Hi folks,

it looks like the job is going to have me and the family move to Indiana for the next 2-3 years.

While we are huge fans of the US (yes, also in Trump-days!) and are enormously looking forward to the adventure as a family, I was seriously asking myself, what kind of hunting I would be able to do while over there...???

I do not even know where to start... Do I need to do some sort of a "hunting exam"? Will I be allowed to buy a hunting license and tags? Will I even be eligible to buy a rifle? What is hunting in Indiana like? What are the regulations, do´s, dont´s, traditions to follow?

Sorry for the flood of questions, but I have been a very passionate hunter ever since my grandfather started taking me along at the age of 6 and having to let that passion rest for a longer time would be incredibly tough. And not only for me, my 6-year old starts feeling the same way, already...

Any insights or potentially ressources you would be able to share, are much appreciated, thank you so much in advance,

elwood.

Here's a good start.......
http://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/

Welcome to Indiana. You should read through the link that ismith posted and then call the DNR with specific questions. I've found them to be pretty helpful.

Licensing isn't a problem, but I am not sure how residency works to buy the cheaper resident licenses.

You can own firearms here, but again I would ask the authorities for the specifics.

As for hunting here, you mainly have whitetails, eastern turkey, waterfowl, squirrels and predators (coyote and fox). There is a lot of good fishing if that is also interesting to you. Smallmouth on a fly is a blast.

There is a little quail hunting, and several put and take pheasant areas. Overall the bird hunting isn't very exciting.

Waterfowl is better along the west side of the state, or it is field hunting for snow and Canada geese. We don't have a strong duck flyway, but plenty of geese.

Access is the main issue depending on where you live. Southern Indiana has the most public, and it is decent hunting, but it is a long trip from Indy. Getting access to private is the best bet either from door knocking, or a lease.

PM me if you have more specific questions or need some help.

Jeremy

An Indiana resident is a person who has established a true fixed and permanent home and primary residence in Indiana for 60 consecutive days prior to buying a license or permit and does not claim residency for hunting, trapping or fishing in another state or country.


***IN is about the least restrictive of any state that I'm aware of for residency. Most require anywhere from six months to a year before you qualify as a resident to hunt, fish, etc.

Google Jasper, Ind. as that is an area with a strong and existing German ancestry. This is a short drive from Indy.

Go to http://hunt-indiana.com/ they are a great bunch of guys there and are more than happy to answer questions.

quote:

Originally posted by SCHALL53:
Go to http://hunt-indiana.com/ they are a great bunch of guys there and are more than happy to answer questions.

Thanks so much, great forum and tons of info!

quote:

Originally posted by Ole Miss Guy:
Google Jasper, Ind. as that is an area with a strong and existing German ancestry. This is a short drive from Indy.

Took a closer look into the history of Jasper, very interesting indeed. Big "Strassenfest" with its German sister-city beginning of August, sounds like something worth stopping by for, thanks!!

quote:

Originally posted by farbedo:
Welcome to Indiana. You should read through the link that ismith posted and then call the DNR with specific questions. I've found them to be pretty helpful.

Licensing isn't a problem, but I am not sure how residency works to buy the cheaper resident licenses.

You can own firearms here, but again I would ask the authorities for the specifics.

As for hunting here, you mainly have whitetails, eastern turkey, waterfowl, squirrels and predators (coyote and fox). There is a lot of good fishing if that is also interesting to you. Smallmouth on a fly is a blast.

There is a little quail hunting, and several put and take pheasant areas. Overall the bird hunting isn't very exciting.

Waterfowl is better along the west side of the state, or it is field hunting for snow and Canada geese. We don't have a strong duck flyway, but plenty of geese.

Access is the main issue depending on where you live. Southern Indiana has the most public, and it is decent hunting, but it is a long trip from Indy. Getting access to private is the best bet either from door knocking, or a lease.

PM me if you have more specific questions or need some help.

