For a thrilling hunting experience, Indiana is the place to be! From deer and turkey to small game like squirrels and rabbits, you’ll find something for everyone.
Boasting some of the best whitetail deer in the Midwest, this season runs from mid-October through early January. With over a million acres of public land available for hunting plus private properties that offer up great opportunities too, there’s no shortage of space here either.
In this detailed guide, we cover all you need to know about hunting in Indiana. You will get to know what types of animals you can hunt, where to hunt them, and their hunting seasons. We also go over the hunting license information in Indiana.
What Can You Hunt in Indiana?
Indiana is indeed a paradise for hunters of all levels, boasting an array of habitats and plenty of wildlife. White-tailed deer are abundant in the state, making it one of the best spots to pursue your big game hunting dreams.
You can hunt them with firearms or archery equipment during designated seasons. If small game such as rabbits, squirrels, and pheasants tickles your fancy – you’re in luck! Indiana has got you covered here too.
Waterfowlers will be thrilled by what Indiana offers: diverse species like Canada geese, mallards, wood ducks, and teal abound throughout its waters – ready to challenge even the most experienced hunter with firearms or archery gear when the season allows it.
Furbearers including raccoons, opossums, beavers, foxes, river otters, mink, muskrats, and coyotes also call this place home – providing yet another exciting pursuit for those who seek an adventure beyond compare.
Deer
White-tailed deer are the only species of Cervidae in Indiana, a family that includes mule deer, elk, and moose. Easily adaptable to various landscapes and habitats, these mammals can be seen across the state.
With reddish-brown fur during summer months fading to grayish brown in wintertime, fawns possess white spots for camouflage. Male deer bear antlers annually – growing them each year before shedding them off late winter.
These creatures have long lifespans with up to 20 years when living in captivity; however wild ones rarely surpass 10 years. Not only do they boast impressive speed reaching 35 mph but also an incredible ability to jump 8 feet or more.
Hunting is an important tool used for managing local populations while providing outdoor recreation opportunities as well as fresh venison every year for over 200 thousand Hoosiers.
Deer Season Indiana
| Season | Dates |
| Archery | Oct 01 – Jan 07 |
| Youth | Sep 23 – Sep 24 |
| Muzzleloader | Dec 09 – Dec 24 |
| Firearms | Nov 18 – Dec 03 |
| Reduction Zone | Sep 15 – Jan 31 |
Turkey
Wild turkeys are the descendants of birds that were once found wild in North and Central America. They strongly resemble their domesticated relatives, yet have been shaped by generations of predators to become extremely wary creatures with an ability for quick flight over long distances.
The male turkey has a glossy black body, highlighted by its bright blue head and neck. Females tend to be more muted in coloration, blending into their surroundings better than males do; they also lack the signature black beard on the chest which is usually seen in males.
North America hosts five distinct subspecies of wild turkey: Eastern, Merriam’s from western states, Gould’s from southwest regions, Rio Grande – found in Texas and northern Mexico, and Florida turkeys. Indiana is known for being home to some particularly unique Eastern Wild Turkey populations.
Hunting for turkey requires the right paperwork – a hunting license and permit. Shotguns must carry no more than three shells in their magazine, and hunters need to wear hunter-orange clothing that covers at least 400 square inches of their upper body during the spring season.
Hunting turkeys near structures or public roads is strictly prohibited; however, youth aged 17 years old or younger can take advantage of the specially catered-to youth season. The regulations on wearing hunter orange are still applicable for those hunting between December 9th and 24th.
Turkey Season in Indiana
| Season | Dates | Bag Limit |
| Spring Turkey Season | Apr 26 – May 14 | 01 Bearded Turkey |
| Youth Season | Apr 22 – Apr 23 | 01 Bearded Turkey |
| Fall Archery Season | Oct 01 – Oct 29, Dec 09 – Jan 07 | 01 Turkey (Either Sex) |
| Fall Firearm Season | Oct 18 – Oct 29 | 01 Turkey (Either Sex) |
Quail
The Northern bobwhite is a popular bird among hunters, bird watchers, and naturalists alike. This ground-dwelling species often relies on its cryptic plumage coloration for camouflage; males have white throats and chins with a stripe above the eye extending to the back of their heads while females are buffy brown in those areas.
This widely distributed gamebird can be heard singing song-like whistles throughout the Hoosier State – an experience that many people enjoy seeing or hearing.
Though they rarely use flight as a means of escape or protection, you may still get lucky enough to catch sight of one soaring through the sky every now and then.
