Indiana Wild Turkey Hunting: Your Complete Guide (2023-2024)

When is turkey season in Indiana?

Indiana’s wild turkey hunting season is divided into two parts: spring and fall. The spring season runs from April 24th to May 12th 2024 while the fall season is split into two segments:

• Fall archery season: October 1st to 29th, 2023 and December 9th, 2023 to January 7th, 2024 (statewide)
• Fall firearms season: October 18th to 29th, 2023 (specific counties)

Bag limits and regulations:

• Spring season: One bearded or male turkey per hunter.
• Fall season: One bird of either sex, regardless of equipment used.
• Youth season: One bird of either sex, regardless of equipment used.

Hunting licenses and permits:

• A valid turkey hunting license is required for both spring and fall seasons.
• A Game Bird Habitat Stamp is also required, except for those with lifetime comprehensive hunting, lifetime comprehensive hunting and fishing, or resident or nonresident youth hunt/trap licenses.
• Reserved hunts: Applications for reserved hunts are available through the DNR reserved hunt system.

Legal equipment:

• Shotguns: .410 caliber and 10-, 12-, 16-, 20-, or 28-gauge shotguns loaded with pellets of size No. 4, 5, 6, 7, or 7½, or with Tungsten Super Shot 8, 9 and 10.
• Muzzleloading shotguns: Not smaller than 20-gauge and not larger than 10-gauge, loaded with pellets of size 4, 5, 6, 7, 7½, and Tungsten Super Shot 8, 9 and 10.
• Bow and arrow
• Crossbow

Hunting hours:

• Spring season: One-half hour before sunrise to sunset.
• Fall season: One-half hour before sunrise to sunset.

Tagging and reporting requirements:

• Tagging: Immediately upon killing a turkey, complete a temporary transportation tag with your full name, address, sex of the turkey, license number (if applicable), and the date the turkey was taken.
• Reporting: Register your harvested turkey within 48 hours of the kill through the DNR’s CheckIN Game system, by calling 800-419-1326, or at a check station, license vendor, or retailer.

Additional resources:

• Indiana DNR Hunting & Trapping Guide: https://www.in.gov/dnr/fish-and-wildlife/files/fw-hunting_trapping_seasons.pdf
• Indiana DNR Wild Turkey webpage: https://www.in.gov/dnr/fish-and-wildlife/wildlife-resources/wild-turkey/
• Indiana eRegulations Wild Turkey page: https://www.eregulations.com/indiana/hunting/wild-turkey

FAQs:

• What are the regulations for youth turkey hunting?
  • Youth turkey season is April 20th and 21st, 2024.
  • The bag limit is one bird of either sex, regardless of equipment used.
• Can I use a dog to hunt turkeys?
  • No, it is illegal to use a dog or other domesticated animal while hunting wild turkey.
• Can I use a live decoy to hunt turkeys?
  • No, it is illegal to use a live decoy while hunting wild turkey.
• Can I use bait to attract turkeys?
  • No, it is illegal to use bait while hunting wild turkey.

Additional tips:

• Scout your hunting area beforehand to identify potential turkey hotspots.
• Use camouflage to blend in with your surroundings.
• Be patient and persistent, as turkeys can be elusive.
• Use proper shot placement to ensure a clean kill.

Enjoy your Indiana turkey hunting experience!