Rhode Island is a great place for hunters to indulge in their pastime while also seeing the state’s stunning landscapes. Whether you’re a seasoned outdoorsman or just getting your feet wet, you’ll enjoy Rhode Island’s several hunting seasons. We’ll go through the several hunting seasons in Rhode Island and the regulations and permits you’ll need to take part in this thrilling outdoor pastime.
Rhode Island Hunting Seasons
Rhode Islanders love to spend time in the great outdoors, and the state’s several hunting seasons allow them to do just that. The deer archery season begins on September 15 and ends on January 31, while the deer shotgun season runs from December 5 through December 20 and again from December 26 through January 3. In the United States, muzzleloader deer hunting season runs from September 26th to October 1st, November 7th to 29th, and December 26th to January 3rd.
Any anyone using a state managed area between the second Saturday in September and the last day in February, and the third Saturday in April and the last day in May, must wear 200 square inches of solid daylight bright orange, regardless of whether or not they are hunting. Rhode Island is a great place to go hunting, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started.
Deer Seasons
| Rhode Island Deer Season | Start Date | End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deer (Archery Zone-1) | Thursday, September 15, 2022 | Tuesday, January 31, 2023 | crossbow Included |
| Deer (Archery Zone-2) | Saturday, October 01, 2022 | Tuesday, January 31, 2023 | crossbow Included |
| Deer (Archery Zone-4) | Tuesday, October 11, 2022 | Monday, October 31, 2022 | Excluding the weekends. |
| Deer (Archery Zone-3) | Tuesday, November 01, 2022 | Tuesday, January 31, 2023 | |
| Deer (Any Weapon) | Tuesday, November 01, 2022 | Friday, February 17, 2023 | Zone-4. November 1-4, 7-10, 14, 15, 17, 18, 21, 28-30, December 1, 2, 5-9, 12-16, 19, 20, 22, 23, January 2-6, 9-13, 17-20, 23-27, 30, 31, 2023, February 1-3, 6-10, 13-17, 2023 |
| Deer (Muzzleloader Zone-1 & 2) | Saturday, November 05, 2022 | Sunday, November 27, 2022 | |
| Deer (Shotgun Zone-2) | Saturday, December 03, 2022 | Sunday, December 11, 2022 | |
| Deer (Shotgun Zone-1) | Saturday, December 03, 2022 | Sunday, December 18, 2022 | Beginning on the first Saturday of December and continuing for a total of sixteen (16) days. |
| Deer (Private & Antlerless) | Monday, December 26, 2022 | Monday, January 02, 2023 | Muzzleloader & shotgun. |
Coyote Seasons
| Rhode Island Coyote Season | Start Date | End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coyote (Private Land) | Saturday, January 01, 2022 | Saturday, December 31, 2022 | There is no closed season. |
| Coyote (State Land Part 1) | Thursday, September 15, 2022 | Tuesday, February 28, 2023 | |
| Coyote (State Land Part 2) | Thursday, April 27, 2023 | Sunday, May 21, 2023 |
Fox Season
| Rhode Island Fox Season | Start Date | End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fox (Red) | Saturday, October 15, 2022 | Tuesday, February 28, 2023 | NA |
| Fox (Gray) | NA |
Turkey Season
| Rhode Island Turkey Season | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Turkey (Fall Archery) | Saturday, October 01, 2022 | Monday, October 31, 2022 |
| Turkey (Spring Gobbler) | Thursday, April 27, 2023 | Sunday, May 21, 2023 |
Rabbit Season
| Rhode Island Rabbit Season | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Cottontail Rabbit | Saturday, October 15, 2022 | Tuesday, February 28, 2023 |
Small Game Hunting Season
| Rhode Island Small Game Hunting Season | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Coyote - State Land | Thursday, September 15, 2022 | Tuesday, February 28, 2023 |
| Thursday, April 27, 2023 | Sunday, May 21, 2023 | |
| Coyote - Private Land | No Closed Season | No Closed Season |