Jeremy

Hi Jeremy,

thank you, very much appreciated. Sounds like I have not picked a bad state for hunting and fishing, after all. Getting familiar with the public/private land concept is going to be new for me. Very different from how things work in Germany but hey, that is the interesting part of moving to other places. I am sure I will bump into a few fellow-hunters at work sooner or later.

Will talk to local authorities as soon as we are there to get details on licensing and gun ownership. I guess I will leave my guns in Germany and do some shopping in the US...

I'm in neighboring Ohio much like Indiana. Your in farm country. Get to know the farmers and you will have the keys to hunting and fishing. I'm a farmer myself. We are a tight knit group but love good people. Most are of German ancestry. Don't be afraid to knock on doors, smile and let them hear you.

Since I am an American in Germany let me know if I can help.

I recommend that you buy points in Wyoming for deer, elk and antelope this year or apply this year.

I can set you up where to apply and what to apply for. You could hunt public land for the cost of a hunting tag ($400-600 for the deer and antelope) and $400-1300 for the elk.

Won't be the best area with no preference points, but at least you will be hunting.

From my very limited experience hunting Roe buck in Germany. It pretty much the same as Whitetail. Lots of stand hunting on food sources and pinch points.

Im going to suggest you try turkey hunting. Calling in a big tom is very different from what your used too. Also there are a lot less turkey hunters. Access "may" be easier to get too.

My first question to the game department would be. What do I have to do in order to buy a license?

the first thing I would do is NOT make Trump jokes when you get there.

Definately try turkey hunting. Access to private for turkey is a lot easier. Public is pretty good for them as well. I've taken a few off public. Most of our public land is south of Indy.

Indiana has only had a huntable population of turkey for about 20 years. Prior they were darned near extinct. Great conservation success, really.

If you aren't picky, the deer hunting in the national forest to the south is decent. When I moved here 17 years ago, that is where I hunted and never had trouble getting my deer. The locals wouldn't hunt further than 100 yards from a road. I'd walk in about 1/4 mile and never see another soul. I drug several deer past some pissed off locals.

Jeremy

If you were born after 1986 you will have to have successfully completed a hunter education course in order to purchase a hunting license in Indiana. The hunter education course is relatively simple and you may be able to take it on line. While there is reciprocity with other states and Canadian provinces, you may want to check with the state to see if Indiana will recognize your (MUCH more stringent) German credentials. It would be interesting to know if they do or not.

In the US, hunting licenses are issued for the various species of game and you need a separate license for each animal you wish to hunt. In addition to the license, carcass tags are usually issued for large game such as deer, turkey and bear. Many states also require you to register the kill but now this is often done on-line or by telephone. Possessing a carcass without the proper tag and registration is a serious violation. Some states also require the purchase of a 'conservation' license or stamp - anything to squeeze another dollar out of you! The licenses and tags are generally valid for one season.

The laws pertaining to licensing / tagging, bag limits and (especially) shooting hours are strictly enforced by state authorities. My understanding is that in Germany these issues are kept between the hunter, hunter's association and the landowner and there are no "game wardens" or "conservation officers." You may be surprised by the legal shooting hours in the US as compared to Europe. There's a reason that European hunters insist on the best quality optics while American hunters are satisfied by mediocre glass - our shooting hours start later and end sooner.

All of this might sound complicated but it really isn't.

quote:

Originally posted by elwood:

quote:

Originally posted by Ole Miss Guy:
Google Jasper, Ind. as that is an area with a strong and existing German ancestry. This is a short drive from Indy.

Took a closer look into the history of Jasper, very interesting indeed. Big "Strassenfest" with its German sister-city beginning of August, sounds like something worth stopping by for, thanks!!

