Rhode Island Hunting & Fishing Regulations
Complete guide to current season dates, bag limits, licensing requirements, and regulations from RI DEM
Regulations are subject to change. Always check the official RI DEM website for the most current information before heading out. Last updated: February 2026.
White-Tailed Deer
Archery (includes Crossbow)
ClosedZone 1: September 15, 2025 - January 31, 2026
Zone 2: October 1, 2025 - January 31, 2026
Bag Limit: 1 deer per day, 5 per season with proper permits
Youth Hunts: Sept 13-14 (Zone 1), Sept 27-28 (Zone 2)
Shotgun
ClosedZone 1: December 6-21, 2025
Zone 2: December 6-14, 2025
Requirements: Shotgun only, slugs required. Orange clothing mandatory.
Private Land Antlerless: Dec 26, 2025 - Jan 2, 2026
Muzzleloader
ClosedZones 1, 2: November 1-30, 2025
Youth Hunt: October 25-26, 2025
Private Land Antlerless: Dec 26, 2025 - Jan 2, 2026
Wild Turkey
Spring Turkey
UpcomingYouth: April 20-26, 2026
Paraplegic: April 25-26, 2026
General: April 30 - May 24, 2026
Bag Limit: 2 bearded turkeys per season
Restrictions: Bearded turkey only
Fall Archery
ClosedDates: October 1-31, 2025
Bag Limit: 1 turkey
Restrictions: Either sex, archery only
Fall Shotgun
ClosedDates: November 1-30, 2025
Bag Limit: 1 turkey
Restrictions: Either sex
Waterfowl
Ducks, Sea Ducks, Mergansers, Coots
ClosedDates: Oct 10-13, Nov 26-30, Dec 6, 2025 - Jan 25, 2026
Requirements: Federal duck stamp required
Bag Limits: Vary by species - check current regulations
Canada Goose
ClosedEarly Season: Sept 1-30, 2025
Regular Season: Nov 22-30, Dec 6, 2025 - Jan 25, 2026
Late Season: Jan 31 - Feb 14, 2026
Youth Waterfowl
ClosedDates: October 25-26, 2025
Small Game
Cottontail Rabbit
ClosedDates: October 1, 2025 - February 28, 2026
Bag Limit: 4 per day
Pheasant
ClosedDates: October 18, 2025 - February 28, 2026
Youth Hunt: October 11-13, 2025
Gray & Red Squirrel
ClosedDates: September 13, 2025 - February 28, 2026
Coyote
OpenState Land: Sept 15, 2025 - Feb 28, 2026; Apr 30 - May 24, 2026
Private Land: No closed season