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

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 R.I. Gen. Laws 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competent jurisdiction, the validity of the remainder of the Rules and Regulations shall not be affected thereby. 9.5 Superseded Rules and Regulations On the effective date of these Rules and Regulations, all previous Rules and Regulations, and any policies regarding the administration and enforcement of Hunting Regulations shall be superseded.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. Definitions A. 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: a. November 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 20, 21, 27, 28 b. December 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 18, 19, 21, 22 c. January 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 16, 17, 18, 19, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31 d. 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 15 th . 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: a. 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: a. 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: a. Prudence and Patience Islands 4. Zone 4 shall consist of: a. 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 A. 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 15 th . 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. 1. 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 (§ 9.11(G)(1) of this Part) 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. a. 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); a. 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, 4 th 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, 4 th 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. Gen. 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 3 rd 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 (R.I. Gen. Laws § 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. 1. 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. a. 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. b. 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. 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. 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 fisher s 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, § 100-00-1.17 of this Title. D. 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. 1. 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. E. From the period April 1 st through August 15 th , 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. 1. 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. F. No person shall engage in any activity that interferes with or interrupts lawful hunting on a public reservation. G. All users of State Management Areas and undeveloped State Parks are required to wear solid daylight fluorescent orange during appropriate seasons. H. The possession and/or use of paint guns on state management areas are prohibited. See R.I. Gen. Laws § 32-2-4. I. A hunting license is required when training dogs on wild game on state management areas, except when participating in state-sanctioned field trials. J. 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. K. 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. L. 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. M. 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. N. 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. O. 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. P. 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. Q. George Washington Grove: Designated as an undeveloped State Park and is open to hunting. R. Galilee Bird Sanctuary: Deer hunting is limited to archery only. S. 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. T. Ninigret Conservation Area / East Beach: Designated as an undeveloped State Park and is open for hunting small game and archery deer hunting only. U. Cocumcussoc State Park: Designated as an undeveloped State Park and is open to hunting deer, turkey and small game. V. 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. (1) 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(V)(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 Season s . 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 R.I. Gen. Laws Chapters 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, as amended.