How Does a Landowner Check In a Deer in Indiana? A Detailed Guide

Hey there, my fellow Hoosier! As a landowner here in Indiana, I know you take great pride in responsibly and ethically managing the deer on your property. And an important part of that is properly checking in any deer you harvest.

I want this guide to walk you through your check-in options step-by-step, so you can follow the process correctly. With some helpful tips and facts along the way, you‘ll be an expert on checking in deer in no time!

Why Proper Deer Check-In Matters

Before we get into the specifics, let me quickly explain why checking in harvested deer is so important for us landowners.

Last year alone, over 115,000 deer were harvested in Indiana during hunting seasons. All of those harvests get reported to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) through the check-in process.

The DNR relies on this data to:

• Monitor deer populations across the state
• Set appropriate hunting permits and quotas each season
• Track harvest rates over time
• Identify trends in deer health and genetics

So by properly checking in the deer we harvest, we‘re doing our part to support responsible wildlife management practices. It‘s the law for a reason!

Your 3 Options for Checking In Deer

When you‘ve harvested a deer, you need to officially check it in within 48 hours. As a landowner, you have three options:

1. At a Processor or Taxidermist

This is the most convenient option if you‘re already taking the carcass to be processed into cuts of meat or having the antlers mounted. Over 1,200 processors and taxidermists across Indiana are certified to check in deer.

Here‘s what you can expect:

• The facility will weigh your deer and fill out a Deer Possession Tag (your check-in receipt)
• They‘ll record details like your name, license info, date and county of harvest
• You‘ll need to sign the Possession Tag to complete the check-in
• The processor or taxidermist will submit the info to DNR electronically

It‘s important to know that you must be present – family can‘t check it in for you! Also be sure to keep the signed Possession Tag for your records.

2. Call the DNR Toll-Free

Prefer to check your deer in over the phone? No problem!

Just dial 1-800-419-1326 anytime (24/7 during seasons) and follow the voice prompts:

• Provide your name, contact info, harvest date, county, and license confirmation number
• Listen to the full check-in confirmation over the phone
• Write down the 6-digit confirmation number they give you

Be sure to call from a quiet place and have your harvest details handy. The automated system makes it quick and easy.

3. Use the Online Game Check System

If you want to check in your deer from your computer or mobile device, the DNR offers an online game check system at https://secure.in.gov/apps/dnr/fishwild/gamecheck/.

Simply:

• Log in to your IN Hunt, Trap & Fish account
• Click “Report Game Harvest” and fill out the online form
• Enter harvest details like date, county, deer type, and license confirmation number
• Carefully review then click “Submit Report”
• Print or save the 8-digit confirmation number

The online system is available 24/7 and updates instantly. Just have your info ready to go!

Tracking Down Confirmation Numbers

No matter which check-in method you use, you‘ll need to provide your license confirmation number. Here‘s how to find it:

• Printed licenses – the confirmation number is printed directly on the license
• Digital licenses – log in to your DNR account and access your digital license to find the confirmation number

I always recommend writing down or saving your confirmation number in your phone when you first get your license. That way it‘s handy when you need to check in a deer.

Tagging, Field Dressing, and Transporting Deer

Before checking in your deer, there are some important steps you need to take after harvesting:

Tagging Your Deer

All deer harvested in Indiana must be properly tagged immediately after they are taken and before being moved from the harvest site.

There are two types of tags:

• Deer Harvest Tag – Comes with your hunting license. You must use this tag if hunting deer without a deer permit.
• Permit Tag – Comes with extra deer permits. Required in addition to harvest tag if using permits.

To properly tag a deer:

• Completely detach the tag
• Complete all sections with harvest information
• Attach the tag to the deer‘s leg or antler right away

Leaving your deer untagged or improperly tagged can result in citations. Tag it right, tag it tight!

Field Dressing

You‘ll also need to field dress the deer before moving it:

• Wear rubber gloves and be careful handling organs
• Cut around the anus and tie it off with string
• Make an incision up the belly and remove intestines/organs
• Drain blood from the chest cavity

Proper field dressing cools the deer and prevents spoiling. Never begin dragging a deer from the woods before it‘s dressed.

Transportation

Once tagged and field dressed, you‘ll need to transport the deer carcass:

• Use a sturdy cart, sled, or four-wheeler to drag it out
• Be sure to retrieve all meat, antlers and cape if taking to taxidermist
• Take it straight to a check-in location like a processor

The key is keeping meat cooled below 40°F and minimizing handling to prevent spoiling.

Preserving Antlers

Interested in preserving your trophy buck‘s antlers? Here are some tips:

• Use a handsaw to cut the antler base off the skull plate immediately after harvest
• Rub off any blood/tissue and let the antlers air dry for 2-3 months
• Use a flex shaft and bits to clean the skull plate of tissue
• Consider applying varnish for glossy finish and protection

Proper drying and cleaning preserves antlers for display. You can also turn them into decorative lamp bases or knife handles!

Let‘s Review the Check-In Process

Now that you‘ve got all the background details, let‘s do a quick review of the key steps in the deer check-in process:

• Tag and field dress the deer shortly after harvesting
• Transport the carcass to a check-in location within 48 hours
• Check in using one of the 3 methods (in-person, phone, online)
• Provide accurate harvest details and your license confirmation number
• Receive and retain a check-in confirmation receipt for your records

It may seem involved, but with the right info handy, you‘ll be checking in your deer like a pro!

Remember, We‘re in This Together!

The Indiana DNR reminds us that “Mandatory deer check-in is a cooperative effort between biologists andSportsmen that provides valuable harvest data critical for deer management today and for future generations of deer hunters.”

So by taking the time to properly tag, check in, and report our harvested deer, we‘re doing our part as landowners to continue Indiana‘s rich deer hunting traditions.

I hope this guide gives you everything you need to successfully check in deer from your land. Wishing you a safe and responsible hunting season! Let me know if you have any other questions.