Indiana Bow Hunting: Season Dates & Public Land
📅 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
Whitetail Deer, Turkey
South-central Indiana. Limestone hills and hollows. Quality bucks away from road access.
Morgan-Monroe State Forest
Whitetail Deer, Turkey
Central Indiana. Good public land option near Indianapolis with managed deer herd.
Yellowwood State Forest
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
🏛️ Official Wildlife Agency & Sources
Hunting seasons, tag quotas, and bag limits are established by state wildlife agencies and change annually. For official regulations, proclamations, and license purchases, consult:
Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR)
Official State Wildlife Agency
Status: 2026 Season Guide
Indiana Bowhunting FAQ
How much public hunting land does Indiana have?
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.