Hunting Seasons & Licensing · IN
Indiana Hunting Seasons & Licensing
2025–2026 SeasonIndiana has approximately 300,000 deer hunters and manages over 150,000 acres of public Fish & Wildlife Areas. The state is known for producing quality white-tailed bucks and has a strong turkey hunting tradition. Indiana is a shotgun/muzzleloader/handgun-only state for deer during the firearms season — rifles are not legal for deer. The state also offers good waterfowl hunting along the Wabash and Ohio River corridors.
Dates shown are for the 2025–2026 season based on the most recent published regulations. Always verify current dates with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources — Division of Fish & Wildlife before hunting.
Season Dates by Game Type
Big Game
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White-tailed Deer | Archery | Oct 1 – Jan 4, 2026 | 1 antlered + bonus antlerless | Bow and arrow, crossbow |
| White-tailed Deer | Firearms | Nov 15 – Nov 30, 2025 | 1 antlered + bonus antlerless | Shotgun, muzzleloader, handgun |
| White-tailed Deer | Muzzleloader | Dec 6 – Dec 21, 2025 | 1 antlerless | Muzzleloader only |
White-tailed Deer (Firearms): NO rifles for deer in Indiana. Shotgun with slugs, muzzleloader, or handgun only.
Turkey
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wild Turkey | Spring | Apr 22 – May 11, 2026 | 1 bearded turkey | Shotgun, bow |
| Wild Turkey | Fall | Oct 15 – Nov 2, 2025 | 1 turkey either sex | Shotgun, bow |
Upland Game Birds
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ring-necked Pheasant | General | Nov 1 – Dec 15, 2025 | 2 daily (roosters only) / 4 possession | Shotgun |
| Mourning Dove | General | Sep 1 – Oct 19 & Nov 1 – Nov 12 & Dec 13 – Jan 10, 2026 | 15 daily | Shotgun |
Ring-necked Pheasant (General): Limited wild populations. Stocked birds on some public areas.
Waterfowl
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ducks | General | Varies by zone — Oct through Jan | 6 daily (species-specific limits) | Shotgun (non-toxic shot required) |
Ducks (General): Federal duck stamp + HIP required. Mississippi Flyway.
Small Game
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cottontail Rabbit | General | Nov 1 – Feb 28, 2026 | 5 daily | Rifle, shotgun, handgun |
| Fox/Gray Squirrel | General | Aug 15 – Jan 31, 2026 | 5 daily | Rifle, shotgun, handgun |
Licensing
| License Type | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Resident Hunting License | $17 | — |
| Non-Resident Hunting License | $80 | — |
| Resident Deer License (bundle) | $24 | — |
| Non-Resident Deer License | $150 | — |
| Resident Turkey License | $23 | — |
| Non-Resident Turkey License | $80 | — |
| Youth (under 18) | Reduced fees | — |
| Federal Duck Stamp | $25 | Required for waterfowl |
Tags, Draws & Lotteries
Most Indiana hunting licenses are available over the counter. Bonus antlerless deer licenses are available in counties with herd management goals. There is no drawing system for standard deer or turkey permits. Military deer reduction hunts on select properties require an application. Indiana does not use a preference point system.
Harvest Reporting
Indiana requires mandatory CheckIN harvest reporting for all deer and turkey within 24 hours of harvest. Report through the Indiana DNR app, website, or by phone. Each harvest receives a confirmation number. CWD surveillance is conducted through voluntary sampling.
Indiana Wildlife Resources
- Indiana Department of Natural Resources — Division of Fish & Wildlife — Hunting Home →
- Current Hunting Regulations →
- Hunter Education →
- Violation Hotline: TIP-IDNR: 1-800-847-4367
- USFWS Waterfowl Frameworks →
Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only. Season dates, bag limits, license fees, and regulations shown here are based on the most recently published data from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources — Division of Fish & Wildlife and may not reflect last-minute changes, emergency closures, or special regulations. Always verify current regulations directly with your state wildlife agency before hunting. FirearmSelect does not provide legal advice and is not responsible for actions taken based on this information.