INDIANA — The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is reminding outdoor enthusiasts that fishing and hunting licenses for the 2025-26 season will expire at the end of this month. Renewals for the 2026-27 season are now available through the state’s new online portal.
With the current season ending on March 31, residents can now purchase annual fishing and hunting licenses valid for the upcoming year (April 1, 2026 – March 31, 2027).
This year, the DNR is highlighting a new series of durable hard card designs. These credit-card-style licenses feature six winning entries from a statewide public art and photo contest. The 2026 designs include:
- Lesley Nelson: Detailed fish art.
- Mark Luecke: Striking wild turkey photography.
- Christopher Whalen: Intimate frog photography.
- Christi Bennett: Graceful deer photography.
- Kathleen Gregory: Atmospheric shot of sunlight through trees.
- Sara Day: Vibrant duck photography.
The durable cards are available as an add-on during the renewal process for a small fee and are designed to withstand harsh outdoor elements.
Spring Turkey Season and Reserved Hunts
Hunters planning for the 2026 Spring Turkey Season, which runs from April 22 to May 10, should purchase their licenses now to participate in reserved hunt draws.
Key Dates and Rules:
- Reserved Hunt Applications: Applications are being accepted until 11:59 p.m. on March 18.
- Limit: Hunters may apply for up to two draws, but can only be selected for one.
- Requirements: A valid 2026 spring turkey license and a Game Bird Habitat stamp are required to apply.
- Big Oaks NWR: Note that Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge will not be hosting a turkey hunt this season.
Youth Hunting Opportunities
Indiana is also offering specialized youth hunt opportunities on April 18 and 19, 2026. These hunts are available at several Fish & Wildlife Areas, Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge, and Indiana Private Lands Access (IPLA) properties.
Youth aged 17 or younger are eligible to apply. If selected, they must be accompanied by an adult at least 18 years of age. Applications for these reserved youth hunts follow the same March 18 deadline as the general draws.
Accessing Your Account
All license purchases and hunt applications must be completed through the Activity Hub at GoOutdoorsIN.com.
- Log In: Users must access the system via Access Indiana.
- First-Time Users: If you are logging in for the first time, the system will prompt you to verify your personal information.
- Mobile Access: Licenses can also be stored digitally on your mobile device for easy access while in the field.
Proceeds from license sales go directly toward the conservation of Indiana’s fish, wildlife, and natural habitats, ensuring these resources remain available for future generations.
With spring turkey season quickly approaching, now’s a perfect time to brush up on some fundamental turkey scouting tips.
Use your ears: Listen for male turkeys gobbling from their roost trees at sunrise.
Use your eyes: Look for turkey food sources, such as bugs, nuts, and fallen fruits or grain. Keep an eye out for turkey scratching (areas of cleared leaf litter or ground cover where turkeys have been poking around for food) or turkey tracks, which are three-toed and approximately 3-4 inches long. Turkey droppings, especially the J-shaped droppings of male birds, can also signal prime hunting locations.
Use your brain: Avoid overusing turkey calls, as this can alert birds to your presence and impact movement patterns. When it’s time to hunt, be sure to identify your target and what lies beyond it, practice firearm safety, and comply with all hunting rules and regulations.
