Prepare yourself for nature’s captivating beauty! Rhode Island presents varied hunting adventures for people with different skill levels. If you’re a seasoned hunter or an excited newbie, the Ocean State has got something in its kitty for you. The 2025 hunt season delivers exciting chances to bond with nature and gather game, ranging from lively woods to seaside marshes.

Getting the most out of your game experience requires organized preparation. Rhode Island’s Department of Environmental Management (DEM) serves up extensive data on pursuing periods, catch quotas, and safety measures. Catching up with seasoned local hunters or being part of a outdoor group can offer precious guidance too.

RI Hunting Calendar

Deer Hunting Seasons

Zone 1 (Western & Northern RI)

Archery: Sep 15 – Jan 31, 2026
Youth Archery: Sep 13-14
Muzzleloader: Nov 1-30
Shotgun: Dec 6-21
Bag Limits: 2 antlered, 3 antlerless

Zone 2 (Southern RI)

Archery: Oct 1 – Jan 31, 2026
Youth Archery: Sep 27-28
Muzzleloader: Nov 1-30
Shotgun: Dec 6-14
Bag Limits: 2 antlered, 2 antlerless

Zone 3 (Patience & Prudence Islands)

Archery Only: Nov 1 – Jan 31, 2026
Youth Only: Oct 25-26
Disabled Access: Oct 28-31
Bag Limits: 1 antlered, 2 antlerless
Note: Proficiency test required

Zone 4 (Block Island)

Multiple weapons: Fall & winter dates vary
Permit: Lottery-based
Bag Limits: Unlimited antlerless
Note: Proficiency test mandatory

Turkey Hunting

Fall Archery

Dates: Oct 1-31, 2025
Method: Bow/crossbow
Limit: 1 bird

Youth Season

Dates: Apr 20-26, 2026
Age: 12-17 with adult
Limit: 2 bearded birds

Spring Season

Dates: Apr 30 – May 24, 2026
Methods: Shotgun, bow, muzzleloader
Limit: 2 bearded

Paraplegic Season

Dates: Apr 25-26, 2026
Same limits as spring

Furbearer & Trapping

General Season

Dates: Nov 1 – Jan 31, 2026
Species: Fox, raccoon, skunk, etc.
No daily limits

Special Seasons

Beaver: Dec 1 – Feb 28 (state), Dec 1 – Mar 14 (private)
Fisher: Dec 1-24, 2025 (lottery)
Coyote: Sep 15 – Feb 28 + Apr 30 – May 24

Upland Birds

Pheasant

Dates: Oct 18 – Feb 28, 2026
Youth Weekend: Oct 11-13
Limit: 2 daily

Quail

Dates: Oct 18 – Feb 28, 2026
Limit: 3 daily

Grouse

Status: Closed for conservation

Small Game

Rabbit

Dates: Oct 1 – Feb 28, 2026
Limit: 5 daily

Squirrel

Dates: Sep 13 – Feb 28, 2026
Limit: 2 daily

Fox

Dates: Oct 18 – Feb 28, 2026
Limit: 2 daily

Migratory Birds

Ducks

Dates: Oct 10-13, Nov 26-30, Dec 6 – Jan 25, 2026
Limit: 6 daily (species restrictions apply)

Geese

Early: Sep 1-30 (15 daily)
Regular: Nov 22-30, Dec 6 – Jan 25 (2 daily)
Late: Jan 31 – Feb 14 (5 daily)

Snow Geese

Dates: Oct 11 – Jan 25, 2026
Limit: 25 daily

Other Species

Snapping Turtles

Open: Year-round (closed May 15 – Jul 15)
Limit: 6

Frogs

Open: Year-round (closed Jun 1 – Jul 31)
Limit: 20

Protected Species

Swans, harlequin ducks: No hunting allowed

Permits & Rules

Required: RI license + deer permit
HIP certification: Free for migratory birds
Duck stamp: $25 federal, $9.50 state

All dates and rules subject to change. Verify before hunting.

Rhode Island Hunting Regulations Summary

General Provisions

Outdoor Basics: Fluorescent orange gear is mandatory. Small game hunting needs 200 sq in. area, while 500 sq in. is for shotgun deer season.
Young Hunters: Those aged between 12-14 must have an adult with them and have a safety certificate from hunter training.
Off-limits Actions: Don’t drive deer, don’t shoot on public highways, always get permission from landowners, do not hunt on listed land or in most state parks. Don’t hunt under influence or use tech like drones or night vision. Spotlighting or feeding wildlife is a no-go unless stated otherwise.
Gun Rules: Firearms in vehicles should not be loaded. Selling game is prohibited unless specified. Rifles shouldn’t be larger than .22 caliber except .229 caliber from April 1 to September 30. Lead shots should not be more than No. 2 size.

