Reserved Hunt Information
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources offers several different reserved hunts each year. Listed below is general information about the hunts and the registration process. Please note: specific information about the hunts are subject to change. Information will be updated on this page as it becomes available and you can subscribe to this page by clicking the "Subscribe for e-mail updates" link at the top of the page and you will receive an email when this page is updated. You can also sign up for Wild Bulletin to receive emails with the latest information regarding reserved hunts, and other important fish and wildlife information.
Important information about reserved hunts
- An applicant must possess a valid hunting license for the species they intend hunt in order to apply for the hunt.
- Once you have submitted your application for a hunt, you cannot change your application. If you need to update your contact information, please log back into the reserved hunt system and update your contact information.
- After you have submitted your application, PRINT or SAVE your confirmation page. You should also receive a confirmation email, if you have provided a valid email address. (Check your junk mail folder).
- Once you have applied, you can double check by logging back into the reserved hunt system. If you log back into the reserved hunt system and a hunt choice is still in the drop-down box, which means you did not successfully apply. The system will not allow you to apply for the same hunt more than once. So, if the hunt shows up in your drop-down box, then you need to apply.
- All reserved hunt draw results will be posted online at least one week after the deadline has passed.
Having Problems Registering? FAQs about the reserved hunt system
Apply Online for the following Draw Hunts:
2012 Vermillion Rise Mega Park Deer Hunt
- Applications accepted online Oct. 1-12, 2012.
- Hunt Dates (1 choice): Oct. 20-21, 27-28, Nov. 3-4, 10 (one-day hunt), 17-18, 24-25, Dec. 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 22-23, 29-30, and Jan. 5-6.
- Successful hunters may bring one hunting partner. Successful hunters will receive special instructions when the results are posted.
- Wild turkey may not be taken at this property.
- Statewide deer hunting regulations apply. For example, if the hunt dates you choose falls within the archery season, then only archery equipment may be used and the deer counts towards your archery season bag limit.
- Draw results posted.
Waterfowl Draw Hunt
- Applications accepted online Sept. 7 - 30, 2012.
- Applicants may choose up to five property and date combinations. Successful applicants will be chosen for one (or more) of their five property and date choices.
- 2012 Available Reserve Dates by Property:
- Brookville: Nov. 3, 8, 13, 17, 21, 27, Dec. 1, 5, 12, 19
- Goose Pond FWA (two-day hunts): Nov 3-4, 8-9, 12-13, 17-18, 22-23, 26-27, Dec. 1-2, 6-7, 10-11, 20-21, 24-25, Jan. 14-15
- Hovey Lake FWA: Nov. 25, 27, 30, Dec. 2, 4, 7, 9, 11, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 28, 30, Jan. 1, 4, 6, 8, 11
- Kankakee, Kingsbury, LaSalle, Willow Slough FWAs: Oct. 20, 21, 23, 25, 28, 30, Nov. 1, 4, 6, 8, 11, 13, 15, 18, 20, 22
- Province Pond Wetland Conservation Area (managed by Wilbur Wright FWA: Nov. 3, 4.
- Monroe Lake:Nov. 8, 17, 30, Dec. 15, Jan. 18
- Draw results posted.
Put-and-take Pheasant Hunts
- Hunts are available online beginning Sept. 1 and they are first-come, first-served. Hunt dates are Nov. 17-25, 2012. Registrations can be made up to Nov. 24 at 11:59 PM, if spots are available. If a particular property/date/area does not show up, that means it is full for the number of people you are requesting.
- Hunters can select the date, property, and area for the hunt.
- Properties are: Atterbury, Glendale, Pigeon River, Roush Lake, Tri-County, Winamac, and Willow Slough FWAs.
- PRINT your confirmation page once you submit your reservation(s). You will also receive a confirmation email once your reservation(s) have been successfully submitted.
- No refunds will be given.
Reynolds Creek Game Bird Area Archery Deer Hunt
- Reynolds Creek Game Bird Area is located in Porter County and is managed by Kingsbury FWA
- Applications will be accepted online from Aug. 22 to Sept. 9, 2012.
- Hunts are 3-days: Oct. 4-6, 18-20, Nov. 2-4, 16-18, 30 - Dec. 2, 21-23.
- Archery and crossbow only. NO overnight treestands. Successful hunters may not bring a hunting partner.
- Draw results posted.
Fairbanks Landing FWA Deer Hunt
- Applications accepted online from Aug. 24 to Sept. 30, 2012.
- Only the opening weekend of the deer firearms season (Nov. 17 & 18, 2012) is reserved at Fairbanks Landing FWA
- Successful applicant may NOT bring a hunting partner.
- Draw results posted.
Deer Creek FWA Deer Hunt
- Applications accepted online from Aug. 24 to Sept. 9, 2012.
- Applicants can choose up to three hunt dates. Most hunt dates are four-day hunts. Hunt dates are: Oct. 1 (one-day hunt), 5-8, 12-15, 19-22, 26-29, Nov. 2-5, 9-12, 16-19, 23-26, 30-Dec. 3, 7-10, 14-17, and 21-23.
