Indiana, a state steeped in natural beauty and outdoor traditions, offers a variety of Indiana hunting seasons managed by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR). From deer and turkey to waterfowl and small game, Indiana provides diverse hunting opportunities for enthusiasts. Understanding the specific Indiana hunting seasons, regulations, and licensing requirements is crucial for a safe and enjoyable hunting experience in Indiana State while contributing to responsible wildlife management and conservation efforts.
When does hunting season begin?
For both citizens and non-residents, Indiana Hunting Season 2023–2024 provides a range of chances and possibilities. There is a wide variety of wildlife available for hunters, including foxes, coyotes, raccoons, rabbits, hares, squirrels, grouse, and birds. In order to improve the hunting experience, the state also provides a free online check-in service and a program that connects hunters with landowners who want to restrict the number of antlerless deer on their property. The type of animal being hunted or trapped, the season, and any other factors all affect how much a license will cost.
In this article, we’ll discuss the various Indiana hunting seasons for 2023-2024, the Indiana hunting regulations you need to follow, the license, and associated fees.
| Season | Start Date | End Date |
| Coyote | Oct 15, 2023 | Mar 15, 2024 |
| Deer – Reduction Zone Specific urban area hunts. See regulations. | Sep 15, 2023 | Jan 31, 2024 |
| Deer – Youth | Sep 23, 2023 | Sep 24, 2023 |
| Deer – Archery | Oct 1, 2023 | Jan 7, 2024 |
| Deer – Firearms | Nov 18, 2023 | Dec 3, 2023 |
| Deer – Muzzleloader | Dec 9, 2023 | Dec 24, 2023 |
| Dove – Statewide 1 Bag limit 15 per day. | Sep 1, 2023 | Oct 15, 2023 |
| Dove – Statewide 2 Bag limit 15 per day. | Nov 1, 2023 | Nov 26, 2023 |
| Dove – Statewide 3 Bag limit 15 per day. | Dec 16, 2023 | Jan 3, 2024 |
| Duck – Teal Bag limit 6 per day. | Sep 9, 2023 | Sep 24, 2023 |
| Duck – Youth and Veteran North Zone Same bag limits as regular seasons | Oct 21, 2023 | Oct 22, 2023 |
| Duck – Youth and Veteran Central Zone Same bag limits as regular seasons | Oct 28, 2023 | Oct 29, 2023 |
| Duck – Early North Zone Bag limit 6 per day. Depends on species. | Oct 28, 2023 | Dec 17, 2023 |
| Duck – Youth and Veteran South Zone Same bag limits as regular seasons | Nov 4, 2023 | Nov 5, 2023 |
| Duck – Early Central Zone Bag limit 6 per day. Depends on species. | Nov 4, 2023 | Nov 12, 2023 |
| Duck – Early South Zone Bag limit 6 per day. Depends on species. | Nov 11, 2023 | Nov 12, 2023 |
| Duck – Late Central Zone Bag limit 6 per day. Depends on species. | Nov 24, 2023 | Jan 13, 2024 |
| Duck – Late South Zone Bag limit 6 per day. Depends on species. | Dec 2, 2023 | Jan 28, 2024 |
| Duck – Late North Zone Bag limit 6 per day. Depends on species. | Dec 26, 2023 | Jan 3, 2024 |
| Fox – Red & Gray Trapping season closes on January 31st. | Oct 15, 2023 | Feb 28, 2024 |
| Goose – Central Zone 1 | Sep 9, 2023 | Sep 17, 2023 |
| Goose – North Zone 1 | Sep 9, 2023 | Sep 17, 2023 |
| Goose – South Zone 1 | Sep 9, 2023 | Sep 17, 2023 |
| Goose – Youth and Veteran North Zone Same bag limits as regular seasons | Oct 21, 2023 | Oct 22, 2023 |
| Goose – Youth and Veteran Central Zone Same bag limits as regular seasons | Oct 28, 2023 | Oct 29, 2023 |
| Goose – North Zone 2 | Oct 28, 2023 | Nov 5, 2023 |
| Goose – Youth and Veteran South Zone Same bag limits as regular seasons | Nov 4, 2023 | Nov 5, 2023 |
| Goose – Central Zone 2 | Nov 4, 2023 | Nov 18, 2023 |
| Goose – South Zone 2 | Nov 11, 2023 | Feb 11, 2024 |
| Goose – North Zone 3 | Nov 18, 2023 | Feb 11, 2024 |
| Goose – Central Zone 3 | Nov 24, 2023 | Feb 11, 2024 |
| Gray & Fox Squirrel | Aug 15, 2023 | Jan 31, 2024 |
| Pheasant season Bag limit 2 per day. | Nov 1, 2023 | Dec 15, 2023 |
| Quail – North of I74 Bag limit 4 per day. | Nov 1, 2023 | Dec 15, 2023 |
| Quail – South of I74 Bag limit 8 per day. | Nov 1, 2023 | Jan 10, 2024 |
