Indiana 2026-27 Hunting Season Dates
Quick answer
Indiana's listed 2026-27 archery deer season runs Oct 1, 2026-Jan 3, 2027.
General Canada Geese, Light Geese & Brant opens Sep 1, 2026 and closes Feb 14, 2027.
Chasing Only (no hunting) Raccoon & Opossum (Dog Running) opens Feb 1, 2026 and closes Oct 25, 2026.
The tables below keep the rest of the listed seasons together by species, with source links back to Indiana DNR.
- archery deer
- Oct 1, 2026-Jan 3, 2027
- waterfowl
- Sep 1, 2026-Feb 14, 2027
- furbearer
- Feb 1-Oct 25, 2026
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Indiana 2026-27
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Key seasons by species
What changed for 2026-27
Deer season is compact, but the method dates move quickly
Indiana's deer calendar stacks archery, firearms, muzzleloader, and special antlerless opportunities into a short fall-to-winter run. If you are only watching the general firearms window, it is easy to miss earlier or later options.
Use the official Indiana DNR season summary for final equipment rules, county restrictions, and bag-limit details.
We summarize official agency information and link to the source for verification. Regulations can change, and zone details matter. Always confirm final dates, bag limits, permits, and legal requirements with Indiana DNR before hunting.
Proposed 2026-27
federal openings
in Indiana
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing hunting and fishing access changes at 1 station in Indiana. Public comment closes June 26, 2026.
Deer
White-tailed Deer
Reduction Zone
Sep 15, 2026-Jan 31, 2027
Previously called Urban Zones; designated locations only. Deer hunting hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset.
Zone: Reduction Zone
White-tailed Deer
Reduction Zone
Sep 15, 2026-Jan 31, 2027
Deer Reduction Zones, previously called Urban Zones, are in designated locations only. Deer hunting hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset.
Zone: Reduction Zones (designated locations only)
White-tailed Deer
Youth
Sep 26-27, 2026
Deer hunting hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset.
Zone: Statewide
White-tailed Deer
Youth
Sep 26-27, 2026
Deer hunting hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset.
White-tailed Deer
Archery
Oct 1, 2026-Jan 3, 2027
Deer hunting hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset.
Zone: Statewide
White-tailed Deer
Archery
Oct 1, 2026-Jan 3, 2027
Deer hunting hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset.
White-tailed Deer
Firearms
Nov 14-29, 2026
Deer hunting hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset.
Zone: Statewide
White-tailed Deer
Firearms
Nov 14-29, 2026
Deer hunting hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset.
White-tailed Deer
Muzzleloader
Dec 5-20, 2026
Deer hunting hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset.
Zone: Statewide
White-tailed Deer
Muzzleloader
Dec 5-20, 2026
Deer hunting hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset.
Turkey
Wild Turkey
Youth
Apr 18-19, 2026
Spring youth season. Hunting hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset.
Wild Turkey
Youth
Apr 18-19, 2026
Turkey hunting hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset. A separate turkey license is needed.
Zone: Statewide
Wild Turkey
Spring
Apr 22-May 10, 2026
Hunting hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset. Separate turkey license needed.
Wild Turkey
Spring
Apr 22-May 10, 2026
Turkey hunting hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset. A separate turkey license is needed.
Zone: Statewide
Wild Turkey
Fall Archery
Oct 1-Nov 1, 2026
See Hunting and Trapping Guide for counties open to fall turkey hunting. No more than one bird of either sex may be taken in the fall turkey season regardless of equipment. Separate turkey license needed.
Wild Turkey
Fall Archery
Oct 1, 2026-Jan 3, 2027
Two segments: Oct. 1 - Nov. 1, 2026 and Dec. 5, 2026 - Jan. 3, 2027. See Hunting and Trapping Guide for counties open to fall turkey hunting. No more than one bird of either sex may be taken in the fall turkey season regardless of equipment. A separate turkey license is needed.
Zone: Statewide
Wild Turkey
Fall Firearms
Oct 21-Nov 1, 2026
See Hunting and Trapping Guide for counties open to fall turkey hunting. No more than one bird of either sex may be taken in the fall turkey season regardless of equipment. Separate turkey license needed.
Wild Turkey
Fall Firearms
Oct 21-Nov 1, 2026
See Hunting and Trapping Guide for counties open to fall turkey hunting. No more than one bird of either sex may be taken in the fall turkey season regardless of equipment. A separate turkey license is needed.
Zone: Statewide
Wild Turkey
Fall Archery
Dec 5, 2026-Jan 3, 2027
See Hunting and Trapping Guide for counties open to fall turkey hunting. No more than one bird of either sex may be taken in the fall turkey season regardless of equipment. Separate turkey license needed.
