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IN

Deer Hunting in Indiana: Tags, Seasons & Regulations (2026)

Deer hunting in Indiana starts with the current deer cost entries, season dates, bag limits, and CWD rules.

Resident Tag $39 Deer tag/permit
Non-Resident Tag $240 Non-resident deer tag
Primary Season Sep 27 – Sep 28 Youth Weekend
Draw Required? No (OTC) Over-the-counter tags
DEER QUICK ANSWER

Indiana Deer Tag Cost, Season & Rules: Quick Answer

Start here for Indiana deer tag cost, primary season timing, draw status, and CWD planning before using the full tables below.

Resident Deer Tag $39

Resident deer tag or permit entry cost.

Non-Resident Deer Tag $240

Use this before adding the base license and trip permits.

Access Type OTC access

Most hunters can start from the state license portal and available deer permits.

Primary Season Sep 27 - Sep 28

Youth Weekend; also check Archery.

For Indiana deer hunting, use the listed resident and non-resident deer cost entries together with the note: Single deer license by season; deer bundle is $91 resident and $550 nonresident. Because this page lists over-the-counter access, the main risk is choosing the correct weapon season, zone, and add-on permit. CWD has been detected in Indiana, so carcass movement and testing rules deserve an early check.

OVERVIEW

Deer Hunting in Indiana

Indiana deer hunting is defined by its one-buck rule and license choice. A single deer license is $39 for residents and $240 for non-residents, while the deer license bundle is $91 resident and $550 non-resident. Indiana DNR has CWD Positive Areas and Enhanced Surveillance Zones, but CWD sampling is voluntary. Hunters in affected areas should use DNR sampling sites, check carcass and movement rules, and confirm the current county bag limit before choosing a single-season license, bundle, or reduction-zone option.

Species present: White-tailed Deer
SEASONS

Indiana Deer Season Dates (2026)

All archery, firearm, and muzzleloader season dates.

Season Type Start Date End Date Weapon
Youth Weekend Sep 27 Sep 28 Any legal weapon; ages 17 and under
Archery Oct 1 Jan 4 Bow, crossbow
Firearms Nov 15 Dec 1 Shotgun, muzzleloader, handgun, rifle (select counties)
Muzzleloader Dec 6 Dec 22 Muzzleloader only
Reduction Zone/Special Antlerless Sep-Jan County-specific Varies; urban deer management
Multiple Seasons

Indiana offers 5 distinct deer seasons. Check specific zone dates with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources — dates and bag limits may vary by management unit.

COSTS

Indiana Deer Tag Fees

Resident vs. non-resident tag and permit costs.

Resident
$39

Deer tag / permit

Non-Resident
$240

Over-the-counter tag available

Single deer license by season; deer bundle is $91 resident and $550 nonresident

PLAN YOUR NEXT STEP

Choose the right Indiana deer planning path

Jump into the state hub, shortlist pages, and deer-planning tools before you work through every remaining section.

REGULATIONS

CWD & Deer Hunting Regulations in Indiana

Chronic Wasting Disease status, antler restrictions, and weapon rules.

CWD Status

Detected

CWD Positive: LaGrange, Steuben, Noble, DeKalb, Enhanced: Posey, Vanderburgh, Gibson

CWD Testing / Transport

CWD detected

Zones: CWD Positive: LaGrange, Steuben, Noble, DeKalb, Enhanced: Posey, Vanderburgh, Gibson

Strict carcass transport restrictions apply. Whole carcasses generally cannot leave CWD zones or be imported from positive states.

Bag Limit

Daily: 1 · Season: 1 antlered + 2 antlerless (bundle)

Antler point restrictions: 4 pts on one side minimum in some counties; bonus antlerless in select counties

Allowed Weapons

Bow, rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader

Official Source

Always verify current regulations with the official source: Indiana Department of Natural Resources . Season dates, bag limits, and CWD regulations may change annually.

FAQ

Deer Hunting in Indiana — FAQ

Is CWD testing mandatory in Indiana?

Testing is currently voluntary, but the DNR highly encourages testing in CWD Positive Areas and Enhanced Surveillance Zones. Drop-off locations are set up statewide.

What are the antler restrictions?

Indiana implements a rigorous 'One-buck rule.' Hunters may only take one antlered deer (one antler 3 inches or longer) per lifetime license year, period.

Are there carcass movement bans?

Indiana restricts movement of live white-tailed deer from CWD Positive Areas, and hunters should also follow current carcass-import and disposal guidance. Check the DNR CWD page before moving deer parts across state lines or out of an affected area.

What deer species can I hunt in Indiana?

Indiana is home to White-tailed Deer. Allowed weapons include bow, rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader.

Can non-residents hunt deer in Indiana?

Yes, non-residents can hunt deer in Indiana. A single non-resident deer license is listed at $240, while the non-resident deer license bundle is $550. Choose the license type by season and bag-limit plan before buying.

Plan Your Indiana Deer Hunt

Compare deer hunting costs, get the tag you need, and learn the regulations for Indiana.