250-RICR-60-00-9. Hunting and Trapping Regulations (version Technical Revision, 07/31/2016 to 07/31/2017)

Hunting Regulations for the 2016 - 2017 Season STATE OF RHODE ISLAND AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT DIVISION OF FISH AND WILDLIFE HUNTING REGULATIONS For the 2016 - 2017 SEASON EFFECTIVE DATE: July 31, 2016 AUTHORITY: These regulations are adopted pursuant to RIGL Sections 20-1-2; 20-1-4; 20-1-8; 20-1-12; 20-1-13; 20-1-35, 20-2-37; and Chapters 42-17.1; 20-15; and 20-18, and in accordance with Chapter 42-35, Administrative Procedures Act, of the Rhode Island General Laws of 1956, as amended. Hunting Regulations for the 2016 - 2017 Season STATE OF RHODE ISLAND AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT FISH AND WILDLIFE R.I. Hunting Regulations for the 2016 – 2017 Season TABLE OF CONTENTS RULE 1: PURPOSE ………………………………………………………………..1 RULE 2: AUTHORITY…… ………………………………………………………..1 RULE 3: APPLICATION…. ………………………………………………………..1 RULE 4: SEVERABILITY.. ………………………………………………………..1 RULE 5: SUPERCEDED RULES AND REGULATIONS ………………………..1 RULE 6: DEFINITIONS….. ………………………………………………………..2 RULE 7: REGULATIONS... ………………………………………………….…….4 PART I: DEER HUNTING……………………………………………4 PART II: SPECIAL DEER SEASONS………………………………. . 13 PART III: COOPERATIVE HUNTING PROGRAM………………… . 14 PART IV: MIGRATORY GAME BIRDS…………………………….. . 17 PART V: WATERFOWL………………………………………………19 PART VI UPLAND GAME…………………………………………….25 PART VII: WILD TURKEY…………………………………………… ..29 PART VIII: FURBEARERS…………………………………………….. ..32 PART IX: REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS………………………….. ..36 PART X: MANAGEMENT AREAS………………………………… ..37 PART XI: GENERAL…………………………………………………. ..44 PART XII: SPECIAL REGULATION – State Waterfowl Stamp………..47 RULE 8: EFFECTIVE DATE…………………………………………………...... ..48 Hunting Regulations for the 2016 - 2017 Season 1 of 50 STATE OF RHODE ISLAND AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT FISH AND WILDLIFE R.I. Hunting Regulations for the 2016 – 2017 Season RULE 1 PURPOSE The purpose of these Rules and Regulations is to establish hunting season; to set the possession and bag limits; and to regulate the manner of hunting in order to efficiently manage the wildlife resources of Rhode Island. RULE 2 AUTHORITY These Rules and Regulations are promulgated pursuant to RIGL Chapters 42-17.1; 20-15 and 20-18, and Sections 20-1-2; 20-1-4; 20-1-8; 20-1-12; 20-1-13, 20-2-35; and 20-2-37 and in accordance with Chapter 42-35, Administrative Procedures Act of the Rhode Island General Laws of 1956, as amended. RULE 3 APPLICATION The terms and provisions of these Rules and Regulations shall be liberally constructed to permit the Department to effectuate the purposes of state law, goals, and policies. RULE 4 SEVERABILITY If any provision of these Rules and Regulations, or application thereof to any person or circumstances, is held invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the validity of the remainder of the Rules and Regulations shall not be affected thereby. RULE 5 SUPERSEDED RULES AND REGULATIONS On the effective date of these Rules and Regulations, all previous Rules and Regulations, and any policies regarding the administration and enforcement of Hunting Regulations shall be superseded. However, any enforcement action taken by, or application submitted to, the Department prior to the effective date of these Rules and Regulations shall be governed by the Rules and Regulations in effect at the time the enforcement action was taken, or application filed. Hunting Regulations for the 2016 - 2017 Season 2 of 50 RULE 6 DEFINITIONS For the purposes of these regulations, the following terms shall have the following meanings: Antlerless deer – deer having no antlers or antlers less than three (3) inches in length. Archery Proficiency Testing – demonstration of skill with Archery equipment as prescribed by the Division of Fish and Wildlife. Valid for two (2) years. Bearded turkey – a turkey that carries a visible beard, i.e., a tuft of stiff filament-like feathers projecting outward and downward from the center of the chest. Box trap – any trigger operated device intended to restrain an animal by confinement in box or cage. Conibear-type trap – “conibear” model traps and similar body-gripping traps and devices, whether or not enclosed in or comprising part of a box, tube or other enclosing device. Crossbow – a bow and string that launches an arrow, mounted upon a stock, with a trigger unit that holds the string and limbs under tension until released. The trigger unit must have a working safety. The minimum crossbow, arrow, and blade restrictions are further described in Part 1 of these regulations. Daylight fluorescent orange – the color orange having a dominant wave length between 595 and 606 nanometers, an excitation purity not less than 85 percent, and a lamination factor not less than 40 percent. Deer – Virginia white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and any other free ranging deer encountered in the natural environment. Deer decoy – Device that replicates the body and form of a deer and may be used for the purpose of attracting deer during hunting. Driving deer/cooperative drive – to pursue, drive, chase, or otherwise frighten or cause a deer to move in a direction toward a person or persons known to be waiting for deer. Feeding/baiting – the act of using, placing, giving, exposing, depositing, distributing, or scattering any material, or any act to maintain the availability of such material, that attracts wildlife to feed on such material. Hunting Regulations for the 2016 - 2017 Season 3 of 50 Foothold – the nomenclature for a foothold trap is equivalent to that of leg-hold trap, as described in RIGL 20-16-8, including those foothold traps with padded jaws. Jamestown (Conanicut Island)/Aquidneck Island – all of Aquidneck Island with the exception of the city of Newport. Junior Hunter – a person 12-14 years of age who has completed a basic hunter safety course shall hunt only in the immediate company of a qualified licensed adult, 21 years of age or older. Paraplegic – an individual afflicted with paralysis of the lower half of the body with involvement of both legs. Public Reservations - any property under the care, control or custody of the Department of Environmental Management. Replacement tags – free replacement tags for deer are issued only by DEM’s Division of Licensing after a hunter harvesting required antlerless deer as specified by zone management harvest regulations and upon the hunter providing evidence (checked field tags) of having checked the required antlerless deer. Small game season – that period of time beginning the third Saturday in October and ending the last day in February annually (not withstanding the regulated shotgun season for deer). Species specific traps – characterized by all of the following: triggering and restraining mechanisms are enclosed within housing; triggering and restraining mechanisms are only accessible through a single opening when set; the access opening does not exceed two (2) inches in diameter; the triggering mechanism can only be activated by a pulling force; has a swivel mounted anchoring system. Tidal Waters – waters of the State extending from mean high water to the seaward limit of three miles. Translocation – means the transport and release of live wild animals from one location to another. Written permission – means annual written permission of the owner of the land for any current deer season. Hunting Regulations for the 2016 - 2017 Season 4 of 50 RULE 7 – REGULATIONS PART I DEER HUNTING 1.1 A deer permit must be obtained prior to hunting for each individual deer taken in accordance with the bag limits for each season type, statewide. 1.2 Open Season (all dates inclusive) 1.2.1 Archery: September 15 to January 31 1.2.2 Muzzleloader: First Saturday in November until the Sunday after Thanksgiving 1.2.2.1 First four days of October, Zone 1, Antlerless Deer only. 1.2.2.2 December 26 to January 2, Zones 1 and 2, Antlerless deer only. 1.2.3 Shotgun: First Saturday in December until the third Sunday in December. 1.2.3.1 December 26 to January 2, Zones 1 and 2, Antlerless Deer only 1.2.4 Prudence Island: November 1 to January 31 1.2.4.1 Paraplegic hunter season October 25 – 28 1.2.5 Block Island: 1.2.5.1 Archery: October 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 31 1.2.5.2 Archery, Shotgun and Muzzleloader: November 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 21, 22, 28, 29 December 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 19, 20, 22, 23 January 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 30, 31 February 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 21, 22, 23, 24, 27, 28 Hunting Regulations for the 2016 - 2017 Season 5 of 50 1.3 Season Limit: 1.3.1 Two (2) antlered deer. No hunter shall take more than two (2) antlered deer in total during the deer season. Only one (1) of the antlered deer may be taken in Zone 3 (Prudence Island). 1.3.2 Antlerless deer bag limit is by Deer Management Zone: 1.3.2.1 Zone 1 (Mainland Private and State Land): Four (4) Antlerless Deer: 1.3.2.1.1 Hunters are eligible for one (1) free replacement permit for an additional Antlerless deer upon presenting to DEM proof of harvesting two antlerless deer in Zone 1. The replacement permit is in addition to the general antlerless bag limit allowed for Zone 1 and restricted for use in this zone. 1.3.2.2 Zone 2 (Mainland Private and State Land): Three (3) Antlerless Deer. 1.3.2.3 Zone 3 (Prudence – Patience Islands Private and State Land): Two (2) Antlerless Deer: 1.3.2.3.1 The bag limit of antlered deer in Zone 3 is one (1) per season, included in the statewide season limit of two (2) antlered deer statewide. 1.3.2.4 Zone 4 (Block Island Private Land Only): Five (5) Antlerless deer, except as provided in 1.16.2. 1.4 Legal hours for hunting deer are one half hour before sunrise to one half hour after sunset. All deer must be tagged in a conspicuous manner by the hunter killing same, immediately after taking, with the tag portion of the deer permit for the specific season (archery, muzzleloader, shotgun and/or paraplegic/double amputee hunter). This tag must be separated from the permit with the appropriate month, day, or other information completed as required, and signed by the hunter. The tag must remain attached to the deer until the animal is processed for consumption or prepared for taxidermy. It will be considered prima-facie evidence of hunting without a valid deer permit if any portion of the deer permit/tag is altered in any manner. 1.5 Prohibited Activities: 1.5.1 Hunting, pursuing, or molesting deer below tidal water, or while deer are swimming in any waters of the state is prohibited. Hunting Regulations for the 2016 - 2017 Season 6 of 50 1.5.2 The construction and/or use of permanent tree stands, or the use of nails, spikes, bolts, or climbing devices which may damage trees, is prohibited on state property or on private property without the permission of the landowner. All portable tree stands must be removed on state lands by the end of deer season. 