| Raccoon | Saturday, October 15, 2022 | Tuesday, February 28, 2023 |
| Youth Pheasant | Saturday, October 08, 2022 | Sunday, October 09, 2022 |
| Pheasant | Sunday, October 15, 2023 | Tuesday, February 28, 2023 |
| Cottontail Rabbit | Saturday, October 15, 2022 | Tuesday, February 28, 2023 |
| Gray and Red Squirrel | Saturday, October 15, 2022 | Tuesday, February 28, 2023 |
| Bobwhite Quail | Saturday, October 15, 2022 | Tuesday, February 28, 2023 |
| Red, Gray Fox | Saturday, October 15, 2022 | Tuesday, February 28, 2023 |
| Ruffed Grouse | CLOSED | CLOSED |
Goose Season
| Rhode Island Goose Season | Start Date | End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goose (Early Canada Goose) | Thursday, September 01, 2022 | Friday, September 30, 2022 | NA |
| Goose (Youth Waterfowl) | Saturday, October 29, 2022 | Sunday, October 30, 2022 | NA |
| Goose (Regular Canada Goose Part-1) | Saturday, November 19, 2022 | Sunday, November 27, 2022 | NA |
| Goose (Regular Canada Goose Part-2) | Saturday, December 03, 2022 | Sunday, January 22, 2023 | NA |
| Goose (Late Canada Goose | Saturday, January 28, 2023 | Saturday, February 11, 2023 | NA |
Duck Seasons
| Rhode Island Duck Season | Start Date | End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duck (Regular Part-1) | Friday, October 07, 2022 | Monday, October 10, 2022 | NA |
| Duck (Youth Waterfowl) | Saturday, October 29, 2022 | Sunday, October 30, 2022 | NA |
| Duck (Regular Part-2) | Wednesday, November 23, 2022 | Sunday, November 27, 2022 | NA |
| Duck (Regular Part-3) | Saturday, December 03, 2022 | Sunday, January 22, 2023 | NA |
Pheasant Season
| Rhode Island Pheasant Season | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Pheasant (Youth) | Saturday, October 08, 2022 | Sunday, October 09, 2022 |
| Pheasant | Saturday, October 15, 2022 | Tuesday, February 28, 2023 |
Migratory Bird Season
| Rhode Island Migratory Bird Season | Start Date | End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crow | Friday, August 12, 2022 | Monday, October 02, 2023 | (Friday, Saturday, Sunday Only) |
| Saturday, October 15, 2022 | Tuesday, December 05, 2023 | ||
| Friday, December 16, 2022 | Saturday, April 01, 2023 | (Friday, Saturday, Sunday Only) | |
| King/Clapper Rail and Sora/Virginia Rail | Thursday, September 01, 2022 | Thursday, November 09, 2023 | |
| Snipe | Thursday, September 01, 2022 | Thursday, November 09, 2023 | |
| Mourning Dove | Saturday, September 10, 2022 | Monday, October 09, 2023 | |
| Saturday, October 15, 2022 | Monday, November 27, 2023 | ||
| Saturday, December 10, 2022 | Monday, December 25, 2023 | ||
| Woodcock | Saturday, October 15, 2022 | Tuesday, November 28, 2023 | |
| Canada Goose (Early Season) | Thursday, September 01, 2022 | Saturday, September 30, 2023 | |
| Canada Goose (Regular Season) | Saturday, November 19, 2022 | Monday, November 27, 2023 | |
| Saturday, December 03, 2022 | Sunday, January 22, 2023 | ||
| Canada Goose (Late Season) | Saturday, January 28, 2023 | Saturday, February 11, 2023 | |
| Snow Goose (including blue goose) | Saturday, October 08, 2022 | Sunday, January 22, 2023 | |
| Ducks, Sea Ducks, Mergansers and Coots** | Friday, October 07, 2022 | Tuesday, October 10, 2023 | |
| Wednesday, November 23, 2022 | Monday, November 27, 2023 | ||
| Saturday, December 03, 2022 | Sunday, January 22, 2023 | ||
| Brant | Sunday, December 04, 2022 | Sunday, January 22, 2023 | |
| Youth Waterfowl | Saturday, October 29, 2022 | Monday, October 30, 2023 |
RI Hunting License & Permits
All hunters are required to have valid hunting permits on their person at all times when hunting. In addition to the potential suspension or revocation of a hunting license for rule infractions, licensed hunters and trappers are also liable to having their gear inspected.
