250-RICR-60-00-9
250-RICR-60-00-9. Hunting and Trapping Regulations (version Amendment, 07/31/2017 to 07/31/2017)
250-RICR-60-00-9
TITLE 250 - DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
CHAPTER 60 - FISH AND WILDLIFE
SUBCHAPTER - N/A
PART 9 – R.I. Hunting Regulations for the Season
9.1
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.
9.2
Authority
These Rules and Regulations are promulgated pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws
Chapters 42-17.1; 20-15 and 20-18, §§ 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, the Administrative
Procedures Act.
9.3
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.
9.4
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.
9.5
Superseded Rules and Regulations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Hunting Regulations shall be superseded.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.
9.6
Definitions
For the purposes of these regulations, the following terms shall have the
following meanings:
1.
“Antlerless deer” means deer having no antlers or antlers less than three
(3) inches in length.
2.
“Archery Equipment” means long bow, re-curve bow, compound bow or
crossbow.
3.
“Archery proficiency testing” means demonstration of skill with Archery
equipment as prescribed by the Division of Fish and Wildlife. Valid for two
(2) years.
4.
“Bearded turkey” means a wild 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.
5.
“Box trap” means any trigger operated device intended to restrain an
animal by confinement in box or cage.
6.
“Conibear-type trap” means “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.
7.
“Crossbow” means 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
9.7.3(A)(2) of this Part.
8.
“Daily bag limit” means the maximum number of game of a single species
or combination (aggregate) of species permitted to be taken by one
person in any one day during the open season.
9.
“Daylight fluorescent orange” means 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.
10.
“Deer” means Virginia white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and any
other free ranging deer encountered in the natural environment.
11.
“Deer decoy” means a device that replicates the body and form of a deer
and may be used for the purpose of attracting deer during hunting.
12.
“Driving deer” or “cooperative drive” means 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.
13.
“Feeding” or “baiting” means 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.
14.
"Field possession limit" means the maximum number of game of a single
species or combination (aggregate) permitted to be possessed by one
person while in the field, in one's vehicle, boat, trailer or other means of
transportation when traveling between the field and one's personal abode.
This shall be equal to the daily bag or season limit where no daily bag limit
is indicated.
15.
“Foothold” means a trap equivalent to a leg-hold trap, as described in R.I.
Gen. Laws § 20-16-8, including those foothold traps with padded jaws.
16.
“Junior Hunter” means 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.
17.
“Paraplegic” means an individual afflicted with paralysis of the lower half of
the body with involvement of both legs.
18.
"Personal abode" means one's principal or ordinary home or dwelling
place, as distinguished from one's temporary or transient place of abode
or dwelling such as a hunting club, or any club house, cabin, tent or trailer
house used as a hunting club, or any hotel, motel or rooming house used
during a hunting, pleasure or business trip.
19.
“Possess or Possession” means to exercise dominion or control over any
wild animal commencing at the time at which a decision is made not to
return the wild animal to the immediate vicinity from which it was taken
and lasting up until its ultimate disposition. The decision to possess or
return the animal must be made at the first practical opportunity.
20.
“Possession Limit” means the maximum number of game of a single
species or combination of species permitted to be possessed by one
person at one time.
21.
“Public Reservations” means any property under the care, control or
custody of the Department of Environmental Management.
22.
“Season bag limit” means the maximum number of game of a single
species permitted to be taken by one person over the duration of the open
season.
23.
“Small game season” means traps that period of time beginning the third
Saturday in October and ending the last day in February.
24.
“Species specific traps” means 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.
25.
“Tidal Waters” means waters of the State extending from mean high water
to the seaward limit of three miles.
26.
“Translocation” means the transport and release of live wild animals from
one location to another.
27.
“Written permission” means annual written permission of the owner of the
land for any current deer season.
9.7
Deer Hunting
A.
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.
B.
Open Season (all dates inclusive)
1.
Archery:
a.
Zone 1: September 15 to January 31
b.
Zone 2: October 1 to January 31
2.
Muzzleloader:
a.
Zones 1 and 2: First Saturday in November through the Sunday
after Thanksgiving
b.
Zones 1 and 2: December 26 to January 2, antlerless deer on
private land only.
3.
Shotgun:
1.
Zone 1: First Saturday in December extending sixteen (16) days
inclusive of the first Saturday.
2.
Zone 2: First Saturday in December extending nine (9) days,
inclusive of the first Saturday.
3.
Zones 1 and 2: December 26 to January 2, antlerless deer on
private land only.
C.
Prudence Island:
1.
November 1 to January 31
2.
Paraplegic hunter season: Last consecutive Tuesday through Friday,
inclusive, in October.
D.
Block Island:
1.
Archery: October 10, 11, 12, 13, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 30,
31
2.
Archery, Shotgun and Muzzleloader:
November 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 20, 21, 27, 28
December 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 18, 19, 21, 22
January 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 16, 17, 18, 19, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30,
31
February 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16
9.7.1 Season Bag limit
A.
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).
B.
Antlerless deer season bag limit is set by Deer Management Zone:
1.
Zone 1 (Private and State Land): Three (3) antlerless deer:
2.
Zone 2 (Private and State Land): Two (2) antlerless deer.
3.
Zone 3 (Prudence – Patience Islands Private and State Land): Two (2)
antlerless deer:
a.
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.
4.
Zone 4 (Block Island Private Land Only): Unlimited, except as provided in
9.7.7 (B) of this part.
C.
Legal shooting 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.
9.7.2 Prohibited Activities
A.
Hunting, pursuing, or molesting deer in tidal waters, or while deer are swimming
in any waters of the state is prohibited.
B.
