312 IAC 9 — ARTICLE 9. FISH AND WILDLIFE

TITLE 312 NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION

ARTICLE 9. FISH AND WILDLIFE

Rule 1

312 IAC 9-1-1 312 IAC 9-1-1 General application of definitions

Rule 1. Definitions

312 IAC 9-1-1 General application of definitions

Authority: IC 14-11-2-1; IC 14-22-2-6

Affected: IC 14-22

Sec. 1. The definitions provided in this rule apply throughout this article.

(Natural Resources Commission; 312 IAC 9-1-1; filed May 12, 1997, 10:00 a.m.: 20 IR 2698; readopted filed Jul 28, 2003, 12:00 p.m.: 27 IR 286; readopted filed Nov 24, 2008, 11:08 a.m.: 20081210-IR-312080672RFA; readopted filed May 20, 2014, 9:43 a.m.: 20140618-IR-312140017RFA; readopted filed Sep 18, 2019, 1:16 p.m.: 20191016-IR-312190325RFA; readopted filed Mar 25, 2025, 9:50 a.m.: 20250423-IR-312240574RFA)

312 IAC 9-1-1.2 312 IAC 9-1-1.2 "Air gun" defined

312 IAC 9-1-1.2 "Air gun" defined

Authority: IC 14-10-2-4; IC 14-22-2-6

Affected: IC 14-22

Sec. 1.2. "Air gun" means any gun that propels a single projectile by means of non-ignited compressed air or other gas charged by an external high compression power source as follows:

(1) A .40 caliber or larger bullet or ball at a single discharge that generates at least four hundred (400) foot pounds of muzzle energy.

(2) An arrow or bolt with a sharpened metal or metal-edged broadhead with metal points with a minimum speed of three hundred (300) feet per second at release.

(Natural Resources Commission; 312 IAC 9-1-1.2; filed Nov 16, 2020, 9:30 a.m.: 20201216-IR-312200069FRA; readopted filed Mar 25, 2025, 9:50 a.m.: 20250423-IR-312240574RFA)

312 IAC 9-1-1.5 312 IAC 9-1-1.5 "Amphibian" defined

312 IAC 9-1-1.5 "Amphibian" defined

Authority: IC 14-22-2-6; IC 14-22-26-3; IC 14-22-34-17

Affected: IC 14-22

Sec. 1.5. "Amphibian" means the following:

(1) A frog, toad, salamander, caecilian, or other animal of the class Amphibia.

(2) The parts, eggs, or offspring of a species of the class Amphibia.

(Natural Resources Commission; 312 IAC 9-1-1.5; filed Jul 9, 1999, 5:55 p.m.: 22 IR 3671; readopted filed Jul 28, 2003, 12:00 p.m.: 27 IR 286; readopted filed Nov 24, 2008, 11:08 a.m.: 20081210-IR-312080672RFA; readopted filed May 20, 2014, 9:43 a.m.: 20140618-IR-312140017RFA; readopted filed Sep 18, 2019, 1:16 p.m.: 20191016-IR-312190325RFA; readopted filed Mar 25, 2025, 9:50 a.m.: 20250423-IR-312240574RFA)

312 IAC 9-1-2 312 IAC 9-1-2 "Antlered deer" defined

312 IAC 9-1-2 "Antlered deer" defined

Authority: IC 14-11-2-1; IC 14-22-2-6

Affected: IC 14-22

Sec. 2. "Antlered deer" means a deer with an antler at least three (3) inches long.

(Natural Resources Commission; 312 IAC 9-1-2; filed May 12, 1997, 10:00 a.m.: 20 IR 2698; readopted filed Jul 28, 2003, 12:00 p.m.: 27 IR 286; readopted filed Nov 24, 2008, 11:08 a.m.: 20081210-IR-312080672RFA; readopted filed May 20, 2014, 9:43 a.m.: 20140618-IR-312140017RFA; readopted filed Sep 18, 2019, 1:16 p.m.: 20191016-IR-312190325RFA; readopted filed Mar 25, 2025, 9:50 a.m.: 20250423-IR-312240574RFA)

312 IAC 9-1-3 312 IAC 9-1-3 "Antlerless deer" defined

312 IAC 9-1-3 "Antlerless deer" defined

Authority: IC 14-11-2-1; IC 14-22-2-6

Affected: IC 14-22

Sec. 3. "Antlerless deer" means a deer other than an antlered deer.

(Natural Resources Commission; 312 IAC 9-1-3; filed May 12, 1997, 10:00 a.m.: 20 IR 2698; readopted filed Jul 28, 2003, 12:00 p.m.: 27 IR 286; readopted filed Nov 24, 2008, 11:08 a.m.: 20081210-IR-312080672RFA; readopted filed May 20, 2014, 9:43 a.m.: 20140618-IR-312140017RFA; readopted filed Sep 18, 2019, 1:16 p.m.: 20191016-IR-312190325RFA; readopted filed Mar 25, 2025, 9:50 a.m.: 20250423-IR-312240574RFA)

312 IAC 9-1-3.2 312 IAC 9-1-3.2 "Aquatic life" defined

312 IAC 9-1-3.2 "Aquatic life" defined

Authority: IC 14-22-2-6

Affected: IC 14-22

Sec. 3.2. "Aquatic life" means all fish, reptiles, amphibians, mollusks, crustaceans, and any other animal that the department identifies after consultation with a biologist, zoologist, or other wildlife expert.

(Natural Resources Commission; 312 IAC 9-1-3.2; filed Oct 24, 2017, 8:46 a.m.: 20171122-IR-312170262FRA; readopted filed Sep 18, 2019, 1:16 p.m.: 20191016-IR-312190325RFA; readopted filed Mar 25, 2025, 9:50 a.m.: 20250423-IR-312240574RFA)

312 IAC 9-1-4 312 IAC 9-1-4 "Bait" defined (Repealed)

312 IAC 9-1-4 "Bait" defined (Repealed)

(Repealed by Natural Resources Commission; filed Mar 12, 2010, 1:28 p.m.: 20100407-IR-312090479FRA)

312 IAC 9-1-5 312 IAC 9-1-5 "Bird" defined

312 IAC 9-1-5 "Bird" defined

Authority: IC 14-11-2-1; IC 14-22-2-6

Affected: IC 14-22

Sec. 5. "Bird" means the class of warm blooded vertebrate wild animals distinguished by having the body more or less covered with feathers and the forelimbs modified as wings, and includes the eggs of the animal.

(Natural Resources Commission; 312 IAC 9-1-5; filed May 12, 1997, 10:00 a.m.: 20 IR 2698; readopted filed Jul 28, 2003, 12:00 p.m.: 27 IR 286; readopted filed Nov 24, 2008, 11:08 a.m.: 20081210-IR-312080672RFA; readopted filed May 20, 2014, 9:43 a.m.: 20140618-IR-312140017RFA; readopted filed Sep 18, 2019, 1:16 p.m.: 20191016-IR-312190325RFA; readopted filed Mar 25, 2025, 9:50 a.m.: 20250423-IR-312240574RFA)

312 IAC 9-1-5.2 312 IAC 9-1-5.2 "Chronic wasting disease positive area" defined

312 IAC 9-1-5.2 "Chronic wasting disease positive area" defined

Authority: IC 4-22-2-37.1; IC 14-10-2-4; IC 14-22-2-6

Affected: IC 14-22

Sec. 5.2. A "chronic wasting disease positive area" means a county designated by the department where:

(1) there is a confirmed case of chronic wasting disease by a laboratory in the national animal health laboratory network; or

(2) the scientific model used by the department predicts the spread of chronic wasting disease in Indiana based on the:

(A) location of positive cases;

(B) knowledge of disease transmission in the Midwest; and

(Natural Resources Commission; 312 IAC 9-1-5.2; filed Mar 11, 2025, 10:26 a.m.: 20250409-IR-312240385FRA; readopted filed Mar 25, 2025, 9:50 a.m.: 20250423-IR-312240574RFA)

312 IAC 9-1-5.3 312 IAC 9-1-5.3 "Crossbow" defined

312 IAC 9-1-5.3 "Crossbow" defined

Authority: IC 14-10-2-4; IC 14-22-2-6

Affected: IC 14-22

Sec. 5.3. "Crossbow" means a device for propelling an arrow by means of limbs mounted on a stock and a string and having a working safety that may be drawn, held, and released by a mechanical device and has the following:

(1) At least one hundred twenty-five (125) pounds pull.

(2) A mechanical safety.

(Natural Resources Commission; 312 IAC 9-1-5.3; filed Dec 1, 2011, 4:01 p.m.: 20111228-IR-312110101FRA; readopted filed May 20, 2014, 9:43 a.m.: 20140618-IR-312140017RFA; filed Jun 15, 2015, 3:43 p.m.: 20150715-IR-312140453FRA; readopted filed Sep 18, 2019, 1:16 p.m.: 20191016-IR-312190325RFA; readopted filed Mar 25, 2025, 9:50 a.m.: 20250423-IR-312240574RFA)

312 IAC 9-1-5.5 312 IAC 9-1-5.5 "Disability" defined

312 IAC 9-1-5.5 "Disability" defined

Authority: IC 14-11-2-1; IC 14-22-2-6

Affected: IC 14-22

Sec. 5.5. "Disability" means a physical impairment to an individual resulting from an injury or disease, but excludes an impairment that is attributable to the normal aging process.

