How to use Telecheck: Phone & Internet Checking

All deer and turkey must be checked by telephone or on the internet. No in-person checking stations will be available.

If using a cell phone, be sure you have a clear signal. If the signal is spotty, move closer to a major highway, go to higher ground, or wait until you get to a land-based line to call. Avoid calling in areas with loud background noise.

You do not need to call Telecheck immediately after taking the game. You can transport unchecked game within the state, as long as the transportation tag is attached to the leg. You have until 10 p.m. on the day taken to check your deer or turkey.

To use the easy-to-use electronic checking system, follow the steps below.

Step 1: Before calling the toll-free number or going online, find your Telecheck ID number on your permit. If you have more than one permit, be sure you give the number of the permit you want to use. Also get a pen so you will be able to write your Telecheck confirmation number on your permit.

If checking a turkey, you will need:

  • Your Telecheck ID number: ___________________________
  • Turkey type (To age and sex turkeys, see Fall Firearms Turkey Hunting):
    • adult gobbler
    • adult hen
    • juvenile gobbler
    • juvenile hen
  • County where turkey was taken: ____________________

If checking a deer, you will need:

  • Your Telecheck ID number
  • Deer type:
    • doe
    • button buck
    • antlered buck Note: If you harvest a buck that has shed its antlers or broken the antlers off less then 3 inches from their base, record the harvest on Telecheck as an antlered buck with 0 points.
  • County where deer was taken: _____________________

Note: If you harvested deer in Boone, Cass, Christian, Cole, Franklin or Jefferson counties, you will be asked: Did you harvest a deer within an urban zone?

Step 2: Fill out the form above, which contains the same information you will be asked when you use Telecheck.

Step 3: Use a phone to dial the toll-free number below, then follow the instructions in the phone interview. Speak clearly and slowly. You can call between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.

Step 4: After you have provided the required information, you will be given an eight-digit confirmation number that verifies you have legally checked your game. Write this number on the main portion of the permit and attach it to the deer or turkey.

You have now completed checking your game and can process your deer or turkey.

Attention Cell Phone Users

The most common reason hunters are unable to complete their Telecheck transaction is because of a poor cellular telephone connection. Signals that are weak, fade in and out, or “clip” speech will not work with the system. Once you’ve attached the temporary transportation tag to your deer or turkey, you have until 10 p.m. on the day of harvest to check the animal. Wait until you are out of the woods and receive a clear, strong cell phone connection before placing your Telecheck call.