Deer Regulations

Overview

For deer hunting in Indiana, it is important to note the following:

• Visit the Where to Hunt online map at on.IN.gov/where2hunt to find deer hunting locations.
• The legal deer hunting hours in Indiana are from half an hour before sunrise until half an hour after sunset.
• The statewide bag limit is 6 antlerless deer and 1 antlered deer. Additional bag limits apply within the deer reduction zones if you are using deer reduction zone licenses.
• You must comply with each county’s antlerless bag limit, which can be found in Antlerless Deer and online at on.IN.gov/deer-quota.
• A deer is considered an antlered deer if it has at least one antler that is 3 inches or longer. If the deer doesn’t have an antler that is at least 3 inches long, it is considered an antlerless deer.

As you are reading through this hunting guide, please be aware of the differences between season requirements and license requirements, which often have the same names. A season refers to a specific time window, the licenses and legal equipment that can be used to harvest a deer during that time window, and other limitations or requirements. A license provides the opportunity to harvest one or more deer (depending on the license) during specific seasons. For example, there is a deer firearms season and a deer firearms license. The deer firearms license can be used during the deer firearms season. However, the multi-season antlerless deer license and the license bundle can also be used during firearms season as well as other deer seasons. You must be aware of the state bag limit, which is the total number of deer that can be taken in all seasons combined.

Deer Hunting License Requirements

To hunt deer in Indiana, you must have a valid license unless you meet an exemption criteria in the law (check License Information for details). While hunting on any land (public or private) you must carry a physical or digital license or license hard card displaying one of the following licenses:

• Deer Hunting License (Bundle, Archery, Firearms, Muzzleloader, Reduction Zone, Military/Refuge, or Multi-season Antlerless)
• Resident Youth Hunt/Trap License
• Lifetime Comprehensive Hunting License
• Lifetime Comprehensive Hunting and Fishing License

Number of Deer Per License

With most licenses, you can only take one deer per license. However, you can harvest more than one deer with a deer license bundle, lifetime comprehensive hunting license, lifetime comprehensive hunting and fishing license, or youth hunt/trap license. The total number of deer taken with these licenses or with all regular deer licenses (archery, muzzleloader, firearms, and multi-season antlerless) combined cannot exceed the state bag limit of 1 antlered deer and 6 antlerless deer or the county bag limits (listed in Antlerless Deer).

Deer License Bundle

The deer license bundle allows you to hunt deer in all deer seasons, but cannot be counted toward the reduction zone bag limit.

With the deer license bundle, you can harvest up to two antlerless deer AND one antlered deer.

When you harvest antlerless deer with this bundle, those deer count toward the county’s antlerless deer bag limit (see Antlerless Deer for details) as well as the statewide antlerless deer bag limit of 6 for the 2025-26 hunting seasons.

The antlered deer you harvest will count as the one antlered deer you can harvest under the statewide bag limit for the 2025-2026 hunting seasons.

You can use this bundle to hunt deer with legal equipment during the archery, firearms, or muzzleloader seasons.

Note: On some DNR properties, you cannot use the bundle to take antlerless deer with a firearm during firearms season. To find out if a specific property has restrictions, check Public Hunting Areas or visit on.IN.gov/deer-quota for more information.

Seasonal Bag Limits

• Youth Season – During youth season, youth cannot exceed county bag limits (see Antlerless Deer) or the state bag limit of 1 antlered deer and 6 antlerless deer. On some DNR properties, youth can only harvest 1 antlerless deer total across all these properties. See on.IN.gov/deer-quota for more details.
• Youth licenses during regular deer hunting seasons – To comply with the season bag limits during the remainder of the deer seasons, youth using a youth license must subtract any deer harvested during the youth season from the statewide bag limits. For example, if a youth hunter harvested 1 antlered deer during youth season, they could not harvest another antlered deer during the regular deer hunting seasons.
• Archery, Firearms, and Muzzleloader Seasons – You may use the lifetime comprehensive, youth hunt/trap, archery, firearms (for antlered deer only), muzzleloader, and multi-season antlerless licenses to harvest the statewide bag limit of 1 antlered deer and 6 antlerless deer. The antlerless bag limit for each county specifies the total number of antlerless deer you may harvest from that county (see Antlerless Deer).
• Reduction Zone Season – You may harvest 10 total deer in addition to statewide bag limits from within a deer reduction zone during the DRZ season. They can be either 1 antlered deer (see “earn a buck” information in Deer Reduction Zones Explained section below) AND 9 antlerless deer OR 10 antlerless deer and no antlered deer. You may only take one deer per license and must take an antlerless deer before taking an antlered deer.