(Natural Resources Commission; 312 IAC 9-1-5.5; filed Mar 12, 2010, 1:28 p.m.: 20100407-IR-312090479FRA; readopted filed May 20, 2014, 9:43 a.m.: 20140618-IR-312140017RFA; readopted filed Sep 18, 2019, 1:16 p.m.: 20191016-IR-312190325RFA; readopted filed Mar 25, 2025, 9:50 a.m.: 20250423-IR-312240574RFA)

312 IAC 9-1-6 312 IAC 9-1-6 "Exempted wild animal" defined

312 IAC 9-1-6 "Exempted wild animal" defined

Authority: IC 14-11-2-1; IC 14-22-2-6

Affected: IC 14-22

Sec. 6. "Exempted wild animal" means a wild animal, which is unprotected and may be taken or possessed at any time.

(Natural Resources Commission; 312 IAC 9-1-6; filed May 12, 1997, 10:00 a.m.: 20 IR 2699; readopted filed Jul 28, 2003, 12:00 p.m.: 27 IR 286; readopted filed Nov 24, 2008, 11:08 a.m.: 20081210-IR-312080672RFA; filed Mar 12, 2010, 1:28 p.m.: 20100407-IR-312090479FRA; readopted filed May 20, 2014, 9:43 a.m.: 20140618-IR-312140017RFA; readopted filed Sep 18, 2019, 1:16 p.m.: 20191016-IR-312190325RFA; readopted filed Mar 25, 2025, 9:50 a.m.: 20250423-IR-312240574RFA)

312 IAC 9-1-7 312 IAC 9-1-7 "Falconry" defined

312 IAC 9-1-7 "Falconry" defined

Authority: IC 14-11-2-1; IC 14-22-2-6

Affected: IC 14-22

Sec. 7. "Falconry" includes:

(1) taking;

(2) possessing;

(3) caring for;

(4) training; and

(5) transporting;

raptors for the purpose of pursuing, hunting, and taking wild animals with raptors.

(Natural Resources Commission; 312 IAC 9-1-7; filed May 12, 1997, 10:00 a.m.: 20 IR 2699; readopted filed Jul 28, 2003, 12:00 p.m.: 27 IR 286; readopted filed Nov 24, 2008, 11:08 a.m.: 20081210-IR-312080672RFA; filed Jul 5, 2011, 1:38 p.m.: 20110803-IR-312100667FRA; errata filed Sep 15, 2011, 1:07 p.m.: 20110928-IR-312110555ACA; readopted filed May 20, 2014, 9:43 a.m.: 20140618-IR-312140017RFA; readopted filed Sep 18, 2019, 1:16 p.m.: 20191016-IR-312190325RFA; readopted filed Mar 25, 2025, 9:50 a.m.: 20250423-IR-312240574RFA)

312 IAC 9-1-7.5 312 IAC 9-1-7.5 "Game bird" defined

312 IAC 9-1-7.5 "Game bird" defined

Authority: IC 14-22-2-6

Affected: IC 14-22

Sec. 7.5. "Game bird" means the following:

(1) Pheasant.

(2) Quail.

(3) Grouse.

(4) Wild turkey.

(5) Mourning dove.

(Natural Resources Commission; 312 IAC 9-1-7.5; filed Mar 12, 2010, 1:28 p.m.: 20100407-IR-312090479FRA; readopted filed May 20, 2014, 9:43 a.m.: 20140618-IR-312140017RFA; readopted filed Sep 18, 2019, 1:16 p.m.: 20191016-IR-312190325RFA; readopted filed Mar 25, 2025, 9:50 a.m.: 20250423-IR-312240574RFA)

312 IAC 9-1-7.6 312 IAC 9-1-7.6 "Ground blind" defined

312 IAC 9-1-7.6 "Ground blind" defined

Authority: IC 14-10-2-4; IC 14-22-2-6

Affected: IC 14-22

Sec. 7.6. "Ground blind" means a structure or visual screen of any type that is located on or within four (4) feet of the ground that includes manmade or synthetic materials and results in concealing a hunter so that the hunter orange worn by the hunter may not be visible from one (1) or more directions.

(Natural Resources Commission; 312 IAC 9-1-7.6; filed Dec 1, 2011, 4:01 p.m.: 20111228-IR-312110101FRA; readopted filed May 20, 2014, 9:43 a.m.: 20140618-IR-312140017RFA; readopted filed Sep 18, 2019, 1:16 p.m.: 20191016-IR-312190325RFA; readopted filed Mar 25, 2025, 9:50 a.m.: 20250423-IR-312240574RFA)

312 IAC 9-1-8 312 IAC 9-1-8 "Handicap" defined (Repealed)

312 IAC 9-1-8 "Handicap" defined (Repealed)

(Repealed by Natural Resources Commission; filed Mar 12, 2010, 1:28 p.m.: 20100407-IR-312090479FRA)

312 IAC 9-1-8.5 312 IAC 9-1-8.5 "Harvest per effort" defined

312 IAC 9-1-8.5 "Harvest per effort" defined

Authority: IC 14-10-2-4; IC 14-22-2-6

Affected: IC 4-21.5; IC 14-22-6-1

Sec. 8.5. "Harvest per effort" means the ratio of the total number of deer harvested divided by the hunter effort recorded as calculated under 312 IAC 9-2-18(l).

(Natural Resources Commission; 312 IAC 9-1-8.5; filed Nov 18, 2025, 2:58 p.m.: 20251217-IR-312250282FRA)

312 IAC 9-1-9 312 IAC 9-1-9 "Hunter orange" defined (Repealed)

312 IAC 9-1-9 "Hunter orange" defined (Repealed)

(Repealed by Natural Resources Commission; filed Jun 15, 2015, 3:43 p.m.: 20150715-IR-312140453FRA)

312 IAC 9-1-9.5 312 IAC 9-1-9.5 "Ice fishing shelter" defined

312 IAC 9-1-9.5 "Ice fishing shelter" defined

Authority: IC 14-22-2-6

Affected: IC 14-22

Sec. 9.5. "Ice fishing shelter" means a rigid or collapsible ice fishing house, shanty, or other fully enclosed structure.

(Natural Resources Commission; 312 IAC 9-1-9.5; filed Sep 23, 2004, 3:00 p.m.: 28 IR 536; readopted filed Nov 24, 2008, 11:08 a.m.: 20081210-IR-312080672RFA; filed Mar 12, 2010, 1:28 p.m.: 20100407-IR-312090479FRA; readopted filed May 20, 2014, 9:43 a.m.: 20140618-IR-312140017RFA; readopted filed Sep 18, 2019, 1:16 p.m.: 20191016-IR-312190325RFA; readopted filed Mar 25, 2025, 9:50 a.m.: 20250423-IR-312240574RFA)

312 IAC 9-1-9.6 312 IAC 9-1-9.6 "Immediate family" defined

312 IAC 9-1-9.6 "Immediate family" defined

Authority: IC 14-10-2-4; IC 14-22-2-6; IC 14-22-11-1

Affected: IC 14-22

Sec. 9.6. "Immediate family" means a husband, wife, son, or daughter.

(Natural Resources Commission; 312 IAC 9-1-9.6; filed Jan 8, 2007, 9:11 a.m.: 20070207-IR-312060193FRA; readopted filed Nov 24, 2008, 11:08 a.m.: 20081210-IR-312080672RFA; readopted filed May 20, 2014, 9:43 a.m.: 20140618-IR-312140017RFA; readopted filed Sep 18, 2019, 1:16 p.m.: 20191016-IR-312190325RFA; readopted filed Mar 25, 2025, 9:50 a.m.: 20250423-IR-312240574RFA)

312 IAC 9-1-9.7 312 IAC 9-1-9.7 "Inland water" defined

312 IAC 9-1-9.7 "Inland water" defined

Authority: IC 14-10-2-4; IC 14-22-2-6

Affected: IC 14-22

Sec. 9.7. "Inland water" means the:

(1) water of the state; and

(2) boundary waters of the state, except Lake Michigan and the Ohio River.

(Natural Resources Commission; 312 IAC 9-1-9.7; filed Jan 2, 2013, 3:42 p.m.: 20130130-IR-312120381FRA; readopted filed May 20, 2014, 9:43 a.m.: 20140618-IR-312140017RFA; readopted filed Sep 18, 2019, 1:16 p.m.: 20191016-IR-312190325RFA; readopted filed Mar 25, 2025, 9:50 a.m.: 20250423-IR-312240574RFA)

312 IAC 9-1-10 312 IAC 9-1-10 "Motor driven conveyance" defined

312 IAC 9-1-10 "Motor driven conveyance" defined

Authority: IC 14-11-2-1; IC 14-22-2-6

Affected: IC 14-22

Sec. 10. "Motor driven conveyance" means:

(1) an automobile;

(2) a truck;

(3) a tractor;

(4) a combine;

(5) a wagon;

(6) a bus;

(7) an off-road vehicle;

(8) a recreational vehicle;

(9) a motorcycle;

(10) a moped;

(11) a dune buggy;

(12) a go-cart;

(13) a motorboat;

(14) an airplane; or

(15) other motorized conveyance capable of transporting an individual.

