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Reserved Hunt Information

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Basics

What do I need to apply?

  • A valid hunting license for the species you intend to hunt for that season/equipment.
  • A valid email address for confirmation of application submission.

How do I know if my application is complete?

  • You will receive a confirmation email sent to the email address you provided.
  • After you have submitted your application, PRINT or SAVE your confirmation page. Once you have applied, you can double-check if the application was submitted successfully by logging back into the reserved hunt system. If a hunt choice is still in the drop-down box, you did not successfully apply. The system will not allow you to apply for the same hunt more than once. So, if the hunt shows up in your drop-down box, then you need to apply.
  • The website will have you add the hunt you apply for to the "Shopping Cart," and you will be asked to "Check Out" and "Place Order, even though there is no fee. You will need to place your order in the cart to submit your application.

Other Important Information

  • Once you have submitted your hunt application, you cannot change it. If you need to update your contact information, you may do so by logging into the reserved hunt system.

Results

  • Hunters will be selected through a random computerized drawing.
  • An email will be sent to applicants who are drawn, as well as those who are not drawn, once the draw has been completed.
  • Results are available within two weeks after the application period has closed.
  • To view draw hunt results, go to: https://secure.in.gov/apps/dnr/portal/#/home and click the link to see the status of your reserved hunt registrations or login to your account and view your Hunt Registrations in your online dashboard. The link from the home page will only show hunts that you registered for when the date of the hunt is still upcoming. Logging in to your account online is required for you to see the full history of your past hunt registrations (previous years).

Hunts Currently Taking Applications or Opening Soon

Applications for the following hunts will open July 6 and will close Aug. 9

    Fish & Wildlife Area (FWA) Dove: 

    • Fish & Wildlife areas participating include Glendale, Goose Pond, Atterbury, Winamac, J.E. Roush Lake, Kingsbury, Kankakee, Pigeon River, and Jasper-Pulaski. Hunters can apply for the hunt dates of Sept. 1or 2. Blue Grass Fish & Wildlife Area will also be hosting dove hunts on Sept. 2, 5, and 7. Drawn hunters may bring one hunting partner with them.

    Fish & Wildlife Area (FWA) Waterfowl:

    • Fish & Wildlife areas participating include Goose Pond, Hovey Lake, Kankakee, Kingsbury, LaSalle, and Willow Slough. Province Pond Wetland Conservation Area (managed by J.E. Roush Lake FWA) will also be participating. Hunt dates vary by property and can be seen when applying. Drawn hunters may bring up to two hunting partners with them.

    Indiana Private Lands Access (IPLA) Waterfowl:

    • IPLA waterfowl hunts will begin on Sept. 11 for the early teal and goose season. Hunt dates and locations can be seen when applying. Drawn hunters may bring up to three hunting partners with them.

    Fish & Wildlife Area (FWA) Deer:

    • Deer Creek and Fairbanks Landing FWAs will host reserved firearms hunts. Hunters can apply for the hunt date of Nov. 13-14 for either property. Additional hunt dates of Nov. 15-16 and Nov. 17-19 are available for Deer Creek FWA. Drawn hunters may bring one additional hunting partner with them.

    Indiana Private Lands Access (IPLA) Deer:

    • IPLA deer hunts will begin on Sept. 26 for the youth season. Additional hunt dates and locations can be seen when applying. Drawn hunters may bring one non-hunting partner with them.

