2024 Rhode Island Hunting Seasons New Dates & Rules

Residents of Rhode Island enjoy their time in the beautiful outdoors, engaging with the environment, starting with deer hunting activities beginning September 15 and concluding on January 31. There are two phases to the deer shotgun period: one that runs from September 9 to December 20 and the other that runs from December 26 to February 16. This guide will walk you through the different opportunities available, detailing the necessary regulations and permits for this exciting pastime.

Rhode Island Hunting Seasons

Furbearers

Upland Birds

Migratory Birds

Waterfowls

RI Hunting License & Permits

All individuals engaging in outdoor activities must carry valid permits at all times. Failure to adhere to regulations may result in the suspension or revocation of licensing, with licensed participants subject to gear inspections. Possessing a valid license serves as permission for activities in designated areas, including state management zones and specific TNC and state co-op locations. However, separate licenses are essential for pursuing deer, waterfowl, and turkey on state lands from October to February.

Licenses Cost

Permits Cost

Note:

• Youths must be accompanied by a 21-year-old adult with a valid 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 license is specific to gender, weapon, and game 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:

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, 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, individuals 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 periods, the Act protects all birds and all of their parts, nests, and eggs.

Dress Code:  Regarding attire, it’s mandatory for individuals to don fluorescent orange during specific periods. For shotgun deer seasons, anyone in state management areas and undeveloped state parks must have at least 200 square inches of orange, excluding those engaged in small game, fall turkey, or muzzleloader deer pursuits. Certain exemptions include archery deer hunters in elevated stands during the muzzleloader season, nighttime raccoon hunters, crow hunters using decoys, spring turkey participants, first segment dove enthusiasts, and waterfowl participants in boats or blinds over water or fields with decoys. From September through February and April through May, visitors to state management areas and undeveloped state parks must wear fluorescent orange clothing; camouflage is not considered sufficient in this case.

Rhode Island Hunting Contacts

Phone Number:

(401) 222-2353

Email:

[email protected]

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John Lewis

John Lewis, the passionate founder of HuntingSeasons.org, is committed to promoting responsible hunting and a profound love for the wilderness. With years of expertise, his platform serves as a reliable guide for hunting enthusiasts, advocating ethical practices and nature preservation.

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