Small Game
Rabbit
Cottontail rabbit season is from Nov. 1, 2024 through Feb. 28, 2025.
Hunting hours for rabbits in February on FWAs and at Mississinewa, Patoka, and Salamonie lakes are from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour before sunset.
There are no equipment or ammunition restrictions for rabbit hunting. A 12- or 20-gauge shotgun loaded with 6- to 71/2-size shot is recommended.
It is illegal to remove a rabbit from a hole, den, or tree hollow with the aid of a ferret or other small animal or other means. Hunter orange clothing requirements must be met while hunting rabbits (General Information: Hunter Orange Requirements).
It is illegal to hunt, take, or possess swamp rabbits, which are an endangered species in Indiana.
Rabbits can be chased with a dog year-round with a hunting license. Certain restrictions apply on DNR-managed properties.
Squirrel
Gray and fox squirrel season is from Aug. 15, 2024 through Jan. 31, 2025.
Hunter orange clothing requirements (General Information: Hunter Orange Requirements) must be met while hunting squirrels from Nov. 1, 2024 through Jan. 31, 2025.
There are no equipment or ammunition restrictions for squirrel hunting. A 20-gauge or smaller shotgun loaded with 6- to 7 ½-size shot or a .22-caliber rimfire rifle is recommended. Trapping of squirrels is illegal.
Shooting into or disturbing leaf nests and squirrel dens is illegal at all times.
It is illegal to hunt flying squirrels, which are a protected species in Indiana. They cannot be taken or possessed without a special permit.
Gray and fox squirrels can be chased with dogs year-round with a hunting license. Certain restrictions apply on DNR-managed properties (Public Hunting Areas).
Hunting License Requirements for Small Game, Gamebirds & Migratory Birds |
|
Animal |
License & Stamps Required |
Small Game |
|
Rabbit, Squirrel* |
Valid hunting license |
Frog, Turtle |
Valid hunting or fishing license |
Gamebirds |
|
Pheasant, Northern Bobwhite Quail |
Valid hunting license and Gamebird Habitat Stamp |
Crow |
Valid hunting license |
Wild Turkey** |
Turkey license and Gamebird Habitat Stamp |
Migratory Birds |
|
Waterfowl (Geese, Ducks, Coots, Mergansers, Teal) |
• Youth 15 and younger: Valid youth hunting license, HIP number • Youth 16-17: Valid youth hunting license, HIP number, Federal Duck Stamp • Adults 18+: Valid hunting license, HIP number, Federal Duck Stamp, State Waterfowl Stamp |
Mourning Dove |
Valid hunting license, HIP Number, |
Woodcock, Sora, Snipe |
Valid hunting license and HIP Number |