A valid hunting license acts as a permit for hunting in state management areas, as well as in select TNC and state co-op hunting areas; however, special licenses are required for shooting deer, waterfowl, and turkey on state lands between the months of October and February.
Licenses Cost
| RI Hunting License Catagories | Fee (Agency) | Fees (Online) | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident Hunting License | $23.00 | $21.00 | Must be age of 15 or older. Rhode Island requires young hunters to be accompanied by a 21-year-old adult with a valid hunting license. |
| Resident Combination License | $40.00 | $38.00 | Hunting & Fishing |
| Resident Junior Hunting License | $17.00 | $14.00 | 12-14 years old. 12-14-year-olds Rhode Island requires young hunters to be accompanied by a 21-year-old adult with a valid hunting license. |
| Permanent Resident Combination License | No Fee | No fee | over 65 or disabled. (If you are 65 or older, or if you have a permanent handicap, you may get a free permanent license at the DEM Office of Boat Registration and Licensing, from any licensing seller, or online.) |
| Resident Trapping License | $17.00 | $15.00 | |
| Non-Resident Hunting License | $58.00 | $55.00 | Must be age of 15 or older. Rhode Island requires young hunters to be accompanied by a 21-year-old adult with a valid hunting license. |
| Non-Resident Tourist Hunting License | $23.00 | $20.00 | 3-day |
| Non-Resident Junior Hunting License | $43.00 | $40.00 | 12-14 years old. 12-14-year-olds Rhode Island requires young hunters to be accompanied by a 21-year-old adult with a valid hunting license. |
| Non-Resident Trapping License | $53.00 | $50.00 | if reciprocal privileges allowed |
| Active Military Personnel Hunting License | $23.00 | $21.00 |
Permits Cost
| RI Hunting Permit Catagories | Fee (Agency) | Fees (Online) | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident All Outdoors Package Permit | $81.00 | $78.00 | Two (2) antlered deer licenses and five (5) antlerless deer permits are included in the All Outdoors Deer Permit Package. These permits may be utilized in any combination during open deer seasons in Zones 1 and 2, up to the zone bag restrictions. |
| Resident Deer Permit | $13.50 | $13.00 | Permits for hunting deer vary by zone, allowed weapon, and gender. |
| Non-Resident Deer Permit | $27.50 | $26.50 | Permits for hunting deer vary by zone, allowed weapon, and gender. |
| Resident Turkey Permit | $8.50 | $8.00 | |
| Non-Resident Turkey Permit | $22.50 | $21.50 | |
| RI Game Bird Permit | $17.51 | $17.00 | |
| State Waterfowl Stamp | $8.51 | $8.00 | |
| Migratory Bird (H.I.P) Permit | No Fee | No fee |
Note:
- Young hunters in Rhode Island must be accompanied by a 21-year-old adult with a valid hunting license.
- If you are 65 or older or have a permanent handicap, you may get a free permanent license through the DEM Office of Boat Registration and Licensing, any licensing provider, or online.
- Two antlered and five antlerless permits are included in the All Outdoors Deer Permit Package. In Zones 1 and 2, these permits may be used in any combination, subject to bag limitations.
- Each deer hunting license is specific to gender, weapon, and hunting location.
- Non-residents must pay a Game Bird Permit fee of $20.00 and a State Waterfowl Stamp fee of $10.00.
For Migratory Birds (HIP): The HIP certification and the survey are not optional for those who pursue migratory birds as a hobby. The online-platform, licensing providers, and DEM offices all provide free HIP permits. Better data gathering is one way that the HIP program is making a difference in the way that migratory bird resources are managed.
Enhanced Access Fee (EAF)
Full service providers charge an Enhanced Access Fee to assist cover the costs of maintaining the licensing infrastructure (EAF). The following is a breakdown of the costs:
| Type | License | Permit |
|---|---|---|
| Resident | $2 | $0.50 |
| Non-Resident | $3 | $1.00 |
Note: There is no EAF for Recreational Saltwater Fishing or No Cost Licenses and permits.
