The Guide to Indiana Hunting Seasons 2024

Hunting in Indiana is an adventure, whether it’s your home state or you are traveling to get in another whitetail hunt this year. However, before you can gather your gear and check the wind and the weather, you need to know when the season starts for the game you’re after, where you can hunt legally, and how to get your license to tag out this year. 

HuntWise has the details you need to hunt Indiana year-round. So, keep reading for this year’s guide to Indiana hunting. Plus, our app is the best tool for marking the best spots to hunt the game on your list this season. 

Why Do Hunters Hunt in Indiana?

Indiana is the place to be if you’re a big whitetail hunter and after a trophy buck. With more than 40 Boone and Crockett record book entries since 2010, there’s a good chance Indiana could deliver that big buck for your hunting bucket list. 

Indiana is also known for its turkey hunting. So, if turkey and whitetail are your hunting wheelhouse, get to Indiana this season! 

Where Should I Hunt?

You won’t find mountains (other than what they call “knobs”) when hunting Indiana. However, you will find plenty of lowlands, rolling hills, natural forests, and plains throughout the state. The Great Lakes Plains features sand dunes that can make for interesting hunting adventures. 

No matter where you scout and hunt in the state, HuntWise can help you find (and mark) the best hunting areas to tag out. With our topographic map layers and satellite imagery, you can learn about specific hunting ahead of time to plan the gear you need for a successful day in the field. 

When Can I Hunt?

We’ve compiled some current information in this resource, but we always recommend checking state agencies to confirm season dates and bag limits before you head out! 

Deer Season

• Reduction Zone: September 15 – January 31
• Youth: September 28 & 29
• Archery: October 1 – January 5
• Firearms: November 16 – December 1
• Muzzleloader: December 7 – 22

Turkey Season

Hunters can go after turkey with two open seasons in Indiana: spring and fall. 

• Youth: April 20 & 21
• Spring: April 24 – May 12
• Fall Archery: October 1 – 27 and December 7 – January 5
• Fall Firearm: October 16 – 27

Migratory Birds

• Mourning Dove: September 1 – October 15, November 1 – 26, and December 16 – Jan. 3
• Snipe: September 1 – December 16
• Woodcock: October 15 – November 28
• Sora Rail: September 1 – November 9
• Early Teal: September 9 – 24

Upland Game

• Pheasant (statewide-cock only): November 1 – December 15
• Quail (North of I-74): November 1 – December 15
• Quail (South of I-74): November 1 – January 10
• Rabbit: November 1 – February 28

Woodland Small Game

• Gray & Fox Squirrel: August 15 – January 31
• Ruffed Grouse: Suspended 

Waterfowl 

North Zone

• Ducks, Coots, Mergansers: October 28 – December 17 and December 26 – January 3
• Geese: September 9 – 17, October 28 – November 5, and November 18 – February 11
• Youth & Veteran: October 21 – 22

Central Zone

• Ducks, Coots, Mergansers: November 4 – 12 and November 24 – January 13
• Geese: September 9 – 17, November 4 – 18, and November 24 – February 11
• Youth & Veteran: October 28 – 29

South Zone

• Ducks, Coots, Mergansers: November 11 – 12 and December 2 – January 28
• Geese: September 9 – 17, November 11 – February 11
• Youth & Veteran: November 4 – 5

For other species – like foxes, coyotes, beavers, and river otters – and to confirm current dates and details, visit the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website. You can also find more details about specific species and season dates through eRegulations. 

What Do I Need to Know About Hunting Licenses?

Indiana requires all hunters to have a license to hunt any species, whether on public or private land. You can purchase a license through the state’s online system or in person at more than 500 retailers throughout the state. Make sure you read through and understand the requirements and payment details before buying your license. 

Not sure which license you need? Use Indiana’s sports license finder!

What Are the Bag Limits for Indiana Hunting?

How many ducks, turkeys, rabbits, or deer can you bring home this season? To comply with Indiana’s hunting regulations, check and follow the bag limits for everything you plan to hunt. 

For more details on bag limits, visit the Indiana DNR website.  

What Else Do I Need Before I Can Hunt?

Hunters born after December 31, 1986, must complete a hunter safety certification before purchasing a hunting license. However, even if you don’t fall into that age category, getting safety certified is the best way to stay safe when hunting in Indiana! 

Depending on the game you hunt, the time of year, and where you hunt within the state, you’ll also want to pack the right gear. From clothing, binoculars, hunting blinds, and, HuntWise users save hundreds on gear from our app partners. Use this discount to make sure you have everything you need to tag out. 

Let HuntWise Help You Tag Out When Hunting in Indiana

Whether you’re after a trophy buck or a Thanksgiving turkey, we hope this information helps you plan a successful Indiana hunt this season! 

Remember: before you head out into the field, download the HuntWise app. It provides up-to-date information on hunting in Indiana, including regulations, open-season dates, and license information. 

You’ll also be able to plan your hunt more strategically to gain an advantage over other hunters. With Hunt Alerts, you can get notifications about the best days to hunt based on the species you’re after and the hunt area you’ve marked in the app.  

We hope you have a great hunting season! Download the app and start your free trial now, and you’ll be ready to hunt on opening day.