INDIANA – The Indiana Natural Resources Commission has opened a second public comment period for proposed changes to Indiana’s deer hunting rules.
Most proposed changes intend to simplify the rules and make them easier to understand.
Rule Name: Deer Hunting Amendment Proposal (312 IAC 9-2; 312 IAC 9-3; 312 IAC 9-4)
Description: (LSA#24-49) Amends 312 IAC 9-2-15 to make a technical and conforming change. Amends 312 IAC 9-3-2 regarding a license to hunt a deer to: (1) remove the crossbow license; (2) establish a multiple season antlerless deer license; (3) prohibit taking an antlerless deer with a firearm on certain department of natural resources (department) properties; (4) set a new statewide limit to take an antlerless deer of six antlerless deer per year; and (5) authorize the department to allow an individual to take an antlerless deer if a harvested deer is unfit for human consumption. Amends 312 IAC 9-3-3 to: (1) remove the reference to the special antlerless season; (2) describe a legal cartridge to hunt a deer; (3) change the caliber for a muzzleloading long gun to .40 caliber; (4) change the dates on which a portable tree or a ground blind may be placed on certain department properties; and (5) remove the restriction on using an infrared detector to retrieve a deer. Amends 312 IAC 9-3-4 to: (1) establish the number of antlerless deer a youth hunter may take during the youth hunting season on certain department properties; (2) provide that one antlered deer may be taken statewide; (3) set deer reduction zones; (4) set the antlerless bag limit per county; and (5) eliminate the special antlerless firearm season. Amends 312 IAC 9-4-11 to make technical and conforming changes.
RULE ADOPTION TIMELINE
Preliminary Adoption – January 23, 2024
Notice of First Public Comment Period posted – February 14, 2024
Public Hearing – March 20, 2024
Comment Period Closes at 11:59 p.m. on March 20, 2024
Notice of Second Public Comment Period – April 17, 2024
Second Public Hearing – May 20, 2024
Second Comment Period Closes at 11:59 p.m. on May 20, 2024
Final Adoption – July 2024
Submitted to the Attorney General – July 2024
Review by: Attorney General 45th Day: August 2024
Sent to Governor – September 2024
Effective630 days after filing with the Publisher.
