Indiana

Indiana Hunting License: Cost, Requirements & How to Apply (2026)

Complete guide to Indiana hunting license costs, requirements, seasons, and regulations for the Apr 1, 2025 – Mar 31, 2026 season.

Last updated: March 2026

Resident License $20 General hunting

Non-Resident License $90 General hunting

Hunter Education Required Born after 1987-01-01

Online Purchase Yes Apr 1, 2025 – Mar 31, 2026

LICENSE FEES

Indiana Hunting License Fees 2026

Current hunting license costs for residents and non-residents. License year: Apr 1, 2025 – Mar 31, 2026.

Resident Licenses

Resident Annual Hunting $20 —

Resident Deer License (Single Season) $39 —

Resident Deer License Bundle $91 —

Resident Multi-Season Antlerless $39 —

Resident Youth Consolidated Hunt/Trap (17 and under) $12 —

Resident Lifetime Comprehensive Hunting $395 —

Non-Resident Licenses

Non-Resident Annual Hunting — $90

Non-Resident 5-Day Hunting — $50

Non-Resident Deer License (Single Season) — $240

Non-Resident Deer License Bundle — $550

Non-Resident Youth Deer — $39

Non-Resident Youth Deer License Bundle — $91

Tags & Permits

Deer (Archery/Firearm/Muzzleloader) $39 $240

Deer Bundle (1 antlered + 2 antlerless) $91 $550

Additional Antlerless Deer $24 $39

Turkey (Spring) $32 $175

Turkey (Fall) $32 $175

Bonus Antlerless Deer (County-specific) $24 $39

Endorsements & Stamps

Gamebird Habitat Stamp $11 Required for turkey, pheasant, quail, dove; funds game bird habitat development

Federal Duck Stamp $25 Required for waterfowl hunters 16+; valid Jul 1 – Jun 30

HIP Certification Free Free; required for all migratory bird hunters

Technology Fee $3 Applied to all online purchases; credit card processing fee separate

Trapping License $20 Required for trapping furbearers; same price res/NR

PURCHASE

How to Buy a Indiana Hunting License

Multiple convenient options to get your license quickly.

Buy Online (Recommended)

Visit in.gov/dnr license portal. Create an account or sign in. Select hunting license type + deer bundle or individual tags. Add Gamebird Habitat Stamp if hunting turkey/dove/pheasant. Pay with credit/debit card ($3 technology fee applies). Print or save your license and tags

Buy In Person

Walmart stores statewide, Bass Pro Shops / Cabela's, Rural King, Local sporting goods stores, DNR property offices

Buy By Phone

Call 317-232-4080. $1 technology fee

Shop for hunting gear at our partners:

Bass Pro Shops → Cabela's → Amazon → Academy Sports →

Pro Tip

The easiest way to buy your Indiana hunting license is online through the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. You'll get your license instantly and can start hunting right away.

EDUCATION

Hunter Education Requirements in Indiana

Who needs it: All hunters born on or after January 1, 1987

Online course: Available — Cost: Free

Field day required: Yes, in-person field day required

Minimum age: 10 years old

Apprentice/deferral program: Available — hunt under supervision while completing education

Military exemption: Yes, active duty military may be exempt

Start Your Hunter Education Course

EXEMPTIONS

Who Can Hunt for Free (or at a Discount) in Indiana?

Youth (17 and under) $12 consolidated Youth Consolidated license ($12) covers ALL hunting/trapping including deer and turkey — exceptional value

Non-Resident Youth (17 and under) $39/$91 NR youth deer $39 (same as resident); NR youth deer bundle $91; NR youth turkey $32 (same as resident)

Senior (64+) Reduced Indiana residents 64+ qualify for reduced-fee hunting and fishing licenses

Disabled Veteran (100%) Free 100% service-connected disabled veterans receive free licenses

Active Military Resident rates Active duty stationed in Indiana hunt at resident rates

Landowner Exempt on own land Indiana residents hunting on their own property are exempt from license requirements for many species

SEASONS

Indiana Hunting Seasons 2026-2027

Key hunting season dates and weapon restrictions.

