It’s not always thought of when mentioning the best states in the nation in which to hunt, but the fact is that Indiana does offer some very real benefits to those who are looking for a great place to bag a trophy. As the temperatures drop, seasons open around the state. And best of all, Indiana is actually one of the states that offers lower than average overall costs – even airlines offer low rates to and from Indiana.

With that in mind, it’s still worth looking at the basic regulations within Indiana when you’re looking to hunt for your next trophy. Here’s a rundown of some of the key points to keep in mind.

Deer Seasons

For deer season there are several dates to remember.

• Youth Season – September 29th – September 30th
• Archery – October 1st – January 6th
• Firearm – November 17 – December 2nd
• Muzzleloader – December 8th – December 23rd
• Special Antlerless – December 26th – January 6th

Limits on deer vary depending on a variety of factors, and each year will have its own harvesting limits that hunters will want to be aware of.

Wild Turkey

Spring seasons run from April 24 to May 12. Fall turkey hunts generally run from the beginning of October through the end of the month, with archery permitted until early January of each year. Turkey hunting is only allowed a half hour before sunrise through sunset, and no more than a single bird may be taken during the fall, and only a single male turkey can be taken in the spring.

Additional Hunting

Indiana does offer additional hunting opportunities, particularly when it comes to furbearing animals. These seasonal dates include:

• Red or Gray Fox: October 15 – Feb. 28
• Coyote: October 15- March 15
• Skunk: October 15 – March 15
• Raccoon: November 8 – January 31

It’s important to keep in mind that just as with any other state, Indiana requires all hunters to undergo firearms safety courses and to hold a valid state issued hunting license. Licenses can be purchased on the official state website and will cover the full year as well as include the applicable tags for deer.

If you’re looking for a more interesting state to hunt in, Indiana could have just what you’re looking for and could provide some memorable hunts and some memorable trophies. And with a smaller number of hunters, you’ll also find much less crowded hunting grounds – something well worth considering as you plan the upcoming year.