Reserved draw for spring turkey hunting now open
The 2020 reserved turkey draw application is open and will close Feb. 19. For more information on participating properties and to apply, visit our website.
Hunters can apply online for a reserved turkey hunt by visiting on.IN.gov/reservedhunt and clicking on the "Reserved Hunt Info" link. The application period is Jan. 6 through Feb. 19. No late entries will be accepted. The online method is the only way to apply. Applicants must possess a valid hunting license for the species they wish to hunt.
The application process is now consolidated into the online services website along with licenses, Check-In Game and HIP registration. An online account is not required to apply, so there is no need to log in.
Please note that in this new system, hunts without a registration fee will follow the same process as those with a fee. For hunts with no fee required to register, you will be asked to “Add to Cart,” “Proceed to Checkout,” and “Place Order.” If the transaction total is $0, you will not be asked to enter credit card information.
For draw hunt results, there is a “Click Here” link on the home page, or you can log in to your online services account. The link from the home page will only show hunts that you registered for when the date of the hunt is still upcoming. Logging in to your account online is required for you to see the full history of your past hunt registrations (previous years).
Properties hosting turkey hunts include:
—Atterbury Fish & Wildlife Area: April 22-24, April 25-26
—Aukiki Wetland Conservation Area: April 22-24, April 25-26, April 27-29, April 30-May 2, May 3-5, May 6-8, May 9-10
—Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge: April 22-24, April 25-27
—Crosley Fish & Wildlife Area: April 22-24, April 25-26
—Deer Creek Fish & Wildlife Area: April 22-24, April 25-26
—Fairbanks Landing Fish & Wildlife Area: April 22-24, April 25-26
—Glendale Fish & Wildlife Area: April 22-24, April 25-26
—Goose Pond Fish & Wildlife Area: April 22-24, April 25-26
—Hillenbrand Fish & Wildlife Area: April 22-24, April 25-26
—Hovey Lake Fish & Wildlife Area: April 22-24, April 25-26
—J.E. Roush Lake Fish & Wildlife Area: April 22-24, April 25-26, April 27-29, April 30-May 2, May 3-5, May 6-8, May 9-10
—Jasper-Pulaski Fish & Wildlife Area: April 22-24, April 25-26, April 27-29, April 30-May 2, May 3-5, May 6-8, May 9-10
—Kingsbury Fish & Wildlife Area: April 22-24, April 25-26, April 27-29, April 30-May 2, May 3-5, May 6-8, May 9-10
—LaSalle Fish & Wildlife Area: April 22-24, April 25-26, April 27-29, April 30-May 2, May 3-5, May 6-8, May 9-10
—Mississinewa Lake: April 22-24, April 25-26, April 27-29, April 30-May 2, May 3-5, May 6-8, May 9-10
—Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge: April 22-23, April 24-25, April 26-27 (Youth only: April 18-19)
—Pigeon River Fish & Wildlife Area: April 22-24, April 25-26, April 27-29, April 30-May 2, May 3-5, May 6-8, May 9-10
—Salamonie Lake: April 22-24, April 25-27, April 28-30, May 1-May 3, May 4-6, May 7-10
—Sugar Ridge Fish & Wildlife Area: April 22-24, April 28-29
—Tri-County Fish & Wildlife Area: April 22-24, April 25-26, April 27-29, April 30-May 2, May 3-5, May 6-8, May 9-10
—Willow Slough Fish & Wildlife Area: April 22-24, April 25-26, April 27-29, April 30-May 2, May 3-5, May 6-8, May 9-10
—Winamac Fish & Wildlife Area: April 22-24, April 25-26, April 27-29, April 30-May 2, May 3-5, May 6-8, May 9-10
Only one application is allowed per license holder. No changes can be made once the application is submitted.
Hunters will be selected through a computerized random drawing. Drawing results will be available online within two weeks after application deadlines, and an email will be sent to applicants when results are posted.
For more information and to apply, visit on.IN.gov/reservedhunt.
Apply for light goose hunting opportunities
The light goose conservation order is open from Feb. 10 through March 31 statewide. The light goose conservation order is a national effort to reduce snow and Ross’s goose populations; it allows hunting for these species outside of the regular season. An Indiana hunting license, Indiana waterfowl stamp privilege, and a free permit are required to participate. A federal duck stamp and HIP registration are not necessary.
- Legal species include snow geese and Ross’ geese (white and blue phases of both species are legal).
- Whooping cranes are often found in the same areas as snow geese during fall and winter. Whooping cranes are large white birds, standing up to five feet tall, with black wing tips. They are federally endangered and harming them is a serious offense. Only shoot when you are absolutely sure of your target. To learn more about whooping cranes, visit www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/3645.htm.
- You must have an Indiana hunting license and an Indiana waterfowl stamp to participate. Neither a federal waterfowl stamp nor a HIP number is required.
- You must also have a special free permit to participate. These permits will be available beginning in early January at Indiana Fish and Wildlife Areas, or via this web page beginning in December.
- Shooting hours are from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.
- It is legal to take light geese during the conservation order using electronic callers and/or shotguns capable of holding more than three shells.
- There is no bag or possession limit for light geese during the conservation order.
- Please report any banded geese taken. You may report these bands online at www.reportband.gov/ .
Hunting and trapping seasons ending soon
Fill your freezer before the season ends. The following hunting and trapping seasons will be closing soon:
Deer Reduction Zones: Ends Jan. 31
Raccoon & Opossum: Ends Jan. 31
Gray & Fox Squirrel: Ends Jan. 31
Quail (South of I-74): Ends Jan. 10
Mink, Muskrat, & Long-tailed Weasel: Ends Jan. 31
Red & Gray Fox (trapping): Ends Jan. 31
Central Zone Duck: Ends Jan. 12
South Zone Duck: Ends Jan. 26