1.5.3 The use of electronic calls for hunting deer is prohibited at all times. 1.5.4 The use of decoys to attract deer is prohibited with the exception that such devices are permitted on private lands and only during the early archery season (September 15 to September 30). On private land in towns where hunting with a firearm is prohibited but use of archery equipment is allowed deer decoys may be used September 15 to January 31. When transporting deer decoys for the purpose of hunting, persons must wear 500 square inches of fluorescent orange visible from all sides as is currently required for shotgun deer hunting. 1.5.5 Driving deer by parties of over five (5) people is prohibited. 1.5.6 Only one firearm or bow may be possessed in the field per individual hunter, while hunting deer. 1.5.7 During the period September 15 through the last day of February (statewide and islands), casting of rays of artificial lights, including spotlights, headlights, or other artificial light, at any time, on any highway or roadway, whether public or private or on any field, woodland, residential property or forest, on any building or farm animal, for the purpose of spotting, locating or attempting to spot or locate any wild animal or wild bird is prohibited. 1.5.7.1 The use or possession of laser sights that project a beam or night – vision equipment while hunting is prohibited. 1.6 Annual written permission is required to hunt deer on privately owned land (RIGL 20-15-1 [4]). Such written permission must be carried at all times while deer hunting and failure to have such written permission is prima-facie evidence of not having written permission to hunt such land. Written permission must be shown to any authorized person upon demand, and must be presented when checking the deer. 1.7 The use of natural or artificial scents, mouth or hand powered deer calls to attract deer, is permitted. Hunting Regulations for the 2016 - 2017 Season 7 of 50 1.8 The Division retains the right to sample any and all tissues for population and disease management. 1.9 Resident All Outdoors Package Permit: Deer hunters may purchase one (1) resident All Outdoors Package Permit for the mainland deer seasons to take up to eight (8) deer during the established seasons. This package permit will only be available at RI DEM Office of Boat Registration and Licensing, 235 Promenade Street, Providence, RI 02908. This may be purchased by mail with a Self- Addressed Stamped Envelope (SASE) or in person. 1.9.1 A limit of 350 permit packages will be sold on a first come first serve basis. Permits may be purchased in person or through the mail. Due to high volume, permits sold over the counter may be returned by mail. 1.9.2 The All Outdoor Hunting Package consists of two (2) Antlered deer permits and six (6) Antlerless deer permits that may be used in any combination statewide during the Open Season. 1.10 Deer Management Zones are defined to recognize and achieve harvest and management strategies for deer in Rhode Island as follows (Figure 1): Hunting Regulations for the 2016 - 2017 Season 8 of 50 Hunting Regulations for the 2016 - 2017 Season 9 of 50 1.11 Checking and Tagging: All deer harvested must be conspicuously tagged by the hunter immediately after killing or taking as provided, and reported to DEM within 24 hours by mailing a Pre-Paid Deer Season Kill Report Card. Except that, during the first four (4) days of the Muzzleloader deer season, all deer harvested statewide, by any method, must be brought to a State Operated Biological Checking Station to be physically weighed, measured and inspected with the exception of Block Island. During the remainder of the season, deer must be checked by mailing within 24 hours the Deer Season Kill Report Card or by an Environmental Police Officer (EPO). 1.12 Archery Season: 1.12.1 Archers may use a long bow, re-curve bow, compound bow or crossbow for hunting deer. 1.12.1.1 Long bow, re-curve bow and compound bow must be set at not less than forty (40) pounds for archers using fixed blade broadheads, and a minimum of fifty (50) pounds for archers using a mechanical broadheads. Only broadhead tipped arrows with at least two (2) metal cutting edges are allowed. All broadheads must be 7/8 of an inch or greater at the widest point. including mechanical broadheads measured in the “open” position. Licensed deer hunters may carry one blunt or judo tipped arrow to hunt the open portion of the small game season during the archery deer season. 1.12.1.2 Crossbows must be set at not less than one hundred twenty five (125) pounds minimum draw weight. Expandable broadheads are permitted. However, as some crossbow manufacturers specifically recommend against mechanical broadheads, nothing in this section should be construed as permitting such use. One (1) field point arrow may be carried in the quiver for the safe discharge of the crossbow; the field point arrow must be made distinguishable from the crossbow arrow by a color difference. All hunters must have taken and successfully completed bow hunter education classes to hunt with a crossbow. 1.12.1.3 Special archery adaptive aids for use with vertical held bows may be used by all hunters without a special permit. Hunting Regulations for the 2016 - 2017 Season 10 of 50 1.13 Muzzleloader Season: 1.13.1 Firearms for muzzleloader deer season are limited to .45 caliber or larger using percussion caplock, flintlock, and in-line ignition systems using percussion caps, rifle, or shotshell primers. Only single barrel or double barrel firearms that must be loaded from the muzzle are allowed. 1.13.2 Ammunition for muzzleloader deer season is limited to a single projectile, including round ball, or maxi ball type projectiles. Sabot rounds for muzzleloader firearms are permitted using lead, jacketed or solid copper bullets according to manufacturer’s specifications. Powder is limited to manufacturers’ specifications. Telescopic sights are permitted. Possession of modern shotgun shotshells while hunting is prohibited. A muzzleloader is considered unloaded when the percussion cap, primer or pan powder is removed. 1.14 Shotgun Season: 1.14.1 No person shall hunt, pursue, shoot or attempt to shoot any deer with a shotgun capable of holding more than five shells, unless it is plugged with one-piece filler, which is incapable of removal without disassembling the gun. 1.14.2 Ammunition permitted for shotgun deer season is limited to a single lead or alloy projectile, including rifled slugs or sabot round. Buckshot is prohibited at all times. 1.14.3 Shotguns of 10, 12, 16, or 20-gauge are allowed. 1.14.4 Muzzleloader firearms will be permitted during the shotgun season provided hunters possess a current shotgun deer permit and comply with muzzleloader restrictions. Hunters taking a deer must tag the deer with the shotgun deer tag immediately after taking. All shotgun deer season fluorescent orange requirements will be enforced. 1.15 Prudence – Patience Island (Zone 3): 1.15.1 The only legal method of deer hunting on Prudence and Patience Islands is by archery, including crossbows. All other archery regulations apply. Exemption: hunters complying with section for paraplegic and double amputees may use shotguns. Hunting Regulations for the 2016 - 2017 Season 11 of 50 1.15.2 While archery deer hunting, no possession of firearms is permitted, except for those licensed to participate during the special paraplegic hunter deer season. 1.15.3 Archery deer hunting will be permitted on the Heritage Property, December 1-15. 1.15.4 Proficiency testing is required of all archery hunters hunting deer on Patience and Prudence Islands, either private or state-owned lands. The proficiency card is valid for two (2) years from the date of issue and must be carried while hunting. 1.15.5 Written permission of the private landowner is required and must be countersigned by the Chief of Police or his/her representative on Prudence Island. 1.15.6 On Patience Island, there shall be no hunting of any species of wildlife, except archery hunting for deer, as provided. The possession of any firearm at any time on Patience Island, except for archery equipment as prescribed during the established archery season for deer, is prima-facie evidence of illegal hunting. 1.16 Block Island (Zone 4) 1.16.1 State Land (Black Rock / Rodman Hollow) Hunting by special permit only, selected by lottery. 1.16.1.1 Hunters selected will be assigned to hunt one of four periods designated by DEM. 1.16.1.2 Six (6) hunters will be permitted per hunting period. 1.16.1.3 DEM will assign hunters selected by lottery at their sole discretion. Alternate hunters may be assigned by DEM in the event that assigned hunters cannot participate. 1.16.1.4 Applications (available at www.dem.ri.gov) to hunt state lands must be postmarked by October 15. 1.16.2 A Block Island archery, muzzleloader or shotgun deer permit is required to hunt deer on Block Island. A hunter may purchase up to ten (10) Block Island deer permits. After checking as required, a hunter may purchase additional Block Island archery, muzzleloader or shotgun deer permits to take additional deer on Block Island. Hunters may not possess more than Hunting Regulations for the 2016 - 2017 Season 12 of 50 ten (10) Deer Permits at one time. (Eight (8) Antlerless and two (2) Antlered) 1.16.3 Private landowner permission, counter-signed by the Chief of Police, is required for all hunting. Private landowners may give permission for archery, shotgun, or muzzleloader hunting on their property. Permission will be tracked by the Police Department. 1.16.4 Ammunition permitted for shotgun deer season includes rifled slugs or sabot round. Shotguns of 10, 12, 16, or 20 gauges are allowed. Buckshot is prohibited. 1.16.5 Proficiency testing is required of all archery hunters that are hunting deer on Block Island. The proficiency card is valid for two (2) years from the date of issue. The proficiency card must be carried while hunting. 1.16.6 All other deer season regulations apply. Equipment permitted for archery season includes crossbows and adaptive aids as described. 1.16.7 All deer hunters must wear 500 square inches of fluorescent orange, except archery hunters during the archery only portion of the season are exempt from this requirement. Hunting Regulations for the 2016 - 2017 Season 13 of 50 PART II SPECIAL DEER SEASONS 2.1 Youth Deer Hunting Opportunities for those hunters ages 12 - 15: Junior hunters (ages 12 -14) as defined in the “definitions” in possession of a valid Rhode Island Junior Hunting License must be accompanied by at least one qualified licensed adult who is at least 21 years of age or older and holds a valid Rhode Island hunting / archery license. An adult may accompany no more than two junior hunters at one time. Adults are prohibited from carrying bows / firearms. Hunters age 15 do not have to hunt in the immediate company of a licensed adult. Hunters may use Antlered Deer or Antleress Deer Permits for the respective season, as provided. 