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Compound Bow Hunting in Indiana — Midwest Whitetails on Public Ground

Whitetail DeerWild TurkeySquirrel

📅 2026 Season & License Info

Archery Season Open

October 1

Archery Season Close

January 3

Min Draw Weight

35 lbs

Resident License

$24/yr

Non-Resident License

$150/yr

Top Species

Whitetail Deer, Wild Turkey, Squirrel

📍 Top Public Hunting Spots

Hoosier National Forest

203,000 acres

Whitetail Deer, Turkey

South-central Indiana. Limestone hills and hollows. Quality bucks away from road access.

Morgan-Monroe State Forest

24,000 acres

Whitetail Deer, Turkey

Central Indiana. Good public land option near Indianapolis with managed deer herd.

Yellowwood State Forest

23,000 acres

Whitetail Deer, Turkey

South-central Indiana. Less crowded than Morgan-Monroe. Creek bottoms hold good deer.

⚖️ Indiana Archery Regulations

  • •Minimum draw weight: 35 lbs
  • •Hunter orange required during firearms season — not during archery-only season
  • •Sunday hunting allowed
  • •Antler restrictions in certain counties

💡 Expert Tips for Indiana

  • →Indiana's public land is limited but Hoosier National Forest offers quality hunting
  • →November 5–18 is peak rut in Indiana — be in the woods all day
  • →Creek corridors through agricultural areas hold big bucks that feed fields at night
  • →Turkey creek bottoms in southern Indiana are overlooked for deer hunting
⚠️ Regulation Disclaimer: Hunting regulations change annually. Always verify current season dates, bag limits, and equipment requirements with the Indiana state wildlife agency before hunting. This information is for planning purposes only.

Indiana Bowhunting FAQ

Indiana has approximately 2.4 million acres of public hunting land, including state forests, state wildlife areas, fish & wildlife areas, and the Hoosier National Forest. While less than neighboring states, the quality hunting can be excellent — especially in Hoosier National Forest's southern Indiana hills and creek bottoms.