Indiana hunting offers a wealth of opportunities for both seasoned hunters and newcomers alike. With its diverse landscapes, from rolling hills to dense forests, the state is home to a variety of game species, making it a prime destination for outdoor enthusiasts. This page will explore the essential aspects of Indiana hunting, including regulations, popular hunting locations, and tips for a successful outing. Whether you are seeking to understand the basics or looking to enhance your skills, our comprehensive guide will provide valuable insights into the rich hunting culture of Indiana. Join us as we delve into the thrilling world of Indiana hunting and discover the many experiences it has to offer.

Indiana hunting

Indiana Hunting Resources

Explore the complete guide to hunting in Indiana, including state regulations, public hunting lands, outfitter directories, and gear recommendations for a successful hunt.

Indiana Hunting Regulations

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) publishes an annual Hunting & Trapping Guide that includes the latest rules, bag limits, and season dates for all game species.

Hunting Seasons Calendar

Plan your hunt with Indiana’s official hunting seasons calendar:

  • Deer: Archery, firearm, and muzzleloader seasons.
  • Turkey: Spring and fall turkey hunting opportunities.
  • Waterfowl: Ducks, geese, and migratory bird hunting seasons.

Find the full schedule in the official Hunting & Trapping Guide.

Public and Private Hunting Lands

Public Hunting Lands

Indiana offers extensive public hunting areas, including:

  • Fish & Wildlife Areas: Goose Pond, Jasper-Pulaski, Willow Slough.
  • National Forests: Hoosier National Forest.

Use the DNR Where to Hunt Map for detailed access points.

Private Land Access Programs

The Indiana Private Lands Access Program (IPLA) connects hunters with private landowners who allow hunting access. Learn more about IPLA here.

Private Indiana Hunting Lands

There are several websites that allow you to find private land you can lease for hunting.

Indiana Hunting Licenses and Permits

Indiana hunters can purchase licenses through the INHuntFish portal. Available licenses include:

  • Resident and non-resident hunting licenses
  • Youth licenses
  • Special deer and turkey permits

Indiana Outfitters and Hunting Guides

Indiana requires all hunting guides to hold a Hunting Guide License. While the state does not provide a public directory, ensure your guide is licensed and verified before booking a hunt.

