State Guide

Indiana Hunting Guide 2026

Complete Indiana hunting guide for 2026: seasons, license costs, draw odds, GMU boundaries, bag limits, and regulations. Compare every game species at a glance.

Wildlife Agency

Indiana DNR Division of Fish & Wildlife

Official Site

Hunter safety course required for first-time buyers

Indiana Hunting Seasons

Whitetail Deer

Res: $24 Non-res: $150

Season Type	Opens	Closes
Archery	Oct 1	Jan 7
Shotgun	Nov 18	Dec 3
Muzzleloader	Dec 9	Dec 24

Typical season windows, not 2026 dates — this table carries no year and has not been verified against the agency for the current season. Confirm with Indiana DNR Division of Fish & Wildlife before you plan around them.

Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 1 antlered + bonus antlerless

No high-powered rifle season — shotguns and muzzleloaders only. Bonus antlerless licenses available in most counties.

Turkey

Res: $24 Non-res: $150

Season Type	Opens	Closes
Shotgun	Apr 26	May 14
Archery	Oct 1	Nov 5

Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 1 (spring)

Spring bearded turkey only. Youth season weekend prior to opener. Turkey populations growing statewide.

Duck/Waterfowl

Res: $24 Non-res: $150

Season Type	Opens	Closes
Shotgun	Oct 28	Dec 17

Bag limits: daily: 6, season: No season limit

Federal and state stamps required. Indiana is in the Mississippi Flyway. Split season possible.

Planning Tools

Tag-to-Trail Planner — interactive map: public land, harvest records, water, burns
Hunt Cost Calculator — budget your full hunt cost
Application Timeline — never miss an application deadline
Preference Point Tracker — track points across all your states

Indiana Hunting Guides

destinations

Indiana Deer Hunting: Season Dates, Public Land, and Trophy Potential

Indiana Hunting FAQ

Do I need a hunting license in Indiana?

Yes. All hunters in Indiana must hold a valid hunting license from the Indiana DNR Division of Fish & Wildlife. Non-residents typically pay higher fees. A hunter safety course is required for first-time license buyers.

What is the hunting license cost in Indiana?

Indiana license costs vary by species. Whitetail Deer: resident $24, non-resident $150. Turkey: resident $24, non-resident $150.

When is deer season in Indiana?

Indiana deer seasons: Archery: Oct 1 - Jan 7, Shotgun: Nov 18 - Dec 3, Muzzleloader: Dec 9 - Dec 24.

Does Indiana require a hunter safety course?

Yes, Indiana requires hunter education certification for all first-time hunters. The course covers firearm safety, hunting laws, wildlife conservation, and ethical hunting practices.

Who manages hunting regulations in Indiana?

The Indiana DNR Division of Fish & Wildlife manages all hunting licenses, regulations, and wildlife management in Indiana. Their website (https://www.in.gov/dnr/fish-and-wildlife) has current season dates, license purchasing, and regulation booklets.