners in Kentucky require licenses to hunt and fish. SB 5 proposes an exemption for smaller farms, allowing owners with less than five acres to enjoy these activities without additional permits.
Heather Graham, a Wolfe County farm owner, wholeheartedly supports the bill. "It's just common sense," she says. "If you have a pond on your small farm, why shouldn't you be able to fish or hunt there freely? Everyone deserves equal opportunities, regardless of their property size."
The potential benefits extend beyond personal enjoyment. Stacy White, an Extension Agent in Whitley County, has observed a growing interest in learning how to prepare wild game as a food source. "People are increasingly interested in securing their own food," White explains. "Wild game, when properly prepared, can be a valuable part of that, alongside gardening and raising livestock."
Recognizing this trend, the University of Kentucky even runs the "Cook Wild Kentucky" program, teaching participants how to handle and prepare popular game species in the state.
With SB 5 potentially on the horizon, Kentucky's small farm owners could soon have more freedom to connect with their land and contribute to their food security. This could further fuel the growing interest in sustainable practices and self-sufficiency, making Kentucky a more attractive destination for those seeking a close connection to the land and their food.
Photo Credit: istock-alenamozhjer
Categories: Kentucky, Government & Policy