Deer Processors in Indiana

County Last Name First Name Business Name Business Address City State Zip Telephone
County Last Name First Name Business Name Business Address City State Zip Telephone
Adams Everett James Manley Meats, Inc. 302 S. 400 E. Decatur, IN 46733 260-592-7313
Adams Hummel Justin Hummel’s Meats & More 524 W. Franklin Street Berne, IN 46711 260-247-6328
Adams Schwartz David L.L. Schwartz’s Deer Processing 1486 S 500 E Monroe, IN 46772 260-592-6730
Allen Graber Rebecca Lengacher Meats, LLC 13601 Antwerp Road Grabill, IN 46741 260-627-8060
Allen Pray Christopher Pray 4 Meats 10710 Thiele Road Fort Wayne, IN 46819 260-615-9464
Boone Hardin Lindsey Buckin’ Does Deer Processing, LLC 4729 W 200 N Lebanon, IN 46052 317-340-2727
Clay Buell Michael Wabash Clay Custom Meats, Inc. 991 W. State Rd. 246 Clay City, IN 47841 812-939-3113
Crawford Schigur Joe & Jessica Ohio Valley Custom Processing 1927 E Shelton Road English, IN 47118 812-338-4367
Daviess Gingerich Daniel Cannelburg Processing Plant, LLC 204 S Main 900 E Cannelburg, IN 47519 812-486-3223
Decatur Doll James Double D Meats 2226 East St. Rd. 36 Greensburg, IN 47240 812-560-3271
DeKalb Treesh Doug D&D Meat Processing 0505 County Road 32 Corunna, IN 46730 260-541-0356
Dubois Gogel Paul & Paula Ferdinand Processing, Inc. 1182 E. 5th Street Ferdinand, IN 47532 812-367-2073
Dubois Sander Chris Sander Processing 6614 E.State Road 164 Celestine, IN 47521 812-481-0044
Elkhart Hochstetler Joseph W. Union Center Meats 25510 CR 50 Nappanee, IN 46550 574-581-0000
Elkhart Martin Eugene ELM Custom Processing, LLC 30425 County Rd. 36 Wakarusa, IN 46573 574-336-0566
Elkhart Miller Marlin Miller’s Smoke House 10620 County Rd. 14 Middlebury, IN 46540 574-825-2665
Elkhart Rohr Richard & Anna Backwoods Processing 51985 County Road 19 Bristol, IN 46507 574-551-1421
Fayette Harmeyer Jeff Jeff’s Deer Processing 4804 S. County Road 150 W Connersville, IN 47331 765-698-7721
Fayette Mustin Gregg Mustin’s Taxidermy & Processing 1660 W. County Rd 350 S Connersville, IN 47331 765-698-4960
Floyd Maisttison James N. JT Taxidermy & Deer Processing 5606 Wieseka Hill Rd Floyds Knobs, IN 47119 812-406-8803
Fountain Clore Jennifer Wallace Processing, LLC 3737 St. Rd. 341 S. Hillsboro, IN 47949 765-397-3363
Franklin Blades Kevin Blades Butcher Shop 11152 Keeler Rd. Brookville, IN 47012 513-633-0306
Franklin Konerman Tom Whitetail Deer Processing 1085 Cox Road West Harrison, IN 47060 513-473-9210
Franklin Monroe Joe M & B Processing 6055 Hertel Road Brookville, IN 47012 765-580-9145
Franklin Runtz Tony Hunter’s Choice 6164 Highland Center Road Brookville, IN 47012 513-403-7667
Franklin Singer Joey Lakeside Custom Deer Processing 10083 Holland Road Brookville, IN 47012 765-265-6583
Fulton Gundrum James R. Gundrum’s Deer Processing 4345 S. 250 E. Rochester, IN 46975 574-223-3364
Fulton Morning Dew Deer Processing & Taxidermy Kewanna, IN 46939 574-205-0093
Gibson Kiesel Darla Dewig Brothers Packing Company, Inc 100 E Maple Street Haubstadt, IN 47639 812-768-6208