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 tree
stands, including portable tree stands, must be removed from state lands by
February 15th.
C.
The use of electronic calls for hunting deer is prohibited at all times.
D.
Deer decoys may be used on private lands in Zone 1 between September 15 and
October 31 and in Zone 2 between October 1 and October 31 while archery
hunting only. However, deer decoys may be used throughout the extent of the
open archery season on private lands in towns where hunting with a firearm is
prohibited but use of archery equipment is permitted. 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.
E.
Driving deer by parties of over five (5) people is prohibited.
F.
Only one firearm or archery implement may be possessed in the field per
individual hunter, while hunting deer.
G.
During the period September 15 through the last day of February (statewide and
islands), casting rays of artificial lights at any time, on any highway or roadway,
whether public or private or on any field, woodland, residential property or forest,
for the purpose of illuminating any wild animal or wild bird is prohibited.
H.
The use or possession of laser sights that project a beam or night – vision
equipment while hunting is prohibited.
I.
Annual written permission is required to hunt deer on privately owned land (R.I.
Gen. Laws § 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.
J.
The use of natural or artificial scents and / or mouth or hand operated deer calls
to attract deer, is permitted.
K.
The Division retains the right to sample any and all tissues for population and
disease management.
L.
Resident All Outdoors Package Permit: Deer hunters may purchase one (1)
resident All Outdoors Package Permit for the mainland deer seasons (Zone 1
and Zone 2) to take up to seven (7) deer during the established seasons.
1.
A limit of 350 permit packages will be sold on a first come first serve basis.
2.
The All Outdoor Hunting Package consists of two (2) antlered deer permit
and five (5) antlerless deer permits that may be used in any combination
during the open seasons in Zone 1 and 2.
M.
Deer Management Zones are defined to recognize and achieve harvest and
management strategies for deer in Rhode Island as follows:
1.
Zone 1 shall consist of the following towns:
Barrington; Bristol; Central Falls; Charlestown; Cranston; Cumberland;
East Providence; East Greenwich; Jamestown; Johnston; Lincoln;
Middletown; Narragansett; Newport; North Kingstown; North Providence;
North Smithfield; Pawtucket; Providence; Smithfield; South Kingstown;
Warren; Warwick; West Warwick; Westerly; and Woonsocket.
2.
Zone 2 shall consist of the following towns:
Burrillville; Coventry; Exeter; Foster; Glocester; Hopkinton; Little Compton;
Portsmouth (excluding Prudence and Patience Islands); Richmond;
Scituate; Tiverton; and West Greenwich.
3.
Zone 3 shall consist of:
Prudence and Patience Islands
4.
Zone 4 shall consist of:
New Shoreham (Block Island)
N.
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).
9.7.3 Archery Season
Archers may use a long bow, re-curve bow, compound bow or crossbow for
hunting deer.
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.
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.
3.
Special archery adaptive aids for use with vertical held bows may be used
by all hunters without a special permit.
9.7.4 Muzzleloader Season
A.
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 permitted.
B.
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.
9.7.5 Shotgun Season
A.
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.
B.
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.
C.
Shotguns of 10, 12, 16, or 20-gauge are allowed.
D.
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.
9.7.6 Prudence and – Patience Islands (Zone 3)
A.
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
firearms as provided in 9.8(B)(5) of this Part.
B.
While archery deer hunting, no possession of firearms is permitted, except for
those licensed to participate during the special paraplegic hunter deer season.
C.
Archery deer hunting will be permitted on the Heritage Property, December 1 –
December 15.
D.
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.
E.
Written permission of the private landowner is required and must be
countersigned by the Portsmouth Chief of Police or his/her representative on
Prudence Island.
F.
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 or archery
implement at any time on Patience Island, except for archery equipment as
prescribed during the established archery season for deer shall be prima-facie
evidence of illegal hunting.
9.7.7 Block Island (Zone 4)
A.
State lands (Black Rock / Rodman Hollow) hunting by special permit only,
selected by lottery.
1.
Hunters selected will be assigned to hunt one of four hunting periods
designated by DEM.
2.
Six (6) hunters will be permitted per hunting period.
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.
4.
Applications (available at www.dem.ri.gov) to hunt state lands must be
postmarked by October 15.
B.
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 ten (10) Deer Permits at one
time. (Eight (8) antlerless and two (2) antlered)
C.
Private landowner permission, counter-signed by the New Shoreham 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.
D.
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.
E.
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.
F.
All other deer season regulations apply. Equipment permitted for archery season
includes crossbows and adaptive aids as described.
G.
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.
9.8
Special Deer Seasons
A.
Youth Deer Hunting Opportunities for those hunters ages 12 - 15: Junior hunters
(ages 12 -14) as defined in 9.6 of this Part, 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 antlerless deer permits for the
respective season, as provided.
1.
Youth Archery Hunting Weekends:
a.
Mainland Zone 1: The full weekend (Saturday / Sunday) prior to
the September 15 opening day of the archery season.
b.
Mainland Zone 2: The full weekend (Saturday / Sunday) prior to
the October 1 opening day of the archery season.
c.
Prudence / Patience Islands Zone 3: The last full weekend
(Saturday / Sunday) in October.
d.
Youth Muzzleloader Season (Zones 1 and 2): The last full weekend
in October.
B.
Prudence-Patience Islands (Zone 3) Special Deer Season for Disabled Hunters.
The taking of deer will be limited to paraplegic and double amputee hunters only.
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.
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.
3.
All deer taken must be checked as provided.
4.
All deer wounded, but not recovered, must be reported to DEM within 24
hours.
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.
9.9
Cooperative Hunting Programs
9.9.1 Northwest Cooperative
A.
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.
B.
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.
C.
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.