(Natural Resources Commission; 312 IAC 9-1-10; filed May 12, 1997, 10:00 a.m.: 20 IR 2699; readopted filed Jul 28, 2003, 12:00 p.m.: 27 IR 286; readopted filed Nov 24, 2008, 11:08 a.m.: 20081210-IR-312080672RFA; readopted filed May 20, 2014, 9:43 a.m.: 20140618-IR-312140017RFA; readopted filed Sep 18, 2019, 1:16 p.m.: 20191016-IR-312190325RFA; readopted filed Mar 25, 2025, 9:50 a.m.: 20250423-IR-312240574RFA)

312 IAC 9-1-11 312 IAC 9-1-11 "Navigable waterway" defined (Repealed)

312 IAC 9-1-11 "Navigable waterway" defined (Repealed)

(Repealed by Natural Resources Commission; filed Feb 7, 2000, 3:31 p.m.: 23 IR 1367)

312 IAC 9-1-11.2 312 IAC 9-1-11.2 "Nonreleasable" defined

312 IAC 9-1-11.2 "Nonreleasable" defined

Authority: IC 4-22-2-37.1; IC 14-10-2-4; IC 14-22-2-6

Affected: IC 14-22

Sec. 11.2. "Nonreleasable" means a determination based upon a licensed veterinarian's examination and statement that a wild animal may not be released from an individual holding a wild animal rehabilitation permit under this section because the wild animal:

(1) cannot obtain food without assistance in the wild;

(2) does not exhibit locomotive skills needed to survive;

(3) does not possess adequate vision to find or catch food or to maneuver in a normal manner; or

(4) cannot otherwise fend for itself without medical care due to disease or injury.

(Natural Resources Commission; 312 IAC 9-1-11.2; filed Mar 11, 2025, 10:26 a.m.: 20250409-IR-312240385FRA; readopted filed Mar 25, 2025, 9:50 a.m.: 20250423-IR-312240574RFA)

312 IAC 9-1-11.5 312 IAC 9-1-11.5 "Portable ice fishing shelter" defined (Repealed)

312 IAC 9-1-11.5 "Portable ice fishing shelter" defined (Repealed)

(Repealed by Natural Resources Commission; filed Mar 12, 2010, 1:28 p.m.: 20100407-IR-312090479FRA)

312 IAC 9-1-12 312 IAC 9-1-12 "Possession" defined

312 IAC 9-1-12 "Possession" defined

Authority: IC 14-11-2-1; IC 14-22-2-6

Affected: IC 14-22

Sec. 12. "Possession" means to:

(1) have direct physical control or knowingly have the power and the intention to exercise dominion or control over wild animals that are not alive; or

(2) knowingly have the power and intention of keeping a live wild animal in captivity where it cannot escape into the wild.

(Natural Resources Commission; 312 IAC 9-1-12; filed May 12, 1997, 10:00 a.m.: 20 IR 2699; readopted filed Jul 28, 2003, 12:00 p.m.: 27 IR 286; readopted filed Nov 24, 2008, 11:08 a.m.: 20081210-IR-312080672RFA; filed Feb 6, 2012, 3:10 p.m.: 20120307-IR-312110470FRA; readopted filed May 20, 2014, 9:43 a.m.: 20140618-IR-312140017RFA; filed Jun 15, 2015, 3:43 p.m.: 20150715-IR-312140453FRA; readopted filed Sep 18, 2019, 1:16 p.m.: 20191016-IR-312190325RFA; readopted filed Mar 25, 2025, 9:50 a.m.: 20250423-IR-312240574RFA)

312 IAC 9-1-12.1 312 IAC 9-1-12.1 "Possession limit" defined

312 IAC 9-1-12.1 "Possession limit" defined

Authority: IC 14-11-2-1; IC 14-22-2-6

Affected: IC 14-22

Sec. 12.1. "Possession limit" means twice the daily bag limit of a wild animal.

(Natural Resources Commission; 312 IAC 9-1-12.1; filed Feb 6, 2012, 3:10 p.m.: 20120307-IR-312110470FRA; readopted filed May 20, 2014, 9:43 a.m.: 20140618-IR-312140017RFA; readopted filed Sep 18, 2019, 1:16 p.m.: 20191016-IR-312190325RFA; readopted filed Mar 25, 2025, 9:50 a.m.: 20250423-IR-312240574RFA)

312 IAC 9-1-12.5 312 IAC 9-1-12.5 "Primary residence" defined

312 IAC 9-1-12.5 "Primary residence" defined

Authority: IC 14-10-2-4; IC 14-22-2-6

Affected: IC 14-22

Sec. 12.5. "Primary residence" means an individual's principal or ordinary habitation used as a home or dwelling for a fixed or indefinite period of time. The term does not include temporary or transient lodging used during a:

(1) hunting;

(2) fishing;

(3) pleasure;

(4) recreation; or

(5) business;

trip or other temporary purpose.

(Natural Resources Commission; 312 IAC 9-1-12.5; filed Feb 6, 2012, 3:10 p.m.: 20120307-IR-312110470FRA; readopted filed May 20, 2014, 9:43 a.m.: 20140618-IR-312140017RFA; readopted filed Sep 18, 2019, 1:16 p.m.: 20191016-IR-312190325RFA; readopted filed Mar 25, 2025, 9:50 a.m.: 20250423-IR-312240574RFA)

312 IAC 9-1-12.6 312 IAC 9-1-12.6 "Processed" defined

312 IAC 9-1-12.6 "Processed" defined

Authority: IC 14-10-2-4; IC 14-22-2-6

Affected: IC 14-22

Sec. 12.6. "Processed" means wild animals that have been:

(1) cut, wrapped, and frozen;

(2) dried;

(3) smoked;

(4) canned (in tins or jars);

(5) vacuum packed; or

(6) otherwise preserved for long term storage and later consumption.

(Natural Resources Commission; 312 IAC 9-1-12.6; filed Feb 6, 2012, 3:10 p.m.: 20120307-IR-312110470FRA; readopted filed May 20, 2014, 9:43 a.m.: 20140618-IR-312140017RFA; readopted filed Sep 18, 2019, 1:16 p.m.: 20191016-IR-312190325RFA; readopted filed Mar 25, 2025, 9:50 a.m.: 20250423-IR-312240574RFA)

312 IAC 9-1-13 312 IAC 9-1-13 "Raptor" defined (Repealed)

312 IAC 9-1-13 "Raptor" defined (Repealed)

(Repealed by Natural Resources Commission; filed Mar 12, 2010, 1:28 p.m.: 20100407-IR-312090479FRA)

312 IAC 9-1-13.2 312 IAC 9-1-13.2 "Relaxing snare lock" defined

312 IAC 9-1-13.2 "Relaxing snare lock" defined

Authority: IC 14-10-2-4; IC 14-22-2-6

Affected: IC 14-22

Sec. 13.2. Effective October 1, 2021, "relaxing snare lock" means a snare lock that allows the snare loop to release constriction pressure on the captured animal when the cable is not taut.

(Natural Resources Commission; 312 IAC 9-1-13.2; filed Nov 16, 2020, 9:30 a.m.: 20201216-IR-312200069FRA; readopted filed Mar 25, 2025, 9:50 a.m.: 20250423-IR-312240574RFA)

312 IAC 9-1-13.3 312 IAC 9-1-13.3 "Reptile" defined

312 IAC 9-1-13.3 "Reptile" defined

Authority: IC 14-22-2-6; IC 14-22-26-3; IC 14-22-34-17

Affected: IC 14-22

Sec. 13.3. "Reptile" means the following:

(1) A turtle, snake, lizard, amphisbaenian, crocodilian, tuatara, or other animal of the class Reptilia.

(2) The parts, eggs, or offspring of a species of the class Reptilia.

(Natural Resources Commission; 312 IAC 9-1-13.3; filed Jul 9, 1999, 5:55 p.m.: 22 IR 3671; readopted filed Jul 28, 2003, 12:00 p.m.: 27 IR 286; readopted filed Nov 24, 2008, 11:08 a.m.: 20081210-IR-312080672RFA; readopted filed May 20, 2014, 9:43 a.m.: 20140618-IR-312140017RFA; readopted filed Sep 18, 2019, 1:16 p.m.: 20191016-IR-312190325RFA; readopted filed Mar 25, 2025, 9:50 a.m.: 20250423-IR-312240574RFA)

312 IAC 9-1-13.5 312 IAC 9-1-13.5 "Seine" defined

312 IAC 9-1-13.5 "Seine" defined

Authority: IC 14-10-2-4; IC 14-22-2-6

Affected: IC 14-22

Sec. 13.5. "Seine" means a net that is constantly attended and pulled through the water for the entrapment of fish.

