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Indiana Hunting & Trapping Seasons 2025-2026: A Comprehensive Guide (IN)
Indiana's hunting and trapping seasons for 2025-2026 offer a diverse range of opportunities for hunters and trappers. From February 2025 to March 2026, hunters can pursue various game, including deer, turkey, furbearers, and small game. The state's regulations ensure sustainable wildlife management while providing exciting outdoor experiences.
Furbearers
Red & Gray Fox
* Hunting: Oct. 15, 2025 – Feb. 28, 2026
* Trapping: Oct. 15, 2025 – Jan. 31, 2026
Coyote & Striped Skunk
* Hunting: Oct. 15, 2025 – March 15, 2026
* Trapping: Oct. 15, 2025 – March 15, 2026
Raccoon & Opossum
* Hunting: Nov. 8, 2025 – Jan. 31, 2026
* Trapping: Nov. 8, 2025 – Jan. 31, 2026
Dog Running (Raccoon, Opossum)
* Chasing Season Only (No Hunting): Feb. 1 – Oct. 25, 2025
Beaver
* Trapping: Nov. 15, 2025 – March 15, 2026
Mink, Muskrat & Long-Tailed Weasel
* Hunting: Nov. 15, 2025 – March 15, 2026
* Trapping: Nov. 15, 2025 – Jan. 31, 2026
River Otter
* Trapping: Nov. 15, 2025 – March 15, 2026 (Seasonal bag limit of 2 river otters per person)
Woodland Big Game
Wild Turkey
* Youth Season: April 19-20, 2025
* Spring Season: April 23 – May 11, 2025
* Fall-Archery: Oct. 1-26, 2025; Dec. 6, 2025 – Jan. 4, 2026
* Fall-Firearms: Oct. 15-26, 2025
* Bag Limit: 1 bearded or male turkey in youth/spring season; 1 bird of either sex in fall season
Deer
* Reduction Zone: Sept. 15, 2025 – Jan. 31, 2026
* Youth Season: Sept. 27-28, 2025
* Archery: Oct. 1, 2025 – Jan. 4, 2026
* Firearms: Nov. 15-30, 2025
* Muzzleloader: Dec. 6-21, 2025
Woodland Small Game
Gray & Fox Squirrel
* Hunting: Aug. 15, 2025 – Jan. 31, 2026
* Daily Limit: 5
Upland Game
Pheasant (Statewide, Cock Only)
* Hunting: Nov. 1 – Dec. 15, 2025
* Daily Limit: 2
Quail (North of I-74)
* Hunting: Nov. 1 – Dec. 15, 2025
* Daily Limit: 4
Quail (South of I-74)
* Hunting: Nov. 1, 2025 – Jan. 10, 2026
* Daily Limit: 8
Rabbit
* Hunting: Nov. 1, 2025 – Feb. 28, 2026
* Daily Limit: 5
Miscellaneous Game
Crow
* Hunting: July 1 – Aug. 15, 2025; Dec. 13, 2025 – March 1, 2026
* Daily Limit: No limit
Green Frog & Bullfrog
* Hunting: June 15, 2025 – April 30, 2026
* Daily Limit: 25
Eastern Snapping Turtle, Smooth & Spiny Softshell Turtles
* Hunting: July 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026
* Daily Limit: 4 (carapace length of at least 12 inches)
Migratory Birds
Mourning Dove
* Hunting: Sept. 1 – Oct. 20, 2024; Nov. 1 – Dec. 1, 2024; Dec. 21-29, 2024
* Daily Limit: 15
Snipe
* Hunting: Sept. 1 – Dec. 16, 2024
* Daily Limit: 8
Woodcock
* Hunting: Oct. 15 – Nov. 28, 2024
* Daily Limit: 3
Sora Rail
* Hunting: Sept. 1 – Nov. 9, 2024
* Daily Limit: 25
Early Teal
* Hunting: Sept. 14 – 29, 2024
* Daily Limit: 6
Waterfowl
North Zone
Ducks, Coots, Mergansers
* Hunting: Oct. 19 – Dec. 8, 2024; Dec. 28, 2024 – Jan. 5, 2025
* Daily Limit: varies by species
Canada Geese, Light Geese, & Brant
* Hunting: Sept. 1-15, 2024; Oct. 19-27, 2024; Nov. 23, 2024 – Feb. 9, 2025
* Daily Limit: varies by species
White-fronted Geese
* Hunting: Oct. 19-27, 2024; Nov. 23, 2024 – Feb. 9, 2025
* Daily Limit: 2
Youth & Veteran
* Hunting: Oct. 12-13, 2024
* Daily Limit: Same as regular season
Central Zone
Ducks, Coots, Mergansers
* Hunting: Nov. 2-10, 2024; Nov. 23, 2024 – Jan. 12, 2025
* Daily Limit: varies by species
Canada Geese, Light Geese, & Brant
* Hunting: Sept. 1-15, 2024; Nov. 2-10, 2024; Nov. 23, 2024 – Feb. 9, 2025
* Daily Limit: varies by species
White-fronted Geese
* Hunting: Nov. 2-10, 2024; Nov. 23, 2024 – Feb. 9, 2025
* Daily Limit: 2
Youth & Veteran
* Hunting: Oct. 26-27, 2024
* Daily Limit: Same as regular season
South Zone
Ducks, Coots, Mergansers
* Hunting: Nov. 9-10, 2024; Nov. 30, 2024 – Jan. 26, 2025
* Daily Limit: varies by species
Canada Geese, Light Geese, & Brant