Grant Case Robert F. Top Racks Deer Processing 8100 S. 575 E. Jonesboro, IN 46938 765-206-0717
Grant Shrout Robert Tom’s Deer Processing 4756 E. Montpelier Pike Marion, IN 46953 765-669-4995
Greene Adams Michael D. Solsberry Deer Processing 11211 E. Chapel Road Solsberry, IN 47459 317-403-9965
Greene Knepp Mervin Lighthouse Custom Meats, LLC 464 N State Road 57 Bloomfield, IN 47424 812-645-9637
Greene Kollmeyer Brian Bloomfield Processing, Inc 5360 N State Rd 157 Bloomfield, IN 47424 812-384-7882
Greene Nolting Dustin Nolting Custom Processing 2738 North 1100 West Linton, IN 47441 812-699-2031
Hancock Gruell Brad Maxwell Meats Processing 232 N. Main Street Maxwell, IN 46154 317-326-6328
Hancock Rusche Brad Rusche Brothers Butchering 3548 South 50 West Greenfield, IN 46140 317-448-0244
Harrison McAfee Travis McAfee Custom Deer Processing 10977 Buffalo Trace Road NW Palmyra, IN 47164 502-643-3916
Harrison Steckler Garth First Capitol Meats Inc. 420 Higdon Street Corydon, IN 47112 812-738-0175
Harrison Trowbridge Scott Wolf’s Pork Wieners, Inc. 890 Coleman Street Palmyra, IN 47164 812-364-1395
Harrison Wiseman Bradley E. Wiseman’s Custom Meats 2990 Crossroad Drive SW Mauckport, IN 47142 812-732-4835
Henry Rihm Joseph Rihm Foods PO Box 148 Cambridge City, IN 47327 765-478-3426
Henry Skaggs/Crabtree Adam/Brent Maddie Moo’s Custom Meats 8820 West US 36 Middleton, IN 47356 765-779-4353
Henry Titus Daniel & Walker Knightstown Locker Inc. 8037 S. County Rd 575 W. Knightstown, IN 46148 765-345-2410
Jackson Gerth Andrew J. White River Processing, LLC 1894 W. County Rd 100 S. Brownstown, IN 47220 616-322-0168
Jasper Eich Christopher The Processor 125 9th Ave. NW DeMotte, IN 46310 219-798-4920
Jasper Lucas Jessica Hilltop Deer Processing 1716 W 1700 N Wheatfield, IN 46392 219-510-3891
Jasper VanWienen Kenneth J. K&J Processing 8279 W 500 N Fair Oaks, IN 47943 219-405-7125
Jay Fisher Brad Fisher Meats Pennville 190 N Union Street Pennville, IN 47369 260-731-3221
Jay Wright Deborah The Wright Bros. Buck Stop,LLC 9447 W. 700 S. Redkey, IN 47373 765-369-2397
Jennings Fleek Steven Hidden Trails Deer Processing 220 S Co. Rd. 250 E North Vernon, IN 47265 812-592-9869
Jefferson Williams Anthony God’s Country Processing 8211 E. Lee Hill Road Madison, IN 47250 812-599-2009
Johnson Archer Chris Archer’s Meats & Catering 259 S Meridian Street Greenwood, IN 46143 317-881-9300
Knox Campbell Lee Sievers Custom Processing 4006 S Lower Hart Street Vincennes, IN 47591 812-882-8706
Knox Smith Jeffrey L. Smith’s Processing 925 Charles Street Bicknell, IN 47512 812-735-4863
Kosciusko Denney Nicholas L. Denney Farms 605 S. Jefferson St. Silver Lake, IN 46982 260-352-2602
LaGrange Beechy Vernon Beechy’s Custom Meats 6110 N 1000 W Shipshewana, IN 46565 260-768-4081
LaGrange Hochstetler Alvin L. 0230 S. 900 E, LaGrange, IN 46761 260-367-2048
LaGrange Long Robert Long’s Deer Processing 0035 W 700 N Howe, IN 46746 260-499-0693
LaGrange Reed/Burgess Larry/David Primal Kuts 409 South Railroad Street LaGrange, IN 46761 260-499-3400
