312 IAC 0.1 — ARTICLE 0.1. CURRENT TEMP0RARY RULES
title-312-article-0.1312 IAC 0.1Regulation
TITLE 312 NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION
CURRENT TEMP0RARY RULES
DISCLAIMER:
As an aid to legal research, this document provides a list of currently effective temporary rules adopted by state agencies in the manner set forth in IC 4-22-2-37.1 and IC 4-22-2-37.2. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the list, this list may not provide an exhaustive enumeration of currently effective temporary rules. This list is not intended to be a substitute for traditional legal research. Exclusion of an temporary rule from this list does not affect the validity of the temporary rule. This list does not, itself, establish authority for the adoption of rules.
LSA Document #25-383 20250827-IR-312250383ERA
Provisional Rule: Temporarily supersedes 312 IAC 9-3-4 regarding season dates and bag limits.
Effective September 15, 2025.
Expires February 14, 2026.
LSA Document #25-472 20251022-IR-312250472ERA
Provisional Rule: Temporarily supersedes 312 IAC 9-3-4 under LSA Document #25-383: (1) regarding season dates and bag limits; and (2) to include additional counties where the outbreak of epizootic hemorrhagic disease rates poses a risk to the deer population
Effective October 9, 2025.
Expires April 7, 2026.
LSA Document #26-102 20260715-IR-312260102IFA
Interim Rule: Temporarily supersedes 312 IAC 9-3-18.1 concerning bobcat hunting and increasing the statewide quota for bobcats.
Effective July 7, 2026.
Expires July 7, 2027.
Indiana Register 20250827-IR-312250383ERA LSA Document 250383
TITLE 312 NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION
Provisional Rule
LSA Document #25-383
DIGEST
EPIZOOTIC HEMORRHAGIC DISEASE OUTBREAK
Temporarily supersedes 312 IAC 9-3-4 regarding season dates and bag limits. Effective September 15, 2025. Expires February 14, 2026.
ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS
Governor's Approval: 20250827-IR-312250383GAA
Regulatory Analysis: 20250827-IR-312250383RAA
The rule, Regulatory Analysis, appendices referenced in the Regulatory Analysis, and materials incorporated by reference (if applicable) are on file at the Department of Natural Resources, C/O Natural Resources Commission, Legal Division, 402 West Washington Street, Room W261, Indianapolis, Indiana and are available for public inspection. Copies of the rule, Regulatory Analysis, and appendices referenced in the Regulatory Analysis are available at the Department of Natural Resources office.
SECTION 1. (a) This SECTION supersedes 312 IAC 9-3-4.
(b) Except as provided in 312 IAC 9-3-2, an individual may take not more than one (1) deer with a license to hunt a deer.
(c) The special youth deer season is two (2) consecutive days beginning the Saturday immediately before October 1, or as approved annually by the director as follows:
(1) The seasonal limit for taking deer under this subsection is one (1) antlered deer, and the number of antlerless deer under subsection (h). A youth hunter may take not more than one (1) antlerless deer under this subsection on the following properties operated by the department:
(A) A property operated by the division of fish and wildlife.
(B) Salamonie Lake.
(C) Mississinewa Lake.
(D) Patoka Lake.
(2) A youth hunter who takes an antlered deer under this subsection may not take another antlered deer during the:
(A) archery season under subsection (d);
(B) firearm season under subsection (f); or
(C) muzzleloader season under subsection (g).
(3) A youth hunter who takes a deer under this subsection must be accompanied by an individual at least eighteen (18) years of age who:
(A) does not possess a firearm, bow and arrow, or crossbow while in the field, except for a handgun carried lawfully under IC 35-47-2;
(B) possesses a license to hunt a wild animal that is not an apprentice license, unless the individual is exempt from needing a license to hunt under IC 14-22-11-1 and 312 IAC 9-2-14;
(C) may not accompany more than two (2) youth hunters at one (1) time; and
(D) is in proximity and able to communicate with the youth hunter during the hunt.
(d) The archery deer season begins October 1 and ends the first Sunday in January. An individual may take not more than the number of deer permitted under 312 IAC 9-3-2 under this subsection.
(e) The deer reduction season is as follows:
(1) Begins September 15 and ends January 31 in a deer reduction zone.
(2) Under this subsection, an individual:
(A) may take not more than ten (10) deer, of which only one (1) deer may be an antlered deer; and
(B) shall take at least one (1) antlerless deer in a deer reduction zone before taking an antlered deer.
(3) A deer taken under this subsection does not count against a bag limit for deer under this rule.
(4) The Evansville deer reduction zone is the portion of Vanderburgh County south of East Boonville-New Harmony Road, except for the following areas:
(A) The area south of Interstate 164/Veterans Memorial Parkway from the Warrick County line to the east to where it intersects Main Street along the Ohio River Shore to the west.
(B) The area south of the intersection of Broadway Avenue and the Posey County line to the west, extending east to Bayou Creek Road and east to the Ohio River with Bayou Creek Road and extending east to the Ohio River.
(5) The Lafayette deer reduction zone is the portion of Tippecanoe County as follows:
(A) The area to the east, beginning at the intersection of Interstate 65 and County Road 600 North following Interstate 65 south to the junction with State Road 38.
(B) The area along State Road 38 from the intersection of Interstate 65 and State Road 38 west to Veterans Memorial Parkway/County Road 350 South, then south along Veterans Memorial Parkway west to the junction with U.S. Highway 231/State Road 52.
(C) The area from the intersection of Veterans Memorial Parkway/County Road 350 South and U.S. Highway 231 following U.S. Highway 231/State Road 52 north to the junction with State Road 25.
(D) The area from the intersection of State Road 25 and U.S. Highway 231 south along State Road 25 to the intersection of County Road 300 South and State Road 25 South.
(E) The area from the intersection of State Road 25 South and County Road 300 South to the west along County Road 300 South to the intersection of County Road 300 South and County Road 700 West.
(F) The area from the intersection of County Road 700 West and County Road 300 South to the north along County Road 700 West to the intersection of County Road 700 West and Division Road/South River Road.
(G) The area from the intersection of County Road 700 West and Division Road/South River Road to the east along Division Road/South River Road to the intersection of Division Road/South River Road and South Newman Road.
(H) The area from the intersection of South Newman Road and Division Road/South River Road to the north along South Newman Road to the intersection of South Newman Road and State Road 26/State Street.
(I) The area from the intersection of South Newman Road and State Road 26/State Street to the east along State Road 26/State Street to the intersection of State Road 26/State Street and U.S. Highway 231/State Road 52.
(J) The area to the north along U.S. Highway 231 from the intersection of State Road 26/State Street and U.S. Highway 231/State Road 52 to the intersection of U.S. Highway 231/State Road 52 and State Road 52/U.S. Highway 231.
(K) The area to the west along State Road 52 from the intersection of State Road 52 and U.S. Highway 231/State Road 52 to the intersection of State Road 52 and County Road 400 West.
(L) The area to the north along County Road 400 West from the intersection of State Road 52/U.S. Highway 231 to the intersection of County Road 400 West and County Road 375 West.
(M) The area to the north along County Road 375 West from the junction with County Road 400 West to the intersection of County Road 375 West and County Road 600 North.
(N) The area to the east along County Road 600 North from the junction with County Road 375 West to the intersection of County Road 600 North and Interstate 65.
(6) The Michigan City/LaPorte deer reduction zone is the portion of LaPorte County between Lake Michigan and the following boundary:
(A) The area from the junction of the Porter/LaPorte County line and Interstate 94 to the east to the intersection of Interstate 94 and Johnson Road.
(B) The area from the intersection of Interstate 94 and Johnson Road to the south to the intersection of Johnson Road and County Road 500 West.
(C) The area from the south along County Road 500 West from the intersection at Johnson Road to the intersection of County Road 500 West and State Road 2.
(D) The area from the east along State Road 2 from the intersection at County Road 500 West to the intersection of State Road 2 and State Road 39/Longwood Drive.
(E) The area to the south along State Road 39/Longwood Drive from the intersection at State Road 2 to the intersection at County Road 400 South.
(F) The area to the east along County Road 400 South from the intersection at State Road 2 to the intersection at County Road 300 East.
(G) The area to the north along County Road 300 East from the intersection at County Road 400 South to the intersection at Division Road.
(H) The area to the west along Division Road from the intersection at County Road 300 East to the intersection at County Road 250 East.
(I) The area to the north along County Road 250 East from the intersection at Division Road to the intersection at County Road 150 North.
(J) The area to the west along County Road 150 North from the intersection at County Road 250 East to the intersection at Fail Road.
(K) The area to the north along North Fail Road from the intersection at County Road 150 North to the intersection at U.S. Highway 20.
