Hello, my fellow hunters! It’s gobbler season soon, and the wild turkeys of Indiana are beckoning! This guide will provide you with all the necessary knowledge to have a successful and enjoyable turkey hunting experience in the Hoosier State, regardless of your level of experience.
Indiana’s Turkey Hunting Seasons:
- Spring Season: April 24th – May 12th, 2024
- Youth Season: April 20th and 21st, 2024
- Fall Season: Oct. 1st – 27th, 2024, and Dec. 7th, 2024 – Jan. 5th, 2025
- Fall Firearms Season: Oct. 16th – 27th, 2024 (select counties)
Bag Limits:
- Spring Season: One bearded or male turkey per hunter
- Fall Season: One bird of either sex per hunter
License Requirements:
- Hunting License: Required for all hunters 18 years of age and older.
- Spring Turkey License: Required for all turkey hunters during the spring season.
- Fall Turkey License: Required for all turkey hunters during the fall season.
- Game Bird Habitat Stamp Privilege: Required for all turkey hunters during the spring season.
Additional Regulations:
- Youth Licenses: Available for hunters under 18 years of age.
- Special Seasons: Available in certain areas for female or beardless turkeys.
- Check the current regulations: Regulations may change from year to year, so always check the latest regulations before heading out.
Where to Hunt Turkeys in Indiana:
Indiana boasts a diverse range of habitats suitable for turkey hunting. Popular areas include:
- State Forests and Wildlife Areas: These public lands offer excellent opportunities for turkey hunting.
- Private Lands: With permission from landowners, you can hunt turkeys on private property.
Tips for Successful Turkey Hunting:
- Scouting: Locate areas with turkey sign, such as droppings, feathers, and tracks.
- Calling: Use turkey calls to attract turkeys within shooting range.
- Camouflage: Wear camouflage clothing to blend in with your surroundings.
- Patience: Be patient and persistent, as turkeys can be elusive.
- Safety: Always follow safe hunting practices and wear blaze orange during the fall season.
Additional Resources:
- Indiana DNR Fish & Wildlife website: https://www.in.gov/dnr/fish-and-wildlife/
- Hunting & Trapping Guide: https://www.in.gov/dnr/fish-and-wildlife/files/fw-hunting_trapping_seasons.pdf
Get Ready for Your Indiana Turkey Hunting Adventure!
Now that you have the knowledge in this guide, you are prepared to organize your Indiana turkey hunting trip. Don’t forget to adhere to the most recent laws, get the required permits, and use safe hunting methods. You’ll be well on your way to having a successful and unforgettable turkey hunting experience in Indiana’s stunning scenery with a little planning and knowledge.
Happy hunting!
Indiana Licenses, Permits and Regulations
Licenses, permits, and regulations for hunting in Indiana are available for both residents and non-residents on the website of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. Click below to view the website.
Every Indiana hunter should have hunting GPS maps on hand. Indiana hunting maps are available from onX Hunt. With a paid membership, you can access hunting unit maps as well as boundaries for State, Forest Service, and other public and private properties on Satellite, Topo, or Hybrid Basemaps. You can view trails and roads, and even download maps to the Hunt App for use offline. Click below to get onX Hunt for Indiana.
The onX team mapped over 2,900,000 parcels; this layer provides information on Indiana property owners. Tap any parcel to learn more info about the owner and acreage.
onX has the most accurate maps of Gov Lands, covering over 1,300,000 acres in Indiana. Not all Gov Lands offer access opportunities, check regulations before recreating.
onX has mapped 44,000 acres of possible access lands in Indiana fincluding timber companies and land conservation groups. Research rules on these private lands before recreating.
WE FOUND THE MOTHERLOAD! | INDIANA TURKEY HUNTING
When is wild turkey season in Indiana?
Indiana fall wild turkey season runs Oct. 1–27, 2024, and Dec. 7, 2024–Jan. 5, 2025. Fall firearms season is from Oct. 16–27, 2024, in select counties.
Can you hunt wild turkey in Indiana?
Those who have a lifetime comprehensive hunting, lifetime comprehensive hunting and fishing, or resident youth hunt/trap license can hunt wild turkey and do not need to purchase the Game Bird Habitat stamp privilege. Indiana fall wild turkey season runs Oct. 1–27, 2024, and Dec. 7, 2024–Jan. 5, 2025.
How are Indiana counties selected for turkey hunting?
These counties are selected based on a combination of criteria, including amount of forest cover, spring turkey harvest metrics, availability of harvest opportunities, and what’s happening with turkeys and habitat at a regional level within Indiana. There is no designated youth turkey hunting season in the fall.
How long does a turkey hunt last in Indiana?
Conversely, the fall game will last about nine weeks and be lengthier. Hunting with weapons, arrows, or crossbows is permitted for both male and female birds during this time. Anyone wishing to pursue wild turkeys in Indiana must possess a hunting license.