These are just the overviews of the official state regulations.
The Actual state Rhode Island hunting regulation guidebooks are accessible by clicking on the state you would like to see from the home page map then clicking on the Rhode Island state hunting regulations books.
They are also accessible by clicking on the Rhode Island hunting reg. books below and accessing the Rhode Island hunting regs link in the Rhode Island Guidebooks listed below.
Enjoy be safe and have a great time exploring the site and remember to check back often to keep updated on all the new laws, rules, and Rhode Island regulations pertaining to the hunting, fishing, trapping, and wildlife sports. Also remember Rhode Island hunting Licenses, hunters education Information, hunting maps and much more are available at the Rhode Island Home Page.
Weather its, Rhode Island bear hunting, Rhode Island Boar Hunting, Rhode Island deer hunting, Rhode Island dove hunting, Rhode Island Duck Hunting, Rhode Island Elk Hunting, Rhode Island goose hunting, Rhode Island grouse hunting, Rhode Island javelina hunting, Rhode Island mule deer hunting, Rhode Island pheasant hunting, Rhode Island predator hunting, Rhode Island quail hunting, Rhode Island rabbit hunting, Rhode Island pronghorn/antelope hunting, Rhode Island raccoon hunting, Rhode Island moose hunting, Rhode Island whitetail deer hunting, Rhode Island Turkey Hunting  We have the Rhode Island  state hunting regulations for your trip into the wilderness or on the water covered in one easy to location.
Hunting is regulated in Rhode Island by the fish and game department. You can check there website for current hunting information including Hunters education coarses and requirements.
Rhode Island hunting opportunities are diverse. Everything from antelope, deer, elk, wild pig and bear. Most hunting opportunities are established using the zone system with varying dates and bag limits. Special muzzleloader and archery seasons are available for most upland game and big game species.
For the complete Rhode Island Hunting Regulations Summary Guidebook Click Here
Rhode Island Hunting Information
Deer Hunting Methods
1. Shotgun: limited to 10, 12, 16, and 20 gauges, plugged to 5 shell
maximum. Buckshot is limited to 00 buck or larger and is prohibited
in 20 gauges. No other shot but buckshot, sabot rounds, or rifled slug
shall be carried or had in possession by any person while hunting deer.
Muzzleloader may be used in shotgun season with a valid shotgun deer
permit
2. Muzzleloader: Firearms are limited to single or double barrel flintlock,
caplock, inline ignition system muzzle-loading shotgun or rifle
only. Muzzle-loading rifles are limited to .45 caliber or larger.
Smoothbore firearms limited to .50 caliber or 20 gauge or larger.
Ammunition is limited to single lead projectile of the same caliber as
the firearm. Sabot rounds either lead or jacketed permitted on .43
caliber or larger. Powder limited to black powder or approved substitutes.
A muzzleloader is considered unloaded when cap or pan powder
is removed.
3. Archery: Archers must use a long bow, recurve or compound bow
capable of not less than forty (40) pounds at peak draw weight. Only
broadhead tipped arrows with at least two (2) metal cutting edges are
allowed. All broadheads must be 7/8th or greater at the widest point.
Mechanical broadheads are allowed provided that 1.) bow minimum
draw weight is 50 pounds and 2.) mechanical broadhead when open is
7/8th wide minimum. Mechanical devices for drawing or releasing the
arrow are not allowed for general archery deer hunting (see crossbow/
aid below). A bow string release whereby the bow is hand held, hand
drawn, and finger released is permitted.
4. Crossbow and Adaptive Aid permit: RIGL 20-15-2 states that
crossbow or adaptive aid permits for conventional bows, may be issued
to those persons who have a permanent physical impairment due
to injury or disease, congenital or acquired, which renders them so
severely disabled as to be unable to use a conventional bow and arrow
device. For those 65 and older, the use of adaptive aids for conventional
bows is permitted without permit. Applications require a doctor’s
note certifying permanent disability as well as copies of photo id,
hunting license, hunter safety course and Bowhunter education course.
Crossbow hunters from the previous year must reapply, but do not
require a doctor’s note. Applications can be obtained from the DEM
Division of Licensing. Return applicants must submit a copy of
their hunting license and a photo ID.
5. Crossbow Equipment: Must use a minimum draw of one hundred
fifty (150) pounds, minimum width of 24 inches. Expandable broadheads
meeting the specifications outlined above in archery equipment
are permitted.
