If you want to enjoy the great outdoors by hunting or fishing in Indiana, you're going to need a license. Here's how to get yours.

Hunting and Fishing fans

Here in Indiana, we have our fair share of people who love hunting and fishing.  We all know someone who always has a freezer full of deer meat, and if you don't know that person, you're missing out on a good friend who will hook you up with some deer meat or invite you over for the best deer meat chili!

However, if you want to hunt or fish in the Hoosier State, you will need to have the proper licenses, which you can obtain through the Department of Natural Resources in a few ways.

How to Obtain Your License in Indiana

There are three ways to obtain a hunting or fishing license through Indiana DNR. You can obtain your license online, in person, or through mail.

How to Get Your Hunting/Fishing License Online

The first is online.  This way is probably the easiest because you can do it all on your computer or phone. This is good for Indiana residents and non-residents.

Per the Indiana DNR, through the Division of Fish & Wildlife’s online license portal, you can do the following:

• Purchase your Indiana resident and non-resident fishing, hunting, and trapping licenses.
• Access the CheckIN Game system.
• Apply for reserved hunts.
• Find your Customer ID.
• Register for your harvest information program (HIP) number.

How to Get Your Hunting/Fishing License in Person

If you aren't the most tech-savvy, or you just enjoy talking to another human, the in-person method may be for you.  Per the Indiana DNR, most licenses are available from retailers, and DNR properties throughout the state.

Most licenses, including youth hunting licenses, are available from retailers, county clerks, and most DNR properties throughout the state. Find an authorized license vendor near you. Non-resident licenses are available at the state’s Customer Service Center in Indianapolis and most DNR properties. The DNR Customer Service Center is located in:

Indiana Government Center South,
402 W. Washington St., Room W160
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Customer Service Center hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., call 317-232-4200, Monday through Friday.

The Mail-In Option

The last option is mailing in your information to obtain a hunting or fishing license. According to Indiana DNR, it will take about 2 weeks to get your license in the mail,so only use this method if you have time to spare.

Send your order with the following:

• Name
• Date of birth
• Include a copy of hunter education certificate or card if born after Dec. 31, 1986
• Complete address, city, state, zip, phone number
• Height, weight, color of hair, and color of eyes
• Social Security number (this is mandatory)
• Specify the licenses including the season (i.e. deer for muzzleloader)

Send check, money order, or credit card number and expiration date for licenses made payable to Indiana DNR:

Licenses 
DNR Customer Service Center
402 W. Washington St., Rm. W160
Indianapolis, IN 46204-2739

Please allow two weeks for delivery. For more information, call the Indiana DNR Customer Service Center at 317-232-4200. All licenses issued by the DNR are non-transferable and non-refundable.

For more information about obtaining your hunting and fishing license in Indiana, and to see all of the license fees, you can find all of that information through Indiana DNR, here.