(L) The area to the west along U.S. Highway 20 from the intersection at North Fail Road to the intersection of U.S. Highway 20 and Interstate 94.
(M) The area to the north along Interstate 94 from the intersection at U.S. Highway 20 to the junction with the Indiana/Michigan state line.
(7) The Muncie deer reduction zone is the portion of Delaware County as follows:
(A) The area at the intersection of Yorktown-Gaston Pike/County Road 600 West, extending east along State Road 332 East to the intersection at Nebo Road.
(B) The area to the north along Nebo Road from the intersection at State Road 332 to the intersection at County Road 500 North/Royerton Road.
(C) The area to the east along County Road 500 North/Royerton Road from the intersection at North Nebo Road to the intersection at U.S. Highway 35.
(D) The area to the south along U.S. Highway 35 from the intersection at County Road 500 North/Royerton Road to the intersection at State Road 67.
(E) The area to the south along State Road 67 from the intersection at U.S. Highway 35 to the intersection at County Road 400 South.
(F) The area to the west along County Road 400 South from the intersection at State Road 67 to the intersection at South Marsh Avenue/County Road 600 West.
(G) The area to the north along Marsh Avenue/County Road 600 West from the intersection at County Road 400 South to intersection at State Road 32.
(H) The area to the east along State Road 32 from the intersection at Marsh Avenue to the intersection at Tiger Drive/County Road 575 West.
(I) The area to the north along Tiger Drive/County Road 575 West from the intersection at State Road 32 to the intersection at River Road.
(J) The area to the west along River Road from the intersection at Tiger Drive to the intersection at Yorktown-Gaston Pike/County Road 600 West.
(K) The area to the north along Yorktown-Gaston Pike/County Road 600 West to the intersection at State Road 332.
(8) The South Bend/Mishawaka/Elkhart deer reduction zone is the portion of St. Joseph County and Elkhart County south of the Michigan state line as follows:
(A) The area at the junction of U.S. Highway 31 and the Indiana/Michigan state line to the south along U.S. Highway 31 to the intersection at U.S. Highway 20.
(B) The area to the east along U.S. Highway 20/U.S. Highway 31 to the intersection at County Road 17.
(C) The area to the north along County Road 17 from the intersection at U.S. Highway 20 to the junction with the Indiana/Michigan state line.
(9) The Warsaw deer reduction zone is the portion of Kosciusko County as follows:
(A) The area at the intersection of State Road 15 and Levi Lee Road, extending east to the intersection of Levi Lee Road and County Road 100 East.
(B) The area to the south along County Road 100 East from the intersection at Levi Lee Road to the intersection at County Road 450 North.
(C) The area to the east along County Road 450 North from the intersection at County Road 100 East to the intersection at Chapman Lake Drive.
(D) The area to the south along Chapman Lake Drive from the intersection at County Road 450 North to the intersection at County Road 300 East.
(E) The area to the south along County Road 300 East from the intersection at Chapman Lake Road to the intersection at Old U.S. Highway 30/E. Old Road 30.
(F) The area to the east on Old U.S. Highway 30/E. Old Road 30 from the intersection at County Road 300 East to the intersection at County Road 450 East.
(G) The area to the south along County Road 450 East from the intersection at Old U.S. Highway 30/E. Old Road 30 to the intersection at U.S. Highway 30.
(H) The area to the east on U.S. Highway 30 from the intersection at County Road 450 East to the intersection at Van Ness Road.
(I) The area to the south along Van Ness Road from the intersection at U.S. Highway 30 to the intersection at Wooster Road.
(J) The area to the west along Wooster Road from the intersection at Van Ness Road to the intersection at County Road 500 East.
(K) The area to the south along County Road 500 East from the intersection at Wooster Road to the intersection at County Road 350 South.
(L) The area to the west along County Road 350 South from the intersection at County Road 500 East to the intersection at County Road 450 East.
(M) The area to the south along County Road 450 East from the intersection at County Road 350 South to the intersection at County Road 400 South.
(N) The area to the west along County Road 400 South from the intersection at County Road 450 East to the intersection at State Road 15.
(O) The area to the north along State Road 15 from the intersection at County Road 400 South to the intersection at County Road 350 South.
(P) The area to the west along County Road 350 South from the intersection at State Road 15 to the intersection at County Road 450 West.
(Q) The area to the north along County Road 450 West from the intersection at County Road 350 South to the intersection at County Road 400 West.
(R) The area to the north along County Road 400 West from the intersection at County Road 450 West to the intersection at Crystal Lake Road.
(S) The area to the east along Crystal Lake Road from the intersection at County Road 400 West to the intersection at Zimmer Road.
(T) The area to the north along Zimmer Road from the intersection at Crystal Lake Road to the intersection at Lincoln Highway/Old U.S. Highway 30.
(U) The area to the west along Lincoln Highway/Old U.S. Highway 30 from the intersection at Zimmer Road to the intersection at County Road 350 West.
(V) The area to the north along County Road 350 West from the intersection at Lincoln Highway/Old U.S. Highway 30 to the intersection at U.S. Highway 30.
(W) The area to the east along U.S. Highway 30 from the intersection at County Road 350 West to the intersection at County Road 150 West/Silveus Crossing.
(X) The area to the north along County Road 150 West/Silveus Crossing from the intersection at U.S. Highway 30 to the intersection at County Road 400 North.
(Y) The area to the east along County Road 400 North from the intersection at County Road 150 West/Silveus Crossing to the intersection at State Road 15.
(Z) The area to the north along State Road 15 from the intersection at County Road 400 North to the intersection at Levi Lee Road.
(10) The Allen County deer reduction zone is the portion of Allen County as follows:
(A) The area between Interstate 69 and Interstate 469.
(B) The area to the west of Interstate 69 that extends north of Lafayette Center Road and south of State Road 14.
(C) The area west of Interstate 69 to the:
(i) north of U.S. Highway 30;
(ii) east of O Day Road to the intersection at State Road 33;
(iii) south of State Road 33 to the intersection at Johnson Road;
(iv) east of Johnson Road north to the intersection at West Shoaff Road;
(v) south of West Shoaff Road east to the intersection at State Road 3; and
(vi) east of State Road 3 north to the junction with the DeKalb County line.
(D) The area to the east of Interstate 69, to the north of Interstate 469, to the west of the St. Joseph River, and to the south of Schlatter Road.
(11) The Cordry-Sweetwater deer reduction zone is the portion of Brown County contained within the Cordry-Sweetwater Conservancy District.
(12) The Brown County deer reduction zone is the portion of Brown County as follows:
(A) The area not more than one-half (1/2) mile on either side of the centerline of State Road 46 from the Monroe County line to the Bartholomew County line.
(B) The area of Monroe Lake located not more than one-half (1/2) mile from the centerline of State Road 46.
(C) The area that is the management units of Yellowwood State Forest contained within the following tracts:
(i) Compartment 2, Tracts 2 and 40.
(ii) Compartment 3, Tracts 1 and 2.
(iii) Compartment 4, Tract 2.
(iv) Compartment 5, Tracts 5, 9, 10, 11, and 15.
(v) Compartment 8, Tract 27.
(vi) Compartment 9, Tract 1.
The Brown County deer reduction zone does not include any portion of Brown County State Park.
(13) The Dearborn County deer reduction zone is the portion of Dearborn County that includes a privately owned parcel of land that has a portion located not more than one-half (1/2) mile on either side of the centerline of the following road segments:
(A) The area of U.S. 50 from the Dearborn/Ripley County line east to the Indiana state line.
(B) The area of State Road 148 from the intersection at State Road 48, extending south to the intersection at U.S. 50.
(C) The area of State Road 48 from the intersection at State Road 148, extending south to the intersection at U.S. 50.
(14) The DeKalb County deer reduction zone is the portion of DeKalb County that includes a privately owned parcel of land that has a portion located not more than one-half (1/2) mile on either side of the centerline of Interstate 69 from the DeKalb/Steuben County line south to the DeKalb/Allen County line.
(15) The Fulton County deer reduction zone is a privately owned parcel of land that has a portion located not more than one-half (1/2) mile on either side of the centerline of U.S. Highway 31 from the Fulton/Marshall County line to the south to the intersection at State Road 14.
(16) The LaGrange County deer reduction zone is a privately owned parcel of land that has a portion located not more than one-half (1/2) mile on either side of the centerline of the following road segments:
(A) The area of U.S. Highway 20 from the intersection at State Road 9 to the east to the LaGrange/Steuben County line.
(B) The area of State Road 9 from the intersection at U.S. Highway 20 to the south to the LaGrange/Noble County line.
(C) The area of State Road 3 from the intersection at U.S. Highway 20 to the south to the LaGrange/Noble County line.
