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Deer hunting can be a daunting endeavor, especially if you don’t have all the information you need. This guide will provide you with just about everything you need to know.
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2013 Deer harvest may come close to record of 2012
Hunters in Indiana can expect another productive deer season in 2013, but probably not as productive as last year’s record setter.
Hoosier deer hunters in 2012 harvested 136,248 deer. The deer harvest record has been broken in four of the last five seasons, a trend that DNR deer research biologist Chad Stewart doesn’t expect to continue in 2013. Read more
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Deer seasons
Below are season dates and a brief summary of facts for each season. Information on bag limits, legal equipment, valid licenses, etc. can be found in the hunting and trapping guide.
Urban deer season: Sept. 15 – Jan. 31, 2014
-legal archery equipment only, urban deer zone license required, earn-a-buck rule in effect
Youth season: Sept. 28-29, 2013
-Must be 17 or younger, must have a valid license to hunt deer, must be accompanied by an adult with a valid deer license
Archery season: Oct. 1 – Jan. 5, 2014
-crossbows are legal archery equipment, one continuous season
Firearms season: Nov. 16 – Dec. 1, 2013
-both antlered and antlerless deer can be harvested (with appropriate license), muzzleloader can be used
Muzzleloader season: Dec. 7 – Dec. 22, 2013
-muzzleloaders only, firearms license is NOT valid
Special antlerless season (in select counties): Dec. 26 – Jan. 5, 2014 - Bonus antlerless, youth hunt/trap or deer bundle license, only in counties with bonus antlerless quota of 4 or more
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Deer license bundle now allows 3 antlerless deer harvest
The deer license bundle, which is valid for all seasons except the urban deer zone, now allows the option of harvesting 1 antlered and 2 antlerless deer OR 3 antlerless deer. This license allows hunters to hunt in multiple seasons while carrying one license for deer hunting. More information
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Dos and don'ts of field-dressing
Some of these tips may seem obvious, like don’t tie the carcass to the hood of your car, but it’s always good to brush up on field dressing information.
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Don’t be a thud
Falls from tree stands are the leading cause of injuries to hunters. Remember to be safe when hunting and to properly use your full body harness, Don’t be a Thud!
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CheckIN Game receives upgrades before fall deer seasons
CheckIN Game, Indiana’s online harvest reporting system for hunters, has been made more user-friendly going into the fall deer hunting seasons.
Several upgrades now allow hunters who previously used CheckIN Game to view past harvest data. Read more
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Venison donation program connects hunters and the public
A program that allows hunters to give deer meat to those who want venison will be available again this fall.
GiveIN Game, DNR Division of Fish & Wildlife’s venison donation program, is entering its third year. Hunters who are willing to donate venison and people who would like to receive venison can begin registering. Read more
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Have a deer hunting question?
Check out our deer hunting FAQ's for answers to questions on bag limits, licensing, deer bundle, seasons, and many other subjects, or call the deer hotline (Mon.–Fri. 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.) at (812) 334-3795.
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