11/21/2025
*Indiana Deer Season 2025‑2026 Quick Overview*
*Season Dates*
- *Archery:* Oct 1 2025 → Jan 4 2026
- *Firearm (16‑day):* Nov 15 – Nov 30 2025
- *Muzzleloader:* Dec 6 – Dec 21 2025
- *Youth Weekend:* Sept 27 – Sept 28 2025 (any legal method, under 18)
- *Deer Reduction Zone (DRZ):* Sept 15 2025 → Jan 31 2026 (special zones, antlerless focus)
*Bag Limits*
- *Statewide:* 1 antlered deer + up to 6 antlerless deer.
- *County Antlerless Bag Limits* vary – check the county you’ll hunt in (e.g., Jennings reduced to 2 antlerless, Bartholomew to 2, etc.) ¹ .
- *Bundle license:* 1 antlered + 2 antlerless (must follow county limits).
*Legal Weapons*
- *Archery:* Longbow, compound, recurve, crossbow (≥125 lb draw). Crossbows now allowed on archery license ² .
- *Firearm:* Centerfire rifles ≥ .219 in (5.56 mm) or larger, shotguns with slugs, legal handguns.
- *Muzzleloader:* Minimum .40 cal (down from .44) .
*Key Rule Changes (2025‑2026)*
- *Rifle use* now permitted on private & public land (≥ .219 in bullet, max 10 cartridges) ³ .
- *Multi‑season antlerless license* replaces bonus antlerless tags; can fill all 6 antlerless with archery/muzzleloader.
- *County Antlerless Bag Limits* replace old bonus quotas; limits differ county‑by‑county .
- *DNR properties:* No antlerless harvest with fi****ms on select Fish & Wildlife areas (Salamonie, Mississinewa, Patoka lakes) .
- *Tree stands/ground blinds:* Allowed in DRZs from noon Sept 1 – Feb 8 2026.
- *Drones/IR devices:* OK only to locate a harvested deer, not for hunting .
*Licensing (Resident)*
- *Deer License Bundle:* $91 (1 antlered + 2 antlerless).
- *Archery/Firearm/Muzzleloader:* $39 each (antlered only).
- *Hunter Education:* Mandatory for anyone born after Dec 31 1986.
*Safety & Reporting*
- *Blaze orange:* 500 sq in on cap + outer garment required during firearm, muzzleloader, youth seasons.
- *Harvest reporting:* Within 48 hrs via CheckIN Game (online/phone) or check station.
*Resources*
- *DNR “Where to Hunt” map:* Find public lands.
- *Deer Hotline:* 812‑334‑3795
- *Online Help:* [email protected]