It’s been a long hot summer, but fall has arrived in southeastern Indiana. The cooler weather and beautiful fall colors make it an ideal time to get outdoors for hiking and other fall activities. In this post, we’ll take a look at Indiana’s fall hunting dates as well as safety tips for both hunters and non-hunters who plan to spend time in the great outdoors.
2020 Indiana Deer and Turkey Fall Hunting Dates
Wild Turkey
Archery: October 1-November 1; December 5-January 3, 2021
Firearm: October 21-November 1
Deer
Designated Deer Reduction Zones: September 15-January 31, 2021
Youth: September 26 & 27
Archery: October 1-January 3, 2020
Firearms: November 14-29
Muzzleloader: December 5-December 20
You can learn more about Indiana hunting seasons on the Indiana Department of Natural Resources website.
Tips for Non-Hunters
Spending time outdoors this fall? Here are a few tips to help you stay safe and visible.
Go Bright: Make sure you are as visible as possible with bright clothing such as hunter blaze orange. Avoid wearing neutral and animal colored clothing in the woods.
Make Your Pets Visible: Purchase an orange blaze dog vest or a brightly colored bandana for your dog to wear when walking near an area where hunting may take place.
Do Your Research: Find out where and when hunting is taking place and plan accordingly. For example, Versailles State Park is often included in the State Park Deer Reduction Hunt. This year’s early hunt is November 14-15. The late hunt will be held on November 28-29.
Get Loud: Whistle, sing, or have a conversation with someone else while walking to help alert hunters that you’re nearby. Once the hunter knows that you’re around, don’t make unneeded noise that may disturb wildlife.
Tips for Hunters
As a hunter, it is your responsibility to stay aware of rules and regulations for hunting in your area. Be alert and stay on the lookout for people and pets. Here are a few other safety tips:
-Take Indiana’s hunter education course.
-Check the weather and dress appropriately.
-Carry a small first aid kit.
Follow the four basic rule of firearm safety:
- Treat every gun as though it is loaded.
- Don’t point the muzzle of your firearm at anything you don’t plan to shoot.
- Keep your finger off of the trigger and away from the trigger guard until you have sighted your target and are ready to shoot.
- Be sure of your target and what is beyond your target before shooting.
Following these safety guidelines will help everyone have safe adventures this fall.
If you or someone you care about has been injured in a hunting accident, get advice from a trusted source. Attorney John Schuerman has over forty years of experience with personal injury claims. He’ll fight aggressively for full compensation for you and your family. Evening and weekend appointments are available in addition to home and hospital visits. Schedule your free consultation today by calling 1-800-274-0045.