Quail Season Indiana
| Season | Dates | Bag Limit |
| South of I74 | Nov 01 – Jan 10 | 8 per day |
| North of I74 | Nov 01 – Dec 15 | 4 per day |
Rabbit
The cottontail rabbit is easily recognizable from its reddish-brown to gray back and sides with white undersides – plus they have a tail that looks like cotton.
They also have long ears which are great for hearing, powerful hindquarters, and large hind feet. If you want to trap or shoot rabbits legally, you’ll need either a permit from DNR (Indiana Department of Natural Resources) or make sure your methods only fall within open hunting season regulations; firearms usage must adhere to local laws too.
Rabbit Season Indiana
| Species | Dates | Bag Limit |
| Rabbit | Nov 01 – Feb 28 | 5 per day |
Beaver
Beavers were once a rarity in Indiana, but now they’re as common as ever. Their population has grown considerably – you can now find beavers in almost every Indiana county.
Standing at around 4 feet long – and with adults weighing between 30 and 70 lbs – these are North America’s biggest rodents. They have incisors that grow throughout their life – plus soft backs on said teeth for sharpening when gnawing – allowing them to keep up with whatever task is thrown at them.
With webbed hind feet for swimming and front paws that excel at digging/grooming/carrying objects: there isn’t much these furry critters can’t do.
Beaver Season
| Species | Dates |
| Beaver | Nov 15 – Mar 15 |
Coyote
Coyotes have been around Indiana since before the European settlement and were commonly referred to as “prairie wolves.” Nowadays, these sly creatures can be found all over the state – including urban areas.
With their slender snouts and large ears, they look like a smaller version of a German shepherd dog but with tails that hang below their backs instead of curving up. On average, coyotes weigh in at 25 pounds (from 20-50) and measure 40-50 inches from nose to tail tip. They usually come in grizzled gray or buff color on top with reddish brown muzzles and legs while having creamy white bellies.
Though shy when it comes to humans, coyotes are active during both day and night time – most often at dawn or dusk where they communicate via barking, tipping, or howling.
If you’re looking forward to hunting in Indiana, then you will come across this creature. Make sure to follow all the rules and regulations when you hunt them.
Coyote Season
| Species | Dates |
| Coyote | Oct 15 – Mar 15 |
River Otter
River otters are now found abundantly across the great state of Indiana – thanks to conservation efforts put forth by DNR and its partners. In 1995, restoration endeavors were set in motion with the goal of restoring healthy populations in both northern and southern parts of the Hoosier State.
Five years later, these measures paid off when natural reproduction triggered an expansion that’s still going strong today.
As night falls upon us, you can witness these furry critters actively kayaking through their aquatic habitats; boasting dark brown coats lined with thick whiskers and sea-ready webbed feet.
Weights typically range between 11-20 pounds while they’re also capable of holding their breath for up to 8 minutes.
River Otter Season
| Species | Dates |
| River Otter | No Hunting Season (Only Trapping) |
Mink
Mink are a semi-aquatic furbearer native to Indiana – members of the weasel family, rarely seen but incredibly common. With a sleek long body and bushy tail making up around one-third of its length, they’re easily distinguishable by their dark brown fur that fades to almost black on their tails.
Males typically weigh 2-4 pounds and reach two feet in length with mature females weighing 1 ½ -2 pounds at about fifteen inches long. A white spot beneath the chin is often spotted along with white spots on the chest or belly adding more character to these creatures’ looks. Their hunting season typically begins in mid-November.
Mink Season
| Species | Dates |
| Mink | Nov 15 – Jan 31 |
Raccoon
The raccoon is a medium-sized mammal found throughout Indiana, easily identifiable by its signature black mask. It’s native to North America and loves living around people; you can spot them in both urban and rural areas.
Raccoons are nocturnal creatures that like to spend their days resting. With a coat of grizzled grayish-brown fur, they have variations even among siblings.
They may not be the fastest mammals around but can reach speeds up to 15 mph and make great climbers with their ability to shimmy down trees headfirst like pros.
And when you see them with those long bushy tails – usually ranging from 8-16 inches – sporting alternating rings of light and dark fur, it’s an impressive sight indeed.
