INDIANA — The Indiana Department of Natural Resources has announced reduced antlerless deer hunting limits for the upcoming 2025–2026 season in response to a significant outbreak of epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) across Southern Indiana.
EHD is a common viral disease transmitted to deer by biting midges, with outbreaks occurring annually. However, the DNR reported seeing a “wider, more severe” impact from the disease in 2025, necessitating the reduction of hunting pressure to allow the deer population to recover.
In Indiana, the 2025 deer season dates are:
- Archery Season is Oct. 1, 2025 – Jan. 4, 2026;
- Firearm Season is Nov. 15-30, 2025
- Muzzleloader Season is Dec. 6-21, 2025.
- The Deer Reduction Zone Season is from September 15, 2025, to January 31, 2026, for open areas.
New County Antlerless Bag Limits
The DNR has lowered the County Antlerless Bag Limits in seven of the hardest-hit Indiana counties. These limits are only for antlerless deer; the statewide antlerless bag limit remains at six, and the changes do not affect Deer Reduction Zones.
| County | New Antlerless Limit | Previous Limit |
| Jennings County | 2 antlerless deer | Reduced from 4 |
| Martin County | 2 antlerless deer | Reduced from 3 |
| Switzerland County | 2 antlerless deer | Reduced from 3 |
| Bartholomew County | 2 antlerless deer | Reduced from 3 |
| Jackson County | 3 antlerless deer | Reduced from 4 |
| Jefferson County | 3 antlerless deer | Reduced from 4 |
| Scott County | 3 antlerless deer | Reduced from 4 |
DNR biologists plan to continue monitoring the outbreak throughout the winter months and will reassess bag limits for the 2026–2027 season.
The DNR has specifically thanked the public for submitting reports, which were crucial in helping to map the outbreak and guide these management decisions.
Hunters and residents are encouraged to help the DNR’s efforts by continuing to report any sick or dead deer they encounter through the agency’s Sick & Dead Wildlife online tool.
For more information on EHD and the full details on the bag limit changes, residents can visit the Indiana DNR Online.
