INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WANE) With the Indiana bow deer season kicking off on Saturday, Oct. 1, and firearm hunting season beginning Nov. 12, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources ( DNR) has issued some advice for hunters.
BUY YOUR DEER LICENSE NOW
For those who normally purchase their licenses at a store, skip the long lines the day before the hunt and purchase now. Find a list of license retailers and be sure to check your license before leaving the store.
If you plan to purchase your license online, log in to your Access Indiana account before the season begins; don’t risk delays due to technical difficulties.
Are you interested in hunting multiple deer or hunting in multiple seasons? Consider purchasing a deer license package, which allows you to hunt up to three deer (only one may have antlers) during archery, firearms, and muzzleloading seasons.
HUNTING AT ONE OF INDIANA’S PARTICIPATING PRIVATE PROPERTIES
Are you looking for a new place to hunt? The Indiana Private Lands Access (IPLA) program has a new self-service login system for hunters who want to hunt on private property. Small game, deer, and waterfowl hunters can view available locations, photos, and maps, as well as property rules.
Search windows can last up to three days, depending on when you sign up. The system reboots at 8 pm ET on the last night of each 3-day cycle. Hunters can register for the same property only twice in a row. Be sure to check in early during each window.
Game bird (pheasant and quail) and turkey hunts are still managed through the reserved hunt lottery system.
As the IPLA continues to work with private owners, it is likely that more properties will be added.
REDUCTION OF ADDITIONAL FEES FOR ANTLERLESS IN 4 COUNTIES
Epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) has affected deer herds in Wayne, Union, Fayette and Franklin counties this year. As a result, the DNR has reduced the Additional County Hornless Quotas in these four counties to a maximum of one.
This fee change will help the DNR maintain the deer herd in these counties for future seasons.
Humans are not at risk for EHD, which is a viral disease that can affect white-tailed deer to some extent each year. In many cases, the disease only affects small geographic areas, but it can spread to affect a larger than normal portion of the deer population.
The DNR wants to hear about sick and dead deer showing signs of EHD, including swelling around the head and neck, weakness, excessive salivation, or walking in or around water. Report sick or dead wildlife here.