2.1.1 Youth Archery Hunting Weekend, (Zone 1 and 2): The first full weekend prior to the opening day of archery season. 2.1.2 Youth Archery Hunting Weekend (Zone 3) Prudence-Patience Islands: The last full weekend in October. 2.1.3 Youth Muzzleloader Season: The last full weekend in October 2.2 Prudence-Patience Island (Zone 3) Special Deer Season for Disabled Hunters. The taking of deer will be limited to paraplegic and double amputee hunters only. 2.2.1 A special hunting permit must be obtained through the RI DEM Office of Boat Registration and Licensing Division, 235 Promenade St. Providence, RI 02908 (401) 222-3576 by each applicant prior to the hunt. None will be issued on the island. An application signed by a physician for a first-time hunter, or a photocopy of a previous paraplegic/double amputee hunting license, is required. 2.2.2 None of the hunter's assistants will be allowed to hunt or carry loaded firearms at any time. No license is required of the assistants. 2.2.3 All deer taken must be checked as provided. 2.2.4 All deer wounded, but not recovered, must be reported to DEM within 24 hours. 2.2.5 Ammunition is limited to a single lead or alloy projectile, rifled slug or sabot rounds in 10, 12, 16, or 20 gauge only. Buckshot is prohibited. Hunters may use muzzleloading firearms on Prudence Island as defined in section 1.13 Muzzleloader Deer Season. Hunting Regulations for the 2016 - 2017 Season 14 of 50 PART III COOPERATIVE HUNTING PROGRAMS 3.1 Northwest Cooperative: The Northwest Cooperative Deer Hunting permit serves as written permission for hunting this private land during the open deer seasons. This permit must be carried in addition to your individual deer permits. Turkey hunting is also permitted on Northwest Cooperative with a valid license and turkey permit. No additional Northwest permit is required for turkeys. 3.1.1 Deer hunters must have a Special Permit to hunt the Northwest Cooperative in addition to deer permits for each respective season. The Special Permit is valid for Archery, Muzzleloader, and Shotgun seasons. The Division reserves the right to alter the number of hunters, permits, or days of hunting as conditions warrant. Permits must be returned by the end of February. Hunters must return permit to be eligible for the next season's permit. 3.1.2 Permits are available after September 1, and may be obtained by sending a (LEGAL SIZE) self-addressed stamped envelope to: NORTHWEST COOP., RI DEM Division of Fish and Wildlife, Great Swamp Field Headquarters, 277 Great Neck Road, West Kingston, R.I. 02892 by mail with a self-addressed stamped envelope. 3.2 The Nature Conservancy (TNC ) Deer Hunting Cooperatives 3.2.1 Francis Carter Preserve, Queens River Preserve, King Preserve and Canonchet Preserve 3.2.1.1 Archery hunting only for deer. No hunting for any other species of wildlife is permitted. No special permit required. 3.2.1.2 No firearms or vehicles of any kind are allowed on the property at any time. 3.2.1.3 The construction or use of permanent tree stands is prohibited. The use of nails, spikes, bolts, or devices that may damage trees is prohibited. Climbing tree stands are permitted. All tree stands must be removed at the end of the season. 3.2.3 Cuttyhunk Brook Preserve and Grass Pond Preserve 3.2.3.1 Deer hunting with archery, muzzleloader and shotgun permitted. No hunting for any other species of wildlife is permitted. No special permit required. Hunting Regulations for the 2016 - 2017 Season 15 of 50 3.2.3.2 No vehicles of any kind are allowed on the property. 3.2.3.3 The construction or use of permanent tree stands is prohibited. The use of nails, spikes, bolts, or devices that may damage trees is prohibited. Climbing tree stands are permitted. All tree stands must be removed at the end of the season. 3.2.4 How-Davey Preserve 3.2.4.1 Deer hunting only with Archery or Muzzleloader. No hunting for any other species of wildlife is permitted. No special permit is required. 3.2.4.2 No firearms or vehicles of any kind are allowed on the property at any time. 3.2.4.3 The construction or use of permanent tree stands is prohibited. The use of nails, spikes, bolts, or devices that may damage trees is prohibited. Climbing tree stands are permitted. All tree stands must be removed at the end of the season. 3.3 Beavertail Cooperative: Archery Only – November 1 to January 31, no hunting on weekends prior to December 31. No hunting of any other species of wildlife is permitted. 3.3.1 No firearms are allowed on the property at any time. 3.3.2 The construction of or use of permanent tree stands is prohibited. The use of nails, spikes, bolts, or devices that may damage trees is prohibited. Climbing tree stands are permitted and must be removed at the end of the season. 3.3.3 Proficiency testing is required for all archery hunters on the Beavertail Cooperative Archery Deer Hunting Area. The proficiency cards are valid for two (2) years from the date of issuance and must be carried while hunting. 3.3.4 A Beavertail Cooperative Archery Deer Hunting Area Permit is required and will serve as written permission to hunt this property. The permit can be obtained in person at the Jamestown Police Station. This permit must also be carried while hunting. Hunters must return their card regardless of activity or success by February 15 in order to be eligible for next season. 3.3.5 Countersigned permission of the chief of police or his/her designee is required. Archers must reserve to hunt on the official sign-in log at the Hunting Regulations for the 2016 - 2017 Season 16 of 50 police station. Ten (10) hunters will be permitted per day on a first come first served basis. Hunters may sign up for five (5) slots per week, no more than twenty (20) days in advance. Unused slots must be cancelled. Successful hunters must also cancel any reserved slots. Hunters will be provided with a map, safety zone and parking restrictions. Compliance with these and all other hunting regulations is required for future hunting privileges on this parcel. The number of hunters and days of hunting are subject to change. 3.4 Grills Preserve Cooperative: Hunting for deer and wild turkey only. No special permit is required. 3.4.1 Deer hunting is permitted only during the archery and muzzleloader portions of the deer season at the Grills Preserve II—Hopkinton Land Trust Property located east of Route 91 in Hopkinton. The Grills Preserve—Westerly Land Trust Property located west of Bowling Lane and Route 91 in Bradford is CLOSED to deer hunting during the 2016- 2017 deer season. 3.4.2 Turkey hunting is permitted in accordance with rules for the established turkey seasons. Turkey hunting is allowed during the 2016 fall archery season and 2017 spring gobbler season at the Grills Preserve II— Hopkinton Land Trust Property located east of Route 91 in Hopkinton. The Grills Preserve—Westerly Land Trust Property located west of Bowling Lane and Route 91 in Bradford is CLOSED to turkey hunting during the 2016 fall archery season. 3.5 Burlingame North Camp Hunting Area – North Camp Portion: Hunting for deer or turkey by permit only available from the RI DEM Division of Fish and Wildlife, Great Swamp Field Headquarters, 277 Great Neck Road, West Kingston, R.I. 02892 by mail with a self-addressed stamped envelope. All other deer hunting regulations apply. 3.5.1 Hunting is allowed in designated areas only; obey all safety zones as marked on map enclosed with permit. 3.5.2 The following are PROHIBITED: Hunting birds on or within one hundred (100) yards of the shore of Watchaug Pond or Poquiant Brook as referenced in RIGL 20-14-8; and, Hunting birds in that portion of the park west of Watchaug Pond, west of Poquiant Brook and south of Buckeye Brook Road as referenced in RIGL 20-14-8.1. Hunting Regulations for the 2016 - 2017 Season 17 of 50 PART IV MIGRATORY GAME BIRDS 4.1 Mourning Doves -The open season for mourning doves is statewide: 4.1.1 Dates 4.1.1.1 September 10 to October 9; 4.1.1.2 October 15 to November 27; 4.1.1.3 December 10 to December 25 4.1.2 Shooting hours are: 4.1.1.1 First split: noon to sunset. 4.1.1.2 Second and third split: sunrise to sunset 4.1.3 Daily bag / possession limits: 15 / 45 4.2 Rails – The open season for rails is: 4.2.1 September 1 to November 9. 4.2.2 Daily bag / possession limits: 4.2.1.1 King & Clapper Rail – 1 / 3, singly or in aggregate 4.2.1.2 Sora & Virginia Rail – 3 / 9, singly or in aggregate 4.2.3 Shooting hours are ½ hour before sunrise until sunset 4.3 Common snipe: The open season for common snipe is: 4.3.1 September 1 to November 9 4.3.2 Daily / possession limits: 5 / 15 4.3.3 Shooting hours are ½ hour before sunrise until sunset 4.4 Woodcock: The open season for woodcocks is: 4.4.1 October 15 to November 28. 4.4.2 Daily bag / possession limits: 3 / 9 Hunting Regulations for the 2016 - 2017 Season 18 of 50 4.4.3 Shooting hours are ½ hour before sunrise until sunset 4.5 Crows: The open season for crows is: 4.5.1 August 12 to October 2 – Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays only. 4.5.2 October 15 to December 5, inclusive. 4.5.3 December 9 to March 26 – Fridays, Saturday, and Sundays only. 4.5.4 Hunting hours for crows are half hour before sunrise to half hour after sunset. 4.5.5 The season on Prudence Island is November 1 to November 30 inclusive, except for North Prudence Island Management Area where the season is January 4 to January 31 Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays only. South Prudence and Patience Islands are closed to crow hunting. 4.5.6 No daily bag or possession limit. Hunting Regulations for the 2016 - 2017 Season 19 of 50 PART V WATERFOWL 5.1 Canada Geese: 5.1.1 The Special September season for Canada geese: 5.1.1.1 September 1-30 5.1.1.2 Daily bag limit is 15 / 45 in possession (subject to Federal approval). 5.1.1.3 Shooting hours are one half hour before sunrise to one half hour after sunset for September Canada geese hunting only. 5.1.1.4 No Special Permit Required 5.1.2 Regular Season 5.1.2.1 November 19 – 27, 2016 inclusive and December 3, 2016 – January 30, 2017 inclusive. 5.1.2.2 Three (3)-bird daily bag limit and a nine (9) – bird possession. 5.1.2.3 Special permits and reservations required for South Shore Management Area 5.1.3 Late Season 5.1.3.1 February 4 – 10, 2017 (No special permit required for the Late Season) 5.1.3.2 Five (5)-bird daily bag limit and fifteen (15) birds in possession. 5.1.3.3 No special permit required. 5.1.3.4 Limited to Providence, Bristol and Kent Counties and portions of Washington County as described in 5.1.3.5. A map depicting the area open to hunting is available on the Division of Fish and Wildlife’s website. 