LaGrange Schrock Harvey W. Hallmark Custom Meats, LLC 0850 W 550 S Wolcottville, IN 46795 260-499-4889
LaGrange Smith Aaron T. Menuchah Meats 4975 S 950 E Wolcottville, IN 46795 260-336-4396
Lake Feige Adam Howard and Sons Meats 719 Ridge Rd. Munster, IN 46321 219-836-8000
Lake Taylor James Realistic Processing 15820 Chestnut Street Lowell, IN 46356 219-696-4242
LaPorte Claussen Duane & Linda Claussen Deer Processing 11301 S. 1025 W. Wanatah, IN 46390 219-733-9615
LaPorte Elkins Dale Elkin’s Taxidermy & Deer Processing 7709 E. Lilly Lane New Carlisle, IN 46552 574-654-8845
Marshall Hahn Scott Hahn’s Deer Processing 19016 W 6th Rd. Plymouth, IN 46563 574-248-8439
Marshall Helmuth Jonathan Heritage Custom Meats LLC 536 Beech Road Nappanee, IN 46550 574-546-0640
Marshall Huford Michael Hurford Deer Processing 6126 N. Queen Road Plymouth, IN 46563 574-952-6981
Marshall Shupp Jordan John’s Butcher Shop Inc., dba J&J Quality Meats 1009 12B Road Bourbon, IN 46504 574-767-1110
Marshall Sult Jared Bows & Bullets Deer Processing 11805 Sage Trail Plymouth, IN 46563 574-210-2234
Miami Holland Chris Holland’s Deer Processing, LLC 1848 W Lovers Lane Road Peru, IN 46970 765-472-5876
Monroe Graves William S & W Deer Processing 6911 South Ketcham Road Bloomington, IN 47403 317-319-9258
Montgomery Bangel Leah “Ramsey” Bangel Deer Processing, LLC 518 S. 1075 E. Crawfordsville, IN 47933 765-623-0020
Montgomery Ramsey-Roberds Laura Ramsey Girl Deer Processing, LLC 556 S. 1075 E. Crawfordsville, IN 47933 765-532-5247
Morgan DePoy Owen Owen’s Butcher Block 10463 N Kitchen Rd. Mooresville, IN 46158 317-494-3095
Morgan Karr Darin Little Buck Processing 10830 N Interurban Lane Mooresville, IN 46158 317-750-5480
Newton Laffoon Jonathan J and J Deer Processing 3375 S. 100 E. Morocco, IN 47963 219-863-6553
Ohio Kirk III James R. Kirk’s Field to Freezer 3415 Bells Branch Road Dillsboro, IN 47018 812-577-4922
Orange Manship & Burger Lyndel & Lacey Lyndel’s Processing 2320 E U.S. Highway 150 Paoli, IN 47454 812-723-4058
Owen Arnold Clark L. Fender 4 Star Meat Processing 1494 Rocky Hill Rd. Spencer, IN 47460 812-829-3240
Owen Rice Steve S. Owen County Deer Processing 732 Wesley Chapel Rd. Spencer, IN 47460 812-585-9581
Parke Denny Steven R. Denny’s Mobile Butchery 6548 S. Coxville Road Montezuma, IN 47862 812-241-2585
Parke Stoltzfus Joseph & Jacob Back 40 Butcher Shop 1126 E. 200 N. Rockville, IN 47872 765-569-5235
Pike Haase Steven & Karen Haase’s Processing 9807 E County Rd 150 N Otwell, IN 47564 812-559-1698
Pike Wyland Matt Wyland Deer Processing 559 S. County Road 700 E. Winslow, IN 47598 812-630-5791
Porter Hultquist Michael and/or Donna M & D Processing 579 Old Chicago Rd. Michigan City, IN 46360 219-221-1259 / 219-688-5907
Posey Cash David & Hunter TDF Deer Processing 11068 North Street Cynthiana, IN 47612 812-480-2130
Posey Crowe Michele Mi-Crowe Farms Deer Processing 5000 Slim Pond Road Mt. Vernon, IN 47620 812-499-1564
Posey Goebel Paul and Jan Goebel’s Deer Processing 7511 Upper Mt Vernon Rd Mt Vernon, IN 47620 812-457-1630
