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Natural Resources Commission seeks input on proposed deer hunting rule changes

Columbus, IN, USA / QMIX 107.3
Natural Resources Commission seeks input on proposed deer hunting rule changes


INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana’s Natural Resources Commission has opened a second public comment period for proposed changes to Indiana’s deer hunting rules.

Comments can be submitted here or mailed to:

Natural Resources Commission
Indiana Government Center North
100 North Senate Ave., Room N103
Indianapolis, IN 46204

A public hearing will be held on May 20, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at Atterbury Fish and Wildlife Area, 7970 S. Rowe St., in Edinburgh. There will also be an in-person-only open house before the hearing, from 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Sign up for updates online here.

Proposed changes include:

  • A statewide bag limit of six antlerless deer and a newly created county antlerless bag limit instead of season antlerless bag limits
  • Hunters would not be able to harvest an antlerless deer on Fish and Wildlife properties with a firearm
  • The use of crossbow equipment would be allowed under the archery license.
  • The minimum caliber for a muzzleloader would be reduced from 0.44 inches to 0.40 inches.
  • If a deer is unfit for human consumption, hunters would be authorized to take an antlerless deer in its place that will not count toward bag limits
  • Adding the deer reduction zones and county antlerless bag limits
  • Removing the special antlerless firearms season

For more information on the proposed rule changes, visit wildlife.IN.gov/rule-regulation-changes/.

Questions about the proposed deer regulation changes should be directed to 812-334-3795 or indeerhotline@dnr.IN.gov.