Indiana Deer Season and Hunting Information and Regulations
*All information listed below is disclosed based on research we have conducted. We do our best to ensure that all information is up to date and accurate. However, rules and regulations are changing every day. Please make sure to verify your state-specific regulations prior to your hunt.
Indiana Deer Seasons
| Deer (Reduction Zone*) | September 15 – January 31, 2023 |
| Deer (Youth) | September 23 – September 24, 2023 |
| Deer (Archery) | October 1, 2023 – January 7, 2024 |
| Deer (Firearms) | November 18 – December 3, 2023 |
| Deer (Muzzleloader) | December 9 – December 24, 2023 |
*Indiana is a very hunting-friendly state but there are still specific bag limits and licenses required for harvesting different animals in different areas, as well as some varying season information. Make sure to always double-check the official Indiana Department of Natural Resources website deer page.
There are plenty of deer available to hunt in Indiana. Although, due to the extensive hunting pressure, it is less common to find a large antlered buck-though still possible.
Unless exempt, an individual must have a signed or printed digital hunting license on their person at all times while in the woods.
You are allowed to harvest one deer per license during the regular statewide deer season. However, during the Deer Reduction Zone Season, a hunter is allowed to harvest 10 deer. Only one can be antlered.
What is the bag limit for a deer crossbow license?
A hunter may purchase and then fill two crossbow licenses which allow for the harvest of one antlerless deer and one deer of either sex with a crossbow. But, if you use a crossbow to fill your antlered deer tag, you will not be able to harvest an antlered deer using any other license during the respective seasons.
Doe Tags
There is a 10 deer bag limit and only one of which can be antlerless.
Indiana Turkey Season
| Wild Turkey (Youth) | April 22 – April 23, 2023 |
| Wild Turkey (Spring) | April 26 – May 14, 2023 |
| Wild Turkey (Fall-Archery) | October 1 – October 29, 2023, December 9, 2022 – January 7, 2024 |
| Wild Turkey (Fall-Firearm) | October 18 – October 29, 2023 |
*Indiana is a very hunting friendly state but there are still specific bag limits and licenses required for harvesting different animals in different areas, as well as some varying season information. Make sure to always double check the official Indiana Department of Natural Resources website turkey page
Spring turkey hunting is allowed statewide. It begins April 27th and runs through May 15th. The spring season bag limit is one bearded or male turkey.
Hunting can take place all the way from an hour and a half before the sun comes up to when it goes down. There are some specific weapon and ammunition regulations for hunting them but its nothing out of the ordinary and all detailed on the DNR website.
Indiana Furbearer Hunting Seasons
| Red & Gray Fox | October 15, 2023 – February 28, 2024 |
| Coyote & Striped Skunk | October 15, 2023 – March 15, 2024 |
| Raccoon & Opossum | November 8, 2023 – January 31, 2024 |
| Dog Running (Raccoon, Opossum) | February 1, 2023 – October 25, 2024 |
| Beaver | November 15, 2023 – March 15, 2024 |
| Mink, Muskrat & Long-Tailed Weasel | November 15, 2023 – January 31, 2024 |
| River Otter | No hunting |
*Indiana is a very hunting friendly state but there are still specific bag limits and licenses required for harvesting different animals in different areas, as well as some varying season information. Make sure to always double check the official Indiana Department of Natural Resources website furbearer page
Indiana Bear Hunting
Surprisingly, there hasn’t been a bear population across the state of Indiana since before the Civil War. The occasional black bear may pass through from time to time due to established populations within neighboring states. However, it is illegal to hunt, trap, or kill any bear within the state.
Indiana Small Game Seasons
| Squirrel (Gray & Fox) | August 15, 2022 – January 31, 2023 |
| Rabbit | November 1, 2022 – February 28, 2023 |
| Green Frog & Bullfrog | June 15, 2022 – April 30, 2023 |
| Game Turtles | July 1, 2022 – March 31, 2023 |
*Indiana is a very hunting friendly state but there are still specific bag limits and licenses required for harvesting different animals in different areas, as well as some varying season information. Make sure to always double check the official Indiana Department of Natural Resources website.
There aren’t currently any equipment restrictions when harvesting rabbit. However, a twelve of twenty-gauge shotgun is recommended.
It is illegal to hunt or kill swamp rabbits as they are an endangered species in Indiana.
There are no equipment or ammunition restrictions on squirrels. However, as with rabbit hunting, a shotgun is recommended.
It is illegal to hunt or kill flying squirrel as they are an endangered species in Indiana.
Indiana Crossbow Regulations
Indiana is a pretty crossbow friendly state! Unlike many other states you can use them for most of the season as long as you have the right license.
- The use of laser sight is allowed on a crossbow scope.
- Crossbows are legal during the entire duration of Archery season as long as the hunter obtains a crossbow license.
Hunting License
In order to hunt any species of wild animal, a valid license is required for both private and public land hunting. Disabled individuals may be eligible for a special permit and can make a request through the DNR. Special permits allow those who cannot walk or have other debilitating limitations to hunt from a vehicle OR gain special vehicle access on public property.
The price depends on the type of hunting you plan to partake in from the list of options below as well as state residency or lack there-of.
- Youth
- Combo Hunt/Fish
- Small Game
- Deer
- Turkey
If you want to check out the next state on our list, click here to see Iowa.
Or, you can check out the last state on our list, Illinois.
