Indiana archery season offers excellent hunting opportunities. The Hoosier State offers deer and small game seasons, with squirrels, grouse, and turkey available, as are other woodland wildlife. Indiana offers hunters trapping for coyotes, foxes, raccoons, and fur-bearing animals.
Indiana (IN) Archery Season, 2022-2023
Hunters can register their bagged game at CheckIN Game for free. The Hunters Helping Farmer’s program pairs landowners and hunters to remove antlerless deer from their land.
Hunters may register for this program annually between July and August. The purpose of this program is to remove problematic herds from private land that may damage crops, landscaped areas, or forested regions.
When does Archery Season Start in IN?
Indiana Deer Seasons
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Archery October 1-January 1
*Deer bag limits vary by season, region, and license. Hunters must secure licenses for harvesting deer.
Indiana Turkey Seasons
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Fall Archery October 1-30 / December 3-January 1
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Spring 2023 General Season April 26-May 14
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Spring 2023 Youth Season April 22-23
Indiana Small Game Seasons
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Gray and Fox Squirrel August. 15-January. 31
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Pheasant November 1-December 15
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Quail November 1-January 10**
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Rabbit November 1-February 28
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Crow July 1-August 15 / December 13-March 1
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Green Frog and Bullfrog June 15-April 30
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Snapping, smooth, spiny turtle July 1-March 31
**Season opening dates vary by region.
Special seasons, bag limits, and hunting regulations vary based on season and animal.
What are the Restrictions on Hunting in Indiana?
Discharging a bow and arrow is prohibited within 150 yards of recreation sites, residences, or public spaces where people may be present. Hunters may not shoot across bodies of water.
Private land and public land are interspersed. Therefore, hunters must obtain written permission from private landowners to hunt on their land. Secure a map, and don’t wander off public land onto private property.
What are the legal hunting hours in Indiana?
Legal hunting hours in deer season are from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30-minutes after sunset. Hunters must wear orange on private and public land.
Hunting Licenses and Permits in IN
Residents
Residents must apply for a hunting license.
Non-Resident
Non-residents must purchase non-resident hunting licenses.
Youth Hunting License
Residents and non-residents aged 17 or younger must purchase youth hunting licenses. Non-resident youth hunters may buy resident youth hunting licenses if their parent or legal guardian is a resident.
Disability License
All hunters with disabilities must secure a valid hunting license. These individuals are eligible for the “Persons with a Disability Special Hunting Permit.”
Military and Veteran License
Veterans and active-duty military personnel stationed in Indiana qualify for a resident hunting license. Additionally, Indiana residents who are active-duty military members stationed outside the state don’t need a hunting license while on leave.
Migratory Waterfowl Requirements
Hunters over 16 must purchase a Federal Duck Stamp for hunting migratory birds. All hunters must secure an Indiana Waterfowl Stamp for hunting geese and ducks. Additionally, hunters must have proof of participation in the Indiana Harvest Information Program (HIP).
License Expiration
Hunting licenses are valid from April 1, 2022, to March 2023. Visit the Indiana Department of Natural Resources website for further details on licensing requirements.
Check out our guide 30+ Hunting Rules to Keep You Safe while bowhunting in the wild.