| Rabbit Bag limit 5 per day. | Nov 1, 2023 | Feb 28, 2024 |
| Turkey – Youth Bag limit 1 bearded turkey in spring season. | Apr 22, 2023 | Apr 23, 2023 |
| Turkey – Spring Bag limit 1 bearded turkey in spring season. | Apr 26, 2023 | May 14, 2023 |
| Turkey – Early Fall Archery Bag limit 1 turkey of either sex for fall season. | Oct 1, 2023 | Oct 29, 2023 |
| Turkey – Fall Firearm Bag limit 1 turkey of either sex for fall season. | Oct 18, 2023 | Oct 29, 2023 |
| Turkey – Late Fall Archery Bag limit 1 turkey of either sex for fall season. | Dec 9, 2023 | Jan 7, 2024 |
Hunting rules in Indiana
Bag limits
It is against the law to take more wild animals than the daily bag limit in Indiana whether hunting or trapping. The possession limitation is double the daily bag limit, with the exception of migratory birds, deer, and wild turkeys. Except for ducks and migratory birds, any wild animal processed and maintained at a person’s primary residence is free from the possession limitation. It’s against the law to leave Indiana in a car with more wild animals than the state allows for daily possession. Wild animals that have been harvested and are left unattended must have a tag or be put in a sealed bag or container with the taker’s name, address, the date the animals were taken, and their signature (or signatures).
Hunting Hours
With the exception of state-owned property, where the hours may be extended, turkey hunting is permitted in Indiana from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. Hunting for deer is permitted 30 minutes prior to sunrise and 30 minutes following sunset. There are no restrictions that forbid anyone from legally hunting or trapping furbearers. On some Department of Natural Resources website designated, only rabbits may be taken in February; however, small game is legal everywhere else. Except for teals, which can be shot at any time during the day, waterfowl (ducks and geese) may be lawfully hunted from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. On state-owned property, however, shooting hours may vary.
Purple Paint (No Trespassing)
The purple “no trespassing” signs that are so common in Indiana are painted by the property owners. This notice must be visible to anybody approaching the property and has the same legal effect as a “No Trespassing” sign. Visit iga.IN.gov or look up Section 35-43-2.2 of the Indiana Code.
Hunter Orange:
Hunters are required to wear hunter orange clothing when shooting specific species in Indiana between November 1 and January 31. These species include deer, rabbit, pheasant, quail, turkey, woodcock, and squirrel. Hunters must abide by the law by donning an article of conspicuous outer clothing that is solid bright orange, such as a vest, coat, jacket, coveralls, helmet, or cap, with the fewest logos or patches possible. Clothing that is fluorescent orange and with camouflage motifs is not acceptable.
Remains of Wild Animals:
A permit to possess a dead deer, wild turkey, river otter, fox squirrel, gray squirrel, Eastern cottontail rabbit, Northern bobwhite, pheasant, or furbearer (such as a beaver, coyote, fox, mink, muskrat, opossum, raccoon, or skunk) may be issued by any Indiana Conservation Officer, other law enforcement officer, Department of Natural Resources property manager or assistant property manager, or If these animals are found dead from another reason in Indiana, a conservation officer or someone else they designate may also issue permits for their possession.
Disputing the Habitats:
In Indiana, it is against the law to bring smoke, fire, fumes, chemicals, a ferret or other tiny animal, or any mechanical device (except a legally set trap) into a place where a wild animal is concealed or protected. This involves firing into an animal’s home, lair, nest, hole, or burrow. It is against the law for a person to wear or use a device to climb poles or trees, as well as to carry an axe or saw when in the field at night, in order to prevent upsetting a wild animal from its home or another location hidden for security or protection.