License Requirements for Specific Seasons:

• Archery Season: To use a bow (long bow, compound bow, recurve bow, or crossbow) during archery season, you must have at least one of the following:
  • Archery License
  • Deer License Bundle
  • Multi-season Antlerless License
  • Resident Youth Hunt/Trap License
  • Lifetime Comprehensive Hunting and Fishing License or Lifetime Comprehensive Hunting License.
• Firearms Season: If you plan to hunt using firearms during firearms season, you need one of the following licenses:
  • Deer Firearms License (antlered deer only)
  • Deer License Bundle
  • Multi-season Antlerless License
  • Resident Youth Hunt/Trap License
  • Lifetime Comprehensive Hunting License or Lifetime Comprehensive Hunting and Fishing License.

Note: You cannot use a muzzleloader license during firearms season.

• Muzzleloader Season: To hunt with a muzzleloader during muzzleloader season, you need one of the following licenses:
  • Muzzleloader License
  • Deer License Bundle
  • Multi-season Antlerless License
  • Resident Youth Hunt/Trap License
  • Lifetime Comprehensive Hunting and Fishing License or Lifetime Comprehensive Hunting License

Note: A firearms license cannot be used during muzzleloader season.

Still not sure? Use our Sport License Finder at on.IN.gov/dnr-license-finder.

Legal Deer Hunting Equipment

Hunters can use any legal hunting equipment for deer as long as that deer hunting season is open and they have the appropriate license or meet a license exemption.

• For example, if you have a deer license bundle, you can carry both a bow and a rifle during firearms season because archery season is also open.
• You can carry more than one type of firearm when hunting during the firearms season, youth season, and in reduction zones (but only in areas where local laws permit the use of firearms).
• Additionally, hunters are allowed to use firearms with suppressors to hunt deer if they are also following federal regulations to possess a suppressor.

Legal Rifles for Deer Hunting

You can use any centerfire rifle with a bullet diameter of at least .219 inches (5.56mm) for deer hunting on both public and private land. Full-metal jacketed bullets are not allowed. Hunters may carry only 10 cartridges at a time. If you own a short-barreled rifle legally, you can also use it on public or private land during the firearms season.

When can you use rifles? Rifles are permitted during youth hunting season (Sep. 27-28, 2025), firearms season (Nov. 15-30, 2025), and deer reduction zone season (Nov. 15, 2025 - Jan. 31, 2026) where local ordinances allow.

Legal Handguns for Deer Hunting

To hunt deer with a handgun, the barrel must be at least 4 inches long, the bullet diameter must be at least .243 inches, AND the case length must be at least 1.16 inches. The exception to these rules is the 10 mm and .40 Smith & Wesson. These do not fully meet these requirements; however, they are still allowed for deer hunting.

The following ammunition cannot be used for deer hunting: .25-20 Winchester, .32-20 Winchester, .30 Carbine, and .38 Special.

Also, keep in mind that short-barreled rifles with barrels shorter than 18 inches are not considered handguns. Handguns are not allowed for hunting on military properties.

When can you use handguns? You can use handguns during firearms season (Nov. 15-30, 2025) and deer reduction zone season (Nov. 15, 2025 - Jan. 31, 2026) where local ordinances allow.

Legal Shotguns for Deer Hunting

You can use any common shotgun for deer hunting, including those with the following gauges: 10, 12, 16, 20, 28, or .410 inch. However, you must use only slugs or saboted bullets for hunting.

Combination guns that work as both a rifle and shotgun are also allowed.

When can you use shotguns? Shotguns can be used during youth hunting season (Sep. 27-28, 2025), firearms season (Nov. 15-30, 2025), and deer reduction zone season (Nov. 15, 2025 - Jan. 31, 2026) where local ordinances allow.

Legal Muzzleloaders for Deer Hunting

If you want to hunt deer with a muzzleloader, there are some rules you need to follow:

• For muzzleloading rifles and shotguns, the barrel must be at least .40 inches in diameter, and the bullet must be at least .357 inches in diameter.
• For muzzleloading handguns, the barrel must be at least 12 inches long and must fire a bullet that is at least .44 inches in diameter, while the barrel caliber needs to be .50 inches minimum.
• During muzzleloader season, you need to load both the gunpowder and the bullet from the front of the barrel (the muzzle). However, during youth and firearms seasons, you can load the gunpowder from the back of the barrel (the breech) and the bullet from the front.
• You can only load one bullet at a time, which means no shotgun pellets are allowed. You can use saboted bullets and guns with multiple barrels.
• Black powder revolvers cannot be used for deer hunting.

When can you use muzzleloaders? Muzzleloaders can be used during youth hunting season (Sep. 27-28, 2025), firearms season (Nov. 15-30, 2025), and deer reduction zone season (Nov. 15, 2025 - Jan. 31, 2026) where local ordinances allow.