6. Only one firearm or bow may be possessed in the field per individual
hunter while hunting deer. Check local ordinances, for there may be
other restrictions in specific towns.
Deer Hunting
All Outdoors Permit Package:
Hunters may purchase one (1) “All Outdoors Package Permit” for the
MAINLAND deer seasons to take up to 12 deer during the established
mainland seasons. Available from DEM Division of Licensing
only :
1. Archers will be allowed to take up to six (6) total deer of either
sex in any combination (2-AO permits, 4-either sex permits)
during the established season plus six (6) antlerless deer.
2. Muzzleloader and shotgun hunters will be allowed to take up to
four (4) either sex deer (2-AO permits, 1-either sex permit
each) during their established season plus six (6) antlerless deer
Written Permission
Annual written landowner permission is required for deer
hunting on private land (RIGL 20-15-1) during the deer
season. It is not required that deer permits (tags) be signed
by the landowner, provided the hunter has other written
permission in possession. Deer permits (tags) must be
carried while hunting. Annual written permission must be
shown to any authorized person upon demand, and must be
presented when checking a deer (Regulation1.8).
Tagging and Checking
Deer must be tagged, with a valid deer permit (tag) for the appropriate
season, immediately upon taking. All deer must be
checked at a state operated check station, by approved vendors,
or by an Environmental Police officer within 24 hours. During
the shotgun and muzzleloader deer seasons all deer must be
checked at a state operated check station during the first three
days of the season. All other deer may be checked at approved
vendor check stations for the remainder of the seasons. On the
final day of the season, deer must be checked by 6:00pm.
Small Game Hunting
Species Dates Bag limit
Red, Gray Fox 10/17/09 – 2/28/10 none
Gray Squirrel 10/17/09 – 2/28/10 5 daily
Cottontail Rabbit 10/17/09 – 2/28/10 3 daily
Hare 10/17/09 – 2/28/10 1 daily
Ruffed Grouse 10/17/09 – 11/29/09 1 daily
Quail 10/17/09 – 11/29/09 3 daily
Pheasant 10/17/09 – 1/20/10 2 daily
Junior Pheasant: 10/10/09 – 10/11/09 2 daily
Raccoon: 10/01/09 – 2/28/10 unlimited
Management Areas
Small game hunters are required to check in and out of the state operated
check stations at Great Swamp, Arcadia, Durfee Hill, and Carolina management
areas on the following dates: Oct. 17 & 18, 24 & 25, and Oct. 31 &
Nov 1, Nov 7 & 8. Check station hours are ½ hour before sunrise to sunset.
Pheasant hunting: Pheasants are stocked prior to opening day through the
end of December. Stocked management areas are: Arcadia, Black Hut, Big
River, Buck Hill, Carolina, Durfee Hill, Great Swamp, Nicholas Farm,
Seapowet, Simmons Mill Pond and 8 Rod Farm.
The daily limit for pheasant is 2 either sex birds. Each pheasant must be
tagged immediately upon taking. Hunters may purchase unlimited permits.
Each permit allows taking of 6 pheasants. Ruffed grouse hunting is
CLOSED in Arcadia
Jr. Pheasant – Oct. 11-12. Registration required by Sept 11, 2009 Limited
slots. Call 789-0281 for application and information.
Restrictions:
The small game season is closed during the shotgun deer season (Dec. 5 -
13, 2009) except:
State management areas will remain open to small game hunting during the
private land shotgun deer season, Dec. 14 - 20, and Dec. 26, 2009—Jan 2,
2010.
Muzzle-loading rifles, no greater than .40 caliber with round ball and patch,
may be used for hunting small mammals during established seasons.
Night hunting of raccoons with shot larger than No. 4 or rifles large
than .22 cal. rimfire long-rifle is prohibited.
Block Island Pheasant Hunting
Pheasant hunting is open on Block Island, with written permission, on
Nov. 18, 25; Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 2009; and Jan. 6, 20, 27, 2010. Cocks
only may be taken from Block Island.
