Some Wildlife Management Areas (e.g., Willow Slough, Pigeon River) have restricted dates or quotas. Hunters must consult the annual Indiana Hunting & Trapping Guide for zone-specific rules, as fall seasons may be closed in zones with declining populations. 5. Hunting Strategies for Indiana Fall Turkeys Success in the fall demands a reversal of spring tactics.
The Autumn Pursuit: A Comprehensive Analysis of the Indiana Wild Turkey Fall Season – Ecology, Regulations, and Hunter Success Strategies
| Parameter | Regulation | | :--- | :--- | | | Typically October 1 – October 31 (exact dates may vary by wildlife management region). | | Bag Limit | 1 turkey of either sex per license year (note: spring and fall share the same annual bag limit in many zones; check county-specific rules). | | Legal Equipment | Shotgun (10, 12, 16, 20, 28, .410 gauge) with shot no larger than #4, no smaller than #7. Crossbow or vertical bow (minimum 125 ft-lbs kinetic energy for crossbow; 35 lb draw weight for vertical bow). Muzzleloader (certain zones). | | License Requirements | Resident Fall Turkey License ($25) or Non-resident ($65). A base hunting license is required. The Lifetime Comprehensive Hunting License includes fall turkey. | | Legal Hours | One-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. | | Check-in Requirement | All harvested turkeys must be telechecked via the IDNR online system or by phone within 48 hours. |