Waterfowl
35 listed rowsCanada Geese, Light Geese & Brant
Hunting
Sep 1-13, 2026
Three separate seasons in South Zone
Zone: South Zone
Canada Geese, Light Geese & Brant
General
Sep 1, 2026-Feb 14, 2027
Three segments: Sept. 1-13, 2026; Nov. 7-11, 2026; Nov. 21, 2026 - Feb. 14, 2027. Waterfowl hunting hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset.
Zone: South Zone
Canada Geese, Light Geese & Brant
Hunting
Sep 5-13, 2026
Three separate seasons in North Zone
Zone: North Zone
Canada Geese, Light Geese & Brant
General
Sep 5, 2026-Feb 14, 2027
Three segments: Sept. 5-13, 2026; Oct. 31 - Nov. 8, 2026; Nov. 21, 2026 - Feb. 14, 2027. Waterfowl hunting hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset.
Zone: Central Zone
Canada Geese, Light Geese & Brant
General
Sep 5, 2026-Feb 14, 2027
Three segments: Sept. 5-13, 2026; Oct. 24 - Nov. 1, 2026; Nov. 21, 2026 - Feb. 14, 2027. Waterfowl hunting hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset.
Zone: North Zone
Canada Geese, Light Geese & Brant
Hunting
Sep 5-13, 2026
Three separate seasons in Central Zone
Zone: Central Zone
Canada Geese, Light Geese & Brant
Hunting
Oct 24-Nov 1, 2026
Three separate seasons in North Zone
Zone: North Zone
Canada Geese, Light Geese & Brant
Hunting
Oct 31-Nov 8, 2026
Three separate seasons in Central Zone
Zone: Central Zone
Canada Geese, Light Geese & Brant
Hunting
Nov 7-11, 2026
Three separate seasons in South Zone
Zone: South Zone
Canada Geese, Light Geese & Brant
Hunting
Nov 21, 2026-Feb 14, 2027
Three separate seasons in Central Zone
Zone: Central Zone
Canada Geese, Light Geese & Brant
Hunting
Nov 21, 2026-Feb 14, 2027
Three separate seasons in North Zone
Zone: North Zone
Canada Geese, Light Geese & Brant
Hunting
Nov 21, 2026-Feb 14, 2027
Three separate seasons in South Zone
Zone: South Zone
Show 23 more waterfowl rows
Ducks, Coots, Mergansers
Youth & Veteran
Oct 17-18, 2026
Youth and Veteran hunt. Daily bag for scaup is 1 per day. Waterfowl hunting hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset.
Zone: North Zone
Ducks, Coots, Mergansers
Hunting
Oct 24-Dec 13, 2026
Hunting hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset. Scaup limit 1 before Nov. 8, 2 on or after.
Zone: North Zone
Ducks, Coots, Mergansers
General
Oct 24-Dec 27, 2026
Two segments: Oct. 24 - Dec. 13, 2026 and Dec. 19 - 27, 2026. Waterfowl hunting hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset.
Zone: North Zone
Ducks, Coots, Mergansers
Youth & Veteran
Oct 24-25, 2026
Youth and Veteran hunt. Daily bag for scaup is 1 per day. Waterfowl hunting hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset.
Zone: Central Zone
Ducks, Coots, Mergansers
General
Oct 31, 2026-Jan 10, 2027
Two segments: Oct. 31 - Nov. 8, 2026 and Nov. 21, 2026 - Jan. 10, 2027. Waterfowl hunting hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset.
Zone: Central Zone
Ducks, Coots, Mergansers
Hunting
Oct 31-Nov 8, 2026
Hunting hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset. Scaup limit 1 before Nov. 27, 2 on or after.
Zone: Central Zone
Ducks, Coots, Mergansers
Youth & Veteran
Oct 31-Nov 1, 2026
Youth and Veteran hunt. Daily bag for scaup is 1 per day. Waterfowl hunting hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset.
Zone: South Zone
Ducks, Coots, Mergansers
Hunting
Nov 7-8, 2026
Hunting hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset. Scaup limit 1 before Dec. 11, 2 on or after.
Zone: South Zone
Ducks, Coots, Mergansers
General
Nov 7, 2026-Jan 24, 2027
Two segments: Nov. 7-8, 2026 and Nov. 28, 2026 - Jan. 24, 2027. Waterfowl hunting hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset.
Zone: South Zone
Ducks, Coots, Mergansers
Hunting
Nov 21, 2026-Jan 10, 2027
Hunting hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset. Scaup limit 1 before Nov. 27, 2 on or after.
Zone: Central Zone
Ducks, Coots, Mergansers
Hunting
Nov 28, 2026-Jan 24, 2027
Hunting hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset. Scaup limit 1 before Dec. 11, 2 on or after.
Zone: South Zone
Ducks, Coots, Mergansers
Hunting
Dec 19-27, 2026
Hunting hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset.