Trespassing:
Without the owner’s or tenant’s permission, it is illegal to hunt, trap, pursue, or retrieve animals on private property in Indiana. You can utilize a form on the hunting.IN.gov website to ask landowners for permission before entering their property.
Drones:
In Indiana, it is forbidden to use drones to hunt, scout, locate, or identify wild animals during the hunting season and the 14 days prior. The use of drones in some industries, including as agriculture, animal pest management, and scientific research, is permitted.
Party Hunting:
Indiana forbids party hunting, which is described as going on a hunt to use another person’s hunting license. This sort of conduct is forbidden by Indiana law.
Spotlighting:
Indiana law forbids using a spotlight or any other artificial light while in possession of a rifle, bow, or crossbow. Any wild animal may not be taken, attempted to be taken, or helped in being taken, with the exception of frogs, crayfish, and creatures that have fur. It is also forbidden to use a spotlight or any other type of artificial light when fishing.
Vehicle or boat hunting:
This restriction has several exceptions, such as for those with disabilities and when shooting ducks or squirrels from a parked speedboat. It is against the law to operate an off-road vehicle while carrying a gun unless the rider is on privately owned or authorized land and in legal possession of a handgun.
Handguns:
In Indiana, it is legal to carry a concealed handgun at all times, although deer hunting is restricted to specific Indiana hunting seasons and Department of Natural Resources regulations.
Muzzles, or sound suppressors:
In Indiana, using silencers or suppressors for hunting is permitted, but only when done properly and in accordance with federal laws. However, according to Indiana Code 14-22-38-4.5, using one for Indiana hunting on private land without the owner’s or tenant’s consent is a Class B misdemeanor.
Carcasses:
The bodies of wild animals that have been legally harvested cannot be dumped in rivers, streams, or other bodies of water since doing so is considered littering and is punishable by law. A body may not be burned or left outside without the landowner’s permission. According to the Department of Natural Resources, bag it up and throw it in the trash.
Roads or Water Hunting:
It is against the law to hunt, shoot, or kill any animal, as well as to shoot at, into, or across a public road. You are not permitted to shoot into or over state waters unless you are lawfully pursuing a game animal.
Hunt Area:
169,164 acres of land are under the control of Indiana’s Division of Fish & Wildlife for use by the general public for hunting. These include State Forests, Wetland Conservation Areas, Wildlife Management Areas, Fish and wildlife Areas, and Reservoir Assets. Find nearby hunting grounds at on.IN.gov/where2hunt.
Private Property Rights in Indiana:
When the application period for the Indiana Private Lands Access program is open, hunters who are interested in participating can submit an application at on.IN.gov/reservedhunt to get access to privately owned land for hunting.
Hunters & Trappers Harassment:
It is against the law to stop another hunter from legally pursuing and taking a game animal on public or private land.
Wild Game Selling:
It is unlawful to sell, trade, or barter live or dead protected or regulated wild animals or the meat from them, with the exception of furbearers, squirrel tails, deer skins, antlers, hooves, and cured game bird feathers.
Guidelines for Federal Lands and DNRs:
It is essential to first verify with the property management as hunting and trapping regulations on state and federal properties are subject to change at any moment. For more information about public hunting areas, go visit Public Hunting Areas.
Penalties:
You will be charged with a Class C misdemeanor if you intentionally violate a fish and wildlife law or rule. The illegal capture of a deer or wild turkey (with a prior conviction) will result in a $500 fine in addition to any other legal consequences, such as Class B or Class A misdemeanor classification. The court may seize equipment used in a knowing violation of fish and wildlife regulations as evidence and declare it forfeit.
Hunting License Requirements for Indiana
In Indiana, a hunting license is required to pursue any kind of wild game. Hunting is allowed on both public and private lands under this criterion. You could also be required to buy a variety of various “stamps” for certain species, like deer, in addition to a license.
You must also finish a hunter education course in order to obtain a license.