5.1.3.5 The area open to hunting during the late season shall be those areas north and west of the line described below: - Rt. 95 at the RI / CT Line, north to Exit 3, Rt. 138 in Richmond. - East along Rt. 138 to Glen Rock Rd., Richmond. - North along Glen Rock Rd. to Mail Rd., Exeter. Hunting Regulations for the 2016 - 2017 Season 20 of 50 - East along Mail Rd. to Rt. 2/South Country Trail., Exeter. - North along Rt. 2/South County Trail to Exeter Rd. - East along Exeter Rd. to the intersection of Indian Corner Rd. - East to the merger of Indian Corner Rd. and West Allenton Rd. - East to the intersection of West Allenton Rd. and Rt. 4. - South along Rt. 4 to the intersection of Rt. 4/Rt.1 (Tower Hill Rd.) - South along Rt. 1/Tower Hill Rd. to the intersection of Rt. 138. - East along Rt. 138 to the base of the Jamestown Bridge. - Extending north/northeast along the Washington/Newport county line. - Extending east, 1,000 feet north of the northerly most point of Jamestown to a point 1,000 feet offshore of the Melville Boat Launch, Portsmouth. - North following a line 1,000 feet offshore of Portsmouth’s western shoreline to the Mount Hope Bridge. - Extending east/northeast across Mt. Hope Bay from the bridge to the RI/MA border. 5.1.3.6 All areas south and east of the demarcation line are closed to hunting during the February Late Season. 5.2 Snow Geese (Including blue geese) 5.2.1 October 16, 2016 – January 30, 2017 5.2.2 Daily bag limit shall be twenty five (25) birds with no possession limit. 5.3 Sea Ducks: The 2016 – 2017 waterfowl season for ducks will be 60 days in length with a five (5) bird daily bag limit -- possession limit is three times the daily bag limit or fifteen (15). 5.3.1 The season for sea ducks (eider, long-tailed duck & scoter) is November 24, 2016 to January 22, 2017 inclusive. Except for the periods November 24 - 27, 2016 and December 3, 2016 – January 22, 2017 may be taken only in the Special Sea Duck Hunting Areas. These areas are seaward of the first upstream bridge, which includes Washington Bridge in the Seekonk River; Mt. Hope Bridge in Mt. Hope Bay; and Sakonnet Bridge in the Sakonnet River. Sea ducks taken in areas outside of Special Sea Duck Hunting Areas during the periods November 24 – 27, 2016 and December 3, 2016 – January 22, 2017 will be considered as part of the regular daily six (6) bird bag limit. Sea ducks may not be taken during the first segment, as well as the first day of the second segment of the regular duck season (October 7 – 10 and November 23). 5.3.2 The daily bag limit shall be five (5); Hunting Regulations for the 2016 - 2017 Season 21 of 50 5.3.3 Only four (4) of which may be scoters, eiders, or long-tailed ducks; the possession limit is fifteen (15), only twelve (12) of which may be scoters, eiders, or long-tailed ducks. 5.4 Ducks, Coots, Mergansers 5.4.1 The season for ducks, coots, and mergansers shall be October 7 – 10, 2016, inclusive, November 23 – 27, 2016 inclusive and December 3, 2016 – January 22, 2017, inclusive. 5.4.1.1 Ducks – The daily bag limit shall be six (6);  Including no more than four (4) mallards of which two (2) may be hen mallards, three (3) wood ducks, two (2) redheads, one (1) black duck, two (2) pintails, two (2) canvasbacks, and two (2) scaup. The possession limit is three times the daily bag limit. 5.4.1.2 Coots - The daily bag and possession limit on coots are fifteen (15) and forty five (45), respectively. 5.4.1.3 Mergansers - The daily bag limit on mergansers is five (5); only two (2) of which may be a hooded merganser. The possession limit is fifteen (15), only six (6) of which may be hooded mergansers. Five (5) mergansers may be taken in addition to the regular duck bag of six (6) ducks. 5.4.2 Harlequin Ducks – The season is closed. 5.5 Brant - The season for brant shall be fifty (50) days 5.5.1 December 4, 2016 – January 22, 2017, inclusive 5.5.2 The daily bag limit shall be two (2) and the possession limit shall be six (6). 5.6 Swans – No Season 5.7 CLOSED AREAS 5.7.1 Providence, East Providence, Pawtucket - That portion of the Seekonk River north of the railroad bridge to a line across the Seekonk River running between the intersection of Gulf Road and River Drive (Providence side) to the southerly abutment of the railroad bridge at the outlet of Omega Pond (East Providence side), shall be closed to waterfowl hunting. The discharge of firearms while waterfowl hunting on the Seekonk River is restricted to discharge toward open water (seaward). Hunting Regulations for the 2016 - 2017 Season 22 of 50 5.7.2 Warwick - Brush Neck Cove, so-called, in its entirety. Mill Cove, so- called, in its entirety, including the beachfront. Buttonwoods Cove, so- called, in its entirety. 5.7.3 North Kingstown - Mill Cove, Wickford, so called, in its entirety. Fishing Cove, Wickford, area west of a line to be determined bisecting Cornelius Island. All discharge of firearms while waterfowl hunting is restricted to discharge in an easterly direction from the above line. The Division of Fish and Wildlife will establish the line of demarcation. 5.7.4 Charlestown - Watchaug Pond and Poquiant Brook, or hunting within 100 yards upland of the shore or bank of same. 5.7.5 Tiverton - That unnamed estuary in Tiverton, north of Seapowet Avenue and east of Jack's Island, bounded on the west, south, and east shore by the R.I. Audubon Society's Emile Ruecker Wildlife Refuge, and as posted by R.I. Audubon and Department of Environmental Management signs. The effected area includes the inlet of this estuary and marshland on the north side of this outlet. 5.7.6 Middletown – Sachuest Point (NWR) shoreline below mean high water mean low water surrounding the National Wildlife Refuge property is closed to all hunting. No hunting along shoreline. 5.7.7 Lincoln/Central Falls – Pursuant to RIGL 11-47-49.1, discharge of a firearm within the Blackstone Valley Flood Plains or Marshes, also known as “Valley Marshes” is prohibited. 5.8 ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS 5.8.1 Barrington - The Barrington River between Central Bridge at Massasoit Avenue and Barrington Bridge #123 at County Road is closed to hunting, except for that section designated by DEM markers on the river off Puritan Avenue and Seabrook Park. Hunting shall be restricted to the water areas below the vegetation line, and between the DEM markers. Discharge of firearms while waterfowl hunting is restricted to discharge toward open water (seaward). 5.8.2 Bristol - Walker Island - discharge of firearms while waterfowl hunting is restricted to discharge toward open waters (seaward). 5.8.3 East Providence - Check local ordinances for restrictions. The discharge of firearms while waterfowl hunting is restricted to discharge toward open water (seaward). Hunting Regulations for the 2016 - 2017 Season 23 of 50 5.8.4 Warwick - Rock Island and its adjacent groin extending northward off Narragansett Parkway. The discharge of firearms while waterfowl hunting is restricted to discharge toward open water (seaward). 5.8.5 Cranston – Washouset Point (Pawtuxet Cove) north to Fields Point including Stillhouse Cove, the discharge of firearms while waterfowl hunting is restricted to discharge towards open water (seaward). No hunting within 500 feet of occupied buildings (RIGL 20-13-7) from the shoreline or from a watercraft. 5.8.6 Little Compton - All waterfowl hunters must have the following to hunt the Simmons Mill Pond ONLY in the Simmons Mill Management Area: (a) waterfowl decoys; (b) retrieving breed of hunting dog, and/or a boat without motor, or canoe without motor. 5.8.7 North Kingstown - Waterfowl hunting on Belleville Pond is restricted to the northwest segment of the large pond as designated by DEM signs. The discharge of firearms is restricted toward open waters. Waterfowl hunting is permitted after November 15 by Town Ordinance. Firearms must remain cased until individual reaches hunting area. (blind or boat). 5.9 YOUTH WATERFOWL HUNTING DAYS – Saturday and Sunday October 22 and 23, 2016 will be Youth Waterfowl Hunting Day in Rhode Island. 5.9.1 Youth hunters must be 12 – 15 years of age. 5.9.2 Youth hunters may take ducks, sea ducks and geese following daily bag and possession limits for the regular seasons. 5.9.3 All youth hunters shall hunt only in the immediate company of a qualified, licensed adult, 21 years of age or old on Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days. 5.9.4 The accompanying adult(s) and all adults are prohibited from hunting on Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days. 5.9.5 All youth hunters and those adults accompanying youth hunters must have current Rhode Island hunting licenses and state HIP permits. 5.9.6 The accompanying adult must also possess valid state and federal waterfowl stamps. 5.10 TAGGING: No person shall give, put or leave any migratory game birds at any place or in the custody of another person unless the birds are tagged by the hunter. 5.10.1. Tags must include all of the following information:  The hunter’s signature Hunting Regulations for the 2016 - 2017 Season 24 of 50  The hunter’s address  The total number of birds involved, by species  The dates such birds were killed. 5.10.2 No person or business shall receive or have in custody any migratory game bird belonging to another unless such birds are properly tagged. 5.11 Non-toxic Shot Requirements: No person shall hunt, pursue, shoot or attempt to take waterfowl, rails, or snipe within the State of Rhode Island, including associated jurisdictional tidal waters which extend from mean high water to the seaward limit of three miles, while possessing shells loaded with any shot other than non-toxic shot (e.g., steel, bismuth-tin, tungsten-iron, tungsten-polymer, tungsten-matrix, and tungsten-nickel-iron-shot) and other shot as approved by United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). All shot larger than BB is prohibited; including duplex loads containing shot larger than BB. Tin shot is prohibited. 5.12 Allowed methods of taking and prohibited methods of taking migratory birds and waterfowl, are the same as set forth in 50 CFR 20 (sub parts A through N) of the U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service, made under the provisions of an Act of Congress relating to migratory birds and waterfowl. A Harvest Information Permit (HIP) permit is required for hunting all migratory birds. HIP permits will be available at local vendors. Instructions and details will be available prior to the seasons. In addition, all hunters except youths ages 12 - 15 must purchase a federal and state duck stamp to hunt waterfowl. 5.13 SHOOTING HOURS – Shooting hours for all species are one-half hour before sunrise to sunset daily, unless otherwise specified. Hunting Regulations for the 2016 - 2017 Season 25 of 50 PART VI UPLAND GAME 6.1 Legal shooting hours for all game birds and mammals will be sunrise to sunset, except dove, turkey, migratory birds, coyote, deer, and raccoon, as otherwise provided for. On Opening Day, legal shooting hours will be 7:00 AM to sunset except for raccoon which may be hunted at night. 