Indiana Deer hunting, biology and management

Deer Hunting

The 2017-2018 deer hunting seasons are as follows:

  • Reduction Zone: Sept. 15, 2017-Jan. 31, 2018 (where open)
  • Youth Season: Sept. 23-24, 2017
  • Archery: Oct. 1, 2017-Jan. 7, 2018
  • Firearm: Nov. 18-Dec. 3, 2017
  • Muzzleloader: Dec. 9-24, 2017
  • Special Antlerless: Dec. 26, 2017-Jan. 7, 2018 (where open)

A full list of season dates, bag limits, and legal equipment can be found on the deer-hunting question and answers page.

A valid Indiana deer hunting license (see page 27 of hunting guide for license types), resident youth hunt/trap, or comprehensive lifetime hunting license is required to hunt for deer unless you meet one of the license exemptions. All deer harvested in Indiana must be reported within 48 hours of the time of harvest at an on-site check station, online, through your Indiana Fish & Wildlife Account or by phone at 1-800-419-1326. There is a $3 charge for the phone service, payable only by Visa or Mastercard.

Licensing and Regulations

Find Hunting Opportunities

Gear Up: What You Need Before You Hunt

Successful Hunter To-Do List and Supplies

Field to Freezer: Meat Preparation

Venison Donation Opportunities

Venison Recipes

Deer Biology

Living with Deer

Deer Management

Current reported deer harvest

Current reported deer harvest:

 

 

From Sept 15, 2017 to

 

Deer harvest numbers are updated as deer are checked in via CheckIN Game. All numbers are raw data that have not been verified by the Indiana DNR.