(17) The Lake County deer reduction zone is the portion of Lake County as follows:
(A) The area from north of the junction of the Indiana state line and 151st Avenue.
(B) The area from 151st Avenue east to the intersection at U.S. Highway 41.
(C) The area from U.S. Highway 41 south to the intersection at State Road 2.
(D) The area from State Road 2 east to the intersection at Interstate 65.
(E) The area from Interstate 65 north to the intersection at 145th Avenue.
(F) The area from 145th Avenue east to the intersection at U.S. Highway 231.
(G) The area from U.S. Highway 231 south to the junction with the Porter County line.
(18) The Madison County deer reduction zone is the portion of Madison County that includes a privately owned parcel of land that has a portion located not more than one-half (1/2) mile on either side of the centerline of Interstate 69 from the Madison/Hamilton County line east to the Madison/Delaware County line.
(19) The Griffy Lake Nature Preserve deer reduction zone is the portion of Monroe County contained in the Griffy Lake Nature Preserve.
(20) The Monroe County deer reduction zone is the portion of Monroe County that includes a privately owned parcel of land that has a portion located not more than one-half (1/2) mile on either side of the centerline of State Road 37 from the Interstate 69 split south to the junction with the Monroe/Lawrence County line.
(21) The Steuben County deer reduction zone is the portion of Steuben County that includes a privately owned parcel of land that has a portion located not more than one-half (1/2) mile on either side of the centerline of the following road segments:
(A) The area of Interstate 69 from the Indiana state line south to the junction with the Steuben/DeKalb County line.
(B) The area of Interstate 80/90 Toll Road from the Steuben/LaGrange County line east to the intersection at Interstate 69.
(C) The area of U.S. Highway 20 from the Steuben/LaGrange County line east to the intersection at Interstate 69.
(22) The Wabash County deer reduction zone is the portion of Wabash County that includes a privately owned parcel of land that has a portion located not more than one-half (1/2) mile on either side of the centerline of State Road 114 from the junction with the Wabash/Fulton County line east to the intersection at State Road 13.
(23) The Warrick County deer reduction zone is the portion of Warrick County extending south of State Road 62 from the junction with the Warrick/Vanderburgh County line, then to the intersection at State Road 61 as follows:
(A) The area to the south along State Road 61 to the intersection at State Road 66.
(B) The area to the west along State Road 66 to the intersection at the French Island Trail.
(C) The area to the west along the French Island Trail to the intersection at Jennings Street.
(D) The area to the west along Jennings Street to the intersection at Old State Road 662.
(E) The area to the west along Old State Road 662 to the intersection at State Road 662.
(F) The area to the west along State Road 662 to the junction with the Warrick/Vanderburgh County line.
(24) The deer reduction zones in central Indiana are as follows:
(A) Marion County.
(B) The area in Johnson County to the south from the Marion County line as follows:
(i) The area to the west of Interstate 65 and south to the intersection of Interstate 65 and Whiteland Road.
(ii) The area to the west along Whiteland Road to the intersection at State Road 144.
(iii) The area to the west along State Road 144 to the intersection at State Road 37.
(iv) The area to the south along State Road 37 to the junction with the Johnson/Morgan County line.
(C) The area in Morgan County to the north of the junction of State Road 37 and the Morgan/Johnson County line as follows:
(i) The area to the west of State Road 37 South to the intersection of State Road 37 and State Road 39/Morton Avenue.
(ii) The area to the north along State Road 39/Morton Avenue from the intersection at State Road 37 to the intersection at State Road 67.
(iii) The area to the north along State Road 67 from the intersection at State Road 39 to the intersection at Indiana Street/State Road 267.
(iv) The area to the north along Indiana Street/State Road 267 from the intersection at State Road 67 to the intersection at State Road 42/High Street.
(v) The area to the west along State Road 42/High Street from the intersection at Indiana Street/State Road 267 to the intersection at State Road 267.
(vi) The area to the north along State Road 267 to the junction with the Morgan/Hendricks County line.
(D) The area in Hendricks County to the east of State Road 267 from the Morgan County line north to the Boone County line.
(E) The area in Boone County to the east of State Road 267 from the Hendricks County line north to the intersection at Interstate 65 as follows:
(i) The area from Interstate 65 south to the intersection at State Road 334.
(ii) The area to the east to the intersection at Ford Road/County Road 975 East/Pleasantview Road.
(iii) The area to the north to the intersection at County Road 300 South.
(iv) The area from County Road 300 South east to the junction with the Hamilton County line.
(F) The area in Hamilton County to the south of State Road 32 from the Boone County line east to the junction with U.S. Highway 31 as follows:
(i) The area to the north along U.S. Highway 31 to the intersection at 236th Street.
(ii) The area to the east along 236thStreet to the intersection at State Road 19.
(iii) The area to the south along State Road 19 to the intersection at State Road 32.
(iv) The area to the east along State Road 32 to the junction with the Madison County line.
(f) The firearms deer season begins the first Saturday after November 11 and ends after an additional fifteen (15) days. An individual may take not more than one (1) antlered deer under this subsection with a firearms license.
(g) The deer hunting season to use a muzzleloading long gun or muzzleloading handgun begins the first Saturday after the closing day of the firearms season under subsection (f) and ends after an additional fifteen (15) days. An individual may take not more than the number of deer authorized by section 2 of this rule [sic, 312 IAC 9-3-2] under this subsection.
(h) The bag limit by county to take an antlerless deer is as follows:
(1) Two (2) deer in Adams County.
(2) Two (2) deer in Allen County.
(3) Three (3) deer in Bartholomew County.
(4) Two (2) deer in Benton County.
(5) Two (2) deer in Blackford County.
(6) Three (3) deer in Boone County.
(7) Four (4) deer in Brown County.
(8) Three (3) deer in Carroll County.
(9) Three (3) deer in Cass County.
(10) Three (3) deer in Clark County.
(11) Three (3) deer in Clay County.
(12) Three (3) deer in Clinton County.
(13) Four (4) deer in Crawford County.
(14) Three (3) deer in Daviess County.
(15) Four (4) deer in Dearborn County.
(16) Two (2) deer in Decatur County.
(17) Three (3) deer in DeKalb County.
(18) Three (3) deer in Delaware County.
(19) Three (3) deer in Dubois County.
(20) Three (3) deer in Elkhart County.
(21) In Fayette County:
(A) one (1) deer beginning October 1, 2024; and
(B) two (2) deer beginning October 1, 2025.
(22) Four (4) deer in Floyd County.
(23) Three (3) deer in Fountain County.
(24) In Franklin County:
(A) one (1) deer beginning October 1, 2024; and
(B) two (2) deer beginning October 1, 2025.
(25) Three (3) deer in Fulton County.
(26) Three (3) deer in Gibson County.
(27) Three (3) deer in Grant County.
(28) Three (3) deer in Greene County.
(29) Three (3) deer in Hamilton County.
(30) Two (2) deer in Hancock County.
(31) Four (4) deer in Harrison County.
(32) Three (3) deer in Hendricks County.
(33) Three (3) deer in Henry County.
(34) Three (3) deer in Howard County.
(35) Three (3) deer in Huntington County.
(36) Four (4) deer in Jackson County.
(37) Three (3) deer in Jasper County.
(38) Two (2) deer in Jay County.
(39) Four (4) deer in Jefferson County.
(40) Four (4) deer in Jennings County.
(41) Three (3) deer in Johnson County.
(42) Three (3) deer in Knox County.
(43) Three (3) deer in Kosciusko County.
(44) Three (3) deer in LaGrange County.
(45) Three (3) deer in Lake County.
(46) Three (3) deer in LaPorte County.
(47) Four (4) deer in Lawrence County.
(48) Three (3) deer in Madison County.
(49) Three (3) deer in Marion County.
(50) Three (3) deer in Marshall County.
(51) Three (3) deer in Martin County.
(52) Three (3) deer in Miami County.
(53) Four (4) deer in Monroe County.
(54) Three (3) deer in Montgomery County.
(55) Four (4) deer in Morgan County.
(56) Three (3) deer in Newton County.
(57) Three (3) deer in Noble County.
(58) Three (3) deer in Ohio County.
(59) Four (4) deer in Orange County.
(60) Four (4) deer in Owen County.
(61) Three (3) deer in Parke County.
(62) Four (4) deer in Perry County.
(63) Three (3) deer in Pike County.
(64) Two (2) deer in Porter County.
(65) Three (3) deer in Posey County.
(66) Three (3) deer in Pulaski County.
(67) Three (3) deer in Putnam County.
(68) Two (2) deer in Randolph County.
(69) Four (4) deer in Ripley County.
(70) Two (2) deer in Rush County.
