Hunting in Rhode Island

Big Game

Rhode Island’s big game species are White-tailed deer, Wild turkey and Coyote (though coyote is unmanaged and open year-round).

Deer hunting in Rhode Island requires a deer permit (tag) for each deer taken. Hunters must first have a RI hunting license, and then purchase deer permits for the season/zone and method they plan to hunt. Rhode Island divides deer season by zones and by method (Archery, Muzzleloader, Shotgun). For each of those segments, specific deer permits must be obtained.

Tags are available over the counter – there is no lottery for deer permits.

Turkeyhunting in Rhode Island also requires permits. In the spring, hunters need a Spring Turkey permit (good for one bearded turkey; limit one in spring). In the fall (if a season is offered), a Fall Turkey permit is required. These permits are OTC (no draw). Turkey hunters must have a valid RI hunting license and a turkey permit.

Coyotes are open to hunt year-round on private lands (with no bag limit and no special permit) – just a valid hunting license is needed.

Small Game

Rhode Island’s small game includes species like Rabbits, Hare, Squirrel, Ring-necked pheasant, Bobwhite quail, and Ruffed grouse, as well as migratory birds like Ducks, Geese, Doves, Woodcock, Snipe, and Crow.

To hunt small game, a hunter needs a valid RI Hunting License. No additional permit is needed for most small game species with a few exceptions.

Pheasant hunting on state management areas requires a permit for stocked pheasant hunts. These permits are sold OTC (often as punch-cards for a number of pheasants). Woodcock hunting requires a HIP.

Migratory bird hunters must obtain State Waterfowl Stamp, a HIP certification (free) and have a Federal Duck Stamp.

Documents Needed

• Rhode Island Hunting License
• Deer / Turkey Permits
• RI State Waterfowl Stamp, Federal Migratory Bird Stamp (Duck Stamp), HIP Certification
• Signed Landowner Permission – If hunting on private property, you must carry written permission from the owner. This is especially enforced for deer hunting.
• Hunter Education Card
• Bowhunter Education certificate
• Muzzleloader Education certificate

Minimum Hunter Age

The minimum age to hunt in Rhode Island is 12 years old. Youth ages 12–14 can obtain a Junior Hunting License (and must hunt in immediate company of an adult 21+ who holds a RI license). By 16 hunters must pass hunter education and have an adult license, though everyone hunting under 18 must be under direct supervision of an adult.

More Information

• https://dem.ri.gov/ - State of Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management