6.2 Red Fox, Gray Fox, Gray Squirrels, and Cottontail Rabbits season: 6.2.1 Third Saturday in October until the last day of February 6.2.2 Daily Bag Limits: 6.2.2.1 Cottontail Rabbits – three (3) 6.2.2.2 Gray Squirrels – five (5) 6.2.2.3 There is no bag limit for fox. 6.2.3 Prudence Island: 6.2.3.1 November 1 to November 30 6.2.3.2 January 3 to January 31 6.2.3.3 South Prudence and Patience Management Areas closed to shotgun small game hunting. 6.3 Bobwhite Quail, Ruffed Grouse and Ring-necked Pheasant season: 6.3.1 Quail: Third Saturday in October until the last day in February 6.3.2 Ring-necked Pheasant: Third Saturday in October until the last day in February 6.3.3 Youth Pheasant: October 8th and 9th 6.3.4 Ruffed Grouse: Season Closed 6.3.5 Daily Bag Limits 6.3.5.1 Ring-necked Pheasant: two (2) birds. Hunting Regulations for the 2016 - 2017 Season 26 of 50 6.3.5.2 Bobwhite Quail: three (3) birds. 6.3.6 Game Bird Permit: Hunters are required to purchase a Game Bird Permit in order to hunt pheasants. Immediately upon harvesting a pheasant, hunters must detach a tag from the permit and affix the pheasant tag to the bird’s leg. Hunters may purchase multiple Game Bird Permits per season. 6.3.7 Prudence Island: November 1 to 30 – except that on North Prudence Island Management Area the season is January 4 to 31. 6.3.8 New Shoreham: 6.3.8.1 Open season Ring-necked pheasants: November 23 and 30, December 21 and 28 and January 4 6.3.8.2 Daily bag limit two (2) male pheasants 6.4 Youth Pheasant Hunting Weekend: Pheasant hunting is permitted during the special Youth Pheasant Hunting Weekend for those hunters 12 – 15 years of age. Junior hunters (ages 12 – 14) as defined in the “definitions” in possession of a valid Rhode Island Junior Hunting License must be accompanied by at least (1) one qualified license adult, age 21 years or older, who holds a valid Rhode Island hunting license. An adult may accompany no more than two (2) junior hunters at one time. The accompanying adult is prohibited from carrying a firearm and hunting pheasant. All hunters must also possess a Game Bird Permit. Youth hunters age 15 do not have to hunt in the immediate company of a licensed adult, but must be registered to participate in the hunt. Hunting will only be permitted at the Great Swamp Management Area in West Kingston, Durfee Hill Management Area in Glocester, and Eight Rod Farm Wildlife Management Area in Tiverton. Bag limit is (2) two pheasants per day. Registration is required. Adults may call Fish & Wildlife Field Headquarters at 789-0281 or Hunter Education at 539-0019 for information. A limit of 50 parties per management area will be permitted. In the event of fiscal constraints, the program may be altered. 6.5 No person or club shall possess a live, artificially propagated pheasant without having a valid game propagation permit in possession. 6.5.1 Each artificially propagated pheasant must be tagged immediately upon harvest for identification with a game propagation tag supplied by the Division, at cost to the game propagation permittee. 6.5.2 Permits for propagated pheasant hunting are available from the Division of Licensing, Room 360, 235 Promenade Street, Providence, RI 02908. Such Hunting Regulations for the 2016 - 2017 Season 27 of 50 permit shall be issued upon a demonstration that the applicant has met each of the following: 6.5.2.1 Payment of five dollars ($5.00) permit fee 6.5.2.2 Presentation of proof that the applicant is a bonafide hunting club owning a single body of land consisting of twenty-five (25) or more acres at the time of the application or application of renewal. (hereinafter referred to as the ‘site’) 6.5.2.3 Each game propagation permittee must keep an accurate record of all pheasants held by it; how, when, and where acquired; how many released and when released; and how many taken on the site. Permittee must provide this information to the Department within twenty-four (24) hours of the receipt of a request for such records from a Department staff member or no later than March 15th following the closure of the season. 6.5.2.4 Each game propagation permittee is authorized to release and harvest pheasants upon its site during the pheasant hunting season provided above for the taking on the site by club members and their guests provided the following restrictions are observed. Pheasants may only be taken by hunters with a valid Rhode Island hunting license. Hunters are not required to have a state pheasant permit; however, hunters must tag each harvested pheasant with the game propagation tag. 6.5.2.5 Hunters may not exceed the daily bag limit for pheasant provided herein: no more than two (2) birds may be harvested on the site during any day per hunter. 6.5.2.6 If a game propagation permittee is found to have provided false information in conjunction with its application, fails to comply with any provision or if it or a member or guest violates any provision, the permit shall be revoked for the remainder of the season and the action of the permittee or its member shall be considered if and when the permittee applies for re-issuance of a permit. Pursuant to RI Gen. Laws, Chapter 42-17.7, a permittee who feels aggrieved by an enforcement action to revoke the subject’s permit and Hunting Regulations for the 2016 - 2017 Season 28 of 50 who seeks an adjudicative hearing must seek such hearing by filing a written request with the Administrative Adjudication Division, 235 Promenade St., Providence, RI 02908 within twenty (20) calendar days of receipt of notice of revocation. A permittee who feels aggrieved by a permit denial and seeks an Adjudicative hearing must seek such hearing by filing a written request with the Administrative Adjudication Division, 235 Promenade St., Providence, RI 02908 within thirty (30) calendar days of receipt of the contested agency action. 6.6 The hunting seasons on woodchucks, crows, English sparrows, starlings, and rock doves is open on Prudence Island November 1 through November 30. In addition, Crows may be hunted on North Prudence Management area from January 4 -31 on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only. South Prudence and Patience Management Areas are closed to shotgun small game hunting. 6.7 Methods of Take for small game hunting include a rimfire rifle not larger than .22 caliber, shotgun, bow and arrow, muzzleloader, crossbow and air rifle. 6.7.1 Hunters may use shotgun with lead shot (not larger than No. 2) and a rimfire rifle cartridge not larger than .22 caliber, shotgun, bow and arrow, muzzleloader, and air rifle. 6.7.2 A muzzleloader, not to exceed .40 caliber, may be used to hunt small mammals during the established season for these species. 6.7.3 Air gun rifles are permitted to hunt the following small mammals: gray squirrels, red squirrels, woodchucks, cottontail rabbits, and snowshoe hare provided that the air guns are a minimum of .177 caliber and not large than .22; a minimum of 750 FPS velocity with pellets 7.5 grain or larger. 6.7.4 Hunters may use archery equipment for small game hunting meeting the minimum draw weight required for deer hunting with arrows tipped with small game blunts or judo points, but specifically not use broadhead or field point arrows, hunters may use broadhead tipped arrows for hunting coyote only during the archery deer season when in possession of a valid archery deer tag. Hunters may carry one blunt or judo tipped arrow during the archery deer season for the purpose of taking small game during the open portion of the small game season. 6.7.5 Hunters may use crossbow to take small game mammals; however, no birds may be taken with a crossbow. Hunting Regulations for the 2016 - 2017 Season 29 of 50 PART VII WILD TURKEY 7.1 Turkey Seasons Dates: 7.1.1 Special Gobbler Season – Paraplegic hunters: April 22 and 23 7.1.2 Youth Turkey season: April 22 and 23 7.1.3 Statewide Spring gobbler season: April 27 to May 21 7.1.4 Fall Archery season: October 1 to October 14 7.2 Season bag and possession limits: 7.2.1 One (1) bearded turkey in the spring season 7.2.2 One (1) either sex turkey in the fall season. 7.2.3 A separate permit must be purchased to hunt in each season. 7.3 Special Paraplegic Season: 7.3.1 A special turkey permit must be obtained from the DEM 7.3.2 Hunting in this season will be limited to paraplegic hunters only. 7.3.3 An application signed by a physician for a first-time hunter is required. Applications are obtained from DEM Division of Licensing. 7.3.4 None of the hunter’s assistants will be allowed to hunt or carry firearms at any time. 7.4 Youth Turkey Hunting Weekend: 7.4.1 Wild Turkey hunting is permitted during the special Youth Turkey Hunting Weekend for those hunters 12 – 15 years of age. Junior hunters (ages 12 – 14) as defined in the “definitions” in possession of a valid Rhode Island Junior Hunting License must be accompanied by at least (1) one qualified, licensed adult, age 21 years or older, who holds a valid Rhode Island hunting license. An adult may accompany no more than two (2) junior hunters at one time. The accompanying adult is prohibited from Hunting Regulations for the 2016 - 2017 Season 30 of 50 carrying a firearm or bows and hunting turkey, but is permitted to assist the hunter in calling the bird. Hunters age 15 do not have to hunt in the immediate company of a licensed adult. 7.4.2 Bag limit is one (1) bearded turkey per license during the spring season. 7.5 The hunting of wild turkey is allowed statewide. 7.6 Hunting hours: Spring hunting hours are one half hour before sunrise to 1:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time. All hunters must leave the woods no later than 1:00 PM. Fall hunting hours are one-half hour before sunrise until sunset. 7.7 Authorized firearms and archery equipment: The methods of taking are limited to shotguns, gauges 10, 12, 16, and 20 only, with shot sizes 4, 5, 6 and 7 magnum turkey loads only; and by archery equipment. Long bow, re-curve bow and compound bow must be set at not less than forty (40) pounds for archers using fixed blade broadheads, and a minimum of fifty (50) pounds for archers using a mechanical broadheads. Only broadhead tipped arrows with at least two (2) metal cutting edges are allowed. All broadheads must be 7/8 of an inch or greater at the widest point including mechanical broadheads measured in the “open” position. A bowstring release device where the bow is hand held, hand drawn and finger released is allowed. Legal bows must meet the definition of a legal bow as defined in these regulations. Crossbows are not permitted for turkey hunting. Possession of a firearm while archery hunting for turkey is prohibited. 