..and, if you get over to Jasper, be sure to have Midtagessen oder Abendessen at the Schnitzelbank Restaurant, and pick up some Grossman's "Smug and Good" mustard to take home.

quote:

Originally posted by tomahawker:
I'm in neighboring Ohio much like Indiana. Your in farm country. Get to know the farmers and you will have the keys to hunting and fishing. I'm a farmer myself. We are a tight knit group but love good people. Most are of German ancestry. Don't be afraid to knock on doors, smile and let them hear you.

Hi tomahawker, thanks for the guidance. Going to a farmer´s house to ask for a hunting lease would be IMPOSSIBLE in Germany! But that is how different countries and cultures can be! I happily take your advice and will try to get in touch with farmers. Been raised on a farm all my childhood time too, so no reservations to reach out them. Thanks!

quote:

Originally posted by Big Wonderful Wyoming:
Since I am an American in Germany let me know if I can help.

I recommend that you buy points in Wyoming for deer, elk and antelope this year or apply this year.

I can set you up where to apply and what to apply for. You could hunt public land for the cost of a hunting tag ($400-600 for the deer and antelope) and $400-1300 for the elk.

Won't be the best area with no preference points, but at least you will be hunting.

That means I could even hunt in other states than Indiana? Wow... Always wanted to hunt in big sky country! Thanks!

What part of Indiana are you moving to? I lived in Valparaiso for 7 yrs. I hunted Jasper Pulaski Fish and Wildlife and took a nice 8 pt buck there. They have a public range there too.

quote:

Originally posted by Thunder Head:
From my very limited experience hunting Roe buck in Germany. It pretty much the same as Whitetail. Lots of stand hunting on food sources and pinch points.

Im going to suggest you try turkey hunting. Calling in a big tom is very different from what your used too. Also there are a lot less turkey hunters. Access "may" be easier to get too.

My first question to the game department would be. What do I have to do in order to buy a license?

That sounds like good fun! Never hunted turkey before, are they any good eating?

quote:

Originally posted by farbedo:
Definately try turkey hunting. Access to private for turkey is a lot easier. Public is pretty good for them as well. I've taken a few off public. Most of our public land is south of Indy.

Indiana has only had a huntable population of turkey for about 20 years. Prior they were darned near extinct. Great conservation success, really.

If you aren't picky, the deer hunting in the national forest to the south is decent. When I moved here 17 years ago, that is where I hunted and never had trouble getting my deer. The locals wouldn't hunt further than 100 yards from a road. I'd walk in about 1/4 mile and never see another soul. I drug several deer past some pissed off locals.

Jeremy

I have spent some time in Canada and there, too, locals would hunt as close to roads as possible. My plan would be to hike in a good ways, set a few trail cams and see where that gets me. I understand that feeding deer or putting out salt licks is prohibited which makes it a bit harder, but any way...

quote:

Originally posted by Venandi:
If you were born after 1986 you will have to have successfully completed a hunter education course in order to purchase a hunting license in Indiana. The hunter education course is relatively simple and you may be able to take it on line. While there is reciprocity with other states and Canadian provinces, you may want to check with the state to see if Indiana will recognize your (MUCH more stringent) German credentials. It would be interesting to know if they do or not.

In the US, hunting licenses are issued for the various species of game and you need a separate license for each animal you wish to hunt. In addition to the license, carcass tags are usually issued for large game such as deer, turkey and bear. Many states also require you to register the kill but now this is often done on-line or by telephone. Possessing a carcass without the proper tag and registration is a serious violation. Some states also require the purchase of a 'conservation' license or stamp - anything to squeeze another dollar out of you! The licenses and tags are generally valid for one season.

The laws pertaining to licensing / tagging, bag limits and (especially) shooting hours are strictly enforced by state authorities. My understanding is that in Germany these issues are kept between the hunter, hunter's association and the landowner and there are no "game wardens" or "conservation officers." You may be surprised by the legal shooting hours in the US as compared to Europe. There's a reason that European hunters insist on the best quality optics while American hunters are satisfied by mediocre glass - our shooting hours start later and end sooner.

