Indiana Hunting Seasons & Licensing: What You Need To Know (2024)

Indiana is a great place to hunt, with plenty of game to be had. However, before you can start hunting, you need to make sure you are properly licensed and know the rules and regulations for the season.

In this blog post, we will provide an overview of Indiana's hunting seasons and licensing requirements so that you can get started on your hunting adventure!

Hunting In Indiana

If you're looking for a great hunting destination in the Midwest, Indiana is a great option. The state is home to a variety of game species, including deer, turkey, quail, and waterfowl. And, with a variety of landscapes to choose from - including forests, fields, and wetlands - there's something for every hunter.

Whether you're a seasoned hunter looking for a new challenge, or a first-time hunter looking for a place to start, Indiana has something to offer. So, if you're planning a hunt in the Midwest, be sure to give Indiana a look. You won't be disappointed.

Indiana offers several beneficial programs for hunters. CheckIN Game is a free, online check-in system for registering bagged game. The Hunters Helping Farmers programs pairs hunters with landowners who would like to remove antlerless deer from their property. Hunters can apply for the program between July and August, annually.

Indiana Deer Seasons

Reduction Zone Hunt	Sept. 15-Jan. 31
Youth Hunt	Sept. 25-26
Archery	Oct. 1-Jan. 2
Firearms	Nov. 13-28
Muzzleloader	Dec. 4-19
Antlerless Special Season	Closed

*Deer bag limits vary by region, season and license Licenses for deer harvest are required. Be sure to visit the Indiana Department of Natural Resources to obtain a license and additional information before heading into the woods.

Indiana Turkey Seasons

Fall Firearms	Oct. 20-31
Fall Archery	Oct. 1-31 and Dec. 4-Jan. 2
Spring General Season	Apr. 27-May 15
Spring Youth Season	Apr. 23-24

Indiana Small Game Seasons

Gray and Fox Squirrel	Aug. 15-Jan. 31
Pheasant	Nov. 1-Dec. 15
Quail	Nov. 1-Jan. 10**
Rabbit	Nov. 1-Feb. 28
Crow	July 1-Aug. 15 and Dec. 13-March 1
Green Frog and Bullfrog	Jun 15-Apr. 30
Eastern Snapping Turtle, Smooth & Spiny Softshell Turtle	July 1-March 31

How To Get A Hunting License In Indiana?

Depending on your age, you may be required to have the Hunter Education Certificate in order to legally buy a license or permit to hunt.

Complete the Indiana hunter education certification requirements.
Choose the correct license type.
Buy the license through the Indiana Department of Natural Resources website or an Indiana–approved retailer.

Indiana License Expiration

Hunting licenses are good from April 1 to March 31 of the next year.

Where to Buy an Indiana Hunting License

Visit the Indiana Department of Natural Resources website.
Visit an Indiana Department of Natural Resources customer service center or an approved license retailer.
Mail in a paper application.

**Season dates vary by zone

Bag limits, special seasons and hunting regulations for Indiana hunting seasons do vary based on animal and seasons. For more information on obtaining licenses, permits and regulations, visit the Indiana Department of Natural Resources website.