Legal Equipment for Archery Season

During the archery season, you can use both vertical bows (such as long bows, compound bows, and recurve bows) and crossbows to hunt deer.

• Vertical Bows: You can use your hands or a method other than your hands to draw, hold, or release the bowstring. You can use a hand-held release aid such as a draw-loc device if you prefer. The arrows you shoot must have broadheads made of metal or other specified materials, including napped flint, chert, or obsidian. Additionally, the bow needs to have a minimum draw weight of 35 pounds.
• Crossbows: The crossbow must have a minimum draw weight of 125 pounds.
• Explosive or poisoned arrows and bolts are not legal.

When can you use archery equipment and crossbows? You can use archery equipment during youth hunting season, archery season, and deer reduction zone season.

Legal Air Guns for Deer Hunting

To use an air gun for deer hunting, the bullet must have a diameter of at least .40 caliber and generate a minimum of 400 foot-pounds of energy when fired. The arrow or bolt must have a sharpened metal broadhead and fire at a speed of at least 300 feet per second.

When can you use air guns? You are allowed to hunt with air guns during youth hunting season (Sep. 27-28, 2025), firearms season (Nov. 15-30, 2025), and deer reduction zone season (Nov. 15, 2025 - Jan. 31, 2026) where local ordinances allow.

Carrying a Handgun While Hunting

In Indiana, you can carry a handgun while hunting without needing a special handgun license unless prohibited from carrying a handgun under state law. See state law (Indiana Code 35-47-2-1) for more information.

Infrared Sensors, Drones, and Electronic Calls for Hunting Deer

It is against the law to use infrared sensors, drones, or electronic calls to hunt deer. However, if you have already shot a deer, you are allowed to use a drone or an infrared sensor to help find it.

Hunter Orange Requirements

To stay safe while hunting, you must wear bright fluorescent orange clothing during certain seasons. This can include items like a vest, coat, jacket, coveralls, hat, or cap. The orange must be solid (not camouflage patterned) and visible at all times.

You’re required to wear hunter orange when hunting deer from Nov. 15 -30, 2025 (firearms season), Dec. 6 - 21, 2025 (muzzleloader season), and Nov. 15, 2025 - Jan. 31, 2026, in deer reduction zones. It’s also necessary during youth deer season from Sept. 27 - 28, 2025.

If you’re using a ground blind while hunting on private or public land, the blind must have at least 144 square inches of visible hunter orange on each side. This applies to blinds that are on or within 4 feet off the ground and made of man-made materials. This rule is for both public and private land. Placing a flag on top of the blind does not meet the requirement.

Tree Stands on Public Land

You can use tree stands for hunting deer during all hunting seasons. However, it’s against the law to set up or hunt from a permanent tree stand on state-owned or state-leased land. You can use portable tree stands on state-owned and state-leased land, U.S. Forest Service land, and National Wildlife Refuges including Muscatatuck, Patoka River, and Big Oaks.

You can leave your portable tree stand in place overnight on all public land from noon on Sept. 15 to Jan. 10 and on DNR property within deer reduction zones from noon on Sept. 1 to Feb. 8.

If you’re using any fasteners to attach the tree stand, they can’t go deeper than half an inch into the tree. You must also clearly mark your stand with your name, address, and phone number, or your DNR Customer ID number if it’s on public land.

Fair Chase Rules for Deer Hunting

To ensure fair hunting practices, here are the key rules you need to know:

• It is against the law to use snares, salt, or bait to attract and harvest deer. Bait includes anything you bring into a hunting area to feed the animals, such as salt, mineral blocks, prepared food, apples, and other forms of food. Once you’ve placed the bait, that area is considered “baited” for 10 days after the bait has been removed. After 11 days, it is no longer considered baited, and you can hunt there.
  • If salt, or minerals, or other bait have gone into the soil, that soil will also need to be removed before it can be considered as being bait free.
• You cannot use dogs or other pets to hunt deer. However, you can use dogs on a leash to help track or find injured deer.
• Using artificial deer decoys for hunting deer is allowed.

To promote fair hunting and conservation, make sure to follow these rules.

What to Do After Harvesting a Deer

Transportation Tag for Harvested Deer

When you harvest a deer, you need to do the following to tag it properly:

1. Immediately after you harvest the deer, write a temporary transportation tag on a piece of paper. This tag must include:
   • Your name and address
   • The sex of the deer (male or female)
   • Your license number (if you have one)
   • The date (month and day) you harvested the deer
2. You don’t have to attach the tag to the deer while you’re dragging it out of the field, but you must have the completed tag with you.
3. Always keep the deer within eyesight until you’ve attached the completed temporary tag to it.