- Applicants must possess a license to hunt deer in order to apply.
- Successfully drawn applicants are allowed to bring one hunting partner.
- Draw results posted.
Deer Creek FWA Upland Game (rabbit, quail or woodcock) Hunt
- Applications accepted online from August 24 to September 9, 2012.
- Applicants must possess a license to hunt small game in order to apply.
- Applicants can choose up to three hunt dates. All hunts are one-day hunts, Saturday only, from 9 AM to 3 PM (EST). Hunt dates are: Nov. 1, 17, 24, Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29.
- Successfully drawn applicants are allowed to bring one hunting partner.
- Draw results posted.
2012 Youth Firearm Deer Hunt at Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge
- Draw results posted
- This hunt is for youth, 15 or younger on the date of the hunt, at Muscatatuck NWR. The youth hunter must be accompanied by a mentor, defined as a licensed hunter, age 18 or older. The mentor cannot hunt or carry a firearm.
- Two, one-day hunts will be held on Nov. 24 and 25, 2012. Successfully drawn youths will be randomly assigned one of those dates and results will be posted online.
- Youths can apply online from July 14 through Aug. 26, 2012, using a valid youth license to hunt deer. If drawn, a youth can use a valid resident youth hunt/trap, nonres. youth military/refuge, nonres. youth deer license bundle, nonres. youth deer firearms, or lifetime comprehensive hunt/fish. If a youth chooses to use a youth military/refuge license to harvest a deer during this hunt, that deer does not count towards their statewide bag limit. A deer harvested using other license types does count toward their statewide bag limit.
- Youths are allowed to harvest one deer during this hunt.
Dove Draw Hunt
- Draw Results Posted
- Applications accepted online July 1 - 29, 2012.
- Don't forget, hunters must possess a Game Bird Habitat Stamp when hunting doves (those that have lifetime comprehensive hunting licenses or resident youth hunt/trap licenses do not need to purchase the stamp, since it's included in those licenses).
- Non-toxic shot is required at all DNR properties, including reservoir properties.
- Properties: Bluegrass, Jasper-Pulaski, J. E. Roush Lake, Kankakee, Kingsbury, LaSalle, Pigeon River, Willow Slough, and Winamac FWAs, and Mississinewa and Salamonie Reservoirs.
- Applicants may choose the property, but dates (typically Sept. 1 or 2, except at Bluegrass FWA) will be assigned to successful applicants.
- Successful applicants may bring one hunting partner.
- Draw results will be posted online at least one week after the deadline to apply.
Military/Refuge Firearm Deer Draw Hunt
- Draw results posted
- Applications accepted online July 1 - Aug. 26, 2012.
- Applicants do not have to enter their hunting partner’s information online and do not choose dates (dates are randomly assigned). Successful applicants are allowed to bring one hunting partner.
- Properties: Naval Support Activity (Crane), Camp Atterbury Joint Maneuver Training Center, Big Oaks NWR, and Muscatatuck NWR (muzzleloader only)
- Hunters at Naval Support Activity Crane must be 14 years of age or older.
- **Any military area deer hunt may be cancelled or rescheduled upon short notice. No hunt fee refunds will be given if a hunt is cancelled or rescheduled.
- Handguns are not permitted on any military area.
- Successful applicants will receive more information regarding their hunt once the draw results are posted. There will be a link to a document with the information.
- Draw results will be posted online at least one week after the deadline to apply.
Military/Refuge Archery Deer Draw Hunt
- Draw results posted
- Applications accepted online July 1 - Aug. 26, 2012
- Applicants do not have to enter their hunting partner’s information online and do not choose dates (dates are randomly assigned). Successful applicants are allowed to bring one hunting partner.
- Properties: Big Oaks NWR and Muscatatuck NWR.
- **Any military area deer hunt may be cancelled or rescheduled upon short notice. No hunt fee refunds will be given if a hunt is cancelled or rescheduled.
- Handguns are not permitted on any military area.
- Successful applicants will receive more information regarding their hunt once the draw results are posted. There will be a link to a document with the information.
- Draw results will be posted online at least one week after the deadline to apply
State Park Deer Reduction Draw Hunt
- Applications accepted online July 1 - Aug. 26, 2012.
- Detailed state park deer reduction hunt information.
- If applicants wish to apply with a hunting partner(s), the primary applicant must have their partner’s hunting license number and date-of-birth when applying. Applicants must be 18 years of age by the date of the hunt, and must possess the proper licenses to hunt deer in order to apply. Once you have submitted your application online, you cannot change your information.
- Applicants are allowed to apply for themselves, and up to two hunting partners.
- Each applicant may only appear on one application per hunt (i.e., you cannot be listed as a primary applicant AND a buddy for the same hunt).
- Preference will be given to those who have successfully completed a Hunter Education course.
- Draw results will be posted online.
- For successful applicants, deer harvested at a State Park Reduction Hunts are in addition to regular deer season bag limits. You do not need to purchase additional licenses to harvest deer if participating in the reduction hunt. For questions regarding State Park Deer Reduction Hunts, please contact please contact State Parks and Reservoirs at (317) 232-4200.