* Hunting: Sept. 1-15, 2024; Nov. 9-10, 2024; Nov. 23, 2024 – Feb. 15, 2025
* Daily Limit: varies by species
White-fronted Geese
* Hunting: Nov. 9-10, 2024; Nov. 23, 2024 – Feb. 15, 2025
* Daily Limit: 2
Youth & Veteran
* Hunting: Nov. 2-3, 2024
* Daily Limit: Same as regular season
Regulations and Licensing:
Hunters must obtain the appropriate licenses and permits, which vary depending on the game and season. The state offers a free online check-in service and a program linking hunters with landowners to manage antlerless deer populations1. Detailed regulations and bag limits can be found in the official Hunting & Trapping Guide.
Public Hunting Spots and Private Lands Access:
Indiana provides various public hunting spots, and residents can enroll their land in the Indiana Private Lands Access (IPLA) Program, granting authorized hunters access to private lands. A reserved hunt draw program manages IPLA hunts1.
For more information, visit the official Indiana Department of Natural Resources website or consult the Hunting & Trapping Guide.
This guide outlines the hunting and trapping seasons in Indiana for 2025-2026. For detailed regulations, bag limits, and additional information, consult the official Indiana Department of Natural Resources website or the Hunting & Trapping Guide. Happy hunting and trapping in Indiana!
Hunting Season 2025–2026 and Bag Limits in New York NY: Full Guide for Hunters 🦌
New York State offers one of the most diverse hunting landscapes in the Northeast, with distinct zones, species-specific regulations, and a strong emphasis on conservation. This guide provides verified dates, bag limits, licensing info, and expert tips for the 2025–2026 hunting season.
🦌 White-Tailed Deer Season NYS
Northern Zone
• Bowhunting: September 27 – October 24, 2025
• Crossbow: October 15 – October 24, 2025
• Regular Firearms: October 25 – December 7, 2025
• Muzzleloader: October 18 – October 24 and December 8 – December 14 (select WMUs)
• Youth Firearms Weekend: October 11 – October 13, 2025
Southern Zone
• Early Antlerless (select WMUs): September 13 – September 21, 2025
• Bowhunting: October 1 – November 14 and December 8 – December 16, 2025
• Crossbow: November 1 – November 14, 2025
• Regular Firearms: November 15 – December 7, 2025
• Muzzleloader: December 8 – December 16 and December 26 – January 1, 2026
• Youth Firearms Weekend: October 11 – October 13, 2025
Special Zones
• Westchester County (WMU 3S): October 1 – December 31, 2025 (bow only)
• Suffolk County (WMU 1C): October 1, 2025 – January 31, 2026 (bow only); January 4 – January 31, 2026 (special firearms permit required)
Bag Limits
• Antlered Deer: 1 per license year statewide
• Antlerless Deer: Requires valid Deer Management Permit (DMP)
• Additional Tags: Available via bowhunting, muzzleloading, DMAP, or youth permits
🦃 Wild Turkey Season NYS
Spring 2026
• Dates: May 1 – May 31
• Bag Limit: 2 bearded turkeys (1 per day)
Fall 2025
• Dates: Varies by zone (October–November)
• Bag Limit: 1 bird of either sex
🐻 Black Bear Hunting Season NYS 2025–2026
Northern Zone
• Bowhunting: September 13 – October 24
• Firearms: October 25 – December 7
• Youth Firearms: October 11 – October 13
Southern Zone
• Bowhunting: October 1 – November 14
• Firearms: November 15 – December 7
• Muzzleloader: December 8 – December 16
Bag Limit
• 1 bear per license year
• No cubs or bears in dens may be taken
🦆 Waterfowl & Migratory Birds Hunting Season 2025–2026 NYS
Duck Season (Western Zone)
• October 11 – November 2 and December 6 – January 11
Canada Goose (Most Zones)
• September 1 – 25 and October–February (varies by zone)
Bag Limits
• Ducks: 6 daily (e.g., max 2 mallards)
• Geese: 5–15 depending on zone
• Woodcock: 3 daily
• Snipe, Rails, Gallinules: 8 daily
All waterfowl hunters must register with HIP and carry a Federal Duck Stamp (age 16+).
