Hunting Lodging Near Land Between the Lakes
Planning a deer or squirrel hunting trip to Land Between the Lakes? Stay at Early American Motel in Aurora, Kentucky, near Kentucky Lake and LBL. Choose from our rooms, suites, and cabin accommodations for your visit.
Deer Hunting:
Planning a deer hunt in the wooded landscapes of Land Between the Lakes? Check the official LBL hunting information for permitted hunting methods, area-specific rules, and quota hunts before choosing your dates.
Turkey Hunting:
Land Between the Lakes includes woodlands and open fields for a varied outdoor setting. If you are planning a turkey hunting trip, review current LBL turkey hunting and quota-hunt information, along with the requirements for the state section where you plan to hunt.
Squirrel Hunting:
For a squirrel hunting trip near Kentucky Lake, use Early American Motel as your lodging base in Aurora. Before heading into LBL, check current small-game hunting information, open areas, and applicable state and LBL requirements.
A Practical Place to Stay After the Hunt
Our covered fish and game cleaning station includes a stainless-steel table, running water, overhead lighting, and a game hoist. Parking is close to your room, with additional space for boats and trailers and electric hookups for charging boat batteries. Browse our accommodations, check availability for your hunting dates, and book your stay online.
Strategic Fishing Spots:
Navigating the vast waters of Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley can be an adventure in itself. However, seasoned anglers know that certain areas of the lakes provide optimal fishing conditions. The numerous coves, points, and submerged structures create natural habitats for fish, making them ideal spots for casting lines. Fishing along the extensive shorelines and exploring the lake’s unique features can lead to memorable catches and experiences.
Prime Fishing Seasons:
Understanding the seasonal patterns is crucial for a successful fishing expedition on these lakes. Spring and fall are particularly popular for bass fishing, as the fish are more active during these temperate periods. Summer offers excellent opportunities for crappie fishing, while winter catfish angling can be rewarding for those brave enough to face the chill.
Competitive Fishing Tournaments:
Both Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley host numerous fishing tournaments throughout the year, attracting anglers from far and wide. These competitions not only showcase the exceptional fishing opportunities but also contribute to the lakes’ reputation as premier fishing destinations.
Local Guide Services:
For those new to the area or seeking expert guidance, local fishing guide services abound around Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley. These experienced guides possess an intimate knowledge of the lakes, offering valuable insights into the best fishing spots, techniques, and bait choices, ensuring a successful and enjoyable fishing experience.
Kentucky Statewide Hunting Dates: 2026–2027
Last checked October 23, 2026 (Central). These are full-season dates; some dates have already passed. Check current regulations before hunting or booking around a hunt. These statewide dates do not override LBL-specific rules.
Deer — Kentucky Statewide
- Archery: September 5, 2026–January 18, 2027.
- Youth/senior crossbow: September 5, 2026–January 18, 2027, for resident and nonresident hunters age 15 and younger, or Kentucky residents age 65 and older.
- General crossbow: September 19, 2026–January 18, 2027.
- Youth-only gun (age 15 and younger): October 10–18, 2026.
- Muzzleloader: October 17–18 and December 12–20, 2026.
- Modern gun: November 14–29, 2026.
- Free Youth Deer Weekend: December 26–27, 2026.
State licenses, zones, permits, supervision, and public-land restrictions apply. This summary excludes the special CWD antlerless season in qualifying counties. Official Kentucky deer dates and requirements.
Squirrel — Kentucky Statewide
- August 15–November 13, 2026.
- November 16, 2026–February 28, 2027.
Closed statewide November 14–15, 2026. Additional LBL closures are listed separately. Official Kentucky squirrel dates.
Fall Turkey — Kentucky Statewide
- Archery: September 5, 2026–January 18, 2027.
- Crossbow: October 1–18 and November 14–December 31, 2026.
- Shotgun: October 24–30 and December 5–11, 2026.
This is not the LBL shotgun schedule. See official Kentucky fall turkey regulations and the LBL hunting information for LBL dates. Check official current spring dates before planning a spring turkey hunt.
Review Kentucky hunting guides and regulations and the Kentucky season date viewer before your trip.
LBL Kentucky Section: 2026–2027
Plan your hunt before you book. Land Between the Lakes has area-specific rules and quota hunts. The dates below cover the Kentucky section of LBL; do not apply them to its Tennessee section.
Deer — LBL Kentucky Section
- Archery: September 5, 2026–January 18, 2027, except quota closures listed below.
- Crossbow: September 19, 2026–January 18, 2027, except quota closures listed below.
- Youth quota hunt (age 15 and younger): October 23–25, 2026.
- Adult quota hunts: November 6–8 and November 20–22, 2026.
- Free Youth Deer Weekend: December 26–27, 2026; no drawing required.
Firearm and muzzleloader deer hunting at LBL is limited to drawn quota hunters on authorized dates, except Free Youth Deer Weekend. Kentucky statewide gun and muzzleloader dates do not open general firearm deer hunting at LBL.
Hunters age 16 and older need an LBL Hunter Use Permit plus applicable state licenses and permits. Review the official 2026–2027 LBL deer fact sheet for complete requirements.
Squirrel and Other Non-Quota Hunting Closures — LBL Kentucky Section
In addition to applicable state seasons, non-quota hunting is closed during these periods:
- October 22–25, 2026.
- November 5–8, 2026.
- November 19–22, 2026.
These closures include the day before each quota hunt and the quota-hunt days. Only drawn quota hunters may hunt on their authorized quota dates, subject to LBL rules. Squirrel hunting is also closed statewide November 14–15, 2026. Free Youth Deer Weekend does not close otherwise-open LBL seasons. See the official 2026–2027 LBL small-game fact sheet.
Check Current Requirements
LBL spans Kentucky and Tennessee. Check requirements for the state section where you plan to hunt along with LBL requirements. For LBL turkey dates, current fact sheets, and updates, use the official Land Between the Lakes hunting information.
A room reservation does not include hunting licenses, permits, or quota-hunt access. Check current regulations before hunting or booking around a hunt.