(Natural Resources Commission; 312 IAC 9-1-13.5; filed Jan 2, 2013, 3:42 p.m.: 20130130-IR-312120381FRA; readopted filed May 20, 2014, 9:43 a.m.: 20140618-IR-312140017RFA; readopted filed Sep 18, 2019, 1:16 p.m.: 20191016-IR-312190325RFA; readopted filed Mar 25, 2025, 9:50 a.m.: 20250423-IR-312240574RFA)

312 IAC 9-1-13.7 312 IAC 9-1-13.7 "Snare lock" defined

312 IAC 9-1-13.7 "Snare lock" defined

Authority: IC 14-10-2-4; IC 14-22-2-6

Affected: IC 14-22

Sec. 13.7. Effective October 1, 2021, "snare lock" means a device that creates and maintains a snare loop and prevents the loop after closure upon an animal from reopening to a diameter that allows the animal to escape.

(Natural Resources Commission; 312 IAC 9-1-13.7; filed Nov 16, 2020, 9:30 a.m.: 20201216-IR-312200069FRA; readopted filed Mar 25, 2025, 9:50 a.m.: 20250423-IR-312240574RFA)

312 IAC 9-1-14 312 IAC 9-1-14 "Threatened species" defined (Repealed)

312 IAC 9-1-14 "Threatened species" defined (Repealed)

(Repealed by Natural Resources Commission; filed Mar 12, 2010, 1:28 p.m.: 20100407-IR-312090479FRA)

312 IAC 9-1-14.5 312 IAC 9-1-14.5 "Venomous reptile" defined

312 IAC 9-1-14.5 "Venomous reptile" defined

Authority: IC 14-22-2-6; IC 14-22-26-3; IC 14-22-34-17

Affected: IC 14-22

Sec. 14.5. "Venomous reptile" means a reptile that is normally considered a venomous or poisonous species where found in its native habitat and that can inflict serious bodily injury (as defined by IC 35-31.5-2-292) or death upon a human being, regardless of whether an individual animal has been surgically altered.

(Natural Resources Commission; 312 IAC 9-1-14.5; filed Jul 9, 1999, 5:55 p.m.: 22 IR 3671; readopted filed Jul 28, 2003, 12:00 p.m.: 27 IR 286; readopted filed Nov 24, 2008, 11:08 a.m.: 20081210-IR-312080672RFA; errata filed Dec 6, 2013, 11:12 a.m.: 20140101-IR-312130537ACA; readopted filed May 20, 2014, 9:43 a.m.: 20140618-IR-312140017RFA; readopted filed Sep 18, 2019, 1:16 p.m.: 20191016-IR-312190325RFA; readopted filed Mar 25, 2025, 9:50 a.m.: 20250423-IR-312240574RFA)

312 IAC 9-1-15 312 IAC 9-1-15 "Wears hunter orange" defined (Repealed)

312 IAC 9-1-15 "Wears hunter orange" defined (Repealed)

(Repealed by Natural Resources Commission; filed Mar 12, 2010, 1:28 p.m.: 20100407-IR-312090479FRA)

312 IAC 9-1-16 312 IAC 9-1-16 "Waterfowl" defined

312 IAC 9-1-16 "Waterfowl" defined

Authority: IC 14-22-2-6

Affected: IC 14-22

Sec. 16. "Waterfowl" means a:

(1) wild goose;

(2) brant;

(3) swan; or

(4) wild duck.

(Natural Resources Commission; 312 IAC 9-1-16; filed Mar 12, 2010, 1:28 p.m.: 20100407-IR-312090479FRA; readopted filed May 20, 2014, 9:43 a.m.: 20140618-IR-312140017RFA; readopted filed Sep 18, 2019, 1:16 p.m.: 20191016-IR-312190325RFA; readopted filed Mar 25, 2025, 9:50 a.m.: 20250423-IR-312240574RFA)

312 IAC 9-1-17 312 IAC 9-1-17 "Youth" defined

312 IAC 9-1-17 "Youth" defined

Authority: IC 14-10-2-4; IC 14-22-2-6

Affected: IC 14-22

Sec. 17. "Youth" means an individual less than eighteen (18) years of age on the date of a hunt.

(Natural Resources Commission; 312 IAC 9-1-17; filed Dec 12, 2024, 2:17 p.m.: 20250108-IR-312240049FRA; readopted filed Mar 25, 2025, 9:50 a.m.: 20250423-IR-312240574RFA)

Rule 2

312 IAC 9-2-1 312 IAC 9-2-1 Taking, chasing, and possessing wild animals (Repealed)

Rule 2. Restrictions and Standards Applicable to Wild Animals

312 IAC 9-2-1 Taking, chasing, and possessing wild animals (Repealed)

(Repealed by Natural Resources Commission; filed Jun 15, 2015, 3:43 p.m.: 20150715-IR-312140453FRA)

312 IAC 9-2-2 312 IAC 9-2-2 Prohibition against motor driven conveyances

312 IAC 9-2-2 Prohibition against motor driven conveyances

Authority: IC 14-22-2-6

Affected: IC 14-22

Sec. 2. (a) An individual must not take or chase a wild mammal or bird from, by the use of, or with the aid of a motor driven conveyance, except:

(1) as authorized for an individual with a special hunting permit for a person with a disability under 312 IAC 9-10-10; and

(2) as provided in subsection (b).

(b) A motorboat may be used to:

(1) check traps that are lawfully set and maintained; or

(2) retrieve a dead or crippled waterfowl.

(1) beached;

(2) resting at anchor;

(3) tied to a stationary object; or

(4) otherwise without motion except as provided by:

(A) wind;

(B) water current; or

(d) An individual must not discharge a firearm or bow and arrows from a motor driven conveyance while the conveyance is in motion.

(Natural Resources Commission; 312 IAC 9-2-2; filed May 12, 1997, 10:00 a.m.: 20 IR 2700; readopted filed Jul 28, 2003, 12:00 p.m.: 27 IR 286; readopted filed Nov 24, 2008, 11:08 a.m.: 20081210-IR-312080672RFA; filed Mar 12, 2010, 1:28 p.m.: 20100407-IR-312090479FRA; readopted filed May 20, 2014, 9:43 a.m.: 20140618-IR-312140017RFA; filed Jun 21, 2018, 1:45 p.m.: 20180718-IR-312170436FRA; readopted filed Sep 18, 2019, 1:16 p.m.: 20191016-IR-312190325RFA; readopted filed Mar 25, 2025, 9:50 a.m.: 20250423-IR-312240574RFA)

312 IAC 9-2-3 312 IAC 9-2-3 Applicability to wild animal parts

312 IAC 9-2-3 Applicability to wild animal parts

Authority: IC 14-22-2-6

Affected: IC 14-8-2-108; IC 14-22

Sec. 3. (a) Except as provided in subsection (b), a person may not:

(1) possess;

(2) sell;

(3) offer for sale;

(4) purchase;

(5) offer for purchase;

(6) ship;

(7) transport;

(8) deliver; or

(9) receive;

a wild animal. This section applies to any part of a wild animal.

(b) Subsection (a) does not apply to the following:

(1) A tanned hide.

(2) Any portion of a furbearing mammal, as defined by IC 14-8-2-108.

(3) Cured feathers.

(4) A squirrel tail.

(5) An untanned deer hide.

(6) Antlers.

(7) Hooves.

(8) Any part of a river otter.

(9) An untanned squirrel hide.

(10) Any part of a bobcat.

(Natural Resources Commission; 312 IAC 9-2-3; filed May 12, 1997, 10:00 a.m.: 20 IR 2700; filed May 28, 1998, 5:14 p.m.: 21 IR 3712; readopted filed Jul 28, 2003, 12:00 p.m.: 27 IR 286; readopted filed Nov 24, 2008, 11:08 a.m.: 20081210-IR-312080672RFA; filed Mar 12, 2010, 1:28 p.m.: 20100407-IR-312090479FRA; readopted filed May 20, 2014, 9:43 a.m.: 20140618-IR-312140017RFA; filed Feb 26, 2015, 2:01 p.m.: 20150325-IR-312140341FRA; readopted filed Sep 18, 2019, 1:16 p.m.: 20191016-IR-312190325RFA; filed May 7, 2025, 11:48 a.m.: 20250604-IR-312240383FRA)

312 IAC 9-2-4 312 IAC 9-2-4 Restrictions on the placement of traps

312 IAC 9-2-4 Restrictions on the placement of traps

Authority: IC 14-22-2-6

Affected: IC 14-22

Sec. 4. (a) An individual must not set or place a stake, a chain, a drag, a trap, any other portion of a trap, or a net that is designed to take a wild animal except:

(1) during a season established for trapping that wild animal;

(2) for coyotes, during any time of year by a person who possesses that land or has permission from the person who possesses that land;

(3) for wild animals that are damaging property and taken by a resident landowner or tenant under 312 IAC 9-3-15;

(4) for raptors with a falconry license in accordance with 312 IAC 9-10-13.1;

(5) with a scientific purposes license in accordance with 312 IAC 9-10-6; or

(6) with a nuisance wild animal control permit in accordance with 312 IAC 9-10-11.

(b) A person must not place or cause to be placed a trap (set or unset) capable of taking a migratory bird on a pole or post, unless the person possesses a permit issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service under 50 CFR 21, Subpart D and one (1) of the following that authorizes the taking of a migratory bird:

(1) A scientific purposes license issued by the department under 312 IAC 9-10-6.