9.9.2 The Nature Conservancy (TNC ) Deer Hunting Cooperatives
A.
Francis Carter Preserve, Queens River Preserve, King Preserve and Canonchet
Preserve, Cuttyhunk Brook Preserve South, and Pocasset Ridge Conservation
Area
1.
Archery hunting only for deer. No hunting for any other species of wildlife
is permitted. No special permit required.
2.
No firearms or vehicles of any kind are allowed on the property at any
time.
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.
B.
Cuttyhunk Brook Preserve North and Grass Pond Preserve
1.
Deer hunting with archery, muzzleloader and shotgun permitted. No
hunting for any other species of wildlife is permitted. No special permit
required.
2.
No vehicles of any kind are allowed on the property.
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.
C.
How-Davey Preserve
1.
Deer hunting only with Archery or Muzzleloader. No hunting for any other
species of wildlife is permitted. No special permit is required.
2.
No firearms other than muzzleloaders or vehicles of any kind are allowed
on the property at any time.
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.
9.9.3 Beavertail Cooperative
A.
Archery Only – November 1 to January 31, no hunting on weekends prior to
December 31.
B.
No hunting of any other species of wildlife is permitted.
C.
No firearms are allowed on the property at any time.
D.
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 by February 15th.
1.
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.
2.
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.
Countersigned permission of the Jamestown Chief of Police or his/her
designee is required. Archers must reserve to hunt on the official sign-in
log at the 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.
9.9.4 Grills Preserve Cooperative
A.
Hunting is allowed for deer and wild turkey at the Grills Perserve – Westerly Land
Trust Property located west of Bowling Lane and Route 91 in Bradford and the
Grills Preserve II – Hopkinton Land Trust Property located east of Route 91 in
Hopkinton.
1.
Deer hunting is permitted only during the archery and muzzleloader
portions of the deer season.
2.
Turkey hunting is permitted in accordance with Rules and Regulations for
the established turkey seasons.
B.
No hunting for any other species of wildlife is permitted. No special permit is
required.
9.9.5 Burlingame State Park North Camp Hunting Area – North Camp Portion
A.
Hunting for deer or wild turkey by permit only available from the RI DEM Division
of Fish and Wildlife, Great Swamp Field Headquarters, 277 Great Neck Road,
West Kingston, RI 02892 by mail with a self-addressed stamped envelope.
B.
All other deer hunting regulations apply.
9.10 Migratory Game Birds
A.
Possession limit of migratory birds is three (3) times the daily bag limit unless
otherwise stated.
1. The field possession limit shall be equal to the daily bag limit.
B.
Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) - The open season for mourning dove is
statewide:
1.
Dates:
a.
First segment is the second Saturday in September extending thirty
(30) days, inclusive of the Saturday opener.
b.
Second segment is the third Saturday in October extending forty-
four (44) days, inclusive of the Saturday opener.
c.
Third segment is the second Saturday in December extending
sixteen (16) days, inclusive of the Saturday opener.
2.
Shooting hours are:
a.
First segment: noon to sunset
b.
Second and third segments: sunrise to sunset
3.
Daily bag: 15
C.
Rail - The open season for rail is:
1.
September 1 to November 9
2.
Daily bag limit is:
a.
King rail (Rallus elegans) & clapper rail (Rallus creiptans) - 1, singly
b.
Sora (Porzana carolina) & Virginia rail (Rallus limicola) - 3, singly
3.
Shooting hours are 1/2 hour before sunrise until sunset
D.
Snipe (Gallinago delicata) - The open season for snipe is:
1.
September 1 to November 9
2.
Daily bag limit is: 5
3.
Shooting hours are 1/2 hour before sunrise until sunset
E.
Woodcock (Scolopax minor): - The open season for woodcock is:
1.
The third Saturday in October extending forty-five (45) days, inclusive of
the Saturday opener.
2.
Daily bag limit is: 3
3.
Shooting hours are 1/2 hour before sunrise until sunset
F.
Crow (Corvus ossifragus; Corvus brachyrhynchos): The open season for crow is:
1.
The second Friday in August extending fifty-two (52) days, inclusive of the
Friday opener, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only.
2.
The third Saturday in October extending fifty-two (52) days, inclusive of
the Saturday opener.
3.
The third Friday in December extending one hundred seven (107) days,
inclusive of the Friday opener, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only.
4.
Shooting hours for crow are ½ hour before sunrise to ½ hour after sunset.
5.
The season on Prudence Island is November 1 to November 30 inclusive,
except for North Prudence where the season is January 1 to January 31
Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays only. South Prudence and Patience
Island are closed to crow hunting.
6.
No daily bag or possession limit.
9.11 Waterfowl
A.
Possession limit for waterfowl is three (3) times the daily bag limit unless
otherwise stated.
The field possession limit shall be equal to the daily bag limit.
B.
Canada Goose:
1.
Special September Season:
a.
September 1 – 30
b.
Daily bag limit is 15
c.
Shooting hours are ½ hour before sunrise to ½ hour after sunset
for September Canada goose hunting only.
C.
Regular Season
1.
The Saturday preceding Thanksgiving through the Sunday following
Thanksgiving and the first Saturday in December extending fifty-nine (59)
days, inclusive of the first Saturday.
2.
Daily bag limit is 3.
3.
Special permits and reservations required for South Shore Management
Area
D.
Late Season
1.
The first Saturday in February extending seven (7) days, inclusive of the
first Saturday.
2.
Daily bag limit is 5.
3.
Limited to Providence, Bristol and Kent Counties and portions of
Washington County as described in 9.11(D)(4) of this Part. A map
depicting the area open to hunting is available on the Division of Fish and
Wildlife’s website.
