| 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. |
The Autumn Pursuit: A Comprehensive Analysis of the Indiana Wild Turkey Fall Season – Ecology, Regulations, and Hunter Success Strategies indiana turkey fall season
Illinois’s lack of a fall season is notable; IDNR biologists there cite lower habitat carrying capacity. Indiana’s decision to maintain a fall season reflects higher mast production and agricultural carrying capacity. The fall season acts as a biological safety valve. If a hard winter (e.g., 2013-2014) reduces survival, IDNR can shorten or cancel the fall season. If summer brood surveys show high poult-to-hen ratios (e.g., 4+ poults per hen), the fall season may be expanded. | Parameter | Regulation | | :--- |