Raccoon Season
| Season | Dates |
| Raccoon Season | Nov 08 – Jan 31 |
| Dog running chase only season (no hunting allowed) | Feb 01 – Oct 25 |
Weasel Season
| Species | Dates |
| Long-tailed Weasel | Nov 15 – Jan 31 |
Muskrat Season
| Species | Dates |
| Muskrat | Nov 15 – Jan 31 |
Turtle Season
| Species | Dates | Bag Limit |
| Eastern Snapping Turtle | Jul 01 – Mar 31 | 4 |
Ruffed Grouse Season
| Species | Dates |
| Ruffed Grouse | Suspended |
Opossum Season
| Season | Dates |
| Opossum Season | Nov 08 – Jan 31 |
| Dog running chase only season (no hunting allowed) | Feb 01 – Oct 25 |
Pheasant Season
| Species | Dates | Bag Limit |
| Pheasant | Nov 01 – Dec 15 | 2 |
Fox Season
| Species | Dates |
| Red and Gray Fox | Oct 15 – Feb 28 |
Striped Skunk Season
| Species | Dates |
| Striped Skunk | Oct 15 – Mar 15 |
Squirrel Season
| Species | Dates | Bag Limit |
| Gray and Fox Squirrel | Aug 15 – Jan 31 | 5 |
Frog Season
| Species | Dates | Bag Limit |
| Bullfrog and Green Frog | Jun 15 – Apr 30 | 25 |
Mourning Dove Season
| Species | Dates |
| Segment 1 | Sep 01 – Oct 15 |
| Segment 2 | Nov 01 – Nov 26 |
| Segment 3 | Dec 16 – Jan 03 |
Woodcock Season
| Species | Dates |
| Woodcock | Oct 15 – Nov 28 |
Duck Season Indiana
| Season | Dates | Bag Limit |
| Early North Zone | Oct 22 – Dec 11 | 6 per day |
| Early Central Zone | Oct 29 – Nov 06 | 6 per day |
| Early South Zone | Nov 05 – Nov 06 | 6 per day |
| Late North Zone | Dec 26 – Jan 03 | 6 per day |
| Late Central Zone | Nov 19 – Jan 08 | 6 per day |
| Late South Zone | Nov 26 – Jan 22 | 6 per day |
| Youth & Veteran North Zone | Oct 15 – Oct 16 | 6 per day |
| Youth & Veteran South Zone | Oct 29 – Oct 30 | 6 per day |
| Youth & Veteran Central Zone | Oct 22 – Oct 23 | 6 per day |
Coot Season
| Season | Dates |
| North Zone Segment 01 | Oct 28 – Dec 17 |
| North Zone Segment 02 | Dec 26 – Jan 03 |
| Central Zone Segment 01 | Nov 04 – Nov 12 |
| Central Zone Segment 02 | Nov 24 – Jan 13 |
| South Zone Segment 01 | Nov 11 – Nov 12 |
| South Zone Segment 02 | Dec 02 – Jan 28 |
Merganser Season
| Season | Dates |
| North Zone Segment 01 | Oct 28 – Dec 17 |
| North Zone Segment 02 | Dec 26 – Jan 03 |
| Central Zone Segment 01 | Nov 04 – Nov 12 |
| Central Zone Segment 02 | Nov 24 – Jan 13 |
| South Zone Segment 01 | Nov 11 – Nov 12 |
| South Zone Segment 02 | Dec 02 – Jan 28 |
Goose Season
| Season | Dates |
| North Zone-01 | Sep 10 – Sep 18 |
| South Zone-01 | Sep 10 – Sep 18 |
| Central Zone-01 | Sep 10 – Sep 18 |
| North Zone-02 | Oct 22 – Oct 30 |
| South Zone-02 | Nov 05 – Nov 20 |
| Central Zone-02 | Oct 29 – Nov 06 |
| North Zone-03 | Nov 19 – Feb 12 |
| South Zone-03 | Nov 26 – Feb 12 |
| Central Zone-03 | Nov 19 – Feb 12 |
| Youth & Veteran North Zone | Oct 15 – Oct 16 |
| Youth & Veteran South Zone | Oct 29 – Oct 30 |
| Youth & Veteran Central Zone | Oct 22 – Oct 23 |
Snipe Season
| Species | Dates |
| Snipe | Sep 01 – Dec 16 |
Rail Season
| Species | Dates |
| Sora Rail | Sep 01 – Nov 09 |
Teal Season
| Species | Dates |
| Teal | Sep 09 – Sep 24 |
Crow Season
| Species | Dates | Bag Limit |
| Crow | Jul 01 – Aug 15, Dec 13 – Mar 01 | No Limit |
Indiana Hunting License Information
It’s essential to understand there are two types of licenses available for hunting in Indiana: resident and non-resident. Residents must prove their residency with a valid driver’s license or state ID, while non-residents need a passport or other government photo ID.
All applicants must be 12 years old and have completed hunter education prior to purchasing the license. An annual hunting license is $20 for residents and $90 for non-residents.
In addition to the base permit, you may require extra tags depending on what game you’re targeting – deer, turkey? For waterfowlers, federal duck stamps are needed too. Licenses can be bought online through the DNR website or at an authorized retailer near you.