4.
The area open to hunting during the late season shall be those areas
north and west of the line described below:
a.
Rt. 95 at the RI / CT Line, north to Exit 3, Rt. 138 in Richmond.
b.
East along Rt. 138 to Glen Rock Rd., Richmond.
c.
North along Glen Rock Rd. to Mail Rd., Exeter.
d.
East along Mail Rd. to Rt. 2/South Country Trail., Exeter.
e.
North along Rt. 2/South County Trail to Exeter Rd.
f.
East along Exeter Rd. to the intersection of Indian Corner Rd.
g.
East to the merger of Indian Corner Rd. and West Allenton Rd.
h.
East to the intersection of West Allenton Rd. and Rt. 4.
i.
South along Rt. 4 to the intersection of Rt. 4/Rt.1 (Tower Hill Rd.)
j.
South along Rt. 1/Tower Hill Rd. to the intersection of Rt. 138.
k.
East along Rt. 138 to the base of the Jamestown Bridge.
l.
Extending north/northeast along the Washington/Newport county
line.
m.
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.
n.
North following a line 1,000 feet offshore of Portsmouth’s western
shoreline to the Mount Hope Bridge.
o.
Extending east/northeast across Mt. Hope Bay from the bridge to
the RI/MA border.
5.
All areas south and east of the demarcation line are closed to hunting
during the February Late Season.
E.
Snow Goose (Including blue goose)
1.
The final day of the Regular Canada goose Season in January and the
one hundred and seven (107) days preceding the final day, inclusive of
the final day.
2.
Daily bag limit is 25. There is no possession limit.
F.
Sea Ducks:
1.
Thanksgiving Day extending sixty (60) days, inclusive of Thanksgiving
Day. Except for the periods of the regular duck season (Part 9.11 (G) (1))
following the sea duck opener on Thanksgiving, sea ducks 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 of the regular duck season
following the sea duck opener on Thanksgiving 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 (Friday preceding the second Saturday in
October through the Monday following and the Wednesday preceding
Thanksgiving).
2.
The daily bag limit is 5.
Only four (4) of which may be scoters, eiders, or long-tailed ducks.
G.
Ducks, Coots, Mergansers
1.
The season for ducks, coots, and mergansers shall be: The Friday
preceding the second Saturday in October through the Monday following,
for a total of four (4) days inclusive of the Friday opener. The Wednesday
preceding Thanksgiving through the Sunday following Thanksgiving, for a
total of 5 days, inclusive of the Wednesday opener. The first Saturday in
December extending 51 days inclusive of the Saturday opener.
2.
Ducks – The daily bag limit is six (6);
Including no more than four (4) mallards of which two (2) may be hen
mallards, three (3) wood ducks, two (2) redheads, two (2) black ducks,
one (1) pintail, two (2) canvasbacks, and two (2) scaup. The possession
limit is three times the daily bag limit.
3.
Coots - The daily bag limit is fifteen (15).
4.
Mergansers - The daily bag limit is five (5);
(a)
only two (2) of which may be a hooded merganser.
(b)
Five (5) mergansers may be taken in addition to the regular duck
bag of six (6) ducks.
5.
Harlequin Ducks - The season is closed.
H.
Brant - The season for brant shall be
1.
Thanksgiving Day extending sixty (60) days, inclusive of Thanksgiving
Day.
2.
The daily bag limit is 2.
I.
Swans - The season is closed.
J.
Closed Areas
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).
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.
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.
4.
Charlestown - Watchaug Pond and Poquiant Brook, or hunting within 100
yards upland of the shore or bank of same.
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 Audubon Society of Rhode Island Emile Ruecker Wildlife Refuge, and
as posted by Audubon Society of Rhode Island and Department of
Environmental Management signs. The affected area includes the inlet of
this estuary and marshland on the north side of this outlet.
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.
7.
Lincoln/Central Falls – Pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-47-49.1,
discharge of a firearm within the Blackstone Valley Flood Plains or
Marshes, also known as “Valley Marshes” is prohibited.
K.
Additional Restrictions
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).
2.
Bristol - Walker Island - discharge of firearms while waterfowl hunting is
restricted to discharge toward open waters (seaward).
3.
East Providence - Check local ordinances for restrictions. The discharge
of firearms while waterfowl hunting is restricted to discharge toward open
water (seaward).
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.
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 (R.I. Gen. Laws § 20-13-7)
from the shoreline or from a watercraft.
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.
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).
L.
Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days - The last full weekend (Saturday / Sunday) in
October.
1.
Youth hunters must be 12 – 15 years of age.
2.
Youth hunters may take ducks, sea ducks and geese following daily bag
and possession limits for the regular seasons.
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.
4.
The accompanying adult(s) and all adults are prohibited from hunting on
Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days.
5.
All youth hunters and those adults accompanying youth hunters must
have current Rhode Island hunting licenses and state HIP permits.
6.
The accompanying adult must also possess a valid Rhode Island State
Waterfowl Stamp and Federal Duck Stamp.
M.
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.
1.
Tags must include all of the following information:
a.
Tags must include all of the following information:
b.
The hunter’s signature
c.
The hunter’s address
d.
The total number of birds involved, by species
e.
The dates such birds were killed.
2.
No person or business shall receive or have in custody any migratory
game bird belonging to another unless such birds are properly tagged.
N.
Non-toxic Shot Requirements
1.
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).
2.
All shot larger than BB is prohibited; including duplex loads containing
shot larger than BB.
3.
Tin shot is prohibited.
O.
Allowed methods of taking and prohibited methods of taking migratory birds and
waterfowl, are the same as set forth in the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 16
U.S.C. §§ 703-712, as amended, made under the provisions of an Act of
Congress relating to migratory birds and waterfowl.