(71) Three (3) deer in St. Joseph County.
(72) Four (4) deer in Scott County.
(73) Two (2) deer in Shelby County.
(74) Three (3) deer in Spencer County.
(75) Three (3) deer in Starke County.
(76) Two (2) deer in Steuben County.
(77) Three (3) deer in Sullivan County.
(78) Three (3) deer in Switzerland County.
(79) Three (3) deer in Tippecanoe County.
(80) Two (2) deer in Tipton County.
(81) Three (3) deer in Union County.
(82) Three (3) deer in Vanderburgh County.
(83) Three (3) deer in Vermillion County.
(84) Three (3) deer in Vigo County.
(85) Two (2) deer in Wabash County.
(86) Three (3) deer in Warren County.
(87) Three (3) deer in Warrick County.
(88) Four (4) deer in Washington County.
(89) Three (3) deer in Wayne County.
(90) Two (2) deer in Wells County.
(91) Three (3) deer in White County.
(92) Three (3) deer in Whitley County.
SECTION 2. This rule expires February 14, 2026.
LSA Document #25-383
Approved by Governor: July 12, 2025
Filed with Publisher: August 18, 2025, 12:12 p.m.
Indiana Register 20251022-IR-312250472ERA LSA Document 250472
TITLE 312 NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION
Provisional Rule
LSA Document #25-472
DIGEST
EPIZOOTIC HEMORRHAGIC DISEASE OUTBREAK
Temporarily supersedes 312 IAC 9-3-4 under LSA Document #25-383 : (1) regarding season dates and bag limits; and (2) to include additional counties where the outbreak of epizootic hemorrhagic disease rates poses a risk to the deer population. Effective October 9, 2025. Expires April 7, 2026.
ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS
Provisional Rule, LSA Document #25-383: 20250827-IR-312250383ERA
Governor's Approval: 20251022-IR-312250472GAA
Regulatory Analysis: 20251022-IR-312250472RAA
The rule, Regulatory Analysis, appendices referenced in the Regulatory Analysis, and materials incorporated by reference (if applicable) are on file at the Department of Natural Resources, C/O Natural Resources Commission, Legal Division, 402 West Washington Street, Room W261, Indianapolis, Indiana and are available for public inspection. Copies of the rule, Regulatory Analysis, and appendices referenced in the Regulatory Analysis are available at the Department of Natural Resources office.
SECTION 1. (a) This SECTION supersedes 312 IAC 9-3-4 under LSA Document #25-383.
(b) Except as provided in 312 IAC 9-3-2, an individual may take not more than one (1) deer with a license to hunt a deer.
(c) The special youth deer season is two (2) consecutive days beginning the Saturday immediately before October 1, or as approved annually by the director as follows:
(1) The seasonal limit for taking deer under this subsection is one (1) antlered deer, and the number of antlerless deer under subsection (h). A youth hunter may take not more than one (1) antlerless deer under this subsection on the following properties operated by the department:
(A) A property operated by the division of fish and wildlife.
(B) Salamonie Lake.
(C) Mississinewa Lake.
(D) Patoka Lake.
(2) A youth hunter who takes an antlered deer under this subsection may not take another antlered deer during the:
(A) archery season under subsection (d);
(B) firearm season under subsection (f); or
(C) muzzleloader season under subsection (g).
(3) A youth hunter who takes a deer under this subsection must be accompanied by an individual at least eighteen (18) years of age who:
(A) does not possess a firearm, bow and arrow, or crossbow while in the field, except for a handgun carried lawfully under IC 35-47-2;
(B) possesses a license to hunt a wild animal that is not an apprentice license, unless the individual is exempt from needing a license to hunt under IC 14-22-11-1 and 312 IAC 9-2-14;
(C) may not accompany more than two (2) youth hunters at one (1) time; and
(D) is in proximity and able to communicate with the youth hunter during the hunt.
(d) The archery deer season begins October 1 and ends the first Sunday in January. An individual may take not more than the number of deer permitted under 312 IAC 9-3-2 under this subsection.
(e) The deer reduction season is as follows:
(1) Begins September 15 and ends January 31 in a deer reduction zone.
(2) Under this subsection, an individual:
(A) may take not more than ten (10) deer, of which only one (1) deer may be an antlered deer; and
(B) shall take at least one (1) antlerless deer in a deer reduction zone before taking an antlered deer.
(3) A deer taken under this subsection does not count against a bag limit for deer under this rule [sic] .
(4) The Evansville deer reduction zone is the portion of Vanderburgh County south of East Boonville-New Harmony Road, except for the following areas:
(A) The area south of Interstate 164/Veterans Memorial Parkway from the Warrick County line to the east to where it intersects Main Street along the Ohio River Shore to the west.
(B) The area south of the intersection of Broadway Avenue and the Posey County line to the west, extending east to Bayou Creek Road and east to the Ohio River with Bayou Creek Road and extending east to the Ohio River.
(5) The Lafayette deer reduction zone is the portion of Tippecanoe County as follows:
(A) The area to the east, beginning at the intersection of Interstate 65 and County Road 600 North following Interstate 65 south to the junction with State Road 38.
(B) The area along State Road 38 from the intersection of Interstate 65 and State Road 38 west to Veterans Memorial Parkway/County Road 350 South, then south along Veterans Memorial Parkway west to the junction with U.S. Highway 231/State Road 52.
(C) The area from the intersection of Veterans Memorial Parkway/County Road 350 South and U.S. Highway 231 following U.S. Highway 231/State Road 52 north to the junction with State Road 25.
(D) The area from the intersection of State Road 25 and U.S. Highway 231 south along State Road 25 to the intersection of County Road 300 South and State Road 25 South.
(E) The area from the intersection of State Road 25 South and County Road 300 South to the west along County Road 300 South to the intersection of County Road 300 South and County Road 700 West.
(F) The area from the intersection of County Road 700 West and County Road 300 South to the north along County Road 700 West to the intersection of County Road 700 West and Division Road/South River Road.
(G) The area from the intersection of County Road 700 West and Division Road/South River Road to the east along Division Road/South River Road to the intersection of Division Road/South River Road and South Newman Road.
(H) The area from the intersection of South Newman Road and Division Road/South River Road to the north along South Newman Road to the intersection of South Newman Road and State Road 26/State Street.
(I) The area from the intersection of South Newman Road and State Road 26/State Street to the east along State Road 26/State Street to the intersection of State Road 26/State Street and U.S. Highway 231/State Road 52.
(J) The area to the north along U.S. Highway 231 from the intersection of State Road 26/State Street and U.S. Highway 231/State Road 52 to the intersection of U.S. Highway 231/State Road 52 and State Road 52/U.S. Highway 231.
(K) The area to the west along State Road 52 from the intersection of State Road 52 and U.S. Highway 231/State Road 52 to the intersection of State Road 52 and County Road 400 West.
(L) The area to the north along County Road 400 West from the intersection of State Road 52/U.S. Highway 231 to the intersection of County Road 400 West and County Road 375 West.
(M) The area to the north along County Road 375 West from the junction with County Road 400 West to the intersection of County Road 375 West and County Road 600 North.
(N) The area to the east along County Road 600 North from the junction with County Road 375 West to the intersection of County Road 600 North and Interstate 65.
(6) The Michigan City/LaPorte deer reduction zone is the portion of LaPorte County between Lake Michigan and the following boundary:
(A) The area from the junction of the Porter/LaPorte County line and Interstate 94 to the east to the intersection of Interstate 94 and Johnson Road.
(B) The area from the intersection of Interstate 94 and Johnson Road to the south to the intersection of Johnson Road and County Road 500 West.
(C) The area from the south along County Road 500 West from the intersection at Johnson Road to the intersection of County Road 500 West and State Road 2.
(D) The area from the east along State Road 2 from the intersection at County Road 500 West to the intersection of State Road 2 and State Road 39/Longwood Drive.
(E) The area to the south along State Road 39/Longwood Drive from the intersection at State Road 2 to the intersection at County Road 400 South.
(F) The area to the east along County Road 400 South from the intersection at State Road 2 to the intersection at County Road 300 East.
(G) The area to the north along County Road 300 East from the intersection at County Road 400 South to the intersection at Division Road.
(H) The area to the west along Division Road from the intersection at County Road 300 East to the intersection at County Road 250 East.
(I) The area to the north along County Road 250 East from the intersection at Division Road to the intersection at County Road 150 North.
(J) The area to the west along County Road 150 North from the intersection at County Road 250 East to the intersection at Fail Road.
(K) The area to the north along North Fail Road from the intersection at County Road 150 North to the intersection at U.S. Highway 20.
(L) The area to the west along U.S. Highway 20 from the intersection at North Fail Road to the intersection of U.S. Highway 20 and Interstate 94.
