What about a SBR??? Krink with a stock? Aren't those considered to be pistols under Federal law? Maybe they could slide in under Indiana law too. Sorry I'm not a deer hunter but the thought has intrigued me.
My understanding is no, they are not considered pistols under federal law, but knowing that the Indiana Supreme Court considers a pistol grip shotgun "adapted for firing with one hand" (LOL) you never know... and then there's this:
IC 35-47-1-6
"Handgun"
Sec. 6. "Handgun" means any firearm:
(1) designed or adapted so as to be aimed and fired from one (1) hand, regardless of barrel length; or
(2) any firearm with:
(A) a barrel less than sixteen (16) inches in length; or
(B) an overall length of less than twenty-six (26) inches.
SO if your SBR is under 26 inches it IS BY DEFINITION a handgun... so you would need a LTCH to "carry" it, and by the same definition, I suppose that it would be legal to hunt with, as long as the barrel is at least 4" in length.
So your <26" SBR in 6.8 SPC or 6.5mm Grendel BY DEFINITION is legal to hunt with. I know of nothing in the IC or IAC to the contrary, IANAL, YMMV, etc.
However, if you plan to do this, I would highly recommend you get a written ruling from the DNR.