P.
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.
Q.
In addition, all hunters except youths ages 12 - 15 must purchase a Federal Duck
Stamp and Rhode Island State Waterfowl Stamp to hunt waterfowl.
R.
Shooting Hours – Shooting hours for all waterfowl species are one-half hour
before sunrise to sunset daily, unless otherwise specified.
9.12 Upland Game
A.
Legal shooting hours for upland game in this section will be sunrise to sunset,
except coyote, 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.
B.
Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes), Gray Fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus), Gray Squirrel
(Sciurus carolinensis), and Cottontail Rabbit (Sylvilagus spp.) season:
1.
Third Saturday in October until the last day of February
2.
The daily bag limit for Cottontail Rabbit is three (3).
3.
The daily bag limit for Gray Squirrel is five (5)
4.
There is no daily bag limit for fox.
5.
Prudence Island: November 1 to 30, except that on North Prudence the
season is January 1 to 31. Patience Island and South are closed to
upland game hunting.
C.
Bobwhite Quail (Colinus virginianus), Ruffed Grouse (Bonasas umbellus) and
Ring-necked Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) season:
1.
Bobwhite Quail: Third Saturday in October until the last day in February
2.
Ring-necked Pheasant: Third Saturday in October until the last day in
February.
3.
Youth Pheasant: The second full weekend (Saturday / Sunday) in
October.
4.
Ruffed Grouse: The season is closed.
5.
The daily bag limit for Ring-necked Pheasant is two (2).
6.
The daily bag limit for Bobwhite Quail is three (3).
7.
Game Bird Permit: Hunters are required to purchase a Game Bird Permit
in order to hunt and take up to four (4) 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.
8.
Prudence Island: November 1 to 30, except that on North Prudence the
season is January 1 to 31. Patience Island and South Prudence are
closed to upland game hunting.
9.
New Shoreham (Block Island):
(a)
Open season Ring-necked pheasants: November 22 and 29,
December 20 and 27 and January 3, 2018.
(b)
The daily bag limit is 2 male pheasants on New Shoreham.
D.
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 § 9.6 of this Part, 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 Management
Area in Tiverton. Bag limit is (2) two pheasants per day. 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.
E.
No person or club shall possess a live, artificially propagated pheasant without
having a valid game propagation permit in possession.
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.
2.
Permits for propagated pheasant hunting are available from the RI DEM
Office of Boat Registration and Licensing, Room 360, 235 Promenade
Street, Providence, RI 02908. Such permit shall be issued upon a
demonstration that the applicant has met each of the following:
a.
Payment of five dollars ($5.00) permit fee
b.
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”).
c.
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.
d.
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 Game Bird Permit;
however, hunters must tag each harvested pheasant with the game
propagation tag.
e.
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.
f.
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
R.I. Gen. Laws, Chapter 42-17.7, a permittee who feels aggrieved
by an enforcement action to revoke the subject’s permit and who
seeks an adjudicative hearing must seek such hearing by filing a
written request with the Administrative Adjudication Division, One
Capitol Hill, 4th Floor, 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, One Capitol Hill, 4th Floor,
Providence, RI 02908 within thirty (30) calendar days of receipt of
the contested agency action.
F.
The hunting seasons on woodchuck (Marmota monax), crow, house sparrow
(Passer domesticus), European starling (Sturnus vulgaris), and rock dove
(Columba livia) is open on Prudence Island November 1 through November 30.
In addition, crows may be hunted on North Prudence during the month of
January on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only. Patience Island and South
Prudence are closed to upland game hunting.
G.
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.
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.
2.
A muzzleloader, not to exceed .40 caliber, may be used to hunt small
mammals during the established season for these species.
3.
Air gun rifles are permitted to hunt the following small mammals: gray
squirrel, red squirrel, woodchuck, cottontail rabbit, and snowshoe hare
provided that the air guns are a minimum of .177 caliber and not larger
than .22; a minimum of 750 FPS velocity with pellets 7.5 grain or larger.
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.
5.
Hunters may use crossbow to take small game mammals; however, no
birds may be taken with a crossbow.
H.
There is no closed season for woodchuck, red squirrel or coyote on private lands.
The legal shooting hours for coyote is ½ hour before sunrise to ½ hour after
sunset. The use of electronic calls or decoys for hunting coyote is permitted.
There is no bag limit on woodchuck or coyote. Refer to R.I. General Laws § 20-
13-13 for firearms restrictions.
I.
The hunting season for coyote on state lands shall be from October 1 to the last
day in February inclusive and during the open spring turkey hunting season. The
hunting season for coyote 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 during
upland season, during the month of January
J.
During the spring turkey season, coyote hunters must possess a valid turkey
hunting permit while hunting on state lands.
K.
Coyote hunters on state lands must wear a minimum of 200 square inches of
fluorescent orange from the 3rd Saturday in October to the last day of February.
During the shotgun deer season, 500 square inches is required.
L.
The placement or use of carcasses or meat parts thereof is allowed on private
property for the purposes of hunting coyote. The placement or use of carcasses
or meat parts thereof is prohibited for purposes of hunting coyote on state lands.
M.
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 caliber may be used (RIGL
20-13-13), and by any means allowed during any concurrent hunting season.
9.13 Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo)
A.
Turkey Seasons Dates:
1.
Paraplegic Spring Turkey Season: The full weekend (Saturday / Sunday)
prior to the Thursday regular season opener.
2.
Youth Turkey season: The full weekend (Saturday / Sunday) prior to the
Thursday regular season opener.
3.
Statewide Spring Turkey season: The last Thursday of April extending
twenty-five (25) days, inclusive of the Thursday opener.
