Rhode Island Hunting Seasons & Licensing: What You Need To Know (2024)

If you're a Rhode Island resident, or are just visiting for the hunting season, it's important to know the licensing and regulations that apply to hunting in the state.

In this blog post, we will outline all of the information you need to know in order to stay safe and within the law while hunting in Rhode Island. We'll also provide a brief overview of the different hunting seasons that are open during the year.

Hunting In Rhode Island

Although Rhode Island is a small state, it is not without hunting opportunities. During various hunting seasons, including deer and turkey, this eastern corridor state offers plenty of animals to bag. In this small state, small game seasons are also plentiful.

Hunting restrictions, licenses, and permits vary by state, and hunting season dates may alter depending on where you live. Visit the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management website for further information on how to ensure a legal hunt.

Rhode Island Deer Seasons

Archery/Crossbow	Sept. 11-Jan. 31**
Muzzleloader	Oct. 30-Jan. 2**
Firearms	Dec. 4-Jan. 2**

**Season dates vary by zone. For more information about hunting in your specific region, visit the Rhode Island Fish & Wildlife Department website.

Rhode Island Turkey Seasons

Fall Archery	Oct. 1-31
Youth	Apr. 18-24, 2021
Paraplegic	Apr. 23-24, 2021
Spring General Season	Apr. 28-May 22**

Rhode Island Small Game Seasons

Coyote	State Land: Sept. 15-Feb. 28 and Apr. 28-May 22 Private Land: Open Season
Raccoon	Oct. 1-Feb. 28
Pheasant	Oct. 16-Feb. 28
Cottontail Rabbit	Oct. 16-Feb. 28
Gray Squirrel	Oct. 16-Feb. 28
Bobwhite Quail	Oct. 16-Feb. 28
Red, Gray Fox	Oct. 16-Feb. 28
Ruffed Grouse	Closed Season

How To Get A Hunting License In Rhode Island?

Depending on your age, you may be required to have the Hunter Education Certificate in order to legally buy a license or permit to hunt.

Complete the Rhode Island hunter education certification requirements.
Choose the correct license type.
Buy the license through the Rhode Island Division of Fish & Wildlife office or a Rhode Island–approved vendor.

Rhode Island License Expiration

Hunting licenses expire on the last day of February each year.

Where to Buy a Rhode Island Hunting License

Visit the Rhode Island Division of Fish & Wildlife office, a city or town hall, or an approved license vendor.
Mail in a paper application.

Bag limits, special seasons and hunting regulations for Rhode Island hunting seasons do vary based on animal and seasons. For more information on obtaining licenses, permits and regulations, visit the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management website.