(2) A migratory bird depredation permit issued by the department under 312 IAC 9-10-23.

(Natural Resources Commission; 312 IAC 9-2-4; filed May 12, 1997, 10:00 a.m.: 20 IR 2700; readopted filed Jul 28, 2003, 12:00 p.m.: 27 IR 286; readopted filed Nov 24, 2008, 11:08 a.m.: 20081210-IR-312080672RFA; filed Mar 12, 2010, 1:28 p.m.: 20100407-IR-312090479FRA; readopted filed May 20, 2014, 9:43 a.m.: 20140618-IR-312140017RFA; filed Jun 15, 2015, 3:43 p.m.: 20150715-IR-312140453FRA; readopted filed Sep 18, 2019, 1:16 p.m.: 20191016-IR-312190325RFA; readopted filed Mar 25, 2025, 9:50 a.m.: 20250423-IR-312240574RFA)

312 IAC 9-2-5 312 IAC 9-2-5 Netting and trapping wild birds prohibited (Repealed)

312 IAC 9-2-5 Netting and trapping wild birds prohibited (Repealed)

(Repealed by Natural Resources Commission; filed Jun 15, 2015, 3:43 p.m.: 20150715-IR-312140453FRA)

312 IAC 9-2-6 312 IAC 9-2-6 Prohibitions applicable at fish hatcheries

312 IAC 9-2-6 Prohibitions applicable at fish hatcheries

Authority: IC 14-22-2-6

Affected: IC 14-22

Sec. 6. (a) An individual must not take a wild animal in a fish hatchery or fish rearing unit owned, controlled, or supervised by the state or the United States except with a:

(1) scientific purposes license issued by the department under 312 IAC 9-10-6; or

(2) nuisance wild animal control permit issued by the department under 312 IAC 9-10-11.

(b) An individual must not discharge a firearm in or over a fish rearing unit owned, controlled, or supervised by the state or the United States.

(Natural Resources Commission; 312 IAC 9-2-6; filed May 12, 1997, 10:00 a.m.: 20 IR 2700; readopted filed Jul 28, 2003, 12:00 p.m.: 27 IR 286; readopted filed Nov 24, 2008, 11:08 a.m.: 20081210-IR-312080672RFA; filed Mar 12, 2010, 1:28 p.m.: 20100407-IR-312090479FRA; readopted filed May 20, 2014, 9:43 a.m.: 20140618-IR-312140017RFA; readopted filed Sep 18, 2019, 1:16 p.m.: 20191016-IR-312190325RFA; readopted filed Mar 25, 2025, 9:50 a.m.: 20250423-IR-312240574RFA)

312 IAC 9-2-7 312 IAC 9-2-7 Endangered and threatened species (Repealed)

312 IAC 9-2-7 Endangered and threatened species (Repealed)

(Repealed by Natural Resources Commission; filed May 16, 2002, 12:25 p.m.: 25 IR 3049)

312 IAC 9-2-8 312 IAC 9-2-8 Possession restrictions

312 IAC 9-2-8 Possession restrictions

Authority: IC 14-22-2-6

Affected: IC 14-22

Sec. 8. (a) An individual must not take more than the daily bag limit of a wild animal in a calendar day.

(b) An individual may carry the carcass of a wild animal for another individual while in the field or transporting from the field if the individual who took the wild animal is present.

(1) possess;

(2) ship;

(3) carry; or

(4) transport;

more than the possession limit of a wild animal after the beginning of the second day of the season established to take that wild animal unless the wild animal is tagged in accordance with subsection (f) or (g).

(d) The possession limit does not apply to a wild animal that is processed and stored at an individual's primary residence, except for waterfowl and migratory game birds.

(e) An individual who lawfully takes a wild animal may give to another individual one (1) or more carcasses of a wild animal, with no compensation of any kind.

(f) A wild animal that is gifted, left unattended while in the field, or not in the immediate vicinity of the individual who took the wild animal while in the field must have a tag attached or be in a container or bag that has the following information:

(1) The name and address of the individual who took the animal.

(2) The total number and species of wild animals taken.

(3) The date the wild animal was taken.

(4) The signature of the individual who took the animal.

(g) Notwithstanding subsection (f), an individual must tag a:

(1) white-tailed deer in accordance with 312 IAC 9-3-2; and

(2) wild turkey in accordance with 312 IAC 9-4-11.

(Natural Resources Commission; 312 IAC 9-2-8; filed May 12, 1997, 10:00 a.m.: 20 IR 2701; readopted filed Jul 28, 2003, 12:00 p.m.: 27 IR 286; readopted filed Nov 24, 2008, 11:08 a.m.: 20081210-IR-312080672RFA; filed Mar 12, 2010, 1:28 p.m.: 20100407-IR-312090479FRA; filed Feb 6, 2012, 3:10 p.m.: 20120307-IR-312110470FRA; readopted filed May 20, 2014, 9:43 a.m.: 20140618-IR-312140017RFA; readopted filed Sep 18, 2019, 1:16 p.m.: 20191016-IR-312190325RFA; readopted filed Mar 25, 2025, 9:50 a.m.: 20250423-IR-312240574RFA)

312 IAC 9-2-9 312 IAC 9-2-9 Chasing; use of dogs

312 IAC 9-2-9 Chasing; use of dogs

Authority: IC 14-10-2-4; IC 14-22-2-6

Affected: IC 14-22

Sec. 9. (a) Except as otherwise provided in this article, an individual may use dogs to chase a wild animal at any time.

(b) An individual who uses dogs to chase wild animals during a taking or hunting season for the species being chased must comply with the restrictions established in this article for the taking or hunting season.

(Natural Resources Commission; 312 IAC 9-2-9; filed May 12, 1997, 10:00 a.m.: 20 IR 2701; readopted filed Jul 28, 2003, 12:00 p.m.: 27 IR 286; readopted filed Nov 24, 2008, 11:08 a.m.: 20081210-IR-312080672RFA; filed Mar 12, 2010, 1:28 p.m.: 20100407-IR-312090479FRA; filed Mar 15, 2013, 2:33 p.m.: 20130410-IR-312120403FRA; readopted filed May 20, 2014, 9:43 a.m.: 20140618-IR-312140017RFA; readopted filed Sep 18, 2019, 1:16 p.m.: 20191016-IR-312190325RFA; readopted filed Mar 25, 2025, 9:50 a.m.: 20250423-IR-312240574RFA)

312 IAC 9-2-10 312 IAC 9-2-10 Violations of law or license terms; revocations

312 IAC 9-2-10 Violations of law or license terms; revocations

Authority: IC 14-22-2-6

Affected: IC 4-21.5; IC 14-22-6-1

Sec. 10. (a) The director may suspend, revoke, or deny a license for failure by a license holder to comply with the law or a term of the license under IC 4-21.5.

(b) A violation of a license issued under this article is a violation of this article and IC 14-22-6-1.

(Natural Resources Commission; 312 IAC 9-2-10; filed May 12, 1997, 10:00 a.m.: 20 IR 2701; readopted filed Jul 28, 2003, 12:00 p.m.: 27 IR 286; readopted filed Nov 24, 2008, 11:08 a.m.: 20081210-IR-312080672RFA; filed Mar 12, 2010, 1:28 p.m.: 20100407-IR-312090479FRA; readopted filed May 20, 2014, 9:43 a.m.: 20140618-IR-312140017RFA; readopted filed Sep 18, 2019, 1:16 p.m.: 20191016-IR-312190325RFA; readopted filed Mar 25, 2025, 9:50 a.m.: 20250423-IR-312240574RFA)

312 IAC 9-2-11 312 IAC 9-2-11 State parks and state historic sites

312 IAC 9-2-11 State parks and state historic sites

Authority: IC 14-10-2-4; IC 14-22-2-6

Affected: IC 4-21.5; IC 14-22-6-1

Sec. 11. (a) An individual must not take or chase a wild animal, other than a fish, in a state park or a state historic site except for employees of the department that are authorized to take a nonendangered:

(1) nonmigratory bird;

(2) mute swan;

(3) mammal; or

(4) reptile;

on a state park that is causing damage or threatening to cause damage or creating a public safety or health threat.

(b) Notwithstanding subsection (a), the property manager of a state park may authorize an individual to take a raccoon, Virginia opossum, striped skunk, beaver, or muskrat on that property that is causing damage or threatening to cause damage or creating a public safety or health threat:

(1) with written permission from the property manager; and

(2) with a nuisance wild animal control permit issued under 312 IAC 9-10-11 or with a valid trapping license if taken during the season established in 312 IAC 9-3 for that species.

(d) An individual qualified under this subsection may trap any European wall lizard (Podarcis muralis) from the Falls of the Ohio State Park and the adjacent federal Falls of the Ohio Wildlife Conservation Area in Clarksville, Indiana. In order to qualify under this subsection, an individual must do each of the following:

(1) Possess a written authorization from the division of state parks.

(2) Comply with any terms in the written authorization. These terms shall include a requirement that a European wall lizard can be taken only with approved methods.

