3 options to check game in for 2015-16 hunting seasons
Hunters this fall can check their game online through the CheckIN Game system, at an on-site check station or by phone.
The online CheckIN Game system at checkINgame.dnr.IN.gov can be used with any Internet-connected device. The website includes instructions on how to use the system. Users also can locate their customer ID and print temporary transportation tags.
The phone-in option (1-800-419-1326) carries a $3 fee (Visa or Mastercard only).
Even at on-site check stations, station managers will enter information online through the CheckIN Game System. Stations will no longer use paper log books or issue metal tags.
A listing of on-site check stations is at dnr.IN.gov/fishwild/6271.htm.
You can also locate your customer id and print your temporary deer transportation tag or temporary turkey transportation tag.
Steelhead fishing in Trail Creek
Steelhead and coho fishing in October around Lake Michigan’s tributaries is one of your best chances to harvest 3-4 lb. coho and 7-10 lb. steelhead. Learn what you need and how to fish for these species with our CookIN Gone Wild: Field to Table video (below) on Steelhead Fishing on Trail Creek.
Two youth free hunting days in November
Youth free hunting days are Nov. 28-29. An Indiana resident 17 or younger can take any legal game in season during these days. The youth hunter does not have to have a hunting license, HIP number or any state stamp but must comply with all other hunting regulations. To hunt waterfowl, a federal duck stamp is required for those 16 years of age or older. Learn more
 Hunting seasons begin in October
Turkey archery: Oct. 1 - Nov. 1
Deer archery: Oct. 1 - Jan. 3, 2016
Red and gray fox: Oct. 15 - Feb. 28, 2016
Red and gray fox (trapping): Oct. 15 – Jan 31, 2016
Woodcock: Oct. 15 – Nov. 28
Coyote, striped skunk: Oct. 15 - March 15, 2016
Turkey firearm: Oct. 21 - Nov. 1
Ruffed grouse: Season canceled
Ducks, coots, mergansers:
-North Zone: Oct. 24 – Dec. 13
-Central Zone: Oct. 31 – Nov. 8
-South Zone: Oct. 31 – Nov. 8
Canada geese:
-North Zone: Oct. 24 – Nov. 22
-Central Zone: Oct. 31 – Nov. 8
-South Zone: Oct. 31 – Nov. 8
Complete list of hunting and trapping seasons
Get your license
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Monroe Lake anglers alerted to Asian carp in tailwaters
Invasive Asian carp are knocking on Monroe Lake’s door, and DNR officials are warning anglers not to let them in.
Silver and bighead carp (collectively referred to as Asian carp) have been found in Salt Creek, directly below the Monroe Lake dam. The dam prevents the carp from entering the lake.
Fisheries biologists are concerned that anglers collecting baitfish from Salt Creek might mistake juvenile Asian carp for gizzard shad and introduce the carp into Monroe Lake.
Using live gizzard shad is a common way to fish for hybrid striped bass at Monroe Lake. The method is legal at Monroe Lake as long as the fish were collected in the lake.
It's against the law to collect live gizzard shad in Salt Creek and use them at Monroe Lake. It is also difficult to distinguish gizzard shad from juvenile Asian carp. Read more
 Asian carp Gizzard shad
DNR seeking volunteers for “Snapshot IN” project
The DNR is looking for volunteers for a new study called “Snapshot IN” that will use trail cameras to gather information on Indiana wildlife.
Volunteers must have at least 10 acres and be willing to set up a provided trail camera on their property this fall. The DNR hopes to find between 20 and 100 volunteers, according to wildlife biologist Shawn Rossler.
Snapshot IN will run during October and November, when many wildlife species are active.
The DNR will provide each landowner with the same camera model, with the same settings.
All materials will be loaned by the DNR Division of Fish & Wildlife and must be returned in acceptable condition at the end of the sampling period. All photos and videos will be property of the state. At the end of the survey period, copies of photos and videos of interest will be provided to landowners. Find out more
 Photo courtesy of Ned and Miriam Malone
Youth waterfowl weekend dates
North Zone - Oct. 17-18
Central Zone - Oct. 24-25
South Zone - Oct. 24-25
Hunters must be 15 years of age or younger and properly licensed to participate, and they must be accompanied by an adult at least 18 years of age. An adult may accompany more than one youth. The licensed accompanying adult may not hunt waterfowl. If the accompanying adult does not intend to hunt and does not possess a firearm, the adult does not need to be licensed. Bag and species limits are the same as those allowed in the regular season.
Sandhill cranes begin fall migration at Jasper-Pulaski
Sandhill cranes can be seen at Jasper-Pulaksi Fish & Wildlife Area from late September through December. Crane numbers peak in mid-November. The best time to view is sunrise from the Goose Pasture Viewing Area. More information
Catfish rules recap
The Indiana Natural Resources Commission approved rule changes that govern commercial fishing and sport fishing for catfish.
The new rules raise the minimum size from 10 to 13 inches for catfish caught in rivers and streams, including the Ohio River, and limit the number of large catfish caught in lakes, reservoirs, streams and rivers (including the Ohio River) to no more than one each per day of channel catfish a 28 inches long or greater, blue catfish 35 inches long or greater, and flathead catfish at 35 inches long or greater.
The changes apply to both commercial fishing and sport fishing. Find out more
 DNR's venison donation program connects hunters and the public
A program that allows hunters to give deer meat to the public will continue this fall.
GiveIN Game, DNR’s venison donation program, is available for its fourth year. Hunters who are willing to donate venison and people who would like to receive venison can begin registering now.
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More HRI acres open in time for deer seasons
The DNR will open to public use an additional 366 acres in the Austin Bottoms Conservation Area with the start of deer archery season. The land was acquired as part of the DNR’s Healthy Rivers INitiative. HRI was launched in 2010 to secure permanent conservation protection of nearly 70,000 acres along Sugar Creek, the Wabash River and the Muscatatuck River.
The new lands are:
— 157 acres in Jackson County as part of the Austin Bottoms Conservation Area.
— 209 acres in Scott County that will be managed as part of the Austin Bottoms Conservation Area and Stucker Fork FWA
More information
Quick Links
Deer webpage
Deer Hunting FAQs
Hunting & Trapping Guide
2014 Deer harvest summary
Waterfowl seasons
Fishing Guide
Buy your license
Where to Hunt
About Fish and Wildlife Management in Indiana
Fish and wildlife management and public access are funded by fishing and hunting license revenue and also through the Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration Programs administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. These programs collect excise taxes on sporting arms and ammunition, archery equipment, fishing equipment, and motor boat fuels. The money is distributed among state fish and wildlife agencies based on land size and the number of licensed anglers and hunters in each state. Find out more information about fish and wildlife management in Indiana at www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild.
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