There are various methods for getting a license. One can be purchased in person at a merchant, online through the state’s website, by phone, mail, or in person. Of course, placing an order via mail takes significantly longer. So, if this is your chosen way, give the delivery time a few weeks.
The licensing requirement does have certain exceptions, though. The only people who require a license to hunt on farmland are those who own it and members of their close family. Any property owned by a company or other legal entity is exempt from this. This exemption has no acreage restrictions.
This category also includes trust properties. The trustees, however, must all be Indiana citizens and members of the trustees’ immediate families.
Any non-resident under the age of 18 is permitted to hunt without a license. However, a resident with a license who is their parent, grandparent, or legal guardian must be with them. Even though they aren’t officially residents of Indiana, active-duty service members are permitted to drive on a resident license there.
Apprentice Licenses and Hunter Education Courses
Most individuals often need to pass a state-run hunter safety course in order to obtain a license. However, you do not need to finish the course in order to obtain an apprentice license. Before the course is required, this license may only be bought three times.
This license is designed to allow individuals to sample hunting before enrolling in a course. As a result, it is not intended to be continuously purchased.
While hunting, anybody with an apprentice license must be close to someone over the age of 18 having a license. More than two apprentices cannot be accompanied at once by the person with the apprentice.
The same costs and stamps apply as with a standard license for all other requirements. The necessity for safety training is the sole distinction.
You can choose to get certified by another state or take any course in Indiana when you decide to enroll in the course. When requesting your license, just show the completion certificate. Indiana provides both in-person and online courses.
Types of Deer-Hunting Licenses
In Indiana, there are several permits available for deer hunting. Only a deer license, a general hunting license, or a general hunting and fishing license are available for purchase. For some of these licenses, lifetime options are also available.
With a single deer license, just one deer may be taken. The deer license package, which theoretically offers several licenses, is the lone exception. With this specific license, you may go hunting during the whole Indiana deer season. As a result, you are permitted to harvest up to three deer—one every season.
You may only take one antlerless deer year, though. The others have to be deer-free.
Additionally, you are not required to kill one deer per season. Instead, you are free to take all three deer at any time. You can consume them all at once or spread them out over the course of the year.
Indiana Deer Seasons
There are multiple distinct Indiana hunting seasons. These have various rules and start at various times in Indiana hunting seasons. Every season severely limits the kind of weapon you may employ. Check your local laws as not all regions experience each season.
Archery Season
During this time, bow and arrow hunting for deer is permitted. In order to use a crossbow, you can also buy a crossbow permission. Remember that this permit is additional to the standard license.
Longbows, compound bows, and recurve bows are examples of acceptable archery gear. For all types of bows, the minimum draw weight is 35 pounds. A bow that is designed to be pulled, held, or released in a non-“traditional” manner can also be used. The broadheads of the arrows must be made of metal, metal-edged metal, flint, chert, or obsidian.
Firearms Season
You may utilize an authorized contemporary weapon at this time. Since muzzleloaders have their own season, they are not permitted during this one. No matter your license, you are only allowed to take one deer during weapons season.
Rifles, pistols, and shotguns are the three primary types of firearms that are permitted throughout this season.
You must use bullets with a minimum diameter of.357′′ while using a rifle (on private property, this requirement is dropped to 6 mm). The casing length must range from 1/16 to 3 inches. Bullets with a full metal jacket are forbidden. On private property, you may have no more than 10 cartridges with you.
There are different standards for handguns. The gun must utilize and have a 4′′ barrel.at least 234′′ diameter bullets. The cartridge length must be at least 1.16′′; however, 10 mm is exempt. Even if they don’t meet these specifications, 10mm is still acceptable. Additionally, when hunting in military zones, handguns are not allowed.
The gauge of a shotgun might be 10, 12, 16, 20, or 28. We need slugs and sabotaged ammunition. You can employ a “rifle-shotgun” combo. They must adhere to the same rules, though.
Muzzleloader Season
You can use a muzzleloader during this season, as the name indicates. Of course, you need the proper permit. The muzzleloader season does not take a firearm permit into account. Instead, you require a muzzleloader permit.
You can use a rifle, shotgun, or pistol as your muzzleloader. The standards are the same for rifles and shotguns. The bullet diameter must be at least 357′′ and the barrel caliber must be at least 44′′. The whole clip of the firearm must be loaded via the muzzle. Both sabotaged ammunition and multiple-barreled weapons are legal.