4.
Fall Archery Turkey season: October 1 to October 14
B.
The season bag limit and possession limit is one (1) bearded turkey for the
spring season.
C.
The season bag limit and possession limit is one (1) either sex turkey for the fall
archery season.
D.
A separate permit must be purchased to hunt in each season.
E.
Paraplegic Spring Turkey Season:
1.
A special turkey permit must be obtained from the DEM
2.
Hunting in this season will be limited to paraplegic hunters only.
3.
An application signed by a physician for a first-time hunter is required.
Applications are obtained from DEM Division of Licensing.
4.
None of the hunter’s assistants will be allowed to hunt or carry firearms at
any time.
F.
Youth Turkey Season:
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 § 9.6 of this Part, 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 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.
2.
Bag limit is one (1) bearded turkey per license during the spring season.
G.
The hunting of wild turkey is permitted statewide.
H.
Shooting hours:
1.
Spring shooting hours are ½ hour before sunrise to 1:00 PM Eastern
Daylight Time. All hunters must leave the woods no later than 1:00 PM.
2.
Fall shooting hours are ½ hour before sunrise until sunset.
I.
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 except for crossbows.
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.
A bowstring release device where the bow is hand held, hand drawn and
finger released is allowed.
2.
Only one firearm or archery implement may be possessed in the field per
individual hunter, while hunting wild turkey.
3.
Possession of a firearm while hunting for turkey during the fall archery
season is prohibited.
J.
Prohibited Activities:
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.
2.
Stalking or attempting to sneak up on a turkey to get a shot is prohibited.
3.
Hunters are prohibited from hunting unless they have a turkey calling
device (non-electric) in their possession. Calling is the only legal method
for hunting wild turkey. An individual with a valid Rhode Island hunting
license may call turkeys for another hunter that possesses a valid turkey
permit.
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.
5.
The shooting of any wild turkey while on the roost is prohibited.
6.
Crossbows are prohibited for turkey hunting.
K.
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.
L.
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.
9.14 Furbearers
A.
Furbearers as listed by R.I. Gen. Laws § 20-16-1.
B.
Raccoon (Procyon lotor) - - 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 shooting
hours beginning on the first day of October and ending on the last day of
January.
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
shooting hours beginning on the first day of October and ending on the
last day of January.
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.
C.
The trapping season for gray fox, red fox, mink (Neovison vison) , muskrat
(Ondatra zibethicus), opossum (Didelphis virginiana), cottontail rabbit, raccoon,
skunk (Mephitis mephitis), and weasel (Mustela spp.) 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.
D.
The trapping season for beaver (Castor canadensis) on private land is November
1 to March 14, inclusive. The trapping season for beaver on state Management
Areas is December 1 to 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 season bag
limit of twenty (20) beaver.
E.
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 bag
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 R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 42-17.6.
F.
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 (R.I. Gen. Laws § 20-16-8) or snares (R.I. Gen. Laws § 20-
16-6) is prohibited. All other general trapping regulations apply.
G.
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.
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.
H.
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 permitted if such traps are set completely submerged in water in a vertical
position.
I.
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 R.I. Gen. Laws § 20-16-7.
J.
There is no open season on bobcat (Lynx rufus) or otter (Lontra canadensis).
K.
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 R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 20-16-
2, 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.
L.
It is unlawful to take or possess a road-kill furbearer (R.I. Gen. Laws § 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 (R.I.
Gen. Laws § 20-1-18). Exceptions may be granted at the discretion of the
Division.
M.
The translocation of protected furbearers (R.I. Gen. Laws § 20-16-1) is prohibited
without prior written approval of the Division of Fish and Wildlife.
N.
The use of “species specific” type traps as described in 9.6 of this Part, is
permitted for trapping furbearers on private and state lands. A legal species
specific trap is characterized by all of the following:
1.
Triggering and restraining mechanisms are enclosed within a housing.
2.
Triggering and restraining mechanisms are only accessible through a
single opening when set;
3.
The access opening does not exceed two inches in diameter;
4.
The triggering mechanism can only be activated by a pulling force.
5.
A swivel mounted anchoring system.
O.
The use of deadfalls, pitfalls, fish hooks, treble hooks, or other similarly
sharpened instruments to catch, capture, or injure furbearers is prohibited.
9.15 Reptiles and Amphibians
A.
The possession, removal or take from the wild, for any purpose, of any reptile or
amphibian (except bullfrogs (Lithobates catesbeianus), green frogs (Lithobates
calmitans), and snapping turtles (Chelydra serpentine)) to include their nests and
eggs is prohibited except by special permit.
1.
The taking of snapping turtles is restricted to turtles with a minimum
carapace length of 12 inches.
2.
Snapping turtles with a carapace length less than 12 inches shall be
immediately released alive into the waters from which it was taken.
3.
Legal snapping turtles shall be immediately killed and reduced to
possession.
4.
Take is only 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.
B.
