INDIANA — Autumn has arrived, and state wildlife officials are encouraging both veteran hunters and newcomers to head into the woods as Indiana’s fall archery seasons officially open today, Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026.
The opening marks the start of major fall hunting opportunities across the state for both whitetail deer and wild turkey.
Season Dates & Regulations
- Deer Archery Season: Runs continuously from Oct. 1, 2026, through Jan. 3, 2027.
- Fall Turkey Archery Season: Split into two windows, operating from Oct. 1 – Nov. 1, 2026, and reopening from Dec. 5, 2026 – Jan. 3, 2027.
Hunters targeting turkey this fall are limited to one bird of either sex for the entire fall season. For deer bag limits, harvest restrictions, and county-specific quotas, hunters should consult the current edition of the Indiana Hunting & Trapping Guide.
Firearms Seasons Opening Later This Fall
Hunters planning to use firearms later in the season should keep several upcoming dates in mind:
- Fall Turkey Firearms Season: Opens Oct. 21 – Nov. 1, 2026 (available in select designated counties only).
- Deer Firearms Season: Opens statewide Nov. 14 – Nov. 29, 2026.
Free Webinar to Prepare Hunters for Deer Season
To help hunters prepare, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources is hosting a free virtual webinar on Thursday, Oct. 8, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET.
Designed for all ages and experience levels, the session will cover essential pre-season topics including:
- Effective scouting strategies.
- Navigating access to both public and private hunting lands.
- Best practices for on-site execution once in the field.
Participants can join the free webinar from anywhere. Upon registration, attendees will receive an access link along with a survey to help shape the presentation content.
Licensing and Game Check-In
All harvested game must be reported following state regulations. Successful hunters can easily register their harvest using the CheckIN Game feature available on GoOutdoorsIN.com or via the official mobile app.
For full regulations, webinar registration, license purchases, and additional season details, hunters can visit the Indiana Department of Natural Resources website.
