Hunting Seasons & Licensing · RI
Rhode Island Hunting Seasons & Licensing
2025–2026 SeasonRhode Island is the smallest state but offers productive white-tailed deer and wild turkey hunting on a compact landscape. The state manages approximately 30,000 acres of state Management Areas open to hunting. Despite its size, Rhode Island has a healthy deer population and uses liberal regulations to encourage harvest. The state's coastal setting provides waterfowl hunting opportunities along Narragansett Bay and the saltwater marshes.
Dates shown are for the 2025–2026 season based on the most recent published regulations. Always verify current dates with the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management — Division of Fish and Wildlife before hunting.
Season Dates by Game Type
Big Game
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White-tailed Deer | Archery | Sep 15 – Jan 31, 2026 | Multiple deer — check zone limits | Bow and arrow, crossbow |
| White-tailed Deer | Shotgun/Muzzleloader | Late Nov – late Dec (varies by zone) | Zone-specific limits | Shotgun, muzzleloader |
White-tailed Deer (Shotgun/Muzzleloader): Shotgun-only. No rifles for deer.
Turkey
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wild Turkey | Spring | Late Apr – late May, 2026 | 2 bearded turkeys | Shotgun, bow |
| Wild Turkey | Fall | Late Sep – late Nov | 1 turkey either sex | Shotgun, bow |
Upland Game Birds
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ring-necked Pheasant | General | Oct 18 – Jan 31, 2026 | 2 daily | Shotgun |
| Ruffed Grouse | General | Oct 18 – Jan 31, 2026 | 3 daily | Shotgun |
| Woodcock | General | Oct 4 – Nov 17, 2025 | 3 daily / 9 possession | Shotgun |
Ring-necked Pheasant (General): Stocked birds on state management areas
Waterfowl
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ducks | General | Varies — Oct through Jan | 6 daily (species-specific limits) | Shotgun (non-toxic shot required) |
Ducks (General): Federal duck stamp + HIP required. Atlantic Flyway. Narragansett Bay and coastal marshes.
Small Game
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cottontail Rabbit | General | Nov 1 – Feb 28, 2026 | 5 daily | Rifle, shotgun, handgun |
| Gray Squirrel | General | Sep 1 – Feb 28, 2026 | 5 daily | Rifle, shotgun, handgun |
Licensing
| License Type | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Resident Hunting License | $18 | — |
| Non-Resident Hunting License | $40 | — |
| Resident Deer Tag | $11 | — |
| Non-Resident Deer Tag | $25 | — |
| Youth (under 15) | Free with hunter education | — |
| Senior (65+) | Free (resident) | — |
| Federal Duck Stamp | $25 | Required for waterfowl |
Tags, Draws & Lotteries
Rhode Island hunting licenses and permits are available over the counter. No drawing system is required for deer or turkey. Additional antlerless deer tags may be available. The state does not use a preference point system.
Harvest Reporting
Rhode Island requires mandatory harvest reporting for deer and turkey through the RI DEM online check system or by phone within 24 hours of harvest.
Rhode Island Wildlife Resources
- Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management — Division of Fish and Wildlife — Hunting Home →
- Current Hunting Regulations →
- Hunter Education →
- Violation Hotline: DEM Law Enforcement: 401-222-3070
- USFWS Waterfowl Frameworks →
Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only. Season dates, bag limits, license fees, and regulations shown here are based on the most recently published data from the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management — Division of Fish and Wildlife and may not reflect last-minute changes, emergency closures, or special regulations. Always verify current regulations directly with your state wildlife agency before hunting. FirearmSelect does not provide legal advice and is not responsible for actions taken based on this information.