    State Park Deer:

    • State parks participating include Chain O’Lakes, Clifty Falls, Fort Harrison, Indiana Dunes, Lincoln, Ouabache, Pokagon, Potato Creek, Shakamak, Spring Mill, Summit Lake, Tippecanoe River, Turkey Run, Versailles, and Whitewater Memorial. Trine State Recreation Area and Cave River Valley Natural Area are also participating. Hunters can choose to apply for the hunt dates of Nov. 15-16 or Nov. 29-30. Hunters may list up to two hunting partners for each hunt period and must list the hunter’s name when applying.
    • Applicants must possess any valid license to take a deer in Indiana at the time of the application, not including apprentice licenses.
    • Applicants must be Indiana residents (or possess a valid lifetime license to take deer in Indiana), be 18 years of age by the date of the first hunt, and must possess the proper licenses to hunt deer in order to apply. Once you have submitted your application online, you cannot change your information.
    • Primary applicants can apply by themselves or with up to two secondary applicants (buddies). There is no preference in the draw based on whether it is an application with buddies or not. You must apply with your buddies’ information on your application in order for them to participate. This includes deer license number and date of birth.
    • The secondary applicants must still meet all age, residency, and licensing requirements of the State Parks deer management hunts as described above.
    • Each applicant may appear on only one application per hunt period.
    • It is critical that thorough and valid contact information be included on the application for both primary and secondary applicants. If successfully drawn, key information regarding the management hunts may be sent to you using this contact information.
    • Firearm hunts include any firearm legal to take deer on public land in Indiana. Archery hunts include any archery equipment legal to take deer in Indiana, including crossbows.
    • For successful applicants, deer harvested at a State Park Management Hunt are in addition to regular deer-season bag limits. You do not need to purchase additional licenses to harvest deer if participating in the management hunt. For questions regarding State Park Deer Management Hunts, please contact DNR’s Division of State Parks at 317-232-4200.

    Military and National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) Deer: 

    • Properties participating include Camp Atterbury Joint Maneuver Training Center, Big Oaks NWR, and Muscatatuck NWR. A variety of hunt types (firearms, primitive, archery) are available. Hunt dates vary by property and may be assigned. Drawn hunters may bring one hunting partner with them.
    • Muscatatuck NWR will host one reserved firearms deer hunt for youth Sept. 25-26. Drawn hunters must be accompanied by an adult 21 years or older.

Applications for the following hunts will be open Aug. 16 and will close Sept. 30

    Gamebird Habitat Area (GBA) Pheasant:

    • Hunters may choose from a variety of dates from Nov. 1 through Dec. 15. Hunters will be assigned to a Fish & Wildlife-managed Gamebird Habitat Area. Drawn hunters may bring two hunting partners with them. Youth hunting opportunities will also be available. Additional information will be available in the upcoming months. These hunts are not put/take pheasant hunts.

    Indiana Private Lands Access Program (IPLA) Game Bird:

    • IPLA game bird hunts will begin on Nov. 1. Hunt dates and locations can be seen when applying. Drawn hunters may bring two hunting partners with them.

Additional Hunting Opportunities

    Deer:

    • Tern Bar Slough WDCA will be hosting an in-person draw at Sugar Ridge Fish & Wildlife Area (FWA) on July 31 at 11 a.m. ET. Doors will open at 9 a.m. ET for participants to purchase licenses, if needed, and register for the draw. The office address is 2310 E State Road 364, Winslow, IN 47598. Please contact Sugar Ridge FWA at 812-789-2724 for additional information.
    • Big Walnut Natural Area will be hosting an in-person draw for archery-only deer hunting. The draw will be held at 9 a.m. ET on July 27 in the north parking lot of North Putnam High School: 8905 N County Road 250 E, Roachdale, IN 46172. The hunt dates will be Oct. 16-Dec. 18. Ten individuals will be drawn for the duration of the hunt. Each drawn individual can bring one hunting partner. Contact Andrew Reuter at AReuter@dnr.IN.gov for additional information.
    • Portland Arch Nature Preserve will be hosting an in-person draw for archery-only deer hunting. The draw will be held at 1 p.m. ET on July 27 in the parking lot next to the tennis courts at Fountain Central High School: 750 East US Highway 136, Veedersburg, IN 47987. The hunt dates will be Oct. 16-Dec. 18. Ten individuals will be drawn for the duration of the hunt.  Each drawn individual can bring one hunting partner. Contact Andrew Reuter at AReuter@dnr.IN.gov for additional information.

Frequently Asked Questions