All of this might sound complicated but it really isn't.

Venandi, you raise a few good points - I shall try to get an officially translated version of my German hunting license. However, I would not mind taking a course just for the experience and I am convinced there is always new things to learn. I am way pre 86 anyway...
Yes, there are tons of regulations in Germany but since there are no game wardens and the police is not equipped nor educated properly, these things are often being swept under the rug. AS for shooting hours, I am looking forward to not having to spend a fortune on one of our European optics!

quote:

Originally posted by Lamar:
the first thing I would do is NOT make Trump jokes when you get there.

I know, I looked at the polls and realize I am not in Hillary-country. Totally fine for me. I am not coming over for political reasons but for business and the personal experience including any political discussions that may arise...

Nonresident applications will be due soon for Montana.
http://fwp.mt.gov/hunting/licenses/all/

quote:

Originally posted by Greg K:
What part of Indiana are you moving to? I lived in Valparaiso for 7 yrs. I hunted Jasper Pulaski Fish and Wildlife and took a nice 8 pt buck there. They have a public range there too.

Hi Greg, we are going to be in the Indianapolis area. Looks pretty urban to me, long ways to the next patch of woods that looks like worth hunting in... But I assume significant shares of the deer population also populate farm land? That is where deer in Germany usually are the fattest and tastiest!

Whitetails and reh have similar traits.

They are very tasty as well.

You should be able to draw a general elk and deer tag in Montana and Idaho. Or have good odds to do this.

Wyoming takes points, but it is possible to draw many Wyoming tags every year.

Most of the eastern states and Texas you can buy a tag directly.

Elwood:

Once you're over here. You can hunt anywhere in the US you wish to by getting that states license's. You should be able to contact all states wildlife dept. By typing in: Wildlife, ____ whatever state. Request a current copy of their hunting regulations be mailed at No charge.

IF I was you, I'd bring my own guns along. Deer rifle and 12ga shotgun at least. That would save buying new and possibly having a hassle. Quite a few hunters come here from overseas to hunt various places and game. Shouldn't be too much problem. It's the non state residents license fee's that suck most.

Once you get settled and have some time. Take all the trips you can and see the country too.

Hope you have a great time while here.

George

quote:

Originally posted by elwood:

quote:

Originally posted by farbedo:
Definately try turkey hunting. Access to private for turkey is a lot easier. Public is pretty good for them as well. I've taken a few off public. Most of our public land is south of Indy.

Indiana has only had a huntable population of turkey for about 20 years. Prior they were darned near extinct. Great conservation success, really.

If you aren't picky, the deer hunting in the national forest to the south is decent. When I moved here 17 years ago, that is where I hunted and never had trouble getting my deer. The locals wouldn't hunt further than 100 yards from a road. I'd walk in about 1/4 mile and never see another soul. I drug several deer past some pissed off locals.

Jeremy

I have spent some time in Canada and there, too, locals would hunt as close to roads as possible. My plan would be to hike in a good ways, set a few trail cams and see where that gets me. I understand that feeding deer or putting out salt licks is prohibited which makes it a bit harder, but any way...

Feeding depends on the state I think. In my state of NC feeding has been allowed since the deer population exploded a few years ago. I am amazed at the ingenuity of home made deer feeders to try and keep raccoons out of them.

quote:

Originally posted by deltam:

quote:

Originally posted by elwood:

quote:

Originally posted by farbedo:
Definately try turkey hunting. Access to private for turkey is a lot easier. Public is pretty good for them as well. I've taken a few off public. Most of our public land is south of Indy.

Indiana has only had a huntable population of turkey for about 20 years. Prior they were darned near extinct. Great conservation success, really.

If you aren't picky, the deer hunting in the national forest to the south is decent. When I moved here 17 years ago, that is where I hunted and never had trouble getting my deer. The locals wouldn't hunt further than 100 yards from a road. I'd walk in about 1/4 mile and never see another soul. I drug several deer past some pissed off locals.

Jeremy

I have spent some time in Canada and there, too, locals would hunt as close to roads as possible. My plan would be to hike in a good ways, set a few trail cams and see where that gets me. I understand that feeding deer or putting out salt licks is prohibited which makes it a bit harder, but any way...

Feeding depends on the state I think. In my state of NC feeding has been allowed since the deer population exploded a few years ago. I am amazed at the ingenuity of home made deer feeders to try and keep raccoons out of them.

I know the feeling. We are seeing growing numbers in Germany and they are a pain in the backside on our automatic wild boar feeders. Thankfully they rather dumb (so far) and easy to take a couple of them out at once...

Elwood,

1) Yes, turkey are very good eating. They are a poultry like chicken. Don't let them get too dry and all is well.

2) I'd be cautious about putting trail cameras on public ground unless in a 'bear box'. Theft happens unfortunately. Even on private ground.

3) As mentioned each state is different regarding feed/minerals for deer. Most all I believe prohibit usage on public ground.

4) Our whitetail are same as other game animals in that they require food, water, shelter. So, you find that, you'll find deer.

5) As mentioned already, go turkey hunting. Hearing birds gobbling on the roost first thing in the morning is something everyone should experience at least once.

6) Dove hunting is a good start to fall hunting seasons.

Dear all, I hope you all had a great start into the Indiana deer season! On our end, we have settled in very well and are blown away by how warm and welcoming people are!
Only access to private land has not worked out so far. I have talked to a lot of colleagues, acquaintances and of course farmers directly and I dont blame anyone for not granting access to a German that has only lived in the states for a few months. Looking into public land options and would be grateful if you had any recommendations or hints. Not asking you to give away your secret spots of course, but maybe you have a few general thoughts.

Many thanks!

quote:

Originally posted by Lamar:
the first thing I would do is NOT make Trump jokes when you get there.

What he said

quote:

Originally posted by just say moe:

quote:

Originally posted by Lamar:
the first thing I would do is NOT make Trump jokes when you get there.

What he said

Good advice. Never have, never will. If I have time and oxygen to waste on politicians, plenty to start with back in the old country.

Indiana ? About as urban as Germany.

Grizz

Click on the dots to start and make some phone calls to the offices if you have a question or two.
Google topo maps for the geographical layout of the land you wish to hunt as some are going to be mostly water.


https://indnr.maps.arcgis.com/...45ceb1673228fb2793ce

quote:

Originally posted by elwood:
Dear all, I hope you all had a great start into the Indiana deer season! On our end, we have settled in very well and are blown away by how warm and welcoming people are!
Only access to private land has not worked out so far. I have talked to a lot of colleagues, acquaintances and of course farmers directly and I dont blame anyone for not granting access to a German that has only lived in the states for a few months. Looking into public land options and would be grateful if you had any recommendations or hints. Not asking you to give away your secret spots of course, but maybe you have a few general thoughts.

Many thanks!

Welcome to the USA.

It's what you do as to how your stay
works out.

Best wishes, hunting will work in, just keep
trying. Contact game n fish, go in person for a few hours visit can only help.

George

How cool an experience you get to come to the US for work! You will love the big Midwestern whitetails for sure.

Hi all,

time for a little update. Thanks to all of your encouragement and recommendations, I actually knocked on doors, introduced myself, talked to farmers. And I tell you what, I had amazing conversation about anything starting with weather, hunting, farming all the way guns, kids, politics etc. It was a great experience and everyone was very open, friendly and welcoming but mostly already booked out with hunters. However, one very nice gentleman had quite a big part of his farm that no-one hunted but himself (mostly sqirrels), we talked for more than an hour about everything and anything and just like that - he said that I was fine to hunt his land and even showed me around!!! I was absolutely blown away... The place was covered in tracks and what looked like a man-made path through the woods on the property actually turned out to be a deer trail! Rifle season was already over so I went to Cabelas, invested $300 in a crossbow plus equipment and practiced as much as I could in my basement because I had never shot one before (illegal in Germany). Went for two more recon trips that showed two main access routes to a freshly harvested corn field. on Saturday, I hid in a hedge close to the trail that better fit the wind. Arrived at 4:20, still fiddling with the camp, my binos and of course the crossbow (holy moly they are tough to cock!) and BOOM there was a young buck (4x4) at the edge of the field exactly on the trail I had identified. He stepped into the field, picking up some corn that the combine had spilled. I was shaking like a leaf, had never expected the animal to be that big!! Anyway, I did not wait long and sent an arrow just behind the shoulder at 25 yards! I was surprised by the loud TWACK when the arrow hit the ribcage. Deer spun around and ran back the way he had come. It all went so fast and now I was shaking even more and almost fell out of the tree (no offense guys, but your tree stands are not very wide! ;-)). Forced myself to wait for 15m, found hair, found blood and even the arrow with lots of blood on the fletching. I was going crazy with excitement by that time, I was really going to track my first American big game animal... But then again, animals are the same on all continents: the buck ran of low to the ground, hair was not white, so no low shot I assumed, blood was bubbly so it was from the lung - All in all I was hoping for a short tracking job. Stepped into the woods and there he was, had not gone more than 20 yards! There he was and I still could not believe it, I had just harvested my first whitetail deer!!! Gave it the last bite, sat down to rest for a few minutes and let it all sink in. Texted the farmer and he was genuinely happy for me, even wished me Waidmannsheil! Then the work started, I had underestimated the size and was glad I had brought my pulling rig, still a pretty long way to pull across the cornfield to the road. My wife and the kids came and "helped" me field dressing it, neighbouring farmers stopped by, offered their help and congratulated me, even recommended a deer processor right in the area, it was picture perfect!! Hung the deer in our garage (almost ripped out the garage door frame!), had a few beer and discussed with the kids what we were planning to do with the deer. They get it - it will end up in our freezer and the back straps will be Christmas Eve dinner! :-) Checked the deer in with DNR and dropped off the deer at a local deer processor. Again, very nice people who helped me out with a few questions I had on licenses and connected me with a taxidermist, because I want my first US deer to be mounted European Style. He may not be a great trophy by any standards, but he certainly is by mine so he deserves a place on the wall next to his cousins from across the big pond. By the way, the deer was 180 pounds field dressed and still had a lot of white, even after the rut. He will be made into steaks, roasts, steaks meat, burger meat, jerky and summer sausage - all for 100$ fee. I found that to be rather reasonable, but not sure how that compares to other providers you might know. Cant wait to get the finished product!!!

A few learnings:
- This was a great experience for which I am extremely grateful and that I don't take for granted!!! Backstraps and home-baked Christmas cookies will find their way to the generous farmer.
- you were absolutely right - don't be afraid to ask, be open, be nice, be genuine and humble and you will at least meet great people and have great conversations. Eventually, you will meet the right person...
- show kids how hunting, harvesting and processing works. They are smarter than we think and as long as we provide the right context and framing (we kill because we want to eat, not because we want to kill), they will learn something important for life and figure it out eventually even if deer guts don't smell great the first time.
- same as in Germany after the rut: find the food source and you find the deer. I suspect I will try my luck for a doe rather sooner than later, before the deer pick up all the spilled corn from the field.

I just realize that this post must be at least as long as all my previous posts combined. Apologies, I got carried away...

Again, THANK YOU all for your great ideas and encouragement, I hope your seasons went well or is still going well, merry xmas,

Elwood.

Congratulations!

quote:

I want my first US deer to be mounted European Style. He may not be a great trophy by any standards, but he certainly is by mine so he

A first is always important.

Glad you had a successful hunt.

Now for turkeys nothing like calling in a big tom.

Enjoy your time here.