The following species of reptiles and amphibians to include their nests and eggs
are protected and possession without permit is prohibited at all times: Eastern
American Toad (Anaxyrus americanus); Eastern Red-backed Salamander
(Plethodon cinereus); Eastern Spadefoot (Scaphiopus holbrookii); Four-toed
Salamander (Hemidactylium scutatum); Fowler’s Toad (Anaxyrus fowleri); Gray
Treefrog (Hyla versicolor); Marbled Salamander (Ambystoma opacum); Northern
Dusky Salamander (Desmognathus fuscus); Northern Leopard Frog (Lithobates
pipiens); Northern Spring Salamander (Gyrinophilus porphyriticus porphyriticus);
Northern Two-lined Salamander (Eurycea bislineata); Pickerel Frog (Lithobates
palustris); Red-spotted Newt (Notophthalmus viridescens viridescens); Spotted
Salamander (Ambystoma maculatum); Spring Peeper (Pseudacris crucifer);
Wood Frog (Lithobates sylvatica); Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina
carolina); Eastern Musk Turtle (Sternotherus odoratus); Eastern Painted Turtle
(Chrysemys picta picta); Northern Diamond-backed Terrapin (Malaclemys
terrapin terrapin); Spotted Turtle (Clemmys guttata); Wood Turtle (Glyptemys
insculpta); Common Ribbonsnake (Thamnophis sauritus sauritus); Common
Watersnake (Nerodia sipedon sipedon); Eastern Gartersnake (Thamnophis
sirtalis sirtalis); Eastern Hog-nosed Snake (Heterodon platirhinos); Eastern
Milksnake (Lampropeltis triangulum triangulum); Eastern Ratsnake
(Pantherophis alleghaniensis); Eastern Wormsnake (Carphophis amoenus
amoenus); Northern Black Racer (Coluber constrictor constrictor); Northern
Brownsnake (Storeria dekayi dekayi); Northern Red-bellied Snake (Storeria
occipitomaculata occipitomaculata); Northern Ring-necked Snake (Diadophis
punctatus edwardsii); Smooth Greensnake (Opheodrys vernalis); Timber
Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus).
C.
The release into the wild of any non-native reptile or amphibian is prohibited.
9.16 Management Areas
A.
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 R.I. Gen. Laws
§§ 20-18-2 and 20-18-3.
B.
A valid hunting license as stated is required for any State designated hunting
season, unless otherwise required.
C.
Possession of a firearm or archery equipment is prohibited on public
reservations, unless the person is duly licensed to hunt, is engaged in authorized
hunting activity and is in possession of a firearm or archery equipment authorized
pursuant to the governing Department of Environmental Management Hunting
Regulations for the specific hunting activity in which the person is engaged or
unless the person otherwise satisfies the requirements of Park and Management
Area Regulations 250-100-00-1, Part 1.17.
E.
Hunters must check in and out, of State Management Area hunter check stations
and present all small game harvested for inspection each day they are open
during the upland game season when pursing small game. Check station dates
will be listed in the current Hunting Season Abstract.
In addition, management areas may be closed for pheasant stocking at noon
until sunset; Tuesdays and Fridays from the Friday prior to the third Saturday in
October through the Friday prior to Thanksgiving; the Wednesday before
Thanksgiving; and Fridays in December.
F.
From the period April 1st through August 15th, annually, the following areas are
closed to entry: Dyer Island, Hope Island and Gould Island. During this time
period, no person is allowed to enter these areas without official written
permission from the Director. During this time period, disturbing or molesting any
nesting birds at these areas is prohibited.
All cats, dogs, and or other domestic animals are prohibited at all times at Dutch
Island, Dyer Island, Gould Island, Hope Island, and Patience Island; except that
hunting dogs may be used at Hope Island while hunting small game or migratory
birds only during the open seasons set by the Department, and hunting dogs
maybe be used at Patience Island while hunting migratory birds only during the
open seasons set by the Department.
G.
No person shall engage in any activity that interferes with or interrupts lawful
hunting on a public reservation.
H.
All users of State Management Areas and undeveloped State Parks are required
to wear solid daylight fluorescent orange during appropriate seasons.
I.
The possession and/or use of paint guns on state management areas are
prohibited. See R.I. Gen. Laws § 32-2-4.
J.
A hunting license is required when training dogs on wild game on state
management areas, except when participating in state-sanctioned field trials.
K.
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.
L.
Dogs on State Management Areas allowed only under the following rules.
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 State Lands Management
Council, except as otherwise provided in these regulations.
2.
Walking of dogs on a leash of not more than 25 feet in length is permitted
on roads and trails only.
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.
M.
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.
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 trial areas are as
depicted on maps drawn by the Division of Fish and Wildlife.
2.
Training hours are sunrise to sunset.
3.
All persons using areas for dog training must possess a hunting license.
4.
All dogs using areas must be licensed and have proof of rabies
vaccinations.
5.
Training with live birds (pheasants/quail) is permitted provided the bird is
released unharmed.
6.
Shooting of live birds for training purposes is prohibited.
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, and Burlingame Pond (Durfee Hill), and Nicholas
Farm.
N.
John L. Curran State Park / Management Area:
1.
All hunting must be within the boundaries marked by the Department.
2.
Only shotguns and archery equipment may be possessed or used while
hunting.
3.
The hunting of and/or possession of mourning dove or rock dove is
prohibited.
O.
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 is not prohibited.
P.
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.
Q.
Sapowet Marsh 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 at Sapowet Marsh.
R.
George Washington Grove: Designated as an undeveloped State Park and is
open to hunting.
S.
Galilee Bird Sanctuary: Deer hunting is limited to archery only.
T.
Snake Den State Park: Designated as an undeveloped State Park and is open
for archery deer hunting. All hunting must be within the boundaries marked by
the Department.
U.
Ninigret Conservation Area / East Beach: Designated as an undeveloped State
Park and is open for hunting small game and archery deer hunting only.
V.
Cocumcussoc State Park: Designated as an undeveloped State Park and is
open to hunting deer, turkey and small game.
W.
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:
1.
Permits
a.
Permit required for goose hunting during the Regular Goose
Season, obtainable from the Division of Fish and Wildlife. See
abstract for details.
b.
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.
c.
All party members must have a permit and must be registered
when reserving and hunting a field.
d.
No hunting party shall exceed four (4) hunters.
e.
Permittees may only hunt in the field reserved for their party.
2.
Reservations
a.
