Website Repair Means Indiana Hunters Should Buy Licenses Early

Buying a hunting license early is generally a wise idea, but it’s essential for those who have yet to buy a license and want to hunt upland game species such as pheasant, quail and rabbit this weekend.

The portion of the DNR website (dnr.IN.gov) through which licenses are purchased will be down for emergency repair from 2 a.m. (EST) Saturday to 11:59 p.m. (EST) Sunday. During this time, license purchases will not be available online or at any license retailer.

Deer hunters can also save themselves time today and avoid the last-minute rush by purchasing their firearms season license. The deer firearms season starts Nov. 17.

The CheckIN Game system also is unavailable this weekend. In order to check game, hunters will need to visit a check station. A station list can be found at eregulations.com/indiana/hunting/check-stations/. The check station list will be available online throughout the weekend, as will most general content on the DNR website.

Indiana Department of Natural Resources

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources is the agency of the U.S. state of Indiana charged with maintaining natural areas such as state parks, state forests, recreation areas, etc. There are many divisions within the DNR and each has a specific role. The DNR is not only responsible for maintaining resource areas but also manages Indiana's fish and wildlife, reclaims coal mine ground, manages forested areas, aids in the management of wildlife on private lands, enforces Indiana's conservation laws, and many other duties not named here. According to the department's website, their mission is "to protect, enhance, preserve, and wisely use natural, cultural, and recreational resources for the benefit of Indiana's citizens through professional leadership, management, and education."