Deer hunters can sign up for the chance to hunt on land owned by participating landowners with the new Deer Hunt Registry system administered by DNR’s Division of Fish & Wildlife.
The Deer Hunt Registry connects deer hunters with landowners, golf courses, parks, land trusts, farmers and communities. The registry will provide interested parties with a list of hunters in the area willing to help.
Hunters will be able to sign up for the chance to hunt starting Monday, July 1.
The Deer Hunt Registry system is replacing the former Hunters Helping Farmers program and incorporating the Community Hunter Access Program (CHAP). Click here to learn more about CHAP.
Please note that signing up on the Deer Hunt Registry does not guarantee additional hunting opportunities or placement in a managed hunt.
For more information or to sign up, see on.IN.gov/deerhuntregistry.
Apply for reserved hunt
Also starting July 1, hunters can apply online for a reserved hunt at on.IN.gov/reservedhunt.
The online method is the only way to apply. Applicants must possess a hunting license valid for the hunt for which they are applying. Applications must be completed by the application deadline.
Hunters will be selected through a random computerized drawing. A link to view drawing results will be posted at on.IN.gov/reservedhunt within two weeks after application deadlines. An email will be sent to applicants when results are posted. Applications for the following hunt open July 1:
- Dove Hunt Draw: Application must be completed by July 29. Applicants may select desired date and property. Due to inclement spring weather, other crops may have been planted in place of or along with sunflowers. Participating Fish & Wildlife Areas include Atterbury, Jasper-Pulaski, Kankakee, Kingsbury, Pigeon River, Blue Grass and Winamac.
- Waterfowl Hunt Draw: Application must be completed by Sept. 16. Participating Fish & Wildlife Areas include Goose Pond, Hovey Lake, Kankakee, Kingsbury, LaSalle and Willow Slough. Province Pond Wetland Conservation Area and Monroe Lake will also be participating.
- Deer Hunt Draw: Application must be completed by Aug. 26. Participating properties include Deer Creek Fish & Wildlife Area, Fairbanks Landing Fish & Wildlife Area, Tern Bar Slough Wildlife Diversity Conservation Area, Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge and Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge.
- Military/Refuge Firearm, Primitive and Archery Deer Hunt Draw: Application must be completed by Aug. 26. Hunts on military/refuge properties may be canceled at any time. Properties participating include Camp Atterbury Joint Maneuver Training Center, Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge, and Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge.
- Youth Firearm Deer Hunt at Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge: Application must be completed by Aug. 26.
- Pheasant Hunt Draw: Application must be completed by Sept. 16. Adults should not apply for the Nov. 2 hunt, as it is reserved for youth (ages 17 and younger) only.
Only one application per hunt is allowed. No changes can be made once the application is submitted.
More information is available at on.IN.gov/reservedhunt.