7.8 Prohibited Activities: 7.8.1 The use of any other firearm, live decoy(s), baiting, cooperative drive(s) electric calling devices or any other devices to capture or ensnare turkeys is prohibited. 7.8.2 Stalking or attempting to sneak up on a turkey to get a shot is prohibited. 7.8.3 Hunters are prohibited from hunting unless they are carrying a turkey calling device (non-electric). Calling is the only legal method for hunting wild turkey. An individual with a valid Rhode Island hunting license may call turkeys for hunters with a valid turkey permit. 7.8.4 No person shall hunt, pursue, shoot, attempt to shoot, or possess any wild turkey unless they possess on their person a valid R.I. hunting license and a valid turkey hunting permit. 7.8.5 The shooting of any wild turkey while on the roost is prohibited. Hunting Regulations for the 2016 - 2017 Season 31 of 50 7.9 Checking Requirements: A person killing a wild turkey must immediately sign, complete and attach to the leg in a conspicuous manner the turkey tag provided with the permit. The tag must remain attached to the turkey and the kill reported to DEM within 24 hours of taking by the pre-paid Turkey Season Kill Report Card, as prescribed by DEM. The Division retains the right to sample any and all tissues deemed necessary. The turkey tag must remain attached until the carcass is prepared for consumption or taxidermy. 7.10 A mandatory hunter survey card will be issued to each person purchasing a turkey permit. This hunter survey must be returned to the Division within ten (10) days of the end of the season whether or not you hunt or were successful. Hunting Regulations for the 2016 - 2017 Season 32 of 50 PART VIII FURBEARERS 8.1 Furbearers as listed by RIGL 20-16-1. 8.2 Raccoon - Open season - The open season for raccoon hunting is from 6:00 PM October 1 through the last day in February, inclusive. Bag Limits - There is no daily bag or season limit on raccoon. Bow hunters with a valid deer archery hunting permit may take raccoon during legal deer hunting hours beginning on the first day of October and ending on the last day of January. 8.2.1 In the Town of Portsmouth on Prudence Island, the hunting season is limited to first day of January through the last day of February, inclusive, with written permission of the landowner. Bow hunters with a valid deer archery permit may take a raccoon on Prudence Island during legal deer hunting hours beginning on the first day of October and ending on the last day of January. 8.2.2 Raccoons may be taken and possessed with the use of a gun, when the taker is accompanied by a dog. No person shall hunt raccoons at night by the use of rifle larger than a twenty-two (22) caliber rim fire long rifle or by the use of shotgun shells carrying shot larger than number four (no. 4) shot or by the use of a light other than a kerosene lantern exclusive of the pressure type or a flashlight with more than six (6) cells. No person shall take or attempt to take raccoons by use of a light from a motor vehicle. 8.3 The trapping season for gray fox, red fox, mink, muskrat, opossum, rabbit, raccoon, skunk, and weasels is from the first day in November to the last day in January, inclusive. Traps may not be set, staked, or placed prior to 8:00 AM on opening day, November 1st, annually. 8.3.1 The trapping season for beaver on private land is November 1 to March 14, inclusive. The trapping season for beaver on state management areas is December 1 – last day of February inclusive. Traps may not be set, staked, or placed prior to 8:00 AM on opening day. Setting traps within ten (10) feet of a beaver lodge/bank den is prohibited, unless specifically allowed under a nuisance permit. All trappers participating in beaver trapping must first obtain both a Special Permit (no fee) issued by the Division of Fish and Wildlife Field Headquarters as well as a current RI Trapping License. There is a bag limit of twenty (20) beaver. Hunting Regulations for the 2016 - 2017 Season 33 of 50 8.3.2 The trapping season for fisher (Martes pennanti) is December 1 to 24, inclusive. All trappers participating in the fisher trapping season must obtain a special permit (no fee) from the Division of Fish and Wildlife, Great Swamp Field Headquarters in addition to their current R.I. trapping license. The season limit for fisher is four (4) per permit. All fisher pelts must be presented for tagging, in accordance with fisher permit requirements but no later than December 31. In addition, all fisher carcasses or any part thereof, as determined by the Division, must be turned in to the RI Division of Fish and Wildlife, Great Swamp Field Headquarters. No fisher pelts will be tagged without the submission of the carcass or required parts to Fish and Wildlife. A trapper survey card will be issued to each permittee and must be returned to the Division at the close of fisher season. The Division of Fish and Wildlife reserves the right to alter the number of permits or the number of fisher harvested at any time. All other general trapping regulations apply. All permittees may be subject to administrative penalties of up to $1,000.00 for violation of any of these regulations pursuant to RIGL Chapter 42-17.6. 8.3.3 There is no closed season for trapping coyotes on private lands. The trapping season for coyotes on state lands is November 1 to January 31 inclusive. The use of foothold traps (RIGL 20-16-8) or snares (RIGL 20- 16-6) is prohibited. All other general trapping regulations apply. 8.4 Body gripping (“e.g. Conibear”) type traps with a jaw spread up to but not exceeding 6–½ inches as measured from hinge to hinge, are permitted on land or in water. Body gripping traps with a jaw spread larger than 6–½ inches but not exceeding 8 inches are permitted only if the trap is completely submerged in water in a vertical position, or placed at least six (6) feet above the surface of water or ground (i.e., pole or tree sets). All other body-gripping type traps with a jaw spread exceeding 8 inches are prohibited. 8.4.1 For the taking of beaver, the use of body-gripping (“e.g. Conibear”) type traps are with a jaw spread up to but not exceeding 10 inches as measured from hinge to hinge is permitted. Such traps must be set completely submerged underwater and in a vertical position. 8.5 A permit to trap state management area lands is required in addition to a current Rhode Island trapping license, and may be obtained from the Division of Fish and Wildlife Field Headquarters, Great Swamp Management Area, 277 Great Neck Road, West Kingston, RI. The use of body-gripping (“e.g. Conibear”) type traps or “box” (i.e., live) traps are permitted on state lands as specified. Body-gripping traps, with a jaw spread up to but not exceeding 6½ inches as measured from hinge to hinge are permitted only if such traps are used in sets where all or a portion of the trap is in contact with or submerged in water or placed no less than six (6) feet above the surface of the ground. The use of body gripping traps with a jaw spread exceeding 6½ inches but not more than ten (10) inches are only Hunting Regulations for the 2016 - 2017 Season 34 of 50 permitted if such traps are set completely submerged in water in a vertical position. 8.6 All traps must have the valid license number of the trapper embedded or cut into the trap, or a metal tag attached to the trap which, as a minimum, bears the trapper’s license number as designated in RIGL 20-16-7. 8.7 There is no open season on bobcat (Lynx rufus) or otter (Lontra canadensis). 8.8 Possession, at any time, of a pelt or carcass of an otter, fisher, bobcat, or beaver that has not been tagged by an approved state or federal agency is prima-facie evidence of illegal taking. Otter or bobcat taken under RIGL 20-16-2, RIGL 20- 16-8 or otherwise, shall not be tagged for personal use or ownership and must be presented to the Division of Fish and Wildlife or the Division of Law Enforcement within 24 hours of taking. Beaver and fishers must be tagged. 8.9 There is no closed season for woodchuck, red squirrel or coyote on private lands. The legal hunting hours for woodchucks and coyotes is one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. The use of electronic calls or decoys for hunting coyotes is permitted. There is no bag limit on woodchuck or coyote. Refer to RIGL 20-13-13 for firearms restrictions. 8.9.1 The hunting season for coyotes on state lands shall be from the beginning of dove hunting season in September to the last day in February inclusive and during the open spring turkey hunting season. The hunting season for coyotes on Prudence Island shall be: on state land during archery season with a valid archery deer permit, during the upland game season on private land, November 1 – November 30 and on North Prudence Management Area during upland season, January 4 – January 31. 8.9.2 During the spring turkey season, coyote hunters must possess a valid turkey hunting permit while hunting on state lands. 8.9.3 Coyote hunters on state lands must wear a minimum of 200 square inches of fluorescent orange during the small game hunting season. During the shotgun deer season, 500 square inches is required. 8.9.4 The placement or use of carcasses or meat parts thereof is allowed on private property for the purposes of hunting coyotes. The placement or use of carcasses or meat parts thereof is prohibited for purposes of hunting coyotes on state lands. 8.9.5 Legal methods of take for coyote hunting include shotgun (no lead shot larger than No. 2) and rimfire rifle not larger than .22 caliber at any time, bow and arrow and crossbow; however, on private lands from April 1 to September 30, (both dates inclusive), centerfire rifles not larger than .229 Hunting Regulations for the 2016 - 2017 Season 35 of 50 caliber may be used (RIGL 20-13-13), and by any means allowed during any concurrent hunting season. 8.10 It is unlawful to take or possess a road-kill furbearer (RIGL 20-16-1) unless with possession of a current Rhode Island trapping license and the furbearer is taken during the open season for the species, or as provided for under the provisions of a current Rhode Island Scientific Collector’s Permit (RIGL 20-1-18). Exceptions may be granted at the discretion of the Division. 8.11 The translocation of protected furbearers (RIGL 20-16-1) is prohibited without prior written approval of the Division of Fish and Wildlife. 8.12 The use of “species specific” type traps as described in the definitions section of these regulations is permitted for trapping furbearers on private and state lands. A legal species specific trap is characterized by all of the following: 8.12.1 Triggering and restraining mechanisms are enclosed within a housing. 8.12.2 Triggering and restraining mechanisms are only accessible through a single opening when set; 8.12.3 The access opening does not exceed two inches in diameter; 8.12.4 The triggering mechanism can only be activated by a pulling force. 