During the firearms season, you are permitted to use firearms that need powder to be loaded through the breach end.
The rules are different for handguns. The barrel must have a minimum length of 12″. The bullets used must be at least.44′′ in diameter and.50′′ in caliber. These pistols must, of course, be real muzzleloaders, meaning that both the powder and the bullet must be loaded from the muzzle.
Youth Season
Qualified hunters may use any handgun during the youth season, including modern and muzzleloaders. To hunt during this season, you must be 17 years of age or younger. However, all minors must be accompanied by an adult.
Both antlerless and antlered deer may be taken by the young hunter. Every deer taken counts against the hunter’s annual bag limit. A valid license must be in the possession of the minor unless they are excluded for one of the reasons mentioned above. Additionally, the adult accompanying the child must have a current license.
This adult is not allowed to own any weapons, with the exception of legally carried pistols. No deer may be taken by the adult partner. All customary hunting laws also apply.
Deer Reduction Zones
Deer reduction areas function somewhat differently. These places are where it is necessary to reduce the deer population. The luggage restriction is therefore increased. In some places, a hunter may take up to ten deer, but only one may have antlers. In one of these regions, you must first take a deer without antlers before you may take one with them.
These luggage restrictions are in addition to all of your customary restrictions.
To hunt in these places, you need the proper license. Having a license package disqualifies you. You must purchase a lifetime license or a deer reduction zone instead. For each deer you take, a valid license is required.
Prior to hunting, be careful to verify your local laws. Weapons-related laws continue to be in effect at this time. If permitted by local legislation, archery equipment and firearms may be utilized. Generally speaking, archery is permitted from September through January but guns are not permitted until November.
Tagging and Reporting Requirements
Every deer harvested must be marked and the information recorded. Once you’ve killed a deer, you need to finish a temporary tag. Your name, address, the deer’s sex, license number, and the date should all be listed on this tag. When bringing the deer out of the woods, you do not need to connect this information to it.
Instead, you can store it on your person in a pocket or another location. Until you have finished hauling the deer out of the woods, you must retain this tag on your person. The deer must then be tagged after that.
Unless you complete a transportation tag, you must keep possession of the deer. A tag must also be secured if you abandon the deer.
Within 48 hours of the deer’s death, you must report it. This can be done over the phone, online, or at a check station. However, there is an additional cost when reporting over the phone.
A confirmation number will be provided to you after your deer has been registered. Until it is processed, write down this number on the tag and keep it with the deer. The deer must first be registered before processing is permitted.
Bag Limits in Indiana
Indiana’s luggage restrictions might be a little confusing. You are typically only permitted to hunt one antlerless deer each year. In DR zones, there is just one exemption. With the appropriate permit, you are allowed to make more money in certain regions.
The cost of antlerless deer varies by jurisdiction. While some counties only permit one each year, others permit two or three. It is based on local population indicators. In addition to the typical one-deer bag limit for an ordinary license, these “bonus” antlerless deer are available.
Even if you’re harvesting “bonus” antlerless deer, you still need to have a license. Use these additional licenses at any time, but only with approved equipment. They are also acceptable in any jurisdiction. To hunt extra deer, you must select a county, though. In some counties, you cannot take a bonus deer.
Where are the public hunting areas in Indiana?
| Location | Acres | Zip | Game |
| Pulaski | 4,880 | 46996 | Turkey, Dove, Quail, Duck, Exotics |
| Newton | 9,956 | 47963 | Dove, Quail, Duck, Exotics |
| LaPorte | 7,280 | 46350 | Turkey, Dove, Duck, Exotics |
| Posey | 7,404 | 47620 | Turkey, Duck, Exotics |
| Greene | 9,018 | 47441 | Turkey, Quail, Duck, Exotics |
| Sullivan | 7,234 | 47441 | Dove, Quail, Duck, Exotics |
| Putnam | 2,161 | 46135 | Turkey, Dove, Quail, Duck |
| Putnam | 2,141 | 46135 | Turkey, Dove, Quail, Duck, Predator, Exotics |
| Jennings | 4,905 | 46124 | Mule Deer, Dove, Duck, Exotics |
| Jennings | 4,228 | 47265 | Turkey, Quail, Duck, Exotics |
Public hunting lands in Indiana include those that are owned by the Indiana Department DNR t of Fish & Wildlife or those leased from different businesses and government entities. The minimum age to hunt on any hunting land is 17, and a valid license and permission are also required. A hunting map book may be used by hunters to locate any hunting territory. Some properties demand on-site registration while others allow online registration in advance of hunting.