Reporting Your Deer Harvest

After harvesting a deer, you must check it in with the DNR within 48 hours. You can do this in one of three ways:

1. Online: Go to GoOutdoorsIN.com and select CheckIN Game. Phone: Call 260-368-5880 (no fee)
2. In Person: Visit a check station or a store that sells licenses, and they can help register the deer for you.

After you check in the deer, you’ll get a confirmation number. Write this number down and keep it with the deer until it is processed.

Email [email protected] or call 317-232-4200 if you need to correct a check-in. Include your name and confirmation number.

Remember that the deer’s head must stay attached to the body until you have checked in the deer and received your confirmation number. Check-in is also required before the deer leaves the state.

Rules for Bringing Harvested Deer and Elk into Indiana

The Indiana Board of Animal Health (BOAH) has rules for bringing deer and elk carcasses from other states into Indiana. You may bring in whole carcasses, parts of carcasses, de-boned meat, or meat that has been commercially processed, but it must not have the head, spinal cord, or small intestine attached. However, there are a few exceptions:

• If a carcass does include the head, spinal cord, or small intestine, it must be taken to a DNR-registered meat processor or licensed taxidermist within 72 hours of entering the state. These professionals must follow specific rules for disposing of any remains.
• You can also bring antlers (with the skull cap as long as it is cleaned of brain and muscle), hides, and upper canine teeth (which are sometimes called “buglers,” “whistlers,” or “ivories”).
• Deer heads can also be brought in if they are taken to a licensed taxidermist within 72 hours upon entering the state, who will also follow the rules for disposing of any remaining tissues.
• Finished taxidermy mounts may also be imported.

Deer Reduction Zones Explained

Deer reduction zones (DRZs) are special areas where hunters can help manage high deer populations. Here’s what you need to know:

• Season Dates: The deer reduction zone season runs from Sept. 15, 2025 - Jan. 31, 2026.
• Bag Limit & Earn-A-Buck: In these zones, you can harvest up to 10 deer, but only one can be antlered (this antlered deer does not count toward your statewide bag limit). If you want to take an antlered deer, you first need to harvest an antlerless deer (this is called “earn-a-buck”).
• Licenses Needed: To hunt in a reduction zone and fulfill the DRZ bag limit, you must have one of the following licenses: a deer reduction zone license, a resident youth hunt/trap license, a lifetime comprehensive hunting license, a lifetime comprehensive hunting and fishing license, or meet a license exemption. Note that the standard deer license bundle cannot be used to fulfill the reduction zone bag limit. You need a valid deer reduction zone license for each deer you take (i.e., you need 10 DRZ licenses to harvest 10 deer).
• Local Laws: The rules for the reduction zone do not override local laws about discharging projectiles. Make sure to follow any local regulations regarding the use of firearms or other equipment. You also need to get permission from landowners to hunt on private property and make sure that public lands are open for hunting.
• Equipment Use: In these zones, you can use archery equipment from Sept. 15, 2025 - Jan. 31, 2026. Firearms and other legal hunting equipment can be used from Nov. 15, 2025 - Jan. 31, 2026.
• Hunter Orange Requirements: If you hunt a DRZ from Nov. 15, 2025 – Jan. 31, 2026, you must wear hunter orange clothing.
• Restrictions: There are specific rules about licenses when hunting on DNR-managed properties. Check with the property where you plan to hunt for details.

For more information and to see a map of the deer reduction zones, visit on.IN.gov/deer-reduction.

Reporting Deer Harvested in a Deer Reduction Zone

If you harvest a deer within a deer reduction zone, you need to follow these steps to check it in correctly:

• Check-In Requirement: In counties with a deer reduction zone, you must register your deer through the CheckIN Game system by going online at GoOutdoorsIN.com, calling 260-368-5880, or in-person by visiting a check station or a store that sells licenses. You need to indicate whether the deer was harvested in a reduction zone.
• Count Toward Bag Limit: If the deer was harvested in a reduction zone, you must decide if you want that deer to count toward your limit for the zone. If you’re using the zone to take a second antlered deer or to reach your limit for antlerless deer, make sure to count those deer toward the zone limit.
• Not Counting Toward Bag Limit: If you’re hunting in a deer reduction zone but don’t want your harvested deer to count toward the zone limit, or if you’re using a license that isn’t valid for the reduction zone, you should indicate that the deer will not count toward the limit.

Reserved Hunts

Reserved deer hunts are scheduled at select state and federal-managed properties. These draws are designed to provide access to hunters on public lands where demand for hunting opportunities exceeds supply. Applications and draws are managed through the online DNR reserved hunt system. A $1 tech fee is charged for each hunt application.

For details and to apply during open applications, go to on.IN.gov/reservedhunt.