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Information for Indiana Deer Hunters as Firearms Season gets Underway
Submitted by: TBC Press
Posted on: 11/25/20
News # 14095
Disclaimer: The views expressed on this site are that of the authors and not necessarily that of TBC Press
The Indiana 2020 deer firearms season is from Nov. 14-29. Remember, the deer firearms license allows a hunter to take only one buck. Hunters can harvest an antlerless deer during the firearms season with a firearm if they possess a deer bundle license, bonus antlerless license, resident youth consolidated hunting and trapping license, or comprehensive lifetime hunting license.
Antlerless deer taken with a firearm during the firearms season would count toward the bonus antlerless quota, unless you are hunting in a deer reduction zone with the appropriate license and count the deer toward the deer reduction zone bag limit. Bonus antlerless deer cannot be taken on all DNR properties; find information about restrictions. Bonus antlerless deer cannot be taken in Benton or Tipton counties until Nov. 26.
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Multiple deer, four seasons, one license
Do you hunt in more than one season? Are you limited on time during firearms season? If so, we have a license deal for you. A deer bundle license can be used in all seasons (except the deer reduction zone season) using legal equipment during that season and gives the hunter the privilege to harvest up to three deer (3 antlerless OR 1 antlered and 2 antlerless deer). If you miss your chance to harvest during firearms season, the deer bundle license has you covered for the special antlerless firearms season.
Season dates, legal equipment, and all other deer hunting laws apply. Antlerless deer taken with a deer license bundle can count toward the archery season bag limit, muzzleloader season bag limit, or as a bonus antlerless deer in that county, depending on the season and equipment used. For more information see; https://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/9339.htm .
Free youth hunting days, Nov. 28-29
Introduce the next generation to hunting on free youth hunting days. The second set of dates falls on Nov. 28-29. Free youth hunting days are a great chance for youth to harvest a deer, try waterfowl hunting, or take to the fields or forest in search of other game.
Youth must be accompanied by an adult who is at least 18 years of age, and the adult must possess a valid hunting license. During free youth hunting days, resident youth and nonresident youth do not need a hunting license, a State migratory waterfowl stamp, or a Harvest Information Program (HIP) number to hunt waterfowl or other migratory birds. All persons 16 years old or older must possess a federal duck stamp. For more information see; https://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/9323.htm .
Check in your deer, wild turkey, or river otter
The Indiana CheckIN Game system allows hunters and trappers to check in their harvested game from any device connected to the internet. You will receive a confirmation number that must be written down on a temporary transportation tag for the harvested game species (turkey, deer, or river otter). Be sure to check your information to ensure accuracy before submitting the check-in.
Remember, you don't need to login to an account to check in game ( https://secure.in.gov/apps/dnr/portal/home )this fall. Have your Customer ID handy.
Please do not re-enter the correct information if you have entered incorrect information into the CheckIN Game system. The reason is that each submission looks like an animal harvested. Instead of re-entering, email your confirmation number, name, and changes that need to be made to [email protected].
To view all game that was previously checked in with the CheckIN Game system, you will need to set up an account through our online system (https://access.in.gov/signin/ ). You can purchase licenses, check in game, complete your HIP registration and make a donation through your account.
Hunters still have the option of visiting traditional check stations where a confirmation number will be provided to hunters to place on their temporary transportation tag. There is also a phone-in option at 1-800-419-1326; however, there is a $3 charge for this service (Visa or Mastercard only).
Chronic wasting disease surveillance
Hunters may also voluntarily submit samples for free testing at select fish & wildlife areas (FWAs) and state fish hatcheries (SFHs) throughout the hunting season. Deer heads can be dropped into designated coolers, or hunters may make an appointment for their harvested deer to be sampled by a biologist during office hours.
Hunters interested in testing a deer for CWD that was harvested outside the CWD surveillance areas can also take their deer to select FWAs and SFHs.
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Publishers Notes:
Our country is still battling COVID-19. To avoid the spread of this virus and continue to enjoy outdoor activities, ALL outdoor enthusiasts (man, woman, child) should follow the guidelines set by nps.gov. These guidelines include; social distancing, the Leave No Trace principles, including pack-in and pack-out, to keep outdoor spaces safe and healthy.