🐇 Small Game Hunting Season 2025–2026 NYS
Common Dates
• Squirrel & Rabbit: September 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026
• Pheasant: October 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026 (stocked areas only)
• Ruffed Grouse: September 20, 2025 – February 28, 2026
Bag Limits
• Squirrel/Rabbit: 6 daily
• Pheasant: 2 daily (male only in some regions)
• Grouse: 4 daily
🦊 Furbearers Hunting Season 2025–2026 NY
Season Dates
• Coyote: October 1 – March 30 (no bag limit)
• Fox (Red & Gray): October 25 – February 15
• Bobcat: October 25 – February 15 (select WMUs)
• Raccoon, Opossum, Skunk, Weasel: October 25 – February 15
Notes
• Night hunting allowed for some species
• Bobcat requires special tag
• Trapping requires separate license
🧠 Key Regulations & Reminders
• Licensing: All hunters must hold a valid NYS hunting license. Purchase via DECALS
• Reporting: Deer, bear, and turkey harvests must be reported within 7 days
• CWD Rules: No import of whole carcasses from out-of-state
• Youth Hunts: Special weekends for ages 12–15 (October 11–13 for deer & bear)
• Safety Gear: Blaze orange/pink required during firearms seasons (250 sq. inches minimum)
• Legal Implements: Vary by zone—check DEC guidelines for rifles, shotguns, bows, and crossbows
📚 Stay Updated
• Download the official 2025–2026 Hunting & Trapping Regulations Guide
• Attend DEC public meetings for WMU-specific updates
• Use the HuntFish NY App for harvest reporting and zone maps
New York’s hunting seasons and bag limits are shaped by wildlife management goals and ecological needs. While the 2025–2026 dates and rules are not yet finalized (typically released in mid-2025), this guide provides projections based on historical patterns. Hunters must confirm details via the [NYS DEC website](https://www.dec.ny.gov) closer to the season.
🦌 Looking to plan your next hunt in New York? The 2025–2026 Hunting Season offers expansive opportunities for deer, turkey, bear, waterfowl, and small game across NY’s diverse Wildlife Management Units. With verified dates and bag limits now available from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, hunters can confidently prepare for bowhunting, muzzleloader, and firearms seasons. Whether you’re exploring public lands in the Adirondacks, stalking geese in the Finger Lakes, or pursuing trophy bucks in the Southern Tier, this season promises challenge and reward for ethical sportsmen and women. Visit dec.ny.gov for the latest regulations and zone-specific updates.
NY Hunting Season 2025–2026 FAQ
1. When does deer season start in New York for 2025?
Deer season start dates depend on region and hunting method:
• Northern Zone bowhunting: Starts September 27, 2025
• Southern Zone bowhunting: Begins October 1, 2025
• Firearms season typically begins late October (Northern) and mid-November (Southern)
2. Do I need a separate license to hunt deer, turkey, or bear?
All hunters must purchase a base hunting license, and depending on your target species:
• Deer: Add-on bow/muzzleloader privileges, DMP tags for antlerless deer
• Turkey: Base license covers spring and fall
• Bear: Included in big game license
3. Can I use crossbows during archery season?
Yes, but only during specific dates within archery season (e.g., Oct 15–24 in Northern Zone and Nov 1–14 in Southern Zone). You must have bowhunting privileges.
4. What are the antler restrictions for deer hunting?
(WMUs)
