EHD Outbreak Prompts Reduced Deer Hunting Limits in Southern Indiana

Indiana DNR Lowers Antlerless Deer Bag Limits After EHD Outbreak

If you’re planning on heading out for deer season this year, there’s something you’ll want to know before setting up your stand. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced new hunting regulations for the 2025-2026 season. The changes are in response to a serious outbreak of epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) that’s been hitting deer herds hard in southern Indiana.

What Is Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD)?

EHD is a viral disease that affects white-tailed deer, and unfortunately, it’s something Indiana hunters and wildlife officials are familiar with. It tends to show up every year, but some years - like this one - it comes on strong and causes widespread losses in local herds. To keep track, the DNR relies on reports submitted by hunters and residents through its online Sick & Dead Wildlife reporting system. When outbreaks reach high levels, officials step in and make adjustments to hunting rules so the deer population has a chance to bounce back.

County Antlerless Bag Limit Changes for 2025–2026

For the 2025-2026 season, hunters in several southern Indiana counties will see lower antlerless bag limits:

• Jennings County: down from 4 to 2
• Jackson, Scott, and Jefferson Counties: down from 4 to 3
• Bartholomew, Martin, and Switzerland Counties: down from 3 to 2

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It’s worth noting that the statewide antlerless bag limit remains 6, and Deer Reduction Zones are not impacted by these changes.

Looking Ahead: Monitoring and Future Seasons

DNR biologists will continue monitoring deer herds through the winter and use that data to decide if further adjustments are needed for the 2026-2027 season.

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In the meantime, hunters and residents can learn more about EHD at on.IN.gov/EHD and check county-specific quotas at on.IN.gov/EHD-quotas.

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The DNR also extends thanks to everyone who filed reports this year - it’s those extra sets of eyes in the field that help protect Indiana’s deer population for the future.