HUNTING LICENSES

A Hunting License is required in the state of Indiana to hunt any game animal. There are a variety of license types available depending on your age, residency status, and what type of game you plan to hunt. Some of the hunting license types in Indiana include:   

Resident Annual Hunting License

Annual hunting licenses are available to Indiana residents and non-residents. License fees may vary depending on residency status. Any person who was born after December 31st, 1986 must have proof of hunter education certification to purchase an annual hunting license or other hunting license types.

Deer License Bundle 

A deer license bundle is a single-license that grants the order privileges to harvest two antlerless deer and one antlered deer OR three antlerless deer. The license bundle can be used during the special youth season, archery season, firearms season, and muzzleloader and special antlerless seasons

Youth Hunt/Trap Licenses

Youth hunt/trap combination licenses are available to Indiana residents who are 17 years of age or younger. There are valid for the designated hunting year, even if the youth turns 18 during that time period, however, the license must be purchased before the youth turns 18.

GAME SPECIES

Indiana offers a wide variety of game species for all types of hunters. Some of the state game species include:

• Big game including deer and turkey. 
• Small and upland game including pheasant, quail, rabbit, snipe, squirrel, and woodcock
• Waterfowl and other migratory game birds including ducks, geese, and dove.
• Furbearers including fox, coyote, beaver, mink, muskrat, and river otter, among others. 

NON-GAME SPECIES

Nongame species in Indiana make up a majority of the state’s wildlife and include mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates which typically may not be hunted, are considered a nuisance, or are protected, endangered, or at risk. There is, unfortunately, a lengthy list of endangered, protected, and threatened species within the state. For more information on nongame, and endangered species within the state visit the Indiana Department of Natural Resources website.

INVASIVE SPECIES

Invasive animals and other pests have been introduced to the United States, including the State of Indiana, and have become a threat to native wildlife. These animals, plants, fish, and invertebrates typically have no natural predators which can result in the rapid spread and population growth. This in turn can seriously harm the state’s lands and waters and can be detrimental to the health and population numbers of a variety of the state’s native plants and animals. Some common invasive species in Indiana include mute swan, Asian carp, emerald ash borer, zebra mussel, and nutria, among others. 

In order to protect Indiana’s native plants and animals, invasive species must be controlled and eradicated. Anyone who encounters or suspects that they have encountered an invasive species within the state is encouraged to report the sighting so that it can be monitored and controlled. For information on how to report various types of invasive species in Indiana visit the Indiana Wildlife Federation website. 

PRIVATE LAND

Much of the land in Indiana is privately owned. Hunters can typically freely take game animals hunted on their own private property, or may seek permission from a landowner to hunt on private property. Hunters who wish to take game on privately owned land must follow state hunting regulations as well as any regulations specified by the landowner. Hunters must ensure they respect the rights and property of the landowner at all times. 

PUBLIC LAND

There are millions of acres of game lands throughout the state of Indiana managed by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. The purpose of the state owned land is to provide management of wildlife and habitat, and to provide hunting and trapping opportunities for hunters. 

State managed lands may have specific rules and regulations in place that must be followed by all land users. State lands may also be used for other recreational purposes including horseback riding, snowmobiling, and bicycling.  

For more information on the rules and regulations that apply to hunters and other recreational users of state lands, visit the Indiana Department of Natural Resources website.

Hunting in Indiana’s Fish and Wildlife Areas

All of Indiana’s Fish and Wildlife Areas are open to public hunting, providing hunters with millions of acres of accessible lands. These areas encompass diverse habitats and a range of fish and wildlife species, including game animals. Fish and Wildlife Areas are managed by the Indiana DNR Division of Fish and Wildlife and ensure excellent hunting, shooting and fishing opportunities, among a variety of other opportunities for outdoor recreational activities. 

For more information on Indiana’s Fish and Wildlife Areas, visit the Indiana DNR website.

Fish and Wildlife Area Regulations

Indiana’s State Fish and Wildlife Areas may have specific rules and regulations in place which apply to all recreational users, including hunters. Hunters are responsible for ensuring they are familiar with these regulations and abide by them at all times when using these properties. Some of these regulations may include: 

• Safety zone and property boundary restrictions
• License and permit requirements
• Motorized vehicle restrictions
• Legal hunting hours restrictions