Indiana

The Hoosier State is a midwestern gem, fed by the Great Lakes, which provide excellent fishing opportunities for species such as walleye, perch, and steelhead. In central Indiana, the White River is a popular spot for smallmouth bass and catfish. Meanwhile, the southern part of the state boasts large expanses of forest, which are home to deer, turkey, and other game animals. The Hoosier National Forest, which covers over 200,000 acres in the southern part of the state, is a particularly popular destination for hunters and anglers. Iconic destinations in Indiana include the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial. Despite not being the largest state, Indiana has plenty to offer for those looking to hunt, fish, and trap in the great outdoors.

For more information on the elected officials protecting and promoting the sportsmen’s traditions in Indiana, please contact: Bob Matthews

Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus

Representative Jim Banks Representative Larry Buschon Representative Mark Messmer Representative Victoria Spartz Representative Rudy Yakym Senator Todd Young

Indiana Governors Sportsmen's Caucus Member

Governor Mike Braun

Indiana Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus Leadership

Representative Bob Morris Senator Dave Niezgodski Senator Jim Tomes
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Indiana Policy Briefs

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Straight-Walled Rifle Cartridges

Over the past decade, several states have introduced regulations allowing these cartridges, which provide effective, safe hunting options in densely populated zones. Straight-walled cartridges are… Read more.

Federal Land Habitat Management

Properly managed wildlife habitat is essential for supporting sustainable and healthy wildlife populations. Well-managed lands containvarious successional stages that provide a diversity of habitats capable… Read more.

Indiana Latest News

June 22, 2026

Spring and Summer Free Fishing Days Conclude in the Great Lakes 

Why It Matters: Although sportsmen and women are the backbone of conservation funding through their license and sporting gear purchases, states offer brief, limited opportunities to fish without purchasing a license in an effort to grow the base of anglers.  Highlights:  With summer officially upon us, almost all of the statehouses in the Great Lakes region have emptied their chambers of legislators while nearby […]

March 9, 2026

CSF Priority Shooting Range Protection Legislation Sent to Indiana Governor 

Why It Matters: Shooting ranges provide recreational shooters a safe, reliable place to practice their sport, while providing hunters the opportunity to sight in their firearms and prepare for a successful hunting season. Protecting ranges from local zoning authorities enacting ordinances designed to hinder their use and maintenance protects the time-honored traditions of sportsmen and women.  Highlights:  Just a gubernatorial […]

Silhouette of hunter at dawn
February 23, 2026

Indiana Natural Resources Commission Spared the Axe in Government Efficiency Battle

Why It Matters: Natural Resources Commissions provide sportsmen and women with a public forum in which they can voice their opinions and concerns and thereby help shape fish and wildlife regulations. Eliminating the Indiana Natural Resource Commission (NRC), as Indiana HB 1003 would have done as originally passed by the House, would have weakened the…

Silhouette of female hunter at sunset
February 9, 2026

Shortsighted Bill to Eliminate Indiana Natural Resources Commission Passes House

Why It Matters: Natural Resources Commissions throughout the country provide a dedicated forum for hunters, anglers, and trappers to voice their opinions to an appointed body that is specifically comprised of individuals that are knowledgeable about sporting-conservation issues. In many cases, such as Indiana, the Commission also serves as the regulatory entity charged with working with the Department to adopt […]

Impact You Can See

State agency authority was defended and/or enhanced in AL, CO, IN, MD, ME, MO, MT, NH, ND, NM, SD, TN, TX, and WA.

Deer hunters in IN may harvest deer with fewer limitations on allowed cartridge lengths.