If you’re a passionate hunter and want to learn about Rhode Island hunting seasons, then you’ve come to the right place. Find out about license regulations and the exact dates of each season.
Are you asking yourself is Rhode Island a good state for hunting?
Well, just the fact that the estimate whitetail deer population is around 19.000 and that the hunting licenses sold annually number around 17.000 answers that question.
With amazing hunting spots, this is one of the perfect places for you to enjoy hunting for whitetail deer or wild turkey as well as many small game species like a coyote, racoon, squirrel rabbit and such.
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Rhode Island Hunting Seasons and All Available Games
#1. Rhode Island Deer Seasons
Games | Seasons |
|---|---|
Muzzleloader | *November 3 – January 2 |
Archery | *September 15 – January 31 |
Firearms | *December 1 - 16 |
*NOTE: Season dates may vary by the zone.
#2. Rhode Island Turkey Seasons
Games | Seasons | Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|
Fall Archery | October 1 – 14 | Season limit: 1 either sex |
Youth & Paraplegic | April 20 – 21 | Season limit: 2 bearded |
Spring Gobbler | April 25 – May 19 |
#3. Rhode Island Small Game Seasons
Games | Seasons | Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|
Raccoon | October 1 – February 28 | Bag limit: Unlimited |
Cottontail Rabbit | October 20 – February 28 | Bag limit: 3 |
Pheasant | Bag limit: 2 | |
Bobwhite Quail | Bag limit: 3 | |
Gray Squirrel | Bag limit: 5 | |
Red, Grey Fox | Bag limit: Unlimited | |
Ruffed Grouse | Closed Season | Bag limit: CLOSED |
Coyote | September 15 – February 28 April 25 – May 19 No closed season on private lands | Bag limit: Unlimited |
License Requirements
In Rhode Island, every single person must possess the appropriate hunting license RIGL 20-13-1 to hunt. The thing is that you must have in on you whenever you’re hunting at all times during that period otherwise consequences are severe.
A person who does not possess the hunting license when he or she is asked to present one will be treated as a person who hasn’t obtained it at all.
If you want permission to hunt within State Management Areas, then you must have either combination hunting and fishing or valid Rhode Island hunting license. Know that there are special permits for different game species such as waterfowl, deer, turkey hunts on the state lands.
The licenses are valid only from the first day of the season to the last day and carrying a firearm at any time outside the hunting season on state management areas is strictly forbidden.
You can purchase a hunting license in various town and city clerks, DEM Office of Boating Registration and Licenses, and online.
Night Hunting in Rhode Island
If you’re wondering about night hunting in Rhode Island, sadly it’s not allowed.
Using any night vision or possession of such is also strictly prohibited as per 2010 – 2011 Hunting and Trapping Regulations.
Where to Hunt in Rhode Island?
There are so-called State Management Areas, where if one has a proper hunting permit can hunt for various game species.
Of course, as you know, some areas are densely populated by certain species, and there are other areas with other species.
Here are some guidelines where you should focus on hunting.
George Washington Wildlife Management Area
This area is around 3000 acres of land open for public hunting consisting of forests mostly. This is a perfect place for those who are looking to hunt for hare, coyote, squirrel, fox, deer, rabbit and racoon.
Also, there’s a particular place within this area called Pulaski Wildlife Marsh which is a perfect spot for those interested in waterfowl, other mammals and wetland birds.
Arcadia Wildlife Management Area
One of the most significant areas, around 13000 acres of land spreading over Exeter, West Greenwich, Richmond, and Hopkinton.
Not only that you’ll find snowshoe hares and cottontail rabbits here but wild turkey, pheasant and fox as well in abundance.
Arcadia Wildlife Management Area
The accent here is on the whitetail deer population. It’s a perfect place for those interested only in hunting deer.
If you’re lucky to be selected by the lottery system, then you’ll be in for a treat.