8.12.5 A swivel mounted anchoring system. 8.13 The use of deadfalls, pitfalls, fish hooks, treble hooks, or other similarly sharpened instruments to catch, capture, or injure furbearers is prohibited. Hunting Regulations for the 2016 - 2017 Season 36 of 50 PART IX REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS 9.1 The removal from the wild, for any purpose, of any reptile or amphibian (except bullfrogs, green frogs, and snapping turtles) to include their nests and eggs is prohibited except by special permit. The taking of snapping turtles at any time is limited to turtles with a minimum carapace length of 12 inches and by the following methods: Turtle traps, snagging, snaring, grabbing, jugging, bow and arrow, or while legally fishing. Turtle traps must have a metal tag attached, which, at a minimum, bears the trapper’s name and address. Jugs must be marked indelibly with name and address of trapper. The taking of snapping turtles for commercial purposes is prohibited except by special permit. 9.2 The following species of reptiles and amphibians to include their nests and eggs are protected and possession without permit is prohibited at all times: Timber rattlesnake, Crotalus horridus; northern diamondback terrapin, Malaclemys terrapin; wood turtle, Clemmys insculpta; eastern box turtle, Terrapene Carolina; spotted turtle, Clemmys guttata; and bog turtle, Clemmys muhlenbergi. 9.3 The release into the wild of any non-native reptile or amphibian is prohibited. Hunting Regulations for the 2016 - 2017 Season 37 of 50 PART X MANAGEMENT AREAS 10.1 The possession of a valid Rhode Island hunting, or combination hunting and fishing license, serves as the permit to hunt public reservations and undeveloped state parks where hunting is allowed, and Tidal Lands pursuant to Title 20, Chapter 18, §§20-18-2 and 20-18-3 of the RI General Laws. 10.2 A valid hunting license as stated is required for any State designated hunting season, unless otherwise required. This license shall be valid only from the first day of the season to the last day in February. In addition to a valid hunting license as stated in 10.1 a special permit is required for deer, waterfowl, pheasants and turkey hunting and when check stations are in operation during the small game season. (See Section 10.4) 10.2.1 In the event of fiscal constraints, check station hours of operation are subject to change. Notification will be provided by signage and news release. In addition, management areas may be closed for pheasant stocking at noon until sunset; Tuesdays and Fridays from October 20 until November 20; Wednesday, November 25; and Fridays in December. 10.3 In management areas and designated undeveloped parks, the carrying of firearms and archery equipment at any time, except during the open season for game birds and mammals, and while on shooting ranges, is prohibited. 10.4 Hunters must check in, and out, of State Management Area hunter check stations each day they are open for upland season when pursing small game. Check station dates will be listed in the current Hunting Season Abstract. 10.5 From the period April 1st through August 15th, annually, the following are prohibited except by special permit: trespassing, disturbing, or molesting of any species of nesting birds on: Dyer Island in East Passage, Hope Island in West Passage, East Island and West Island off Sakonnet Point, or Gould Island in the East Passage. All cats, dogs, and other domestic animals are prohibited at all times upon these Islands, except that hunting dogs may be used during that period set aside by the Department of hunting game birds and mammals on Hope Island only. 10.5.1 No person shall engage in any activity that interferes or interrupts lawful hunting on a management area. Hunting Regulations for the 2016 - 2017 Season 38 of 50 10.6 All users of State Management Areas and undeveloped State Parks are required to wear solid daylight fluorescent orange during appropriate seasons. 10.7 The possession and/or use of paint guns on state management areas are prohibited. See RIGL § 32-2-4. 10.8 A hunting license is required when training dogs on wild game on state management areas, except when participating in state-sanctioned field trials. 10.9 Complete dressing of game birds and mammals on state property is prohibited. Field dressing (removal of entrails only) is permitted. Head, skin, feathers, wings, tails, etc., must remain attached to the carcass. 10.10 Dogs on State Management Areas allowed only under the following rules. 10.10.1 No dogs are allowed to be trained, run, exercised, or be permitted to run at large on State Management Areas from March 15 to August 15, inclusive, without written permission of the Statelands Management Council, except as otherwise provided in these regulations. 10.10.2 Walking of dogs on a leash of not more than 25 feet in length is permitted on roads and trails only. 10.10.3 All dogs being utilized in hunting or training activities must wear a collar bearing the name and address of the owner and the handler must hold in possession a valid dog license or tag but it does not need to be on the dog. 10.11 Dog Training Areas – Dog training is allowed on designated areas only, between January 1 and September 30. During this period, dogs may run freely provided they are under the command of the trainer by voice, training collar, or check cord. 10.11.1 Areas designated for training dogs are: the Black Farm Management Area, the Nicholas Farm Management Area north of the Trestle Trail; and the Arcadia Midway Trail Area confined to the developed field complex east of Brook Trail, south of Austin Farm Road and west of the established field edges comprising the Midway fields area. Field trail areas are as depicted on maps drawn by the Division of Fish and Wildlife. 10.11.2 Training hours are sunrise to sunset. 10.11.3 All persons using areas for dog training must possess a hunting license. 10.11.4 All dogs using areas must be licensed and have proof of rabies vaccinations. Hunting Regulations for the 2016 - 2017 Season 39 of 50 10.11.5 Training with live birds (pheasants/quail) is permitted provided the bird is released unharmed. 10.11.6 Shooting of live birds for training purposes is prohibited. 10.11.7 Sanctioned field trial events may be held at the following locations by requesting a special permit from the Division of Fish and Wildlife: Arcadia, Carolina, Durfee Hill Marsh, and Burlingame (Durfee) Pond, and Nicholas Farm. 10.12 JOHN L. CURRAN STATE PARK/MANAGEMENT AREA: 10.12.1 All hunting must be within the inner boundaries of the buffer zones marked as posted by the Department. 10.12.2 Only shotguns and bow & arrows may be possessed or used while hunting. 10.12.3 The hunting of and/or possession of Mourning Dove or Wild Pigeons (Rock Dove) is prohibited. 10.13 SIMMONS MILL POND MANAGEMENT AREA: Deer hunting using archery, muzzleloader and shotgun is permitted within the Simmons Mill Pond Management Area in Little Compton. Sunday hunting will be allowed. 10.14 DUTCH ISLAND: The entry upon Dutch Island is prohibited. No person is allowed to enter onto Dutch Island without the specific written permission of the Director. 10.15 SAPOWET and EIGHT ROD FARM MANAGEMENT AREA: Sunday hunting is allowed within the Sapowet Marsh and Eight Rod Farm Management Area. No shotgun and/or muzzleloader deer hunting on Sapowet. 10.16 GEORGE WASHINGTON GROVE: Designated as an undeveloped State Park and is open to hunting. 10.17 GALILEE BIRD SANCTUARY: Open to archery deer hunting only. 10.18 SNAKE DEN STATE PARK: Designated as an undeveloped State Park and is open for Archery Deer Hunting. All hunting must be within the inner boundaries of the buffer zones marked as posted by the Department. 10.19 NINIGRET CONSERVATION AREA / EAST BEACH: Designated as an undeveloped State Park and is open for hunting small game and Archery Deer Hunting only. Hunting Regulations for the 2016 - 2017 Season 40 of 50 10.20 COCUMCUSSOC PARK: Designated as an undeveloped State Park and is open to hunting deer, turkey and small game. 10.21 SOUTH SHORE MANAGEMENT AREA (SSMA) Goose Hunting Cooperative: Designated as a goose hunting area. SSMA is composed of state owned fields 3, 4, 5 and 6, federally owned field 1 and South Kingstown Land Trust owned field 2. Hunting in addition to geese is allowed as outlined below: 10.21.1 PERMITS 10.21.1.1 Permit required for goose hunting during the Regular Goose Season (5.1.2), obtainable from the Division of Fish and Wildlife. See abstract for details. 10.21.1.2 SSMA permits must be carried while waterfowl hunting on the SSMA and must be shown to any DEM Environmental Police Officer or Division of Fish and Wildlife employee upon request. 10.21.1.3 All party members must have a permit and must be registered when reserving and hunting a field. 10.21.1.4 No hunting party shall exceed four (4) hunters. 10.21.1.5 Permittees may only hunt in the field reserved for their party. 10.21.2 RESERVATIONS 10.21.2.1 Reservations may be made no earlier than seven (7) business days in advance of the hunt. 10.21.2.2 For the purpose of determining number of days for hunting, a week shall be Saturday through the following Friday. 10.21.2.3 Permittees will be allowed to hunt a maximum of two-half days per week (Saturday through Friday). No one will be allowed to hunt two consecutive days. A half day shall be from one half hour before sunrise until 11:30 am or noon until sunset. 10.21.2.4 If the permittee making the reservation is unable to hunt, the reservation shall be canceled to allow others to hunt. Hunting Regulations for the 2016 - 2017 Season 41 of 50 10.21.2.5 The Division reserves the right to close some fields for periods of time in an effort to rest the field(s) from hunting pressure and improve hunting opportunities. 10.21.3 BLINDS 10.21.3.1 Portable blinds, nets, tarps, or similar forms of concealment are permitted. The use of natural vegetation to build blinds is also permitted, however removal of stones from walls or vegetation from hedgerows is prohibited. 10.21.3.2 Pit Blinds: Pits may not be dug. Pit blinds are available in state- owned fields (3, 4, 5, and 6) and federally owned field 1. 10.21.3.3 Handicapped accessible blind is available in field #5. 10.21.4 DECOYS: A minimum of twenty-four (24) life size or oversize goose decoys are required on premises; however, hunters may choose to use fewer decoys while hunting. 10.21.5 HARVEST REPORT: A harvest record report must be completed and returned whether or not you hunted and regardless of success. Failure to report may result in the loss of hunting privileges on the SSMA for the following season. Return the Harvest Record card to the Division of Fish and Wildlife, 277 Great Neck Rd., West Kingston, RI 02892 no later than March 1, following the close of the season.. 