(M) The area to the north along Interstate 94 from the intersection at U.S. Highway 20 to the junction with the Indiana/Michigan state line.
(7) The Muncie deer reduction zone is the portion of Delaware County as follows:
(A) The area at the intersection of Yorktown-Gaston Pike/County Road 600 West, extending east along State Road 332 East to the intersection at Nebo Road.
(B) The area to the north along Nebo Road from the intersection at State Road 332 to the intersection at County Road 500 North/Royerton Road.
(C) The area to the east along County Road 500 North/Royerton Road from the intersection at North Nebo Road to the intersection at U.S. Highway 35.
(D) The area to the south along U.S. Highway 35 from the intersection at County Road 500 North/Royerton Road to the intersection at State Road 67.
(E) The area to the south along State Road 67 from the intersection at U.S. Highway 35 to the intersection at County Road 400 South.
(F) The area to the west along County Road 400 South from the intersection at State Road 67 to the intersection at South Marsh Avenue/County Road 600 West.
(G) The area to the north along Marsh Avenue/County Road 600 West from the intersection at County Road 400 South to intersection at State Road 32.
(H) The area to the east along State Road 32 from the intersection at Marsh Avenue to the intersection at Tiger Drive/County Road 575 West.
(I) The area to the north along Tiger Drive/County Road 575 West from the intersection at State Road 32 to the intersection at River Road.
(J) The area to the west along River Road from the intersection at Tiger Drive to the intersection at Yorktown-Gaston Pike/County Road 600 West.
(K) The area to the north along Yorktown-Gaston Pike/County Road 600 West to the intersection at State Road 332.
(8) The South Bend/Mishawaka/Elkhart deer reduction zone is the portion of St. Joseph County and Elkhart County south of the Michigan state line as follows:
(A) The area at the junction of U.S. Highway 31 and the Indiana/Michigan state line to the south along U.S. Highway 31 to the intersection at U.S. Highway 20.
(B) The area to the east along U.S. Highway 20/U.S. Highway 31 to the intersection at County Road 17.
(C) The area to the north along County Road 17 from the intersection at U.S. Highway 20 to the junction with the Indiana/Michigan state line.
(9) The Warsaw deer reduction zone is the portion of Kosciusko County as follows:
(A) The area at the intersection of State Road 15 and Levi Lee Road, extending east to the intersection of Levi Lee Road and County Road 100 East.
(B) The area to the south along County Road 100 East from the intersection at Levi Lee Road to the intersection at County Road 450 North.
(C) The area to the east along County Road 450 North from the intersection at County Road 100 East to the intersection at Chapman Lake Drive.
(D) The area to the south along Chapman Lake Drive from the intersection at County Road 450 North to the intersection at County Road 300 East.
(E) The area to the south along County Road 300 East from the intersection at Chapman Lake Road to the intersection at Old U.S. Highway 30/E. Old Road 30.
(F) The area to the east on Old U.S. Highway 30/E. Old Road 30 from the intersection at County Road 300 East to the intersection at County Road 450 East.
(G) The area to the south along County Road 450 East from the intersection at Old U.S. Highway 30/E. Old Road 30 to the intersection at U.S. Highway 30.
(H) The area to the east on U.S. Highway 30 from the intersection at County Road 450 East to the intersection at Van Ness Road.
(I) The area to the south along Van Ness Road from the intersection at U.S. Highway 30 to the intersection at Wooster Road.
(J) The area to the west along Wooster Road from the intersection at Van Ness Road to the intersection at County Road 500 East.
(K) The area to the south along County Road 500 East from the intersection at Wooster Road to the intersection at County Road 350 South.
(L) The area to the west along County Road 350 South from the intersection at County Road 500 East to the intersection at County Road 450 East.
(M) The area to the south along County Road 450 East from the intersection at County Road 350 South to the intersection at County Road 400 South.
(N) The area to the west along County Road 400 South from the intersection at County Road 450 East to the intersection at State Road 15.
(O) The area to the north along State Road 15 from the intersection at County Road 400 South to the intersection at County Road 350 South.
(P) The area to the west along County Road 350 South from the intersection at State Road 15 to the intersection at County Road 450 West.
(Q) The area to the north along County Road 450 West from the intersection at County Road 350 South to the intersection at County Road 400 West.
(R) The area to the north along County Road 400 West from the intersection at County Road 450 West to the intersection at Crystal Lake Road.
(S) The area to the east along Crystal Lake Road from the intersection at County Road 400 West to the intersection at Zimmer Road.
(T) The area to the north along Zimmer Road from the intersection at Crystal Lake Road to the intersection at Lincoln Highway/Old U.S. Highway 30.
(U) The area to the west along Lincoln Highway/Old U.S. Highway 30 from the intersection at Zimmer Road to the intersection at County Road 350 West.
(V) The area to the north along County Road 350 West from the intersection at Lincoln Highway/Old U.S. Highway 30 to the intersection at U.S. Highway 30.
(W) The area to the east along U.S. Highway 30 from the intersection at County Road 350 West to the intersection at County Road 150 West/Silveus Crossing.
(X) The area to the north along County Road 150 West/Silveus Crossing from the intersection at U.S. Highway 30 to the intersection at County Road 400 North.
(Y) The area to the east along County Road 400 North from the intersection at County Road 150 West/Silveus Crossing to the intersection at State Road 15.
(Z) The area to the north along State Road 15 from the intersection at County Road 400 North to the intersection at Levi Lee Road.
(10) The Allen County deer reduction zone is the portion of Allen County as follows:
(A) The area between Interstate 69 and Interstate 469.
(B) The area to the west of Interstate 69 that extends north of Lafayette Center Road and south of State Road 14.
(C) The area west of Interstate 69 to the:
(i) north of U.S. Highway 30;
(ii) east of O Day Road to the intersection at State Road 33;
(iii) south of State Road 33 to the intersection at Johnson Road;
(iv) east of Johnson Road north to the intersection at West Shoaff Road;
(v) south of West Shoaff Road east to the intersection at State Road 3; and
(vi) east of State Road 3 north to the junction with the DeKalb County line.
(D) The area to the east of Interstate 69, to the north of Interstate 469, to the west of the St. Joseph River, and to the south of Schlatter Road.
(11) The Cordry-Sweetwater deer reduction zone is the portion of Brown County contained within the Cordry-Sweetwater Conservancy District.
(12) The Brown County deer reduction zone is the portion of Brown County as follows:
(A) The area not more than one-half (1/2) mile on either side of the centerline of State Road 46 from the Monroe County line to the Bartholomew County line.
(B) The area of Monroe Lake located not more than one-half (1/2) mile from the centerline of State Road 46.
(C) The area that is the management units of Yellowwood State Forest contained within the following tracts:
(i) Compartment 2, Tracts 2 and 40.
(ii) Compartment 3, Tracts 1 and 2.
(iii) Compartment 4, Tract 2.
(iv) Compartment 5, Tracts 5, 9, 10, 11, and 15.
(v) Compartment 8, Tract 27.
(vi) Compartment 9, Tract 1.
The Brown County deer reduction zone does not include any portion of Brown County State Park.
(13) The Dearborn County deer reduction zone is the portion of Dearborn County that includes a privately owned parcel of land that has a portion located not more than one-half (1/2) mile on either side of the centerline of the following road segments:
(A) The area of U.S. 50 from the Dearborn/Ripley County line east to the Indiana state line.
(B) The area of State Road 148 from the intersection at State Road 48, extending south to the intersection at U.S. 50.
(C) The area of State Road 48 from the intersection at State Road 148, extending south to the intersection at U.S. 50.
(14) The DeKalb County deer reduction zone is the portion of DeKalb County that includes a privately owned parcel of land that has a portion located not more than one-half (1/2) mile on either side of the centerline of Interstate 69 from the DeKalb/Steuben County line south to the DeKalb/Allen County line.
(15) The Fulton County deer reduction zone is a privately owned parcel of land that has a portion located not more than one-half (1/2) mile on either side of the centerline of U.S. Highway 31 from the Fulton/Marshall County line to the south to the intersection at State Road 14.
(16) The LaGrange County deer reduction zone is a privately owned parcel of land that has a portion located not more than one-half (1/2) mile on either side of the centerline of the following road segments:
(A) The area of U.S. Highway 20 from the intersection at State Road 9 to the east to the LaGrange/Steuben County line.
(B) The area of State Road 9 from the intersection at U.S. Highway 20 to the south to the LaGrange/Noble County line.
(C) The area of State Road 3 from the intersection at U.S. Highway 20 to the south to the LaGrange/Noble County line.
(17) The Lake County deer reduction zone is the portion of Lake County as follows:
(A) The area from north of the junction of the Indiana state line and 151st Avenue.