Zone: North Zone
Early Teal
Hunting
Sep 5-13, 2026
Hunting hours: sunrise to sunset for teal
Zone: Statewide
Teal
Early Teal
Sep 5-13, 2026
Waterfowl hunting hours: sunrise to sunset for teal.
Zone: Statewide
White-fronted Geese
Hunting
Nov 21, 2026-Feb 14, 2027
Zone: South Zone
White-fronted Geese
General
Nov 21, 2026-Feb 14, 2027
Waterfowl hunting hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset.
Zone: Central Zone
White-fronted Geese
General
Nov 21, 2026-Feb 14, 2027
Waterfowl hunting hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset.
Zone: North Zone
White-fronted Geese
Hunting
Nov 21, 2026-Feb 14, 2027
Zone: North Zone
White-fronted Geese
Hunting
Nov 21, 2026-Feb 14, 2027
Zone: Central Zone
White-fronted Geese
General
Nov 21, 2026-Feb 14, 2027
Waterfowl hunting hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset.
Zone: South Zone
Youth & Veteran Waterfowl
Youth/Veteran
Oct 17-18, 2026
Zone: North Zone
Youth & Veteran Waterfowl
Youth/Veteran
Oct 24-25, 2026
Zone: Central Zone
Youth & Veteran Waterfowl
Youth/Veteran
Oct 31-Nov 1, 2026
Zone: South Zone
Dove
Mourning Dove
Hunting
Sep 1-Oct 18, 2026
Three separate seasons; hunting hours sunrise to sunset
Mourning Dove
General
Sep 1-Dec 31, 2026
Three segments: Sept. 1 - Oct. 18, 2026; Nov. 1 - 29, 2026; Dec. 19 - 31, 2026. Daily bag and possession limits are for mourning doves and white-winged doves in aggregate. Migratory bird hunting hours: sunrise to sunset.
Zone: Statewide
Mourning Dove
Hunting
Nov 1-29, 2026
Three separate seasons; hunting hours sunrise to sunset
Mourning Dove
Hunting
Dec 19-31, 2026
Three separate seasons; hunting hours sunrise to sunset
Pheasant
Pheasant (cock only)
Hunting
Nov 1-Dec 15, 2026
Cock only
Zone: Statewide
Pheasant (cock only)
General
Nov 1-Dec 15, 2026
Statewide, cock only. Possession limit is two times the daily bag limit.
Zone: Statewide
Quail
Quail
General
Nov 1-Dec 15, 2026
Quail bag limits vary on some DNR properties. Possession limit is two times the daily bag limit.
Zone: North of I-74
Quail
General
Nov 1, 2026-Jan 10, 2027
Quail bag limits vary on some DNR properties. Possession limit is two times the daily bag limit.
Zone: South of I-74
Quail
Hunting
Nov 1-Dec 15, 2026
Bag limits vary on some DNR properties
Zone: North of I-74
Quail
Hunting
Nov 1, 2026-Jan 10, 2027
Bag limits vary on some DNR properties
Zone: South of I-74
Grouse
Ruffed Grouse
Hunting
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Season suspended
Ruffed Grouse
General
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Season suspended.
Zone: Statewide
Rabbit
Rabbit
General
Nov 1, 2026-Feb 28, 2027
Possession limit is two times the daily bag limit.
Zone: Statewide
Rabbit
Hunting
Nov 1, 2026-Feb 28, 2027
Squirrel
Gray & Fox Squirrel
Hunting
Aug 15, 2026-Jan 31, 2027
Gray & Fox Squirrel
General
Aug 15, 2026-Jan 31, 2027
Possession limit is two times the daily bag limit.
Zone: Statewide
Furbearer
22 listed rowsBeaver
Hunting
Nov 15, 2026-Mar 15, 2027
Zone: Statewide
Beaver
Trapping
Nov 15, 2026-Mar 15, 2027
Zone: Statewide
Beaver
Trapping
Nov 15, 2026-Mar 15, 2027
Beaver
Hunting
Nov 15, 2026-Mar 15, 2027
Bobcat
Trapping
Nov 8, 2026-Jan 31, 2027
No hunting allowed. See Hunting & Trapping Guide for counties open to bobcat trapping. Season may close earlier if statewide quota of 250 is reached.
Bobcat
Trapping
Nov 8, 2026-Jan 31, 2027
No hunting. Seasonal bag limit of 1 bobcat per person. See Hunting & Trapping Guide for counties open to bobcat trapping. Season may close earlier if statewide quota of 250 is reached.