(3) For the federal Falls of the Ohio Wildlife Conservation Area, comply with any other terms in the written authorization that are required by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

(Natural Resources Commission; 312 IAC 9-2-11; filed May 12, 1997, 10:00 a.m.: 20 IR 2701; readopted filed Jul 28, 2003, 12:00 p.m.: 27 IR 286; filed Sep 19, 2003, 8:14 a.m.: 27 IR 459; filed Apr 1, 2008, 10:28 a.m.: 20080430-IR-312070735FRA; readopted filed Nov 24, 2008, 11:08 a.m.: 20081210-IR-312080672RFA; filed Mar 12, 2010, 1:28 p.m.: 20100407-IR-312090479FRA; readopted filed May 20, 2014, 9:43 a.m.: 20140618-IR-312140017RFA; filed Jun 21, 2018, 1:45 p.m.: 20180718-IR-312170436FRA; readopted filed Sep 18, 2019, 1:16 p.m.: 20191016-IR-312190325RFA; readopted filed Mar 25, 2025, 9:50 a.m.: 20250423-IR-312240574RFA)

312 IAC 9-2-12 312 IAC 9-2-12 Hunting, fishing, and the discharge of firearms and bow and arrows within 200 feet of a property administered by the department

312 IAC 9-2-12 Hunting, fishing, and the discharge of firearms and bow and arrows within 200 feet of a property administered by the department

Authority: IC 14-10-2-4; IC 14-11-2-1; IC 14-22-2-6; IC 14-29-1-8

Affected: IC 14-22; IC 14-29-1

Sec. 12. (a) A restriction which applies to taking or chasing a wild animal on a property owned or administered by the department also applies to the portion of a navigable waterway located within two hundred (200) feet of the property. However, exempted from this subsection is any area of the navigable waterway which is immediately adjacent to and within one hundred (100) feet of land owned by a person other than the department.

(b) On a navigable waterway which is located within two hundred (200) feet of a property owned or administered by the division of state parks, the division of state museums and historic sites, or the division of nature preserves (other than a nature preserve administered by the division of fish and wildlife) of the department, a person must not discharge:

(1) a firearm; or

(2) an arrow.

(Natural Resources Commission; 312 IAC 9-2-12; filed May 12, 1997, 10:00 a.m.: 20 IR 2701; readopted filed Jul 28, 2003, 12:00 p.m.: 27 IR 286; readopted filed Nov 24, 2008, 11:08 a.m.: 20081210-IR-312080672RFA; readopted filed May 20, 2014, 9:43 a.m.: 20140618-IR-312140017RFA; readopted filed Sep 18, 2019, 1:16 p.m.: 20191016-IR-312190325RFA; readopted filed Mar 25, 2025, 9:50 a.m.: 20250423-IR-312240574RFA)

312 IAC 9-2-13 312 IAC 9-2-13 Administration of chemical to nondomestic animals, to animals held on a game breeder license, to animals held on a wild animal possession permit, or to animals held under a rehabilitation permit

312 IAC 9-2-13 Administration of chemical to nondomestic animals, to animals held on a game breeder license, to animals held on a wild animal possession permit, or to animals held under a rehabilitation permit

Authority: IC 14-22-2-6

Affected: IC 14-22-20; IC 14-22-23

Sec. 13. (a) A person must not administer any drug, vaccine, steroid, microorganism, poison, or other chemical to any:

(1) noncaptive wild bird or mammal; or

(2) animal held under a:

(A) game breeder license under IC 14-22-20 and 312 IAC 9-10-4;

(B) wild animal possession permit under 312 IAC 9-11; or

without a permit for such administration issued by the director of the division of fish and wildlife.

(b) Notwithstanding subsection (a), the holder of a valid:

(1) game breeder license under IC 14-22-20 and 312 IAC 9-10-4;

(2) wild animal possession permit under 312 IAC 9-11;

(3) rehabilitation permit under 312 IAC 9-10-9;

(4) falconry license under IC 14-22-23 and 312 IAC 9-10-13;

(5) scientific purposes license under 312 IAC 9-10-6; or

(6) special purpose educational permit under 312 IAC 9-10-9.5;

may administer a pharmaceutical product approved by a state or federal agency to a wild animal lawfully possessed under that permit or license for the purpose of prevention or treatment of malnutrition, illness, disease, injury, or stress.

(1) wild animal possession permit under 312 IAC 9-11; or

(2) scientific purposes license under 312 IAC 9-10-6;

may alter the normal reproductive functions and the potential for pregnancy of a wild animal possessed under that license.

(d) Notwithstanding subsection (a), a:

(1) licensed veterinarian;

(2) county animal control agent;

(3) municipal animal control agent;

(4) holder of a nuisance wild animal control permit; or

(5) holder of a scientific purposes license;

may administer to an animal an immobilizing agent, tranquilizer, or drug for euthanasia.

(Natural Resources Commission; 312 IAC 9-2-13; filed May 28, 1998, 5:14 p.m.: 21 IR 3713; errata filed Aug 25, 1998, 3:02 p.m.: 22 IR 125; filed Nov 15, 2002, 3:42 p.m.: 26 IR 1068; readopted filed Jul 28, 2003, 12:00 p.m.: 27 IR 286; readopted filed Nov 24, 2008, 11:08 a.m.: 20081210-IR-312080672RFA; filed Mar 12, 2010, 1:28 p.m.: 20100407-IR-312090479FRA; readopted filed May 20, 2014, 9:43 a.m.: 20140618-IR-312140017RFA; readopted filed Sep 18, 2019, 1:16 p.m.: 20191016-IR-312190325RFA; readopted filed Mar 25, 2025, 9:50 a.m.: 20250423-IR-312240574RFA)

312 IAC 9-2-14 312 IAC 9-2-14 Fishing, hunting, and trapping without a license by owners and lessees of farmland

312 IAC 9-2-14 Fishing, hunting, and trapping without a license by owners and lessees of farmland

Authority: IC 14-22-6-1; IC 14-22-11-1

Affected: IC 14-22; IC 29-1-1-3; IC 30-4-1-2

Sec. 1. (a) An owner or a lessee of farmland, and immediate family members that live with the owner or lessee, if exempted under IC 14-22-11-1, may:

(1) fish;

(2) hunt; or

(3) trap;

on the farmland without obtaining a license under this article.

(b) As used in this section, "owner" means an individual:

(1) listed on the tax assessment roll and whose name appears on the title to the property;

(2) who is a shareholder, partner, member, or owner of a business entity comprised solely of the members of an immediate family; or

(3) serving as a trustee and any named trust beneficiaries that are comprised solely of the members of an immediate family for trust property as defined in IC 30-4-1-2.

The term does not include an individual that is an heir to an estate as defined in IC 29-1-1-3.

(1) an individual to whom a lease is made for the farmland and who farms that land; or

(2) a business entity to which a lease is made for the farmland and whose shareholders, partners, members, or owners are comprised solely of the members of an immediate family who farm that land.

(d) As used in this section, "business entity" means the following:

(1) A corporation.

(2) A limited liability company.

(3) A partnership.

(4) Any legal entity organized for a profitable or charitable purpose.

(Natural Resources Commission; 312 IAC 9-2-14; filed Jun 23, 2006, 2:24 p.m.: 20060719-IR-312050214FRA; readopted filed Nov 24, 2008, 11:08 a.m.: 20081210-IR-312080672RFA; filed Sep 13, 2013, 3:02 p.m.: 20131009-IR-312120670FRA; readopted filed May 20, 2014, 9:43 a.m.: 20140618-IR-312140017RFA; readopted filed Sep 18, 2019, 1:16 p.m.: 20191016-IR-312190325RFA; readopted filed Mar 25, 2025, 9:50 a.m.: 20250423-IR-312240574RFA)

312 IAC 9-2-15 312 IAC 9-2-15 General requirements for hunter orange on ground blinds

312 IAC 9-2-15 General requirements for hunter orange on ground blinds

Authority: IC 14-10-2-4; IC 14-22-2-6

Affected: IC 14-22-38-7

Sec. 15. An individual may not occupy a ground blind unless the blind has at least one hundred forty-four (144) square inches of hunter orange visible on each side of the blind beginning one-half (1/2) hour before sunrise and ending one-half (1/2) hour after sunset when the hunter is required to wear hunter orange under IC 14-22-38-7 or 312 IAC 9-3-2.

(Natural Resources Commission; 312 IAC 9-2-15; filed Sep 13, 2013, 3:02 p.m.: 20131009-IR-312120670FRA; readopted filed May 20, 2014, 9:43 a.m.: 20140618-IR-312140017RFA; readopted filed Sep 18, 2019, 1:16 p.m.: 20191016-IR-312190325RFA; filed Dec 12, 2024, 2:17 p.m.: 20250108-IR-312240049FRA)

312 IAC 9-2-16 312 IAC 9-2-16 Release of captive-bred mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and mussels

312 IAC 9-2-16 Release of captive-bred mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and mussels

Authority: IC 14-10-2-4; IC 14-22-2-6

Affected: IC 4-21.5; IC 14-22-6-1

Sec. 16. An individual must not release a captive-bred species of mammal, reptile, amphibian, or mussel into the wild except as authorized under this article.

