Hunting License Indiana- Steps to Buy in IN

David Harrison  ·  Updated on May 18, 2025

Hunting LicenseGuidesHunter Education

Follow these straightforward steps to obtain a Indiana hunting license:


IN Hunter Education Certification

Skip having to attend an in-person field-day course with our 3 hour interactive Hunter Safety course.

We provide all the resources to get you fully certified online, and your hunter education certificate is accepted by Indiana Department of Natural Resources for use in Indiana for IN residents and non-residents alike, with your account reflecting your progress. Simply create an account.

After completing the Hunter Ed course and passing the final exam, you’ll receive your temporary Hunter Education Certificate.

We submit your account information and course results to the state. The state will issue and email you your permanent Hunter Education Certificate (Card). This is valid for use in all 50 USA States (including Indiana), Mexico, Canada, and any other country or US Territory that has reciprocity with IHEA-USA & State Issued Hunter Education Certificates.


Select Your Indiana Hunting License

Indiana offers a variety of hunting licenses for different age groups, residency statuses, and hunting preferences, all subject to hunting regulations.

Indiana residents and non-residents age 17 or under may purchase a youth hunting license. Non-residents age 17 or under may purchase a resident youth hunting license if a parent, grandparent, or legal guardian is an Indiana resident.

Note**:** Indiana requires a separate trapping education course for first-time trapping participants born after Dec. 31, 1986. Trapping is capturing animals using mechanical devices (traps) set in advance and checked later.

Below is an overview of the primary license types available:​

Resident Licenses

A resident is a person who has lived in Indiana for at least 60 days. All Indiana residents must have a resident hunting license.

  • Annual Hunting License – Required for Indiana residents aged 18 and older to hunt small game, furbearers, and participate in trapping activities.
  • Apprentice Hunting License – Allows residents to hunt under the supervision of a licensed hunter without completing a hunter education course.
  • Deer License Bundle – Provides privileges to harvest one antlered and two antlerless deer during archery, firearm, and muzzleloader seasons.
  • Turkey License – Separate licenses are required for spring and fall turkey seasons.
  • Trapping License – Necessary for residents who trap furbearers.
  • Hunting & Trapping Combo License – Combines hunting and trapping privileges into one license.

Non-Resident Licenses

All non-residents must have a non-resident hunting license, which can be linked to an account for easy access and renewal.

  • Annual Hunting License – Required for non-residents aged 18 and older to hunt small game, waterfowl, furbearers, and trapping in Indiana.
  • 5-Day Hunting License – Short-term license valid for five consecutive days, suitable for non-residents on brief hunting trips.
  • Deer License – Non-residents must obtain separate licenses for each deer season (archery, firearm, muzzleloader).
  • Turkey License – Separate licenses are required for spring and fall turkey seasons for non-residents.
  • Trapping License – Non-residents must have this license to trap furbearers in Indiana.

Youth Licenses & Requirements

  • Youth Hunting License – Available to both resident and non-resident individuals under 18 years of age.
  • Youth Hunt/Trap Combo License – Combines hunting and trapping privileges for youth under 18.
  • Apprentice Youth License – Allows youth to hunt under supervision without completing a hunter education course.
  • Hunter Education Requirement – Individuals born after December 31, 1986, must complete a hunter education course before purchasing a hunting license, unless they obtain an apprentice license.

Senior Licenses & Discounts

Indiana does not offer a specific hunting license discount for senior residents.

Lifetime Licenses

Lifetime Licenses – Indiana discontinued the sale of new lifetime licenses on July 1, 2005. However, existing lifetime licenses remain valid. These include:

  • Basic Hunting – Covers annual hunting license requirements.
  • Comprehensive Hunting – Includes all hunting licenses and state stamp privileges, excluding trapping and federal duck stamp.
  • Comprehensive Hunting and Fishing – Combines all hunting and fishing privileges, excluding trapping and federal duck stamp.

Disability & Military Licenses

  • Disabled Veteran License – Available at a reduced fee for Indiana residents with a documented service-connected disability.
  • Persons with Disabilities Special Permit – Allows eligible individuals to hunt from a vehicle or use other accommodations.
  • Active-Duty Military – Indiana residents on active duty outside the state are exempt from hunting license requirements while on leave. Non-resident active-duty military stationed in Indiana may purchase resident licenses.

Required Endorsements & Tags

  • Deer License Bundle – Allows the harvest of one antlered and two antlerless deer during archery, firearm, and muzzleloader seasons.
  • Bonus Antlerless Deer License – Required to take additional antlerless deer beyond the basic license or bundle.
  • Turkey License – Separate licenses are needed for spring and fall turkey seasons.
  • Waterfowl Stamp – Required for hunting waterfowl including ducks and geese; includes both state and federal stamps.
  • Game Bird Habitat Stamp – Necessary for hunting certain upland game birds.
  • HIP Registration Number – Mandatory for hunting migratory birds; an account is needed to obtain it annually at no cost.

IN Hunting licenses are good from April 1 to March 31 of the next year.

 

Where to buy your Indiana Hunting License

To hunt in Indiana, you can buy your license online by creating an account through the INHuntFish Portal or in person through an authorized license vendor account. A complete list of approved vendors is available through the Indiana DNR License Vendors Page.

Below are some suggested certified authorized in-person hunting license agents in the state of Indiana: