Bonus antlerless bag limits lowered in seven southern Indiana counties

Because of the impact of epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) on the deer herd in southern Indiana this year, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is reducing the county antlerless bag limits in Bartholomew, Jackson, Jefferson, Jennings, Martin, Scott, and Switzerland counties.

Jennings County's antlerless bag limit is reduced from four antlerless deer to two antlerless deer for the upcoming hunting season.

Jackson, Scott, and Jefferson counties' antlerless bag limit is reduced from four antlerless deer to three antlerless deer per county for the upcoming hunting season.

Bartholomew, Martin, and Switzerland counties' antlerless bag limit is reduced from three antlerless deer to two antlerless deer per county for the upcoming hunting season.

The statewide antlerless bag limit remains six antlerless deer.

Changes to the county antlerless bag limit will not affect the Deer Reduction Zones.

For more information on the county antlerless bag limit reduction, see on.IN.gov/EHD-quotas.

Humans are not at risk for contracting EHD.

EHD is a viral disease that commonly affects white-tailed deer and is transmitted by biting midges, aka "no-see-ums." Cases typically occur during late summer and early fall, and there is evidence that outbreaks can be more severe in years when there is a wet spring followed by a hot, dry summer. EHD is often fatal to deer, but some can recover and develop immunity.

Deer infected with EHD may display unusual behaviors such as lethargy, excessive salivation, or disorientation. EHD also causes fever in deer, which can cause them to seek water. As a result, many deer that die from EHD are found in or near open water sources like ponds and rivers.

Anyone who finds a deer that is showing signs of EHD or dead in water is asked to report it at on.IN.gov/sickwildlife.

DNR monitors for EHD annually; however, the severity of EHD in a single year depends on weather, immunity, location, and other factors.

The effects of EHD will be evaluated after deer hunting season, and additional changes will be considered for the 2026 -2027 hunting season. EHD detections can be continually monitored at on.IN.gov/EHD.

Not every deer in an affected area will contract EHD. One sign a deer has recovered from EHD is sloughing or breaking on their hooves. DNR asks that successful hunters use the Deer After Hunt Survey to report the condition of their deer's hooves, including both normal hooves and hooves that show evidence of sloughing or damage.

To view more DNR news releases, please see dnr.IN.gov.