When is Deer Gun Season in Indiana?
Deer hunting is a beloved tradition in Indiana, with thousands of hunters taking to the fields and forests each year to pursue white-tailed deer. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) regulates deer hunting in the state, and the timing of the season is carefully managed to ensure a sustainable population of deer.
Direct Answer:
Deer gun season in Indiana typically runs from the second weekend in November to the first weekend in December. However, the exact dates can vary from year to year, so it’s essential to check with the Indiana DNR for the most up-to-date information.
Important Dates to Remember:
- Firearm Deer Season: November 13-21 and November 27-December 6, 2022 (subject to change)
- Youth Firearm Deer Season: October 23-24, 2022 (subject to change)
- Muzzleloader Deer Season: December 18-22, 2022 (subject to change)
- Archery Deer Season: September 15, 2022, to February 28, 2023 (subject to change)
Season Structure:
The deer gun season in Indiana is divided into two segments:
- Split Season: The first segment runs from the second weekend in November to the first weekend in December, with a 10-day break in between.
- Split Season: The second segment runs from the last weekend in November to the first weekend in December.
Bag Limits and Restrictions:
- Daily Bag Limit: One deer per day, with a minimum of 2 inches of antler length on one side.
- Antlerless Deer: Hunting antlerless deer is allowed during the archery season, but only during specific dates and in specific zones.
- Private Land: Hunters on private land can harvest up to 2 deer per day, with no antler restrictions.
- Public Land: Hunters on public land can harvest up to 1 deer per day, with a minimum of 2 inches of antler length on one side.
Zones and Permits:
Indiana is divided into 15 deer zones, each with its own specific regulations and permit requirements. Hunters must obtain a deer permit before heading out into the field.
Zone Map:
| Zone | Counties |
|---|---|
| 1 | Allen, DeKalb, LaGrange, Noble, Steuben, Whitley |
| 2 | Adams, Blackford, Grant, Jay, Wells |
| 3 | Delaware, Madison, Randolph, Tipton |
| 4 | Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Marion, Morgan, Shelby |
| 5 | Brown, Clay, Fountain, Parke, Putnam, Vermillion |
| 6 | Bartholomew, Jackson, Jefferson, Jennings, Ohio, Ripley, Switzerland, Washington |
| 7 | Clark, Dearborn, Franklin, Floyd, Harrison, Scott |
| 8 | Dubois, Lawrence, Martin, Orange, Perry, Pike |
| 9 | Crawford, Daviess, Dubois, Greene, Knox, Martin, Monroe, Orange |
| 10 | Brown, Clay, Edwards, Lawrence, Martin, Pike, Posey, Spencer, Vanderburgh, Warrick |
| 11 | Clay, Crawford, Daviess, Dubois, Greene, Lawrence, Martin, Monroe, Orange, Perry, Pike |
| 12 | Harrison, Johnson, Perry, Scott, Washington |
| 13 | Floyd, Harrison, Jefferson, Jennings, Ohio, Ripley, Switzerland, Washington |
| 14 | Crawford, Daviess, Dubois, Greene, Lawrence, Martin, Monroe, Orange, Perry, Pike |
| 15 | Clay, Crawford, Daviess, Dubois, Greene, Lawrence, Martin, Monroe, Orange, Perry, Pike |
Additional Regulations:
- Hunter Orange: Hunters must wear at least 500 square inches of hunter orange while hunting deer.
- Shotgun Shell Size: Only 10-gauge or larger shotgun shells are allowed for deer hunting.
- Tree Stands: Hunters must follow specific regulations when using tree stands, including attaching them to a tree at least 10 feet off the ground.
Tips and Reminders:
- Check the Regulations: Make sure to check the Indiana DNR’s website for the most up-to-date regulations and any changes to the season dates or bag limits.
- Respect Private Property: Always obtain permission before hunting on private property.
- Be Safe: Wear appropriate clothing, including hunter orange, and use caution when handling firearms and navigating the woods.
- Enjoy the Experience: Deer hunting is a time-honored tradition, and it’s essential to respect the animals, the land, and the other hunters around you.
By following these guidelines and regulations, Indiana deer hunters can ensure a safe and enjoyable experience while pursuing the state’s iconic white-tailed deer.