Seniors interested in hunting can take advantage of Indiana’s Persons With a Disability Special Hunting Permit. Active-duty military personnel stationed in the state and resident veterans with service-connected disabilities are eligible for discounted licenses, too.
For active military members on leave outside Indiana, no license is required to hunt while back home. Get more information from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources website.
Where Can You Hunt in Indiana?
Indiana is a haven for hunters in the Midwest. From deer and turkey to waterfowl and small game, no matter what you’re after there’s something for everyone.
Hit up public lands like state forests, wildlife management areas, or national wildlife refuges – even private landowners welcome visitors to their properties with open arms. Let’s take a look at some of the best public places to hunt in Indiana.
Public Hunting Places in Indiana
Hoosier National Forest
If you’re looking to go hunting in Indiana, Hoosier National Forest is the place for you. Located in southern Indiana, this stunning forest has a plethora of wildlife and habitats that make it an ideal spot.
In addition to white-tailed deer and wild turkey, there are also squirrels and other critters just waiting for your hunt. You’ll find varying terrain from open fields to thick woodlands as well as streams and lakes offering excellent fishing opportunities.
Remember though – all hunting regulations must be adhered to; this includes having a valid state license plus following safety guidelines at all times. Additionally, be mindful not to disturb any endangered species or their habitats while out in nature’s paradise.
Brown County State Park
Brown County State Park is an amazing hunting spot in Indiana. It has over 16,000 acres of diverse landscapes that range from rolling hills and deep ravines to thick forests and wide meadows.
You can hunt for deer, wild turkey, rabbit, squirrels – you name it! Plus there are a few areas where you don’t need permits to hunt; these well-marked spots are great for setting up your blind or tree stand. And with plenty of food sources around the park too? Wildlife will be drawn right to you.
Yellowwood State Forest
Yellowwood State Forest in south-central Indiana is an outdoor paradise. Rolling hills, wetlands, and hardwood forests are teeming with wildlife such as deer, turkey, and small game like rabbits and squirrels.
Waterfowl like ducks and geese use the abundant cover for protection during hunting season from September to March each year. Armed with a firearm or bow – though certain areas remain closed – hunters can take advantage of these plentiful opportunities while enjoying nature’s beauty all around them.
Morgan-Monroe State Forest
Hunting in Morgan-Monroe State Forest is an incredible experience, but it’s important to make sure you’re well-informed before heading out. All Indiana hunters must have a valid hunting license and any additional permits required for the species they are pursuing.
Also, familiarize yourself with the regulations at Morgan-Monroe State Forest – some areas may be off limits due to safety or environmental concerns so plan ahead just in case.
When you hit the woods, remember that safety should always come first. Wear bright colors so other hunters can spot you easily and never hunt alone – bring along a buddy or two for extra caution. And of course, abide by all laws related to firearms and ammunition while enjoying this beautiful forest preserve.
Potato Creek State Park
Potato Creek State Park is the perfect spot for hunters of all levels. Whether you’re looking to bag a deer, turkey, waterfowl, or some small game like rabbits and squirrels – this place has got it all. The terrain here offers wetlands, woodlands, and open fields with plenty of variety so you can find the ideal hunting location.
But that’s not all: Potato Creek isn’t just about hunting – camping, fishing, biking, and hiking are also available in this park. You’ll never be short on things to do when visiting! If you need help getting started out there don’t worry; experienced rangers will provide tips on safety regulations as well as advice on where to hunt within the park.
Harrison–Crawford State Forest
Harrison–Crawford State Forest, located in southern Indiana, sprawls over 24,000 acres of wild and untamed land. Its rich ecosystem is home to a wide array of wildlife such as white-tailed deer, turkeys, gray squirrels, and raccoons – not to mention the various species of birds which are also known to frequent the area.
This diverse terrain provides hunters with an exciting challenge no matter their skill level; from archery season all year round to firearms seasons throughout the year – it’s got something for everyone. But before you take up arms against these majestic creatures make sure you have your valid hunting license.
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources offers several classes and workshops that can help sharpen your skills so don’t miss out on this unique opportunity.
Private Hunting Places in Indiana
Once you have all your paperwork sorted out, it’s time to start searching for the perfect spot to do some hunting in Indiana. From dense forests and marshlands to open grassy fields and prairies, there are loads of private options available throughout the state. Whether you’re after deer, turkey, quail, or any other game animal – these places offer excellent opportunities.
It’s also important that you take safety into consideration when selecting a private hunting place in Indiana. Make sure that there are no major roads nearby that could put yourself or others at risk – as well as double-check regulations about what weapons can be used in this particular location.
Plus don’t forget those necessary permits from your local Department of Natural Resources office (or online) so everything is above board.