10.21.6 SHOT 10.21.6.1 No person shall take waterfowl while possessing shells loaded with any shot other than steel shot, or other legally approved non- toxic shot as described in 5.11. 10.21.6.2 Non-toxic shot larger than BB is prohibited, including duplex loads containing shot larger than BB. 10.21.7 VEHICLES 10.21.7.1 Vehicles may park in designated areas only. 10.21.7.2 Overnight parking is prohibited in designated areas. 10.21.7.3 Vehicles may not drive into or along the edge of any field for any reason. (Except in an emergency, e.g., accident or Hunting Regulations for the 2016 - 2017 Season 42 of 50 injury or as provided in section 10.21.8.2 of these regulations.) 10.21.8 ACCESSIBILITY program for waterfowl hunters who are handicapped: 10.21.8.1 Upon request, Field #5 will have an accessible above- ground blind. The blind will be established by the Division in either a hedgerow or within standing crop rows (i.e., standing corn). 10.21.8.2 Vehicles may be driven into the field to transport a handicapped hunter and their equipment only when field conditions are conducive (i.e., not during and after heavy rain when the field conditions are very muddy). 10.21.8.3 Goose hunters applying for the accessibility program must provide a statement signed by a medical doctor stating that the handicap meets the following definition: A person temporarily or permanently handicapped (i.e., unable to walk without the assistance of crutches or wheelchair or with a chronic medical condition). 10.21.8.4 All regulations for hunting geese in the SSMA shall apply. 10.21.9 PROHIBITED: The following are prohibited: Littering; fires; destruction of fencing, equipment, farm property, or standing crops; possession or use of alcoholic beverages; shooting within 500 feet of an occupied building; shooting near or otherwise disturbing persons working in the area; urinating or defecating in pit blinds. 10.21.10 ADDITIONAL HUNTING REGULATIONS 10.21.10.1 Dove hunting is allowed in Fields 1, 3, 5, and 6 during the early dove season. Doves may be taken by permitted goose hunters while goose hunting when the field reservation system is in place during the open Dove season. Possession of lead shot for taking doves when goose hunting is prohibited. 10.21.10.2 Upland hunting is allowed only in Fields 5 and 6 during the upland game season except during the regular Canada goose seasons. 10.21.10.3 All upland hunting is prohibited during regular goose season, including during Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days (October 22 and 23, 2016) Hunting Regulations for the 2016 - 2017 Season 43 of 50 10.21.10.4 Deer hunting during the archery season is allowed ONLY in the wooded portions of Fields 3, 5, and 6 throughout the archery season, including during the regular Canada goose season when the field reservation system is in place. 10.21.10.5 Deer hunting during the muzzleloader season is allowed ONLY in the wooded portions of Field 5 and 6, except during the regular Canada goose season when the field reservation system is in place.[BJ(1][SA(2] 10.21.10.6 Deer hunting during shotgun season is allowed ONLY in Field 6 and its wooded portions, except during the regular Canada goose season. 10.21.10.7 Waterfowl hunting is allowed outside of the regular Canada goose season but within legal waterfowl seasons without special hunting permits, reservations, or decoy restrictions, once fields are harvested. 10.21.11 DUCKS DURING LEGAL DUCK SEASONS: The taking of ducks during the legal duck seasons is permitted while goose hunting under the above regulations. 10.21.12 VIOLATIONS of any above regulations, state management area regulations, and/or any state or federal hunting laws will result in loss of hunting privileges on the SSMA for a period of one year, beginning from the date of the violation. Hunting Regulations for the 2016 - 2017 Season 44 of 50 PART XI GENERAL 11.1 Taking of moose, bear or bobcat by any method is prohibited except as provided under special permit issued by the Director of the Department of Environmental Management. 11.2 The importation, exportation, possession, liberation, rehabilitation or sale, offer for sale, barter, or offer for barter of mute swans and their eggs is prohibited, except by special permit issued by the Director of the Department of Environmental Management or his/her designee. 11.3 The importation, exportation, possession, liberation, or sale, offer for sale, barter, or offer for barter of any live or pen-reared wild turkey or eggs of a wild turkey is prohibited. The possession of any dead untagged wild turkey is prohibited. 11.4 WANTON WASTE - No person shall kill or cripple any game species pursuant to these regulations without making a reasonable effort to retrieve the animal, and retain it in his/her actual custody. 11.5 There is no closed season for monk parakeets or rock doves (wild pigeons). 11.6 Fluorescent Orange Requirement: Fluorescent orange safety clothing is required during the hunting season statewide for all hunters. To meet this requirement, safety clothing must be solid daylight fluorescent orange. Fluorescent camouflage does not meet this requirement. The hunter orange must be worn above the waist and be visible in all directions. Examples that meet the orange requirements are a hat that covers 200 square inches or combination of hat and vest covering 500 square inches. The following orange requirements apply: 11.6.1 Two hundred (200) square inches by small game hunters during the small game season. 11.6.2 Two hundred (200) square inches by fall turkey hunters while traveling. 11.6.3 Two hundred (200) square inches by muzzleloader deer hunters during muzzleloading deer season. 11.6.4 Two hundred (200) square inches by archers when traveling to/from stands during muzzleloading deer season. Hunting Regulations for the 2016 - 2017 Season 45 of 50 11.6.5 Five hundred (500) square inches by all hunters and other users (including archers) during shotgun deer seasons. 11.6.6 Those hunters using Pop-up blinds during the firearms deer season must display 200 square inches of fluorescent orange visible on the outside of the blind from all directions. Hunters must also wear orange in accordance with the rules for the specific seasons while in the blind. 11.6.7 Exempt from fluorescent orange requirements are: - Waterfowl hunters hunting from a boat or blind, over water or field, when done in conjunction with decoys. - Archery deer hunters (except during muzzleloader and shotgun deer season). - Hunters crow hunting over decoys. - Spring turkey hunters and - First segment dove hunters. - Archery deer hunters in areas limited to Archery only by regulation. 11.6.8 All other users of State Management areas and designated undeveloped State Parks, including but not limited to: hikers, bikers, and horseback riders, are required to wear two hundred (200) square inches of solid daylight fluorescent orange from the second Saturday in September to the last day of February, and the third Saturday in April to the last day in May, annually. 11.7 All dogs being utilized in hunting or training activities must wear a collar bearing the name and address of the owner and handler must possess a valid dog license and tag. 11.8 Waterfowl hunting is permitted no more than 10 feet above mean high water on Prudence Island, except during the early waterfowl season, as established by federal regulation and during November 1 – 30. 11.9 Shooting at any animal at any time, while such animal is on a telephone line, pole, or tower, or electric line, pole, or tower, or any communication device is prohibited. 11.10 It is prohibited to import or possess game birds for the purpose of liberation or stocking of said game bird into the State of Rhode Island without first having received a permit to do so from the Division of Fish and Wildlife. Persons holding a commercial game license or shooting preserve license may liberate game birds or mammals in connection with field trials and shooting preserves (see RIGL 20-2-16.1, 20-2-29, and 20-17-1). 11.11 Feeding and baiting wildlife in the state of Rhode Island is not permitted at any time for any purposes except: Hunting Regulations for the 2016 - 2017 Season 46 of 50 11.11.1 Under a license or permit issued by the Department pursuant to RI General Laws §20-1-18 for bona fide scientific research; 11.11.2 By planting, cultivating, or harvesting of crops directly associated with bona fide agricultural practices, including planted wildlife food plots; 11.11.3 By distribution of food material for livestock directly associated with bona fide agricultural practices; by distribution of food material for legally possessed captive wildlife, pursuant to a permit; 11.11.4 By cutting of trees or brush; or 11.11.5 Elevated bird/squirrel feeders providing seed, grain, fruit, worms or suet for birds or squirrels located within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling. 11.11.6 The placement or use of carcasses or meat parts thereof is allowed on private property for the purposes of hunting coyotes. The placement or use of carcasses or meat parts thereof is prohibited for purposes of hunting coyotes on state lands. 11.11.7 The leaving out of food of any kind where accessible to wildlife is prohibited. 11.11.8 For baiting of furbearers as associated with legal trapping activities in accordance with Part VII of these regulations. 11.12 Distribution of Certain Food Material – Feeding wild or captive cervids with any material that contains protein derived from any mammalian tissues is prohibited. 11.13 It is unlawful to carry a loaded weapon outside legal shooting hours. Provided the hunter is stationary, his/her weapon may be loaded within fifteen (15) minutes prior to legal shooting hours. Hunting Regulations for the 2016 - 2017 Season 47 of 50 Part XII SPECIAL REGULATION – STATE WATERFOWL STAMP 12.1 All hunters sixteen (16) years of age and older are required by law to purchase a Rhode Island State Waterfowl stamp as well as a Federal Waterfowl stamp. Annual State Waterfowl stamps shall be available at the price of Seven Dollars and Fifty Cents ($7.50) per stamp at participating vendors (RIGL §20-2-37). The stamp must be signed by the hunter across the face of the stamp and carried at all times when hunting. Hunting Regulations for the 2016 - 2017 Season 48 of 50 RULE 8 EFFECTIVE DATE The foregoing Rules and Regulations – Hunting Regulations after due notice, are hereby adopted and filed with the Secretary of State to become effective 20 days after filing, in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 42-17.1; 20-15 and 20- 18 and Sections 20-1-2, 20-1-4, 20-1-8, 20-1-12, 20-1-13, 20-2-35, 20-18, 20.2-37 and 42-35 of the General Laws of Rhode Island of 1956, as amended. _____________________________________________ Janet L. Coit, Director Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management Notice Given: 4/12/2016 Public Hearing: 5/17/2016 Filing Date: 9/20/2016 Effective Date: 7/31/2016 ERLID #: 8401