Zone: Statewide
Mink, Muskrat & Long-Tailed Weasel
Hunting
Nov 15, 2026-Jan 31, 2027
Mink, Muskrat & Long-Tailed Weasel
Trapping
Nov 15, 2026-Jan 31, 2027
Zone: Statewide
Mink, Muskrat & Long-Tailed Weasel
Hunting
Nov 15, 2026-Jan 31, 2027
Zone: Statewide
Mink, Muskrat & Long-Tailed Weasel
Trapping
Nov 15, 2026-Jan 31, 2027
Raccoon & Opossum
Hunting
Nov 8, 2026-Jan 31, 2027
Zone: Statewide
Raccoon & Opossum
Hunting
Nov 8, 2026-Jan 31, 2027
Show 10 more furbearer rows
Raccoon & Opossum
Trapping
Nov 8, 2026-Jan 31, 2027
Raccoon & Opossum
Trapping
Nov 8, 2026-Jan 31, 2027
Zone: Statewide
Raccoon & Opossum (Dog Running)
Chasing Only (no hunting)
Feb 1-Oct 25, 2026
Chasing season only, no hunting, no trapping
Raccoon & Opossum (Dog Running)
Chasing Season (No Hunting)
Feb 1-Oct 25, 2026
Chasing season only - no hunting, no trapping
Zone: Statewide
Red & Gray Fox
Hunting
Oct 15, 2026-Feb 28, 2027
Red & Gray Fox
Trapping
Oct 15, 2026-Jan 31, 2027
Red & Gray Fox
Trapping
Oct 15, 2026-Jan 31, 2027
Zone: Statewide
Red & Gray Fox
Hunting
Oct 15, 2026-Feb 28, 2027
Zone: Statewide
River Otter
Trapping
Nov 15, 2026-Mar 15, 2027
No hunting allowed. Season may close earlier if statewide quota of 750 is reached.
River Otter
Trapping
Nov 15, 2026-Mar 15, 2027
No hunting. Seasonal bag limit of 2 river otters per person. Season may close earlier if statewide quota of 750 is reached.
Zone: Statewide
Migratory Birds
Snipe
General
Sep 1-Dec 16, 2026
Migratory bird hunting hours: sunrise to sunset.
Zone: Statewide
Snipe
Hunting
Sep 1-Dec 16, 2026
Hunting hours: sunrise to sunset
Sora Rail
Hunting
Sep 1-Nov 9, 2026
Hunting hours: sunrise to sunset
Sora Rail
General
Sep 1-Nov 9, 2026
Migratory bird hunting hours: sunrise to sunset.
Zone: Statewide
Woodcock
General
Oct 15-Nov 28, 2026
Migratory bird hunting hours: sunrise to sunset.
Zone: Statewide
Woodcock
Hunting
Oct 15-Nov 28, 2026
Hunting hours: sunrise to sunset
Coyote
Coyote & Striped Skunk
Trapping
Oct 15, 2026-Mar 15, 2027
Zone: Statewide
Coyote & Striped Skunk
Hunting
Oct 15, 2026-Mar 15, 2027
Coyote & Striped Skunk
Trapping
Oct 15, 2026-Mar 15, 2027
Coyote & Striped Skunk
Hunting
Oct 15, 2026-Mar 15, 2027
Zone: Statewide
Other
Crow
Hunting
Jul 1-Aug 15, 2026
Two separate seasons
Crow
General
Jul 1, 2026-Mar 1, 2027
Two segments: July 1 - Aug. 15, 2026 and Dec. 13, 2026 - March 1, 2027.
Zone: Statewide
Crow
Hunting
Dec 13, 2026-Mar 1, 2027
Two separate seasons
Eastern Snapping Turtle, Smooth & Spiny Softshell Turtles
Hunting/Trapping
Jul 1, 2026-Mar 31, 2027
Carapace length must be at least 12 inches
Eastern Snapping Turtle, Smooth & Spiny Softshell Turtles
General
Jul 1, 2026-Mar 31, 2027
Limit is singly or in aggregate. These species of turtles must have a carapace length of at least 12 inches. Possession limit is two times the daily bag limit.
Zone: Statewide
Green Frog & Bullfrog
General
Jun 15, 2026-Apr 30, 2027
Possession limit is two times the daily bag limit.
Zone: Statewide
Green Frog & Bullfrog
Hunting/Trapping
Jun 15, 2026-Apr 30, 2027
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Indiana Hunting Season FAQ
When does deer season start in Indiana?
September 15, 2026 is the first listed deer opener for Indiana; it is reduction zone white-tailed deer Sep 15, 2026-Jan 31, 2027.
When is Indiana's firearm deer season?
Indiana does not have a firearm deer row in the current data set yet. Check Indiana DNR for firearm, rifle, or general deer season details.
When does spring turkey open in Indiana?
A current spring turkey opener is not listed for Indiana yet. Check Indiana DNR for the latest turkey dates.
Do I need a license to hunt in Indiana?
Yes. Hunters generally need the appropriate Indiana hunting license, and some seasons may require tags, permits, stamps, or zone-specific authorizations. Confirm final requirements with Indiana DNR.