Best Indiana Public Hunting Lands:
This state has a wide selection of hunting animals, including both domestic and foreign species. The White-tailed Deer is the most renowned species that may be hunted by the majority of units, hunters are allowed to bring their dogs to hunting grounds to pursue rabbits, hares, game birds (other than turkey), squirrels, and predatory animals. Additionally, the majority of Indiana’s hunting areas are fenced-in and gated, making them the perfect locations for hunting. Indiana has fewer public hunting areas than other states, and the majority of these areas are owned by private individuals.
Hunting Indiana:
In Indiana, there are more than 502,000 acres of public hunting ground, offering a variety of options for hunters. Each year, more than 200,000 licensed hunters travel to this state’s hunting grounds. Public, private, and hunting ranches are all types of hunting areas that are accessible in this area. Only those with impairments are permitted to use motor vehicles. Additionally, hunters are permitted to bring their pets onto hunting grounds, but only if they have a recent vaccination slip. Hunting guests may also use the opulent restrooms. Additionally, it is forbidden for hunters to bring any type of alcohol or illegal substances onto hunting grounds. Additionally to hunting, these grounds provide opportunities for fishing, trapping, hiking, skiing, and horseback riding.
Southern Indiana Public Hunting Lands:
Depending on the laws and restrictions of the particular hunting property, hunters who wish to hunt in this part of the state can pre-book hunting land or register on-site. A specific map book with all the hunting spots and their addresses is available to help hunters locate ideal hunting grounds. Hunters may also bring their pets to the hunting grounds, but they must have proof of most current vaccinations. Additionally, no type of motor vehicle is permitted inside the boundaries of public hunting territory.
However, physically handicapped hunters can shoot games from their cars as long as the engine is turned off. The majority of Indiana’s hunting grounds offer magnificent facilities, toilets, and campsites as benefits. In every 30-day period, hunters are allowed to camp on hunting leases for a maximum of 21 consecutive days. In addition, pastimes like fishing, hiking, skiing, trapping, and horseback riding are permitted on hunting leases in addition to hunting. Finally, no one should hunt on the hunting land while under the influence of alcohol or narcotics.
What guns and equipment can I use during hunting season?
Equipment on Private Lands
State law (Indiana Code 14-22-2-8) allows some additional rifle cartridges to be used on private land during the deer firearms season.
A summary of the rifle requirements for deer hunting on private land is as follows:
- The cartridge cases for the rifle rounds must be at least 1.16 inches long and no more than 3 inches.
- The cartridge must be able to fire bullets with a minimum diameter of.243 inches (6mm).
- When shooting deer, a hunter is only allowed to own ten of these cartridges per weapon.
- Only privately owned property may be utilized with these new rifle rounds.
- Bullets with a full metal jacket are prohibited.
- Between November 12, 2022, and January 31, 2023, these new rifle cartridges may be used during the juvenile deer season, the deer firearms season, and the deer reduction season (in DR zones where municipal rules permit the use of a weapon).
