Resident deer tag or permit entry cost.
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.
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.
Use this before adding the base license and trip permits.
Most hunters can start from the state license portal and available deer permits.
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.
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.
Indiana Deer Season Dates (2026)
All archery, firearm, and muzzleloader season dates.
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.
Indiana Deer Tag Fees
Resident vs. non-resident tag and permit costs.
Deer tag / permit
Over-the-counter tag available
Single deer license by season; deer bundle is $91 resident and $550 nonresident
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.
Check the full Indiana license setup
Move back to the main state hub when you need the base license, non-resident options, or add-on permits outside deer tags.
Use deer-planning tools next
Shift from deer-tag detail into season timing, trip budgeting, and cross-state deer planning helpers.
Add a wider 2026 cost view
Check benchmark and non-resident premium reports before you commit to one deer state or trip budget.
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
Always verify current regulations with the official source: Indiana Department of Natural Resources . Season dates, bag limits, and CWD regulations may change annually.
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.