(Natural Resources Commission; 312 IAC 9-2-16; filed Jun 21, 2018, 1:45 p.m.: 20180718-IR-312170436FRA; readopted filed Sep 18, 2019, 1:16 p.m.: 20191016-IR-312190325RFA; readopted filed Mar 25, 2025, 9:50 a.m.: 20250423-IR-312240574RFA)

312 IAC 9-2-17 312 IAC 9-2-17 Surrendering deer; wild animal rehabilitator

312 IAC 9-2-17 Surrendering deer; wild animal rehabilitator

Authority: IC 4-22-2-37.1; IC 14-10-2-4; IC 14-22-2-6

Affected: IC 14-22

Sec. 17. An individual who finds an orphaned, sick, or injured deer in a chronic wasting disease positive area may only surrender the deer to a wild animal rehabilitator under 312 IAC 9-10-9 located in:

(1) the county in which the deer is found; or

(2) a county that is a documented chronic wasting disease positive area.

(Natural Resources Commission; 312 IAC 9-2-17; filed Mar 11, 2025, 10:26 a.m.: 20250409-IR-312240385FRA)

312 IAC 9-2-18 312 IAC 9-2-18 Designated properties; scheduled deer hunts; population management

312 IAC 9-2-18 Designated properties; scheduled deer hunts; population management

Authority: IC 14-10-2-4; IC 14-22-2-6

Affected: IC 4-21.5; IC 8-1-2-113; IC 14-22

Sec. 18. (a) An individual may apply to the department for a license to take deer during a scheduled hunt for population management under this section if the individual:

(1) is at least eighteen (18) years of age not later than the first day of the first scheduled hunt under subsection (h); and

(2) possesses at least one (1) of the following:

(A) A valid resident license to take a deer issued under IC 14-22-12-1.

(B) A lifetime comprehensive hunting license issued under IC 14-22-12-7(a)(4) (before its repeal).

(b) Notwithstanding another provision of the Indiana Code or the Indiana Administrative Code governing taking a wild animal in a designated area, the department shall issue a license to take deer during a scheduled hunt under this section to an individual or a unit selected by a random drawing under subsection (d).

(c) The application for a license to take deer under this section must be in a form and manner prescribed by the department, including the hunter's:

(1) name;

(2) date of birth;

(3) hunting license number; and

(4) customer identification number issued by the department.

An individual participating in a scheduled hunt shall possess a license to hunt deer issued under subsection (b) during the scheduled hunt for which the individual or unit is chosen by a random drawing under subsection (d).

(d) An individual, or not more than three (3) individuals as a unit, may submit one (1) application to participate in a scheduled hunt under subsection (h)(1), or (h)(2), or both. An individual, or an individual on behalf of a unit, who submits more than one (1) application for each scheduled hunt disqualifies the individual or unit from participating in the scheduled hunt under this section for which the individual submitted multiple applications.

(e) An individual, or not more than three (3) individuals as a unit, who applies to participate in a scheduled hunt under this section will be entered into a random drawing conducted by the department to participate in a scheduled hunt under subsection (h). The department shall notify the individuals drawn that they are selected to participate in a scheduled hunt and the details of the specific scheduled hunt for which the individual was drawn. If the number of hunters that enter the random drawing for a specific property does not meet the number of spots available for the scheduled hunt, the property manager for the property where the scheduled hunt is to occur may randomly draw additional hunters at the property before the beginning of the scheduled hunt to accommodate the number of hunters required for population management.

(f) The department shall draw one (1) hunter for:

(1) at least six (6) acres; and

(2) not more than twenty (20) acres;

of huntable land at a property owned or managed by the department under subsection (m)(1).

(g) The department shall draw one (1) hunter for:

(1) at least fifteen (15) acres; and

(2) not more than thirty-five (35) acres;

of huntable land at a property owned or managed by the department under subsection (m)(2).

(h) Except as provided in subsection (i), an individual who is issued a license to take deer under this section may participate in a scheduled hunt on the following dates:

(1) The first scheduled hunt occurs on the first Monday and Tuesday following the opening day of the firearms season under 312 IAC 9-3-4.

(2) The second scheduled hunt occurs on the third Monday and Tuesday following the opening day of the firearms season under 312 IAC 9-3-4.

(i) If the first Monday and Tuesday following the opening day of the firearms season under 312 IAC 9-3-4 falls during the week of Thanksgiving:

(1) the first scheduled hunt occurs on the first Monday and Tuesday before the opening day of the firearms season under 312 IAC 9-3-4; and

(2) the second scheduled hunt occurs on the second Monday and Tuesday following the opening day of the firearms season under 312 IAC 9-3-4.

(j) If the director of the department determines, in consultation with a professional biologist, that:

(1) deer present within a property owned or managed by the department pose a hazard to the health or safety of persons or property; or

(2) it is likely:

(A) deer present within a property owned or managed by the department will cause obvious and measurable damage to the ecological balance within the property, including:

(i) a decrease in herbaceous species cover;

(ii) a decrease in native tree seedling density;

(iii) a decrease in native shrub seedling density;

(iv) a decrease in native plant species diversity;

(v) an increase in stem browsing;

(vi) a decrease in the quality of wildlife habitat for species of conservation concern; or

(vii) agricultural crops or property; and

(B) the ecological balance within the property will not be maintained unless action is taken to control the deer population;

the director may schedule a hunt to manage the deer population on the property under this section.

(k) The director of the department shall determine the properties owned or managed by the department under subsection (m) where an individual participating in a scheduled hunt may use a bow and arrows or a crossbow or firearms, or both, using the factors under this subsection and the calculated harvest per effort under subsection (l). A determination by the director under this section is based on the following factors:

(1) Residential population density in the local unit where the property to be hunted is located.

(2) The nature and use of the properties adjacent to the property to be hunted.

(3) The size of the property to be hunted.

(4) The number of structures or residences directly adjacent to the boundaries of the property to be hunted.

(5) The topography of, and properties adjacent to, the property to be hunted that may or may not stop a projectile, including:

(A) whether there are hills or other land masses;

(B) tree cover and type; and

(6) Instances of deer-human interaction that resulted in injury or property damage.

(7) Whether the local unit where the property is located has a firearms prohibition.

(l) Harvest per effort is calculated based on the following:

STEP ONE: Determine the total number of deer harvested during both scheduled hunts.

STEP TWO: Determine the total hunter effort by the sum of the total number of individuals who participated in each day of the scheduled hunts under subsection (h)(1) and (h)(2). An individual present for one (1) day equals one (1) hunter effort. An individual present for two (2) days equals two (2) hunter effort.

STEP THREE: Determine the quotient of:

(A) the STEP ONE result; divided by

(B) the STEP TWO result.

(m) An individual who is issued a license to take deer under subsection (b) may take deer in a designated area, as determined by the department under subsections (k) and (l), with the permitted equipment as follows:

(1) A property owned or managed by the department that has a harvest per effort greater than one tenth (0.10) for the scheduled hunt during the previous calendar year, and using the factors under subsection (k), an individual may hunt deer using only a bow and arrows or crossbow under 312 IAC 9-3-3.

(2) A property owned or managed by the department that has a harvest per effort greater than twenty-two hundredths (0.22) for the scheduled hunt during the previous calendar year, and using the factors under subsection (k), an individual may hunt deer using only a firearm under 312 IAC 9-3-3.

(n) An individual who participates in a scheduled hunt may begin hunting not earlier than thirty (30) minutes before sunrise until 4:00 p.m. each day of a scheduled hunt. The department shall provide an individual under this subsection an information packet that includes the following:

(1) The dates and times the property scheduled to be hunted closes to the public.

(2) The time the property will open for the scheduled hunt.

(3) The time the property will close for the scheduled hunt.

(4) The time hunters are required to leave the property after the scheduled hunt ends.

(5) Hunting hours.

(6) Parking restrictions for hunters.

(7) The location and hours of hunter check in stations and a description of the online check in procedure.

(8) Unit assignments, if applicable.

(9) Information regarding zones at the property where hunters are not permitted to enter or hunt.

(10) The equipment permitted to be used at the property during the scheduled hunt.

(11) Restrictions, dates, and times tree stands may be installed and removed.

(12) Indiana Administrative Code provisions explaining requirements to participate in a scheduled hunt, including:

(A) requirements for wearing hunter orange;

(B) equipment restrictions;

(D) requirements for using flagging tape; and

(E) requirements for retrieving deer from safety zones and private property.

(13) How to coordinate accessibility needs with the property.

(14) Availability of lodging at the property to be hunted.

(15) Additional safety restrictions to ensure adequate protection of:

(A) the ecological balance of the property;

(B) the other species within the property;

(D) the hunters during the scheduled hunt; and

(E) any other individual present at the property during the scheduled hunt.

(16) Information regarding the specific property to be hunted, including:

(A) use of a watercraft;

(B) use of bicycles; and

(o) The following individuals may enter a property owned or managed by the department during a scheduled hunt:

(1) An individual issued a license to take deer under this section for the scheduled hunt.

(2) A representative of the media, in an area permitted by the department for representatives of the media under subsection (p).

(3) An employee of the department.