Air gun rifles are permitted to hunt the following small mammals: squirrels,
woodchucks, cottontail rabbits, and snowshoe hare, provided that the
air guns are a minimum of .177 caliber and not larger than .22; a minimum
of 750 fps velocity with pellets 7.5 grain or larger
Migratory Game
Species Dates Bag limit
Dove: 9/19/09 – 10/3/09 12
10/17/09 – 11/15/09
12/24/09 – 1/7/10
Rails: 9/5/09 – 11/13/09 1
Snipe: 9/5/09 – 11/13/09 5
Woodcock: 11/1/09 – 11/30/09 3
Crow: 8/14/09 – 10/4/09 Fri, Sat, Sun only
10/17/09 – 11/22/09 Inclusive
12/18/09 – 4/19/10 Fri, Sat, Sun only
Canada Goose: 9/1/09 – 9/30/09 15
Sea Duck: 10/10/09 – 1/24/10 5
Federal law requires that migratory game bird hunters use a shotgun
that is capable of holding no more than three (3) shells. The methods
of taking migratory birds and waterfowl are the same as the U.S. Code
of Federal Regulations (50 CFR part 20). Refer to Waterfowl Abstract
for additional regulations. Special DEM Permit required to hunt September
Goose Season (available at Great Swamp).
Non-Toxic Shot Requirements: No person shall take or attempt to
take waterfowl, rails, or snipe within the State of Rhode Island, including
Narragansett Bay and its coastal waters, to the three mile limit,
while possessing shells loader with any shot other than non toxic shot
and other shot as approved by USFWS. All non-toxic shot larger
than BB is prohibited, including duplex loads containing shot larger
than BB.
Coyote Hunting
1. State land shall be from the beginning of dove hunting season in September
to February 28th inclusive and during the open spring turkey-hunting
season. Prudence Island during established seasons with associated equipment.
2. During the firearm deer & spring turkey seasons, coyote hunters must
possess a deer & turkey hunting permits while hunting on state lands and on
Prudence Island with an archery deer permit.
3. Coyote hunters on state lands must wear a minimum of 200 square inches
of fluorescent orange while traveling to and from hunting locations during
the small game season. During the shotgun deer season, 500 square inches
is required.
4. The placement or use of bait or carcasses for purposes of hunting coyotes
on state lands is prohibited
5. Shooting hours 1/2 hour before sunrise until 1/2 hour after sunset
Wild Turkey
Season Dates Bag limit
Fall Archery: 10/ 01/09-10/28/09 1 either sex bird
Spring Gobbler: 4/29/10-5/25/10 1 bearded bird
Junior & Paraplegic 4/24 - 4/25, 2010 1 bearded bird
General Rules and Regulations:
1. Areas open to hunting restricted to: Providence County; Kent County;
Washington County (except New Shoreham); Tiverton, and Little Compton
in Newport County.
2. Limited to: shotguns, gauges 10, 12, 16, and 20 only, with shot sizes 4,
5, and 6 magnum loads only; and archery equipment consisting of a longbow
(straight limb, reflex, recurve and compound bow) of not less than
forty (40) pounds pull.
3. Arrows must be broadhead, with at least two cutting edges seveneighths
inches (7/8") or greater at the widest point. A bow string release
device where the bow is hand held, hand drawn and finger released is
allowed.
4. Hunters must carry a turkey-calling device (non-electric) while hunting.
Calling is the only legal method for hunting wild turkey gobblers.
The use of decoys while hunting is allowed.
5. Junior turkey hunting weekend open to all 12-14 year olds with a valid
hunting license and accompanied by an unarmed licensed adult, 21 or
older.
A mandatory hunter survey card will be issued to each person purchasing
a turkey permit. This survey information is vital to the turkey management
program in Rhode Island and assists DEM biologists in maintaining
a successful wild turkey season for our hunters. Please, we request your
cooperation in returning the hunter survey card, whether or not you
hunted or were successful.
Prohibited:
1. The use of any other firearm, live decoy(s), dog(s), baiting,
cooperative drive(s).
2. Electric calling devices, or any other devices, to capture or
ensnare turkeys.
3. The shooting of turkeys from the roost.
4. Stalking or attempting to sneak up on a turkey to get a shot.
The hunting, killing, taking, or attempting to take or possess, any wild
turkey by any individual unless they possess a permit to do so. However, a
person having a valid Rhode Island hunting license may call turkeys for
individuals with a valid turkey permit.