(B) The area from 151st Avenue east to the intersection at U.S. Highway 41.
(C) The area from U.S. Highway 41 south to the intersection at State Road 2.
(D) The area from State Road 2 east to the intersection at Interstate 65.
(E) The area from Interstate 65 north to the intersection at 145th Avenue.
(F) The area from 145th Avenue east to the intersection at U.S. Highway 231.
(G) The area from U.S. Highway 231 south to the junction with the Porter County line.
(18) The Madison County deer reduction zone is the portion of Madison County that includes a privately owned parcel of land that has a portion located not more than one-half (1/2) mile on either side of the centerline of Interstate 69 from the Madison/Hamilton County line east to the Madison/Delaware County line.
(19) The Griffy Lake Nature Preserve deer reduction zone is the portion of Monroe County contained in the Griffy Lake Nature Preserve.
(20) The Monroe County deer reduction zone is the portion of Monroe County that includes a privately owned parcel of land that has a portion located not more than one-half (1/2) mile on either side of the centerline of State Road 37 from the Interstate 69 split south to the junction with the Monroe/Lawrence County line.
(21) The Steuben County deer reduction zone is the portion of Steuben County that includes a privately owned parcel of land that has a portion located not more than one-half (1/2) mile on either side of the centerline of the following road segments:
(A) The area of Interstate 69 from the Indiana state line south to the junction with the Steuben/DeKalb County line.
(B) The area of Interstate 80/90 Toll Road from the Steuben/LaGrange County line east to the intersection at Interstate 69.
(C) The area of U.S. Highway 20 from the Steuben/LaGrange County line east to the intersection at Interstate 69.
(22) The Wabash County deer reduction zone is the portion of Wabash County that includes a privately owned parcel of land that has a portion located not more than one-half (1/2) mile on either side of the centerline of State Road 114 from the junction with the Wabash/Fulton County line east to the intersection at State Road 13.
(23) The Warrick County deer reduction zone is the portion of Warrick County extending south of State Road 62 from the junction with the Warrick/Vanderburgh County line, then to the intersection at State Road 61 as follows:
(A) The area to the south along State Road 61 to the intersection at State Road 66.
(B) The area to the west along State Road 66 to the intersection at the French Island Trail.
(C) The area to the west along the French Island Trail to the intersection at Jennings Street.
(D) The area to the west along Jennings Street to the intersection at Old State Road 662.
(E) The area to the west along Old State Road 662 to the intersection at State Road 662.
(F) The area to the west along State Road 662 to the junction with the Warrick/Vanderburgh County line.
(24) The deer reduction zones in central Indiana are as follows:
(A) Marion County.
(B) The area in Johnson County to the south from the Marion County line as follows:
(i) The area to the west of Interstate 65 and south to the intersection of Interstate 65 and Whiteland Road.
(ii) The area to the west along Whiteland Road to the intersection at State Road 144.
(iii) The area to the west along State Road 144 to the intersection at State Road 37.
(iv) The area to the south along State Road 37 to the junction with the Johnson/Morgan County line.
(C) The area in Morgan County to the north of the junction of State Road 37 and the Morgan/Johnson County line as follows:
(i) The area to the west of State Road 37 South to the intersection of State Road 37 and State Road 39/Morton Avenue.
(ii) The area to the north along State Road 39/Morton Avenue from the intersection at State Road 37 to the intersection at State Road 67.
(iii) The area to the north along State Road 67 from the intersection at State Road 39 to the intersection at Indiana Street/State Road 267.
(iv) The area to the north along Indiana Street/State Road 267 from the intersection at State Road 67 to the intersection at State Road 42/High Street.
(v) The area to the west along State Road 42/High Street from the intersection at Indiana Street/State Road 267 to the intersection at State Road 267.
(vi) The area to the north along State Road 267 to the junction with the Morgan/Hendricks County line.
(D) The area in Hendricks County to the east of State Road 267 from the Morgan County line north to the Boone County line.
(E) The area in Boone County to the east of State Road 267 from the Hendricks County line north to the intersection at Interstate 65 as follows:
(i) The area from Interstate 65 south to the intersection at State Road 334.
(ii) The area to the east to the intersection at Ford Road/County Road 975 East/Pleasantview Road.
(iii) The area to the north to the intersection at County Road 300 South.
(iv) The area from County Road 300 South east to the junction with the Hamilton County line.
(F) The area in Hamilton County to the south of State Road 32 from the Boone County line east to the junction with U.S. Highway 31 as follows:
(i) The area to the north along U.S. Highway 31 to the intersection at 236th Street.
(ii) The area to the east along 236thStreet to the intersection at State Road 19.
(iii) The area to the south along State Road 19 to the intersection at State Road 32.
(iv) The area to the east along State Road 32 to the junction with the Madison County line.
(f) The firearms deer season begins the first Saturday after November 11 and ends after an additional fifteen (15) days. An individual may take not more than one (1) antlered deer under this subsection with a firearms license.
(g) The deer hunting season to use a muzzleloading long gun or muzzleloading handgun begins the first Saturday after the closing day of the firearms season under subsection (f) and ends after an additional fifteen (15) days. An individual may take not more than the number of deer authorized by section 2 of this rule [sic, 312 IAC 9-3-2] under this subsection.
(h) The bag limit by county to take an antlerless deer is as follows:
(1) Two (2) deer in Adams County.
(2) Two (2) deer in Allen County.
(3) Two (2) [sic, deer] in Bartholomew County.
(4) Two (2) deer in Benton County.
(5) Two (2) deer in Blackford County.
(6) Three (3) deer in Boone County.
(7) Four (4) deer in Brown County.
(8) Three (3) deer in Carroll County.
(9) Three (3) deer in Cass County.
(10) Three (3) deer in Clark County.
(11) Three (3) deer in Clay County.
(12) Three (3) deer in Clinton County.
(13) Four (4) deer in Crawford County.
(14) Three (3) deer in Daviess County.
(15) Four (4) deer in Dearborn County.
(16) Two (2) deer in Decatur County.
(17) Three (3) deer in DeKalb County.
(18) Three (3) deer in Delaware County.
(19) Three (3) deer in Dubois County.
(20) Three (3) deer in Elkhart County.
(21) In Fayette County:
(A) one (1) deer beginning October 1, 2024; and
(B) two (2) deer beginning October 1, 2025.
(22) Four (4) deer in Floyd County.
(23) Three (3) deer in Fountain County.
(24) In Franklin County:
(A) one (1) deer beginning October 1, 2024; and
(B) two (2) deer beginning October 1, 2025.
(25) Three (3) deer in Fulton County.
(26) Three (3) deer in Gibson County.
(27) Three (3) deer in Grant County.
(28) Three (3) deer in Greene County.
(29) Three (3) deer in Hamilton County.
(30) Two (2) deer in Hancock County.
(31) Four (4) deer in Harrison County.
(32) Three (3) deer in Hendricks County.
(33) Three (3) deer in Henry County.
(34) Three (3) deer in Howard County.
(35) Three (3) deer in Huntington County.
(36) Three (3) deer in Jackson County.
(37) Three (3) deer in Jasper County.
(38) Two (2) deer in Jay County.
(39) Three (3) deer in Jefferson County.
(40) Two (2) deer in Jennings County.
(41) Three (3) deer in Johnson County.
(42) Three (3) deer in Knox County.
(43) Three (3) deer in Kosciusko County.
(44) Three (3) deer in LaGrange County.
(45) Three (3) deer in Lake County.
(46) Three (3) deer in LaPorte County.
(47) Four (4) deer in Lawrence County.
(48) Three (3) deer in Madison County.
(49) Three (3) deer in Marion County.
(50) Three (3) deer in Marshall County.
(51) Two (2) deer in Martin County.
(52) Three (3) deer in Miami County.
(53) Four (4) deer in Monroe County.
(54) Three (3) deer in Montgomery County.
(55) Four (4) deer in Morgan County.
(56) Three (3) deer in Newton County.
(57) Three (3) deer in Noble County.
(58) Three (3) deer in Ohio County.
(59) Four (4) deer in Orange County.
(60) Four (4) deer in Owen County.
(61) Three (3) deer in Parke County.
(62) Four (4) deer in Perry County.
(63) Three (3) deer in Pike County.
(64) Two (2) deer in Porter County.
(65) Three (3) deer in Posey County.
(66) Three (3) deer in Pulaski County.
(67) Three (3) deer in Putnam County.
(68) Two (2) deer in Randolph County.
(69) Four (4) deer in Ripley County.
(70) Two (2) deer in Rush County.
(71) Three (3) deer in St. Joseph County.
(72) Three (3) deer in Scott County.
(73) Two (2) deer in Shelby County.
