Indiana DNR Proposes Simplified Deer Hunting Rules: What You Need to Know

Photo byabc57

South Bend, Ind. — The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking public input on a set of proposed changes to the state's deer hunting regulations. Aimed at streamlining and clarifying the rules for hunters, the new proposals promise to make the process easier and more accessible.

Joe Caudell, the state deer biologist for the DNR, explained the rationale behind the changes: “We aim to refine the regulations without fundamentally altering how hunting operates. Our goal is to simplify the rules, addressing the areas where hunters have expressed confusion and barriers to entry.”

The proposed rule changes include:

• Statewide Antlerless Deer Bag Limit: A new limit of six antlerless deer per hunter, coupled with a county-specific antlerless bag limit, will replace the current seasonal limits. Additionally, the bonus antlerless license will become a multi-season license usable across archery, muzzleloader, and firearm seasons.
• Firearm Restrictions on Fish & Wildlife Properties: Harvesting antlerless deer with firearms will be prohibited on Division of Fish & Wildlife properties.
• Crossbow Equipment Permitted: Crossbow usage will be authorized under the archery license.
• Muzzleloader Caliber Adjustment: The minimum caliber for muzzleloaders will be reduced from 0.44 inches to 0.40 inches.
• Elimination of Special Antlerless Firearms Season: The special season for antlerless firearms hunting will be removed.

These changes are set to be implemented for the 2025/26 hunting season, pending approval. The DNR will hold a public hearing to discuss these proposals on August 26, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. ET, at the Atterbury Fish & Wildlife Area, 7970 S. Rowe St., Edinburgh. Attendees can participate in person or join online.

The feedback collected will be instrumental in finalizing these regulations, aiming to enhance the deer hunting experience across Indiana.