(4) An individual at least eighteen (18) years of age not later than the first day of the first scheduled hunt, who:

(A) is assisting an individual issued a license to hunt deer under this section who possesses a person with disabilities hunting permit under 312 IAC 9-10-10; and

(B) does not intend to participate in the scheduled hunt.

(5) Any other individual with a credential issued by the department who is permitted by the department to enter the property owned or managed by the department during the scheduled hunt.

(p) The department shall designate permitted areas for representatives of the media during a scheduled hunt. Representatives of the media must be escorted to and from the areas by an employee of the department. These areas include:

(1) the property office;

(2) a hunter sign-in location;

(3) a check station; or

(4) any other area designated by the department for representatives of the media located within a safety zone while escorted by an employee of the department.

(q) Except as otherwise provided in this section, an individual may not enter a property owned or managed by the department when there is a scheduled hunt:

(1) beginning at 8:00 p.m. the day before the first day of the first scheduled hunt and ending at 8:00 a.m. on the day following the last day of the first scheduled hunt; and

(2) beginning at 8:00 p.m. the day before the first day of the second scheduled hunt and ending not later than 8:00 a.m. on the day following the last day of the second scheduled hunt.

(r) An individual who participates in a scheduled hunt shall enter a property owned or managed by the department only in a location designated by the department.

(s) An individual issued a license to take deer under this section may be randomly assigned:

(1) a designated area of the property to hunt;

(2) a designated parking space; or

(3) both.

The individual shall comply with requirements regarding a randomly assigned designated area of the property to hunt or designated parking space set by the department.

(t) An individual issued a license to take deer under this section shall check in and check out of a designated area on each arrival to and departure from the property owned or managed by the department where the scheduled hunt occurs.

(u) An individual who participates in a scheduled hunt shall wear two (2) articles of hunter orange clothing that meets the requirements under IC 14-22-38-7, including:

(1) a hat or cap; and

(2) a vest, a coat, a jacket, or coveralls.

(v) Except for property owned or managed by the department under subsection (m)(1), an individual may not use ground blinds, as defined by 312 IAC 9-1-7.6, in a designated area.

(w) An individual participating in a scheduled hunt under this section may not possess or consume an alcoholic beverage in a designated area during the scheduled hunt.

(x) An individual may take not more than three (3) deer during a scheduled hunt for population management under this section. An individual may take not more than one (1) antlered deer under this subsection.

(y) A deer taken under this section does not apply to the seasonal bag limit for taking deer under this article.

(z) An individual who takes a deer under this section shall deliver the deer to a designated check station at the property owned or managed by the department where the scheduled hunt for population management occurs before leaving the property with the deer.

(aa) If the harvest per effort is below the required thresholds under subsection (m) for a specific property where scheduled hunts occur, the department may pause scheduled hunts for one (1) hunting season. Scheduled hunts will resume at the property for the hunting season following the season in which the scheduled hunts are paused.

(bb) The department may pause scheduled hunts for population management for a specific property where scheduled hunts occur for one (1) hunting season if a provisional rule is adopted by the department to avoid:

(1) an imminent and a substantial peril to public health, safety, or welfare;

(2) an imminent and a material loss of federal funds for an agency program;

(3) an imminent and a material deficit;

(4) an imminent and a substantial violation of a state or federal law, or the terms of a federal agreement or program;

(5) injury to the business or interests of the people or any public utility of Indiana, as determined under IC 8-1-2-113;

(6) an imminent and a substantial peril to:

(A) wildlife; or

(B) domestic animal;

health, safety, or welfare; or

(7) the spread of invasive species, pests, or diseases affecting plants.

Scheduled hunts will resume for the hunting season following the season in which the scheduled hunts are paused.

(Natural Resources Commission; 312 IAC 9-2-18; filed Nov 18, 2025, 2:58 p.m.: 20251217-IR-312250282FRA)

Rule 3

312 IAC 9-3-1 312 IAC 9-3-1 Applicability

Rule 3. Mammals

312 IAC 9-3-1 Applicability

Authority: IC 14-22-2-6

Affected: IC 14-22

Sec. 1. This rule governs wild animals that are mammals.

(Natural Resources Commission; 312 IAC 9-3-1; filed May 12, 1997, 10:00 a.m.: 20 IR 2702; readopted filed Jul 28, 2003, 12:00 p.m.: 27 IR 286; readopted filed Nov 24, 2008, 11:08 a.m.: 20081210-IR-312080672RFA; readopted filed May 20, 2014, 9:43 a.m.: 20140618-IR-312140017RFA; readopted filed Sep 18, 2019, 1:16 p.m.: 20191016-IR-312190325RFA; readopted filed Mar 25, 2025, 9:50 a.m.: 20250423-IR-312240574RFA)

312 IAC 9-3-2 312 IAC 9-3-2 General requirements and licenses for hunting deer

312 IAC 9-3-2 General requirements and licenses for hunting deer

Authority: IC 14-10-2-4; IC 14-22-2-6

Affected: IC 14-22-11; IC 14-22-12; IC 35-47

Sec. 2. (a) This section and sections 3, 4, 8, 9, and 10 of this rule govern:

(1) hunting;

(2) transporting; and

(3) disposing of;

white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus).

(b) "Deer license bundle" means a deer hunting license that replaces a valid deer hunting license and allows an individual to take one (1) antlered deer and two (2) antlerless deer, under this section and sections 3 and 4 of this rule, during the following seasons combined during one (1) license year:

(1) Special youth season.

(2) Archery season.

(3) Firearms season.

(4) Muzzleloader season.

(c) "Multiple season antlerless deer license" means a deer hunting license that allows an individual to take one (1) antlerless deer using the equipment authorized for that season under section 3 of this rule.

(d) An individual who claims a deer taken is not a white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) shall prove the deer is not a white-tailed deer.

(e) An individual may apply for multiple licenses to hunt deer under this section.

(f) Except as provided under IC 14-22-11-1 and IC 14-22-11-11, an individual may not hunt a deer:

(1) unless the individual possesses a valid license to hunt a deer under this section bearing the name of the individual; or

(2) with a license to hunt a deer under this section issued to another individual.

(g) A youth hunter may take deer during the youth deer season under section 4 of this rule if the youth hunter:

(1) is issued a license to hunt deer under:

(A) a resident youth consolidated hunting, trapping, and fishing license under IC 14-22-11-10(b) or IC 14-22-12-1(a)(24);

(B) a nonresident youth deer firearms license under IC 14-22-12-1(a)(29);

(D) a nonresident youth deer archery license under IC 14-22-12-1(a)(31);

(E) a nonresident youth extra deer license bundle under IC 14-22-12-1(a)(32);

(F) a nonresident youth extra deer multiple season antlerless license under IC 14-22-12-1(a)(32);

(G) a lifetime comprehensive hunting license under IC 14-22-12-7(a)(4) before its repeal;

(H) a lifetime comprehensive hunting and fishing license under IC 14-22-12-7(a)(5) before its repeal; or

(I) an apprentice license of the types identified in clauses (A) through (F) under IC 14-22-12-1.7; or

(2) takes deer without a license under IC 14-22-11-1 and 312 IAC 9-2-14.

(h) An individual may take deer with a long bow, recurve bow, compound bow, or crossbow during the archery season under section 4 of this rule if the individual:

(1) is issued a license to hunt deer by bow and arrow or crossbow under:

(A) a resident deer archery license under IC 14-22-11-10(a) or IC 14-22-12-1(a)(14);

(B) a nonresident deer archery license under IC 14-22-12-1(a)(17);

(C) a resident youth consolidated hunting, trapping, and fishing license under IC 14-22-11-10(b) or IC 14-22-12-1(a)(24);

(D) a nonresident youth deer archery license under IC 14-22-12-1(a)(31);

(E) a resident extra deer multiple season antlerless license under IC 14-22-12-1(a)(18);

(F) a nonresident extra deer multiple season antlerless license under IC 14-22-12-1(a)(19);

(G) a resident extra deer license bundle under IC 14-22-12-1(a)(18);

(H) a nonresident extra deer license bundle under IC 14-22-12-1(a)(19);

(I) a nonresident youth extra deer license bundle under IC 14-22-12-1(a)(32);

(J) a nonresident youth extra deer multiple season antlerless license under IC 14-22-12-1(a)(32);

(K) a lifetime comprehensive hunting license under IC 14-22-12-7(a)(4) before its repeal;

(L) a lifetime comprehensive hunting and fishing license under IC 14-22-12-7(a)(5) before its repeal; or

(M) an apprentice license of the types identified in clauses (A) through (J) under IC 14-22-12-1.7; or

(2) takes deer without a license under IC 14-22-11-1 and 312 IAC 9-2-14.

(i) Except as provided in subsection (v), an individual may take deer with a firearm during the firearms season under section 4 of this rule if the individual:

(1) is issued a license to hunt deer with firearms under:

(A) a resident deer firearms license under IC 14-22-11-10(a) or IC 14-22-12-1(a)(12);

(B) a nonresident deer firearms license under IC 14-22-12-1(a)(15);

(C) a resident youth consolidated hunting, trapping, and fishing license under IC 14-22-11-10(b) or IC 14-22-12-1(a)(24);

(D) a nonresident youth deer firearms license under IC 14-22-12-1(a)(29);