(74) Three (3) deer in Spencer County.
(75) Three (3) deer in Starke County.
(76) Two (2) deer in Steuben County.
(77) Three (3) deer in Sullivan County.
(78) Two (2) deer in Switzerland County.
(79) Three (3) deer in Tippecanoe County.
(80) Two (2) deer in Tipton County.
(81) Three (3) deer in Union County.
(82) Three (3) deer in Vanderburgh County.
(83) Three (3) deer in Vermillion County.
(84) Three (3) deer in Vigo County.
(85) Two (2) deer in Wabash County.
(86) Three (3) deer in Warren County.
(87) Three (3) deer in Warrick County.
(88) Four (4) deer in Washington County.
(89) Three (3) deer in Wayne County.
(90) Two (2) deer in Wells County.
(91) Three (3) deer in White County.
(92) Three (3) deer in Whitley County.
SECTION 2. This rule expires April 7, 2026.
Filed with Publisher: October 9, 2025, 11:28 a.m.
Indiana Register 20260715-IR-312260102IFA LSA Document 260102
TITLE 312 NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION
Interim Final Rule
LSA Document #26-102
DIGEST
BOBCAT HUNTING
Temporarily supersedes 312 IAC 9-3-18.1 concerning bobcat hunting and increasing the statewide quota for bobcats. Effective July 7, 2026. Expires July 7, 2027.
HISTORY
Governor's Approval: 20260422-IR-312260102GAA
Notice of Public Comment Period for Interim Rule: 20260422-IR-312260102INA
Regulatory Analysis submitted with Notice of Public Comment Period for Interim Rule: 20260422-IR-312260102RAA
SUMMARY/RESPONSE TO COMMENTS
The Natural Resources Commission (commission), in coordination with the Department of Natural Resources (department), requested public comment on the proposed interim rule from April 22, 2026, through May 22, 2026. The comments received and the responses to the comments by the commission, in coordination with the department, are summarized as follows:
Response to Comments
In 2025, Indiana had its first bobcat season, with a limited initial harvest that ran smoothly. Indiana DNR, as required by state law in Senate Enrolled Act 241-2024, established a season in 2025 that allowed for the trapping of bobcats in 40 southern Indiana counties, with a season quota of 250 bobcats and a limit of one bobcat per trapper. The initial limited season for bobcat harvest was designed to best support a healthy bobcat population while gathering additional data, following the model for the launch of seasons for river otters and wild turkey. The season started on Nov. 8, 2025, and was scheduled to run through Jan. 31, 2026, or until the statewide quota was reached. The quota was reached on Dec. 6, 2025, and the season was closed. The season ran smoothly and provided a conservative introduction of bobcat harvest in Indiana. Hoosiers continue to experience losses on their property and vehicles from Indiana's rising bobcat population. Illinois, Michigan, Kentucky, and Wisconsin currently have seasons to take bobcats via both hunting and trapping, and these states continue to have a self-sustaining population of bobcats.
The number of landowners requesting a permit to take bobcats that are killing livestock increased from 14 in 2018 to 34 in 2025, an increase of more than 140% in negative human-bobcat interactions reported over seven years. While a person can get a free permit to take a bobcat that is causing damage, landowners frequently incur losses prior to obtaining a permit and may not be able to take the bobcat as quickly as needed when the damage is being done. Indiana is also seeing an increase in accidental bobcat vehicle collisions.
The DNR has received requests from hunters to have the opportunity to take bobcat, and hunting methods have been included in the rule proposal. The hunting equipment allowed in the proposed rule is in line with equipment allowed for other furbearers such as foxes, coyotes, beavers, etc. The hunting tool limitations proposed (i.e., no dogs, daytime hunting hours limiting night vision and thermal) are intended to start with a conservative hunting season. Hunting hours are consistent with other species like white-tailed deer and wild turkey and consistent with neighboring states like Kentucky and Michigan that do not allow night hunting for bobcats.
The department is proposing the season dates beginning November 8 and ending January 31 of the following year to coincide with taking seasons for other species, since the raccoon, opossum, coyote, fox, and skunk trapping seasons are open during those dates. This allows trappers to set traps for a bobcat at the same time and keep a bobcat that may be inadvertently captured in a trap set for a coyote or fox. Furthermore, bobcat young are expected to have dispersed or, at least, not be dependent upon their mothers during the proposed season dates.
The department is not proposing to change the counties open for bobcat harvest. This rule would allow hunting and trapping only in those counties where there is a healthy, reproductive population with high quality habitats capable of supporting a bobcat population. There are counties that have suitable habitats, but fewer documented bobcats. The department considers the counties to have emerging bobcat populations; therefore, the department is not proposing to open additional counties at this time.
Regarding the bobcat population, Purdue University researchers developed a population model for department staff to utilize. This population model allowed the department to propose harvest levels that will be sustainable. The population model incorporates the basic aspects of bobcat life history and simulates bobcat population dynamics in Indiana. The population model is conservative and assumes adult female bobcats do not raise young in habitats less than nine (9) square miles. The population model also assumes existing mortality sources remain at the same level, and harvest mortality is added to those mortalities. Some concern has been raised that in the published literature “exploited” bobcat populations, meaning those with harvest seasons, have lower adult survival rates and that our model does not account for that. While states with harvest seasons do have lower adult bobcat survival, our model accounts for this change by assuming that any mortality from harvest is in addition to existing mortalities. Most of the literature of states open to harvest are populations that have long harvest seasons with no bag limits, like Texas and the Dakotas. Indiana's season is more conservative and therefore would not see the same drop in survival as populations with year-round harvest with no bag limits. Indiana does not estimate its bobcat population (or other populations like that of deer and wild turkeys), so the DNR does not believe the population is 1,000 bobcats. Citation of this number by the public is a misunderstanding of a modeling technique paper that used a threshold of 1,000 adult breeding females to test a new model technique. It is not an estimate of Indiana's bobcat population.
Purdue University determined bobcat habitat selection and home range size from the bobcats that were collared and tracked by department staff in the late 1990's and early 2000's. Collaring occurred in southern Indiana, primarily Daviess, Greene, Lawrence, and Martin counties. From this research, multiple aspects of bobcat life history were collected, including information about survival and mortality. The information was summarized in an American Midland Naturalist publication in 2020.
Roadkill was the number one (1) cause of death for bobcats collared for research with one (1) in every two (2) bobcats killed by being hit by a car, or fifty-three percent (53%). Survival by age class was another factor included in the population model. Bobcats in Indiana preferred forest edges and somewhat avoided agriculture when selecting habitats. Adult, female bobcats need approximately nine (9) square miles to successfully raise their young, while males overlapped with multiple females and had much larger home ranges. For the population model, female home ranges formed the foundation as males don't help rear young. Male bobcats are not monogamous and do not pair with one (1) female bobcat mate or help raise the young.
From this habitat and home range research, Purdue University made a map of the available bobcat habitats, then overlaid nine (9) square mile blocks onto the habitat; see Figure 1. Figure 1 shows the calculation of the areas that are suitable for an adult, female bobcat to find nine (9) square miles to successfully raise their young and is a conservative estimate of bobcat habitats. Figure 1 conservatively assumes that anywhere that does not provide nine (9) square miles of habitat is not suitable bobcat habitat. This estimate is calculated based on adult female bobcat needs. However, young bobcats will disperse through other habitats and live in the habitats while waiting for territories to be available. Adult female bobcats will also live in habitats that are less than ideal to raise their young when required to do so. This system is a binary yes or no regarding whether a block is suitable for a bobcat and does not account for the possibility of larger or smaller home ranges, male home range needs, or dispersing bobcats. The dark green squares represent quality habitats of blocks of nine (9) square miles with habitats suitable for adult female bobcats to raise their young. This formed the base of the population model that was developed by Purdue University. Public reports are not incorporated into the population model.
Figure 1
Regarding the quota, a bobcat trapping season quota of four hundred (400) bobcats was calculated using the population model established by Purdue University, the habitat availability, the number of complaints the state has received, and the fact that the 2025 bobcat trapping season closed in 28 days in 2025. Using this model, the department can simulate different levels of harvest to assess likely effects on the bobcat population. A quota of 400 in the listed counties is designed to reduce the bobcat population to reduce damage for Indiana residents while still maintaining bobcat populations.
In sensitivity testing completed by researchers (in publication), kitten survival has an important influence on bobcat populations, but kitten survival estimates are difficult to calculate and have not been estimated in Indiana. So DNR staff model three levels of kitten survival, from 25% (.25, 2.5 of every 10) of kittens surviving to 35% (.35, 3.5 of every 10), but the standard is that 30% of kittens, or three of every 10 kittens born, survive.