Pulaski Lower Greg Slayer Smokehouse 1656 W. State Road 119 Star City, IN 46985 574-225-3658
Putnam Green Kevin Baker’s Camp 3890 East County Road 650 N Bainbridge, IN 46105 765-522-3877
Randolph Honeycutt Willie & Debra Farmland Locker, Inc. 7289 W 100 N PO Box 352 Farmland, IN 47340 765-468-6031
Randolph Oliver Rusty Oliver’s Butcher Shop 7071 N. 700 E. Union City, IN 47390 765-964-3920
Ripley Wessel Brad Napoleon Locker Plant 3536 Wilson St. Napoleon, IN 47034 812-852-4333
Rush Detweiler Jeremiah J+S Processing 9183 S State Road 3 Milroy, IN 46156 812-592-4017
Rush Hoeing & Bowling Doug & Preston Butcher Bro’s, LLC 4733 E. Gings Rd Rushville, IN 46173 765-932-3298
Shelby Coffey Logan Butt & Bucks Processing 8422 S. Edinburgh Road Edinburgh, IN 46142 812-703-0312
Spencer Summers Jeremy Summers Sausage Company 16273 N County Road 390 E Lincoln City, IN 47552 812-489-1283
St. Joseph Ross, Sr. Mike Ross Deer Processing 71700 E. US Hwy 6 Walkerton, IN 46574 574-586-3083
Starke Fletcher Trey Fletcher’s Deer Processing 1200 North 800 East Knox, IN 46534 574-207-3663
Steuben Maag Cody The Meat Grinder 1875 W 275 N Angola, IN 46703 260-564-3337
Steuben Ruby Anthony Mr. Meatz 1890 W Maumee Street Angola, IN 46703 260-667-8898
Sullivan Rinard Trenton & Ashley G4L Custom Processing 3446 W County Rd. 850 S Carlisle, IN 47838 812-691-4727
Switzerland Elston Lori Elston’s Community Meats 14867 State Rd. 129 Canaan, IN 47224 812-667-7916
Tippecanoe Mills Gene Geneo’s Hunting and Fishing 310 S 16th Street Lafayette, IN 47905 765-269-9246
Vermillion Steinbrenner John & Brigit John & Brigit Steinbrenner 4156 E 300 S Hillsdale, IN 47854 812-241-5484 or 812-241-7031
Vigo Pohlman Theodore Pohlman’s Meat Processing 6150 W Evans Drive Terre Haute, IN 47802 812-898-2090
Warrick Kolley Richard Kolley’s Deer Processing 318 Cherry Street Lynnville, IN 47619 812-449-6808
Washington Schwartz Mervin I. Schwartz’s Deer Processing 2044 W Water Treatment Rd Salem, IN 47167 812-570-8579
Wayne Glick John Glick’s Butcher Shop 7020 Peacock Rd. Williamsburg, IN 47393 765-847-2528
Wayne Stoltzfus Reuben Bear Creek Meats 17178 Bear Creek Rd. Hagerstown, IN 47346 717-682-0894
Wells Barnes Jackie Lengerich Meats, Inc 3095 Van Horn Street Zanesville, IN 46799 260-638-4123
Wells Slaven Dustin Barber Locker 2330 Railroad St. Craigville, IN 46731 260-565-3150
White Catterlin Casey Casey’s Taxidermy & Deer Processing 1880 N Francis Street Monticello, IN 47960 574-583-6635
Whitley Kelley Randy S. Columbia Locker, Inc 200 E.Van Buren Street Columbia City,IN 46725 260-244-7155
Whitley Longenbaugh Nick & Rachel The Buck Stops Here, LLC 1224 W. Sheckler Rd. Columbia City,IN 46725 260-229-1370
Whitley Stahlhut Roger & Whitney Integrity Meats 3640 US 33 Churubusco, IN 46818 260-693-0777
Orange Sears Charles S & S Processing 3001 S Unionville Road Paoli, IN 47454 812-653-1086
Whitley Schwartz Allen Schwartz’s Deer Processing 7780 W 1000 S Columbia City, IN 46787 260-213-0327

