Overview
- The DNR replaced bonus antlerless tags with county-specific bag limits, setting a statewide default of six antlerless deer and one antlered deer, with exceptions in Deer Reduction Zones and during youth season.
- Crossbows may now be used with an archery license, and rifles firing .219-inch (5.56 mm) or larger bullets are legal on public and private land.
- The deer bundle license permits the harvest of one antlered and two antlerless deer under the new framework.
- Season windows are set as follows: Reduction Zone Sept. 15, 2025–Jan. 31, 2026; Youth Sept. 27–28, 2025; Archery Oct. 1, 2025–Jan. 4, 2026; Firearm Nov. 15–30, 2025; Muzzleloader Dec. 6–21, 2025.
- Hunters must report harvests within 48 hours via GoOutdoorsIN.com, phone, or check station, drones may be used only to locate a harvested deer, and illegal carcass dumping rules remain in force.