Regarding the use of traps, the department is not proposing any changes to the types of traps used to take a bobcat. These traps have been tested and shown to be humane for trapping bobcats under the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies' Furbearer Management Best Management Practices for Trapping Program (BMPs). This program ensures that trapping devices and techniques used are the most humane, safe, selective, efficient and practical devices. Traps are evaluated using standards and protocols developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Trapping is highly selective based on the size and placement of the trap, in addition to the lure used. The type of traps permitted for bobcat trapping are and already allowed under Indiana law for other wild animals such as river otters, coyotes, and raccoons.
State law in IC 14-22-6-17 requires the DNR to have a season to take a bobcat. State law in IC 14-22-2-6 allows administrative rules to be adopted only after thorough investigation; and based upon data relative to the following: (A) The welfare of the wild animal; (B) The relationship of the wild animal to other animals; and (C) The welfare of the people.
The department received several comments outside the scope of this rule. Currently, the department is only moving forward with the proposed rule as written in the rule package.
INTERIM FINAL RULE
SECTION 1. (a) This SECTION supersedes 312 IAC 9-3-18.1.
(b) An individual may take a bobcat (Lynx rufus):
(1) by trapping or hunting beginning November 8; and
(2) ending:
(A) January of the following calendar year; or
(B) the date on which the statewide quota under subsection (k) is reached;
whichever is earlier.
(c) Except as provided under IC 14-22-11-1, an individual may not take a bobcat unless the individual possesses at least one (1) of the following licenses:
(1) A resident license to take a bobcat under IC 14-22-12-1(a)(36).
(2) A nonresident youth license to take a bobcat under IC 14-22-12-1(a)(37).
(3) A resident youth consolidated license to hunt and trap under IC 14-22-12-1(a)(24) or IC 14-22-11-10(b), including an apprentice license.
(4) A nonresident license to take a bobcat under IC 14-22-12-1(a)(38).
(5) A lifetime basic trapping license under IC 14-22-12-7(a)(6) before its repeal.
(6) A lifetime comprehensive hunting license under IC 14-22-12-7(a)(4) before its repeal.
(7) A lifetime comprehensive hunting and fishing license under IC 14-22-12-7(a)(5) before its repeal.
(d) In addition to a license described in subsection (c)(1), (c)(2), and (c)(4), an individual must have at least one (1) of the following licenses:
(1) To trap a bobcat, one (1) of the following:
(A) A resident yearly trapping license under IC 14-22-12-1(a)(4).
(B) A nonresident yearly trapping license under IC 14-22-12-1(a)(7).
(C) A nonresident youth yearly trapping license under IC 14-22-12-1(a)(26).
(2) To hunt a bobcat, one (1) of the following:
(A) A resident yearly hunting license under IC 14-22-12-1(a)(2).
(B) A resident yearly hunting and fishing license under IC 14-22-12-1(a)(3).
(C) A nonresident yearly hunting license under IC 14-22-12-1(a)(6).
(D) A nonresident five (5) day hunting license under IC 14-22-12-1(a)(10).
(E) A nonresident youth yearly hunting license under IC 14-22-12-1(a)(25).
(F) A disabled American veteran hunting license under IC 14-22-12-1.5.
(G) An apprentice hunting license of the types identified under IC 14-22-12-1.7(a) through IC 14-22-12-1.7(f).
(H) A lifetime basic hunting license under IC 14-22-12-7(a)(2) before its repeal.
(e) An individual may not take more than one (1) bobcat in the season.
(f) An individual who captures a bobcat alive and does not include it in the bag limit for the individual under subsection (e) shall release the bobcat into the wild in the location where the bobcat is captured immediately after discovering the bobcat.
(g) An individual may take a bobcat in the following counties:
(1) Bartholomew County.
(2) Brown County.
(3) Clark County.
(4) Clay County.
(5) Crawford County.
(6) Daviess County.
(7) Dearborn County.
(8) Dubois County.
(9) Floyd County.
(10) Franklin County.
(11) Gibson County.
(12) Greene County.
(13) Harrison County.
(14) Jackson County.
(15) Jefferson County.
(16) Jennings County.
(17) Johnson County.
(18) Knox County.
(19) Lawrence County.
(20) Martin County.
(21) Monroe County.
(22) Morgan County.
(23) Ohio County.
(24) Orange County.
(25) Owen County.
(26) Parke County.
(27) Perry County.
(28) Pike County.
(29) Posey County.
(30) Putnam County.
(31) Ripley County.
(32) Scott County.
(33) Spencer County.
(34) Sullivan County.
(35) Switzerland County.
(36) Vanderburgh County.
(37) Vermillion County.
(38) Vigo County.
(39) Warrick County.
(40) Washington County.
(h) An individual may trap a bobcat with a:
(1) cage trap;
(2) foothold trap permitted under 312 IAC 9-3-18; or
(3) snare permitted under 312 IAC 9-3-18 with a relaxing snare lock.
(i) An individual may hunt a bobcat with the following equipment:
(1) A bow and arrow.
(2) A crossbow.
(3) A shotgun.
(4) A handgun.
(5) A muzzleloading long gun or muzzleloading handgun.
(6) A rifle.
(7) An air gun with a minimum caliber of at least one hundred and seventy-seven thousandths (0.177) of an inch.
(j) An individual may hunt a bobcat beginning one-half (1/2) hour before sunrise and ending one-half (1/2) hour after sunset.
(k) The statewide quota for the season to take a bobcat is four hundred (400) bobcats. The department shall track the statewide quota for taking bobcats on the website of the department.
(l) An individual who takes a bobcat shall:
(1) report the taking; or
(2) ensure the taking is reported;
by registering the bobcat with the electronic harvest reporting system of the department not later than twenty-four (24) hours after taking the bobcat. An individual reporting a take under this subsection shall provide accurate information to the department. An individual shall keep the confirmation number provided by the electronic harvest reporting system of the department with the bobcat until the individual checks in the bobcat with a designated department employee or at an official bobcat checking station under subsection (m).
(m) An individual who takes a bobcat during the season to take a bobcat shall possess the bobcat and show the skinned hide of the bobcat to a designated department employee or an official bobcat checking station not later than fifteen (15) days after the calendar month in which the bobcat is harvested. A department employee shall issue a tag to the individual.
(n) A bobcat, including the hide and any other part of the bobcat, taken during the season to take a bobcat may not be:
(1) sold;
(2) traded;
(3) bartered;
(4) gifted;
(5) transferred to a taxidermist or any other person; or
(6) shipped;
until the bobcat is registered with the electronic harvest system for the department and issued a tag by a department employee under subsection (m).
(o) After registering a bobcat and obtaining a tag from the department under this rule, an individual who takes a bobcat may:
(1) sell;
(2) trade;
(3) barter;
(4) ship; or
(5) otherwise transfer;
the hide of the bobcat under this rule.
(p) An individual may possess an untanned bobcat hide if the bobcat hide is lawfully obtained.
(q) An individual may not take a bobcat:
(1) after the individual bag limit under subsection (e) is reached;
(2) after the statewide quota for the season to take a bobcat is reached;
(3) after the season to take a bobcat ends; or
(4) in a county not listed under subsection (g).
This subsection does not apply to an individual who takes a bobcat under a scientific purposes license under 312 IAC 9-10-6 or nuisance wild animal control permit under 312 IAC 9-10-11.
(r) An individual who takes a bobcat:
(1) during the season to take a bobcat after the individual bag limit under subsection (e) is reached;
(2) after the statewide quota is reached;
(3) in a county where the season to take a bobcat is not open;
(4) outside the season to take a bobcat; or
(5) without a license to take a bobcat under IC 14-22-12-1 or is exempt from the licensure requirement under IC 14-22-11-1;
shall notify the department not later than twenty-four (24) hours after taking the bobcat. The individual shall arrange to deliver the bobcat to the department.
(s) A person may not possess a live bobcat except as follows:
(1) With a wild animal rehabilitation permit under 312 IAC 9-10-9.
(2) With a scientific purposes license under 312 IAC 9-10-6.
(3) With a nuisance wild animal control permit under 312 IAC 9-10-11.
(4) With a wild animal possession permit under 312 IAC 9-11.
(5) By a registered or licensed person under IC 14-22-26-1.
(t) An individual may not sell a live bobcat unless the individual obtains a game breeder's license under 312 IAC 9-10-4.
(u) An individual may not take or chase a bobcat with the use or aid of a dog, except for an authorized federal and state wildlife management employee.
SECTION 2. This document expires three hundred sixty-five (365) days after the publisher accepts the Interim Final Rule for filing.
LSA Document #26-102
Filed with Publisher: July 7, 2026, 11:03 a.m.
Documents Incorporated by Reference: None Received by Publisher
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