White-tailed Deer Youth Weekend Sep 27 – Sep 28 Any legal weapon; ages 17 and under

White-tailed Deer Archery Oct 1 – Jan 4 Bow, crossbow

White-tailed Deer Firearms Nov 15 – Dec 1 Shotgun, muzzleloader, handgun, rifle (select counties)

White-tailed Deer Muzzleloader Dec 6 – Dec 22 Muzzleloader only

White-tailed Deer Reduction Zone/Special Antlerless Sep-Jan – County-specific Varies; urban deer management

Turkey Youth Spring Apr 19 – Apr 20 Shotgun, bow

Turkey Spring Apr 23 – May 11 Shotgun, bow

Turkey Fall Oct 15 – Nov 2 Shotgun, bow

Dove Regular Sep 1 – Nov 9 Shotgun

Duck/Waterfowl Regular Oct-Jan – Zone-specific Shotgun (non-toxic shot)

Pheasant Regular Nov 1 – Dec 15 Shotgun

Quail Regular Nov 1 – Dec 31 Shotgun

Rabbit/Squirrel Regular Nov 1 – Feb 28 Shotgun, rifle (.22)

Coyote Year-Round Jan 1 – Dec 31 Any legal weapon; no limit

BAG LIMITS

Indiana Bag Limits

Daily and seasonal harvest limits for major game species.

White-tailed Deer 1 1 antlered + 2 antlerless (bundle) Antler point restrictions: 4 pts on one side minimum in some counties; bonus antlerless in select counties

Turkey (Spring) 1 1 Bearded turkeys only; Gamebird Habitat Stamp required

Turkey (Fall) 1 1 Either sex

Dove 15 No season limit Mourning and white-winged; Gamebird Habitat Stamp required

Duck 6 No season limit Species-specific limits; non-toxic shot required

Pheasant 4 No season limit Roosters only; Gamebird Habitat Stamp required

Quail 8 No season limit Northern bobwhite; wild populations limited

Rabbit/Squirrel 5 No season limit Cottontail + fox/gray squirrel

COMPARE

How Indiana Compares to Neighboring States

See how hunting license costs stack up in the region.

Indiana $20 $90

Michigan $15 $200 Ohio $19 $180.96 Kentucky $27 $160 Illinois $12.50 $57.75

Compare All 50 States

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana Hunting Licenses

How much is a hunting license in Indiana?

Resident annual hunting: $20 (small game only). Deer $39/season or $91 bundle (3 tags all seasons). Turkey $32 + $11 Gamebird Stamp. Youth Consolidated is just $12 — covers everything. NR: $90 hunting, $240 deer, $550 bundle.

What is the Deer License Bundle?

The Deer License Bundle ($91 res / $550 NR) includes all deer seasons (archery, firearms, muzzleloader) with 1 antlered + 2 antlerless tags. It's the best value vs. buying individual season licenses at $39 each.

How much is a non-resident deer tag in Indiana?

Individual NR deer: $240 per season. NR Deer Bundle: $550 (saves $170+ vs. buying separately). NR youth get resident pricing ($39/$91). Indiana is a premier whitetail destination — Midwest trophy bucks attract many NR hunters.

Are crossbows legal in Indiana?

Yes, crossbows are legal during the entire archery season (Oct 1 – Jan 4) with no special license needed. This is one of the longest archery seasons in the Midwest — over 3 months of bowhunting opportunity.

Can you get bonus antlerless tags in Indiana?

Yes, bonus antlerless deer licenses ($24 res / $39 NR) are available in high-density counties. Check DNR's annual list. Urban Deer Reduction Zones may also allow additional harvest.

What is the Gamebird Habitat Stamp?

The $11 Gamebird Habitat Stamp is required to hunt turkey, pheasant, quail, and dove. It funds habitat development and pheasant stocking on Indiana public land. Both residents and non-residents must purchase it.

Do I need hunter education in Indiana?

Yes, all born on or after Jan 1, 1987 must complete hunter ed. Indiana offers free online and in-person courses. The apprentice hunting license lets new hunters go afield supervised before completing education.

Can I buy an Indiana hunting license online?

Yes, at in.gov/dnr. A $3 technology fee plus credit card processing applies. Also available at Walmart, Bass Pro Shops, and licensed agents statewide.