Hunting Regulations
Restrictions on Participation: Hunting with more than five people, target or trap shooting outside of designated ranges, hunting under the influence of intoxicating substances, spotlighting wild animals and birds from September 15th to the end of February, and shooting at animals on telephoto lenses are all illegal in Rhode Island. Furthermore, at no point is it acceptable to feed or bait wild animals.
The Control of Firearms: Outside of designated shooting times, it is prohibited to be in possession of a loaded weapon or archery equipment. In contrast, hunters have up to 15 minutes before their allotted shooting time to load their rifle or archery equipment before engaging in a shot within legal shooting hours. No. 2 lead shot or smaller may be used, and the use of laser sights or night vision equipment is forbidden. Centerfire rifles no bigger than.229 caliber may be used during daylight hours from April 1st to September 30th, but rimfire rifles of any caliber are prohibited. It’s illegal to shoot a gun or use an arrow when archery hunting within 500 or 200 yards of an inhabited building without authorization.
Conservation and Wildlife Laws: Any wild animal, bird, amphibian, reptile, mollusc, or crab, or their dead bodies, parts, eggs, or progeny, are covered under the Lacey Act of 1900, which governs the interstate and international commerce of wildlife (excluding migratory birds protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act). Transferring, exporting, or selling animals in violation of state or international regulations, or transporting items without appropriate labeling or tagging, are all violations that may result in legal repercussions for the offenders. The federal government, with allowances for state control, enforces the 1918 Migratory Bird Treaty Act, an international agreement to conserve migratory bird populations. Except for certain hunting seasons, the Act protects all birds and all of their parts, nests, and eggs.
Dress Code: Fluorescent orange is the compulsory color for hunters to wear during hunting seasons. During shotgun deer seasons, all hunters and users of state management areas and undeveloped state parks are required to wear at least 200 square inches of orange, with the exception of those who are hunting small game, autumn turkeys, or deer with muzzleloaders. This orange requirement exemption applies to archery deer hunters in elevated stands during the muzzleloader season, as well as nighttime raccoon hunters, crow hunters over decoys, spring turkey hunters, first segment dove hunters, and waterfowl hunters in boats or blinds over water or fields with decoys. During the months of September through February and April through May, visitors to state management areas and undeveloped state parks are obliged to wear fluorescent orange clothing. In this case, fluorescent camouflage is insufficient.
Rhode Island Hunting Contacts
Phone Number:
(401) 222-2353
Email:
FAQs related to RI Hunting Season
Can I hunt on private land in Rhode Island without permission?
Without the consent of the landowner, it is not permitted to hunt on private property in Rhode Island.
Are there any special requirements for hunting migratory birds in Rhode Island?
In order to legally hunt migrating birds in Rhode Island, each hunter must first get certified via the state’s Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program (HIP) and complete an associated survey. The internet system, licensing providers, and DEM offices all provide free HIP permits.
Are there any requirements for other users of state management hunting areas in Rhode Island?
From the second Saturday in September until the last day in February and from the third Saturday in April until the last day in May, all other users of Rhode Island’s state managed areas, including hikers, bicyclists, and horseback riders, are required to wear 200 square inches of solid daylight neon orange. This regulation was put in place to enable hunters single out non-hunters in the region.
Are there any restrictions on the use of firearms while hunting in Rhode Island?
Yes, there are restrictions on the use of firearms while hunting in Rhode Island. For instance, it is against the law to have a rifle or shotgun that is loaded and mounted in a moving vehicle, and it is unlawful to fire a gun within 500 feet of an inhabited structure unless you have authorization to do so. Rifles bigger than.22 caliber rimfire are prohibited at all times, and only lead shot no larger than No. 2 may be used.
Are there any prohibited activities while hunting in Rhode Island?
In Rhode Island, there are a number of things you can’t do when out on a hunt. Target or trap shooting outside of designated ranges; hunting while under the influence of intoxicating substances; spotlighting wild animals and birds between September 15 and February 28; shooting at animals on telephone or electric lines; hunting in groups of more than five people; hunting in state parks (except in undeveloped ones); hunting on posted land without landowner permission; hunting in state parks (except in undeveloped ones); hunting in groups of more than five people;