Indiana DNR Hunter Etiquette on Simonton Lake, Elkhart, IN

Hunting in Indiana is not just about following the rules—it’s also about respecting the land, wildlife, and the community of other outdoorspeople. If you’re planning to hunt in the area around Simonton Lake in Elkhart, adopting good hunter etiquette ensures safety, harmony, and sustainability. Below are key principles and practices to observe, grounded in the Indiana DNR’s regulations and general good conduct.

1. Be Fully Licensed and Informed
Before stepping into the field or alongside waterways, ensure you carry the correct Indiana hunting licenses and stamps. For example, to hunt migratory waterfowl you must hold a valid Indiana hunting license, a state waterfowl stamp (or waterfowl privilege), and a federal duck stamp if 16 or older. 
Also register with the Harvest Information Program (HIP) if you’re hunting migratory birds. The state enforces nontoxic shot for waterfowl and prohibits lead shot in those pursuits. 
Be familiar with season dates, bag limits, shooting hours, and legal equipment. Indiana publishes its hunting and trapping guide each year with full details. 

2. Practice Respectful Firearm Safety and Shooting Behavior

• Do not shoot across roads, across bodies of water (unless legal and safe), or into or from public roadways. 
• Always maintain awareness of your target and beyond—ensure a clean shot and avoid stray bullets or ricochets.
• Wear hunter orange or high-visibility clothing (as an outer garment) during certain seasons to be clearly visible to other hunters. 
• Use approved, non-toxic ammunition when required (e.g. waterfowl). 

3. Respect Private and Public Property Boundaries
Much of the land around Simonton Lake is privately owned. Always obtain permission from landowners before entering their property. Be mindful of posted signage.  Even on public lands, obey posted rules such as no baiting, no cutting unnecessary vegetation, or rules about stand/ blind placement. Similar codes of conduct apply on land preserves generally.   Never field-dress deer or other game near trails, roads, or parking areas, and don’t leave parts of carcasses in public view. Indiana law prohibits dumping carcasses in waterways (it’s considered littering) and encourages responsible disposal. 

4. Minimize Disturbance & Leave No Trace

• Pack out all trash, shell casings, and debris. Don’t litter.
• Avoid driving vehicles off established roads or tracks.
• Leave natural vegetation, snags, and habitat features intact, unless trimming small sight lines is allowed by regulation.
• Avoid unnecessary calls, lights, or noise that might spook wildlife or alarm other hunters.

5. Be Considerate of Other Hunters

• Yield to others who arrive first or have established blinds or stands.
• Avoid crowding hunting zones.
• Do not harass or interfere with other legal hunters (Indiana’s “hunter harassment” law prevents this) 
• Share water and access when reasonable; don’t block trail access or crowd popular hunting walks.

6. Report Harvests and Follow Tagging Rules
Once you take legal game, tag it immediately (following state tagging rules). For deer, Indiana has a temporary paper tag system that requires recording license number, location, sex, etc.  Submit harvest reports as required by state law—even if no game is taken. Accurate data supports wildlife management and future hunting opportunities. 

7. Embrace Safety and Courtesy First
Hunting is inherently risky; prioritize safety:

• Hunt with a partner when possible.
• Let someone know your location and expected return time.
• Carry first-aid gear, a map, a communication device.
• Be respectful to non-hunters in the area—many lake users are boaters, anglers, or families enjoying the water.

Hunter etiquette and compliance with Indiana DNR regulations go hand in hand. At Simonton Lake and nearby lands in Elkhart, following these guidelines maintains access, conserves wildlife, and ensures everyone can enjoy the outdoors responsibly. Whether you’re pursuing waterfowl, deer, or small game, your conduct matters. Be legal, be cautious, and leave the ground better than you found it.