Gear Recommendations for Indiana Hunts

Ensure success with gear tailored for Indiana’s terrain and seasons:

  • Clothing: Layered, waterproof gear for changing conditions.
  • Footwear: Insulated boots for cold weather and snake-proof boots in warmer areas.
  • Hunting Equipment: Tree stands for deer, decoys and calls for waterfowl.

Conservation and Ethical Hunting

Support Indiana’s conservation efforts by participating in programs like IPLA and adhering to ethical hunting practices. Hunting license fees contribute to wildlife management and habitat preservation across the state.

Hunting Tips for Indiana

Maximize your success with these tips:

  • Scout public hunting areas early to secure the best spots.
  • Learn game habits, like deer feeding patterns and turkey roosting sites.
  • Check weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

Plan Your Next Indiana Hunt

Whether you’re hunting deer, turkey, or waterfowl, Indiana offers opportunities for hunters of all experience levels. Stay informed, gear up, and head out for a successful season!

Closest Other States to Hunt

Indiana Deer Harvest Report

https://www.in.gov/dnr/fish-and-wildlife/wildlife-resources/animals/white-tailed-deer/deer-harvest-data

Indiana Hunting Seasons 2025-2026

Find Indiana hunting season dates for 2025-2026. This information is based on the Indiana DNR’s published hunting and trapping guide. Always consult the official guide for the most up-to-date regulations and details before planning your hunt.

Furbearer Hunting Seasons

  • Red & Gray Fox: Oct. 15, 2025 – Feb. 28, 2026
  • Coyote & Striped Skunk: Oct. 15, 2025 – March 15, 2026
  • Raccoon & Opossum: Nov. 8, 2025 – Jan. 31, 2026
  • Beaver: Nov. 15, 2025 – March 15, 2026
  • Mink, Muskrat & Long-Tailed Weasel: Nov. 15, 2025 – Jan. 31, 2026
  • River Otter: Nov. 15, 2025 – Jan. 31, 2026

Woodland Big Game Hunting Seasons

  • Wild Turkey:
    • Youth: April 19 & 20, 2025
    • Spring: April 23 – May 11, 2025 [add-to-calendar-button name=”Indiana Spring Turkey – HuntingSeason.com” options=”‘Apple’,’Google'” startDate=”2025-04-23″ endDate=”2025-05-11″ description=”https://huntingseason.com calendar reminder for Spring Turkey Season in Indiana”]
    • Fall-Archery: Oct. 1 – 26, 2025; Dec. 6, 2025 – Jan. 4, 2026
    • Fall-Firearms: Oct. 15 – 26, 2025
  • Deer:
    • Reduction Zone: Sept. 15, 2025 – Jan. 31, 2026
    • Youth: Sept. 27 & 28, 2025
    • Archery: Oct. 1, 2025 – Jan. 4, 2026
    • Firearms: Nov. 15 – Nov. 30, 2025
    • Muzzleloader: Dec. 6 – 21, 2025

Woodland Small Game Hunting Seasons

  • Gray & Fox Squirrel: Aug. 15, 2025 – Jan. 31, 2026

Upland Game Hunting Seasons

  • Pheasant (statewide-cock only): Nov. 1 – Dec. 15, 2025
  • Quail (North of I-74): Nov. 1 – Dec. 15, 2025
  • Quail (South of I-74): Nov. 1, 2025 – Jan. 10, 2026
  • Rabbit: Nov. 1, 2025 – Feb. 28, 2026

Miscellaneous Game Hunting Seasons

  • Crow: July 1 – Aug. 15, 2025; Dec. 13, 2025 – March 1, 2026
  • Green Frog & Bullfrog: June 15, 2025 – April 30, 2026
  • Eastern Snapping Turtle, Smooth & Spiny Softshell Turtles: July 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026

Migratory Bird Hunting Seasons

  • Mourning Dove: Sept. 1 – Oct. 20, 2024; Nov. 1 – Dec. 1, 2024; Dec. 21 – 29, 2024
  • Snipe: Sept. 1 – Dec. 16, 2024
  • Woodcock: Oct. 15 – Nov. 28, 2024
  • Sora Rail: Sept. 1 – Nov. 9, 2024
  • Early Teal: Sept. 14 – 29, 2024

Waterfowl Hunting Seasons

  • North Zone: Oct. 19 – Dec. 8, 2024; Dec. 28, 2024 – Jan. 5, 2025
  • Central Zone: Nov. 2 – 10, 2024; Nov. 23, 2024 – Jan. 12, 2025
  • South Zone: Nov. 9 – 10, 2024; Nov. 30, 2024 – Jan. 26, 2025

Disclaimer: These dates are subject to change. Always consult the official Indiana Department of Natural Resources Hunting & Trapping Guide for the most accurate and current information before planning your hunt. Regulations can vary, and it is your responsibility to know and follow them.