Specific Hunting Regulations

Deer: You can use a bow, shotgun, or muzzleloader. There are different dates, limits, and rules (like taking female deer only).
Small Game: This includes animals such as rabbits, squirrels, pheasants, and quails. Each has its own season and limits.
Migratory Birds: You need to follow federal laws, but each state has its specific seasons for doves, ducks, and geese.
Trapping: Specific rules for animals like beavers, foxes, minks, raccoons. Each has its particular season, limit, and requirements for tagging skins.
Reptiles and Amphibians: There are specific rules for hunting snapping turtles, green frogs, and bullfrogs. This includes when you can hunt them, how many you can catch, and the methods you can use.

Additional Information

Federal Regulations: Both the Lacey Act and Migratory Bird Treaty Act are in effect.
Safe Areas: Don’t shoot within 500 feet of a home that’s occupied, unless you have approval.
Permits: Necessary for certain tasks like trapping on public grounds.

Licenses and Permits

License Type	Resident Fee (Online/Vendor)	Non-Resident Fee (Online/Vendor)
Hunting	$21/$23	$55/$58
Combination	$38/$40	N/A
Junior (12-14)	$14/$17	$40/$43
Permanent Resident Combo (65+ or disabled)	Free	N/A
Trapping	$15/$17	$50/$53 (if reciprocal)
Deer Permit	$13/$13.50	$26.50/$27.50
All Outdoors Deer Package	$78/$81	N/A
Turkey Permit	$8/$8.50	$21.50/$22.50
Game Bird Permit	$17/$17.50	$18/$18.50
State Waterfowl Stamp	$8/$8.50	$9/$9.50
Active Military	$21/$23	N/A

Top Rhode Island Hunting Locations

Rhode Island’s hunting spots cater to everyone, from locals to visitors. Whether it’s endless forests or seashore swamps, you’re in for a surprise. Different types of game await at every corner. Let’s take a deeper look at Rhode Island’s prime spots. We’ll also know which game reigns supreme at these locations.

Southern Rhode Island: A Waterfowl Haven

South zone, an absolute delight for folks who like hunting waterfowl. The broad seaside marshes and tidewater flats serve as a top-notch home for ducks, geese, and other migrating birds.

Take Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge; it’s noted for a wealth of waterfowl. It’s a spot waterfowl hunters really ought to see. There’s plenty of chances to hunt ducks, geese, and even some shorebirds.
Then there’s Charlestown Pond, nestled in Charlestown, a known hot spot for ducks. The nearby wetlands boast a range of waterfowl niches.
Then in Westerly, this seaside town may be known for its saltwater fishing, but it’s also a prime location for deer hunting among its state forests and wildlife management regions.
And we can’t forget Narragansett Bay; the vast bay provides optimal chances for waterfowl chasing, especially during the times birds migrate.

Central Rhode Island: Deer and Small Game

In the heart of the state, there’s a beautiful blend of forests and farms – a dream spot for hunting deer and smaller prey.

In Burrillville, deer are plentiful. This place is a go-to locale due to its variety of terrain, packed with wide-open spaces, and lush forests that white-tailed deer call home.
Then there’s Scituate. Here the story turns to small game, with plenty of rabbits, squirrels, and pheasants to pursue. Here, nature paints a landscape of forests dotted with farmland — an absolute haven for these species.
Lastly, there’s also Glocester. Much like Burrillville, Glocester’s abundant forests are prime spots to seek out deer, turkeys, and other small game.

Northern Rhode Island: Diverse Hunting Terrain

This area is a mix of forest, hills, and rivulets, presenting varied pursuing prospects.

For instance, Woodstock has a balance between trees and open landscapes, ideal for deer and tiny creatures’ hunts.
The Blackstone River also offers chances for waterfowl pursuits. Then, Foster – its terrain is tough making hunting there both hard and satisfying. What’s more, there’s a thriving deer populace along with different species of small game.
Additionally, Hopkinton stands out due to its well-kept wildlife areas which become a magnet for bird hunters in the uplands.

Author
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Eric Hale

Author & Chief Editor at AskHunting.com

Eric Hale, a veteran hunter with more than a decade of experience, imparts his knowledge via AskHunting.com. He offers guidance for hunting, adding strategies, and delivers in-depth guides for the novice and the old hand. He loves family camping sessions, watching Marvel films with his spouse, and going on thrilling road journeys.

Rhode Island Hunting: 2025-2026 Season Dates and Rules