Reservations may be made no earlier than seven (7) business days
in advance of the hunt.
b.
For the purpose of determining number of days for hunting, a week
shall be Saturday through the following Friday.
c.
Permittees will be allowed to hunt a maximum of two-half days per
week (Saturday through Friday). No one will be permitted to hunt
two consecutive days. A half day shall be from ½ hour before
sunrise until 11:30 am or noon until sunset.
d.
If the permittee that made the reservation is unable to be present at
the reserved date and time, the reservation must be canceled.
The reservation may not be transferred to another member of the
party if the permittee that made the reservation is unable to be
present at the reserved date and time. Other permittees may call to
reserve the field during normal reservation hours after it has been
canceled.
e.
The Division reserves the right to close some fields for periods of
time in an effort to relieve the field(s) from hunting pressure and
improve hunting opportunities.
3.
Blinds
a.
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.
b.
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.
c.
Handicapped accessible blind is located in Field #5.
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.
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 at 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.
6.
Shot
a.
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 9.11 (N) of this Part.
b.
Non-toxic shot larger than BB is prohibited, including duplex loads
containing shot larger than BB.
7.
Vehicles
a.
Vehicles may park in designated areas only.
b.
Overnight parking is prohibited in designated areas.
c.
Vehicles may not drive into or along the edge of any field for any
reason. Except in an emergency, e.g., accident or injury or as
provided in §9.16 (U) (8) (b) of this Part.
8.
Accessibility program for waterfowl hunters who are handicapped:
a.
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).
b.
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).
c.
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).
d.
All regulations for hunting geese in the SSMA shall apply.
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.
Additional Hunting Regulations
a.
Dove hunting is allowed in Fields 1, 3, 5, and 6 during the early
mourning dove season. Doves may be taken by permitted goose
hunters while goose hunting when the field reservation system is in
place during the open mourning dove season. Possession of lead
shot for taking doves when goose hunting is prohibited.
b.
Upland hunting is allowed only in Fields 5 and 6 during the upland
game season except during the Regular Canada goose Seasons.
c.
All upland hunting is prohibited during Regular goose Season,
including during Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days (last full weekend in
October, Saturday / Sunday).
d.
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 occurring.
e.
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
occurring.
f.
Deer hunting during shotgun season is allowed only in Field 6 and
its wooded portions, except during the Regular Canada goose
Season.
g.
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.
h.
Ducks During Legal Duck Seasons: The taking of ducks during the
legal duck seasons is permitted while goose hunting under the
aforementioned regulations.
i.
Violations of any aforementioned 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.
9.17 General
A.
Taking of moose (Alces alces), black bear (Ursus americanus) or bobcat by any
method is prohibited except as provided under special permit issued by the
Director of the Department of Environmental Management.
B.
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.
C.
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.
D.
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.
E.
There is no closed season for monk parakeets (Myiopsitta monachus) or rock
dove.
F.
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:
1.
Two hundred (200) square inches by small game hunters during the small
game season.
2.
Two hundred (200) square inches by fall turkey hunters while traveling.
3.
Two hundred (200) square inches by muzzleloader deer hunters during
muzzleloader deer season.
4.
Two hundred (200) square inches by archery deer hunters when traveling
to / from an elevated stand during the muzzleloader deer season. Once in
an elevated stand, archery deer hunters are exempt from the orange
requirement during the muzzleloader deer season.
5.
Five hundred (500) square inches by all hunters and other users (including
archers) during shotgun deer seasons.
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.
7.
Exempt from fluorescent orange requirements are:
a.
Waterfowl hunters hunting from a boat or blind, over water or field,
when done in conjunction with decoys.
b.
Archery deer hunters (except during muzzleloader and shotgun
deer season).
c.
Hunters crow hunting over decoys.
d.
Spring turkey hunters and
e.
First segment mourning dove hunters.
f.
Archery deer hunters in areas limited to Archery only by regulation.
g.
Raccoon hunters when hunting at night.
G.
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. Except, during
shotgun deer season when five hundred (500) square inches are required.
H.
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.
I.
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.
J.
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.
K.
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 R.I. Gen.
Laws §§ 20-2-16.1, 20-2-29, and 20-17-1).
L.
Feeding and baiting wildlife in the state of Rhode Island is not permitted at any
time for any purposes except:
1.
Under a license or permit issued by the Department pursuant to R.I. Gen.
Laws § 20-1-18 for bona fide scientific research;
2.
By planting, cultivating, or harvesting of crops directly associated with
bona fide agricultural practices, including planted wildlife food plots;
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;
4.
By cutting of trees or brush; or
5.
Elevated bird/squirrel feeders providing seed, grain, fruit, worms or suet
for birds or squirrels located within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling.
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.
7.
The leaving out of food of any kind where accessible to wildlife is
prohibited.
8.
For baiting of furbearers as associated with legal trapping activities in
accordance with these regulations.
M.
Distribution of certain food material – feeding wild or captive cervids with any
material that contains protein derived from any mammalian tissues is prohibited.
N.
It is unlawful to carry a loaded weapon outside legal shooting hours. Provided
the hunter is stationary, his/her weapon may be loaded no more than fifteen (15)
minutes before the start of legal shooting hours. Weapons must be unloaded
immediately at the end of legal shooting hours.
9.18 Special Regulation - State Waterfowl Stamp
A.
All waterfowl 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 Duck
Stamp.
B.
Annual State Waterfowl stamps shall be available at the price of Seven Dollars
and Fifty Cents ($7.50) per stamp at participating vendors (R.I. Gen. Laws § 20-
2-37). The stamp must be signed by the hunter across the face of the stamp and
carried at all times when hunting.
9.19 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 §§ 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.