Rifle cartridges that are legal under this law for private land include, but are not limited to, the following:
- 6mm-06
- 6mm BR Remington
- 6mm PPC
- 6mm Remington
- 6.5 Remington Mag
- 7mm Remington Mag
- .240 Weatherby
- .243 Winchester
- .243 Winchester Super Short Magnum
- .25 Remington
- .25-06 Remington
- .260 Remington
- .270 Winchester
- .30 Carbine
- .30 Herrett
- .30 Remington AR
- .30-06 Springfield
- .30-30 Winchester
- .30-40 Krag
- .300 AAC Blackout (.300 Whisper)
- .300 H &H Magnum
- .300 Remington Short Action Ultra Magnum
- .300 Savage
- .300 Weatherby Magnum
- .300 Winchester Magnum
- .300 Winchester Short Magnum
- .300 Remington Ultra Magnum
- .303 British
- .307 Winchester
- .308 Marlin
- .308 Winchester
- .32 Winchester SL
- .35 Remington
- .350 Legend
- .375 Winchester
- .38-55 Winchester
- .444 Marlin
- .45-70 Government
- 6.5 Creedmoor
- 6.8 SPC
- 7.62x39mm
- 7.62x54mmR
Equipment on Public Land
Rifle cartridges for public lands (state and federal property) must meet the following requirements:
- Fire a bullet of .357-inch diameter or larger,
- Have a minimum case length of 1.16 inches, and
- Have a maximum case length of 1.8 inches
Only the deer guns, youth, reduction zones from November 12, 2022, to January 31, 2023 (in areas where local rules allow the use of a firearm), and special antlerless Indiana deer seasons (where open) are permitted to use these cartridges.
There are a few calibers that are permitted for deer hunting on public lands, including the.350 Legend,.357 Magnum,.38-.40 Winchester,.41 Magnum,.44 Magnum,.44 Special,.44-.40 Winchester,.45 Colt,.454 Casull,.458 SOCOM,.475 Linebaugh,.480 Ruger,.50 Action Express,. Bullets with a full metal jacket are forbidden.
Air Guns for Deer Hunting
For deer hunting during the youth, firearms, and zone deer seasons of reduction when firearms are permitted (Nov. 12 – Jan. 31), air guns that use non-ignited compressed air or other gas and fulfill the following requirements are now permitted:
- Air weapons.40 caliber or bigger, having a maximum single bullet discharge energy of 400 ft. pounds
- Air bows with a minimum speed of 300 feet per second and an arrow or bolt with metal or metal-edged broadheads and metal tips are used.
Chronic Wasting Disease
Throughout North America, many deer are afflicted by chronic wasting illness. Prions, which are altered proteins, are the cause of this illness. These proteins attack the deer’s nervous system, leading to the formation of holes in the brain. As you can expect, this causes a variety of neurological issues.
Currently, all cervid animals, including deer, are affected by this illness. This illness is usually deadly and has no known cure. Saliva, urine, feces, bones, and the brain of an infected deer all contain the altered proteins. Other deer who come into touch with these proteins will become unwell.
Additionally, these proteins last in the soil for a very long period. As a result, once the illness enters a region, it stays there. The prions are unaffected by freezing, disinfecting, or cooking.
Deer typically take time to exhibit symptoms. Though they are contagious before this, the majority begin to exhibit symptoms after roughly two years. Affected deer will slobber, stutter, lose their motor coordination, lose weight, and seem bewildered.
Even though CWD doesn’t presently affect people, the CDC advises avoiding possible interactions to avoid the illness’s negative effects on people. For instance, in regions where CWD is present, meat should be examined before ingestion.
Thankfully, Indiana has not reported any cases of CWD. It has, however, happened in adjacent states. Indiana is therefore circumspect when it comes to moving deer from CWD-positive areas. Only deer that have been treated and have no high-risk tissues can be transported into the state.
FAQs
1. When can crossbows be used?
The full archery season may be employed with crossbows. A crossbow license, a deer license bundle, a bonus antlerless license, a resident youth hunt/trap license, or a lifetime comprehensive license must be purchased in order to hunt with a crossbow during the zone season of deer reduction.
2. When is the deer reduction zone season?
The zone (deer reduction) season is now continuous and runs from Sept. 15, 2023, through Jan. 31, 2024.
3. When is the firearms season?
The firearms season starts the first Saturday after Veterans Day and runs for 16 days. The 2023 season is Nov. 18 through Dec. 3, 2023.
4. When is the archery season?
Archery season is from Oct. 1 through the first Sunday in January. The 2023 season runs from Oct. 1, 2023, to Jan. 7, 2024.
5. When is the muzzleloader season?
The muzzleloader season starts the first Saturday after the end of Firearms Season and runs for 16 days. The 2023 season is Dec. 9-24.
6. When is the youth deer season?
The Youth Deer Season is the weekend prior to Oct 1. This year, the season is Sept 23-24, 2023.