Pheasant Draw Hunt
- Applications accepted online July 1 – Sept. 30, 2012
- Hunt Dates: Nov. 9, 10, 14, 17, 21, 23 (Youth only), Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22. Nov. 23 is the youth hunt. Do not sign up for Nov. 23 if you are older than 17 on that date.
- Applicants do not choose a property, but they do select a date. Properties are assigned to successful applicants.
- **Pheasant draw hunts are held at Game Bird Habitat Areas, which are located in the following counties: Benton, Newton and White.
- If you are selected to hunt at a Game Bird Area, you must fill out and return the survey form supplied, even if you do not show up on the day of the hunt. If you do not return the survey form, you may jeopardize your participation in future hunts.
- Successful applicants may bring up to two hunting partners.
- Draw results posted.
Hunt application registrations not currently underway:
Wild Turkey Draw Hunt
- Applications typically accepted online in January
- Turkey hunts typically offered at DNR properties and two national wildlife refuges.
- Applicants are allowed to apply for one property, and choose from the available dates for that property.
State Park Goose Reduction Draw Hunt
- Applications typically accepted online beginning in September/October.
- Applicants, buddies, and stand-by hunters must be Indiana Residents and be 18 by the date of the first annual state park reduction hunt.
- Participants may bring up to three buddies to hunt with; they are not required to be on the application.
- Hunters need to enter their valid hunting license number to apply.
- Apprentice licenses are not applicable.
- Hunters can select which parks and dates to be drawn for.
- A stand-by drawing will be conducted each day. Any spots remaining unfilled by drawn hunters 90 minutes before local sunrise will be open for public stand-by drawing.
- PRINT your confirmation page once you submit your application. You will also receive a confirmation email once your application has been successfully submitted.
- Draw results will be posted online up to a week after the deadline to apply.
Successful applicants will receive more information regarding their hunt once the draw results are posted. There will be a link to a document with the information.
Some FAQs about the reserved draw hunt system
Q: When I enter my license number and date of birth, the system doesn’t recognize me.
A: Verify that the information on your license is correct. If your date of birth is not correct on your license, then it is not correct in the system. Please call DNR Customer Service at (317) 232-4200 or toll-free at (877) 463-6367 to have the information corrected.
Q: I get the error message “You have attempted to submit a form twice. Please click this URL to continue.”
A: This message typically displays if you use the back button on your internet browser. If you see this message, click on the link to continue. Do not use the back button on your internet browser. Also, do not click the "Continue" or "Submit" button more than once.
Q: I don’t know if I have applied for a hunt. How do I verify?
A: Log into the reserved hunt application. After you have verified your personal information, there will be a screen that you can choose the type of hunt you want to apply for. If the hunt is listed in the drop-down box, then you have not applied for the hunt. Also, below the drop-down box, you will see any hunts that you have applied for and there is an icon to reprint the confirmation page. If the hunt you are trying to apply for is still listed, then you have not successfully submitted your application. The system will not let you apply for the same hunt more than once. So, if a hunt is listed in the choices, then proceed with the application process (unless there is an age restriction on the hunt and you do not qualify).
Q: Will the system allow me to register for the same hunt more than once?
A: No. The system will not let you apply for the same hunt more than once. So, if a hunt is listed in the choices, then proceed with the application process.
Q: I entered my license number and date-of-birth, but I don’t see any hunts in the drop-down list. What do I do?
A: Check to make sure you have the proper license that is required for the species you intend to hunt. If you have the correct license and you still do not see any hunts, check to make sure that the application deadline has not passed.
Q: When will the results for the hunts be posted?
A: Typically, the draw hunt results will be posted online approximately two weeks (or less) after the application deadline has passed. Sign up for Wild Bulletin to receive emails with the latest news regarding the reserved hunts, and other important fishing, hunting, and wildlife information.
Q: Where do I find out if I was drawn for a hunt?
A: Draw results will be posted online along with all the information you will need to participate in the hunt if you were successfully drawn. Click on the view draw hunt results link on the top of this page. Enter your information and your draw results will show for each hunt for which you successfully submitted an application. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view important information if you were drawn for a hunt.
Q: I tried to view my draw results and I got the message "No Records Found." What do I do now?
A: Verify that you typed your last name correctly. Do not type in suffixes, i.e. "Sr." or "Jr." Make sure you have a confirmation number (Hunt Registration ID) or confirmation email for the hunt. If you don't have a confirmation number or email, it is likely that you didn't successfully submit your application. If you have a confirmation number or email, and you do not see any results for your name, call DNR Customer Service at (317) 232-4200 or toll-free at (877) 463-6367.
Q: There are no results listed under my name for a hunt. What do I do now?
A: Make sure you have a confirmation number (Hunt Registration ID) or confirmation email for the hunt. If you don't have a confirmation number or email, it is likely that you didn't successfully submit your application. If you have a confirmation number or email, and you do not see any results for your name, call DNR Customer Service at (317) 232-4200 or toll-free at (877) 463-6367.
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