IN · Deer
Indiana runs five deer seasons: a deer reduction zone season in designated areas from mid-September, a youth weekend, archery from October 1, a 16-day firearms season in mid-November and a muzzleloader season in December. Hunters need a deer license (or a qualifying exemption) and must follow county antlerless limits.
Verified 2026-10-24Season calendar
Deer reduction zoneSept. 15, 2026 – Jan. 31, 2027
Youth seasonSept. 26 – 27, 2026
ArcheryOct. 1, 2026 – Jan. 3, 2027
FirearmsNov. 14 – 29, 2026
MuzzleloaderDec. 5 – 20, 2026
Season dates
| Season | Dates |
|---|---|
| Deer reduction zone (designated areas only) | Sept. 15, 2026 – Jan. 31, 2027 |
| Youth season (age 17 and younger) | Sept. 26 – 27, 2026 |
| Archery | Oct. 1, 2026 – Jan. 3, 2027 |
| Firearms | Nov. 14 – 29, 2026 |
| Muzzleloader | Dec. 5 – 20, 2026 |
Bag limit
Statewide limit is one antlered and up to six antlerless deer, but each county has its own antlerless limit. A separate license is needed for each deer. The deer reduction zone limit is 10 deer (10 antlerless, or 1 antlered and 9 antlerless), and an antlerless deer must be taken before an antlered one there.
License and permit fees
| Item | Resident | Nonresident |
|---|---|---|
| Single-season deer license (archery, firearm buck-only, muzzleloader or reduction zone)The firearms license is buck only. | $39 | $240 |
| Deer license bundleOne license covering one antlered and two antlerless deer; usable in the youth, archery, firearms and muzzleloader seasons, not reduction zones. | $91 | $550 |
| Second and additional multi-season antlerless licenseAvailable only after buying a first multi-season antlerless license at $39 (resident) or $240 (nonresident). | $24 | $39 |
| Annual hunting licenseGeneral hunting license, listed separately from the deer licenses. | $20 | $90 |
Watch for
- Hunter orange is required during the youth, firearms and muzzleloader seasons, and from the start of firearms season through archery season’s end in reduction zones.
- Firearms antlerless deer cannot be taken during firearms season on DFW-managed properties, Mississinewa, Patoka and Salamonie lakes; see the county antlerless limit page for properties with restrictions.
- Reduction zones do not override local ordinances on firearms or archery equipment, and hunters need landowner permission on private land.
- License prices on this page were read from the DNR fee table dated 9/04/2026.