Trapping
Species Dates Bag limit Pelt Tagging
Mink, Muskrat, 11-1-09 to 1/31/10 None no
Skunk, Raccoon,
Opossum, Weasel,
Red Fox, Gray Fox,
Rabbit
Coyote Private-no closed season None no
State land: 9/19/09-2/28/10 None
Beaver* Private: 11-1-09-2/28-10 20 total yes
State Land: 12/1/09-2/28/10
Fisher* 12/1/09—12/21/09 4 yes
* Special permit required in addition to RI trapping license, which may be obtained
at Fish and Wildlife's Great Swamp Field Headquarters (401)789-0281
General Regulations
1. .No person shall set, maintain or tend any trap without first obtaining
a trapping license from the Department of Environmental Management.
A resident of this state may set traps on property which
they own and on which they are domiciled without obtaining a trapping
license. (20-16-7)
2. Every holder of a trapping license will be provided with a trapping
harvest report card that must be returned to the Division of
Fish and Wildlife within 30 days of the end of the trapping season.
Failure to return the card will result in denial of trapping license
renewal. (20-16-12)
3. Traps may not be set, staked, or placed prior to 8:00 AM opening
day.
4. All traps must have at a minimum the trapper’s current RI trapping
license number attached by a metal tag or embedded or cut
into the trap. (20-6-7)
5. Written landowner permission is required to trap on private land.
(20-16-9)
6. All traps must be checked at least once in every 24-hour period.
(20-6-9)
7. There is no open season on bobcat (Lynx rufus) or river otter
(Lontra canadensis).
Types of traps permitted:
Furbearers for which there is an open season may taken in:
box (a.k.a. “cage”) traps, body-grip (a.k.a. “conibear”) traps,
or species specific traps, with the following restrictions:
Body-grip traps:
Private land: Body-grip (a.k.a. smooth wire or “conibear”) type traps up
to 6 ½” jaw spread (i.e. “110, 120, 160” or equivalent) are permitted on
land or in water on private land. Body-grip type traps greater than 6 ½”
but not exceeding 8” jaw spread (“220”) may only be set if completely
submerged in water or set no less than six (6) feet above the surface of the
ground. Body-grip traps greater than 8” but not exceeding 10” jaw spread
(“330”) may only be set completely submerged in water.
State land: Body-grip traps up to 6 ½” jaw spread are only permitted in
water sets (i.e. all or a portion of the trap in water) or if placed six (6) feet
above the ground. Body-grip traps with a jaw spread greater than 6 ½” but
not exceeding 10” (“220-330”) may only be set if completely submerged in
water.
Box traps: The use of box traps is permitted on private and state lands.
Species specific traps The use of species specific traps is permitted on
private and state land. A species specific trap is characterized by all of the
following: triggering and restraining mechanisms are enclosed within a
housing; triggering and restraining mechanisms are only accessible through
a single opening when set; access opening does not exceed 2 inches in
diameter; triggering mechanism can only be activated by a pulling force;
has a swivel mounted anchoring system.
Permit to trap state lands: All trappers harvesting furbearers from state
management areas must obtain a special permit (no fee), issued by the
Division of Fish and Wildlife, Great Swamp Field Headquarters in addition
to their current RI trapping license.
Prohibitions
1. The use of poisons or snares. (RIGL 20-16-6).
2. The use of steel-jawed leghold traps (RIGL 20-16-8).
3. No person shall disturb, tend, or possess a trap of another, or take a
furbearer animal from the traps of
another unless specifically authorized to do so. (RIGL 20-16-12).
4. The setting of traps within ten feet of a beaver lodge or bank den or
within eight feet of a muskrat lodge unless authorized by special permit.
5. The taking or possession of a road-killed furbearer (RIGL 20-16-1),
unless with a current RI trapping license and during the open season for
that species or as provided for under a current RI Scientific Collectors
Permit (RIGL 20-1-18) or otherwise permitted by the Division.
6. The relocation of beaver.
State Lands
There are over 48,000 acres of land designated as state management
areas in Rhode Island. Maps of management areas are
available from the Rhode Island Division of Fish and Wildlife at
the Great Swamp Field Office. Regulations are designed and
enforced to allow all outdoor enthusiasts to safely enjoy these
land holdings. Hunting and trapping is allowed during the open
seasons. In order to effectively manage and safeguard these
open areas for people, wildlife, and habitat, the following regulations
are to be adhered to while on state management areas:
Enjoy be safe and have a great time exploring the site and remember to check back often to keep updated on all the new laws, rules, and Rhode Island regulations pertaining to the hunting, fishing, trapping, and wildlife sports. Also remember Rhode Island hunting Licenses, hunters education Information, hunting maps and much more are available at the Rhode Island Home Page.