Rhode Island Hunting & Fishing Regulations

Complete guide to current season dates, bag limits, licensing requirements, and regulations from RI DEM

Always Verify Current Regulations

Regulations are subject to change. Always check the official RI DEM website for the most current information before heading out. Last updated: February 2026.

2025-2026 Hunting Seasons

Official season dates and bag limits from RI DEM

White-Tailed Deer

Archery (includes Crossbow)

Closed

Zone 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

Closed

Zone 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

Closed

Zones 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

Upcoming

Youth: 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

Closed

Dates: October 1-31, 2025

Bag Limit: 1 turkey
Restrictions: Either sex, archery only

Fall Shotgun

Closed

Dates: November 1-30, 2025

Bag Limit: 1 turkey
Restrictions: Either sex

Waterfowl

Ducks, Sea Ducks, Mergansers, Coots

Closed

Dates: 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

Closed

Early 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

Closed

Dates: October 25-26, 2025

Small Game

Cottontail Rabbit

Closed

Dates: October 1, 2025 - February 28, 2026

Bag Limit: 4 per day

Pheasant

Closed

Dates: October 18, 2025 - February 28, 2026
Youth Hunt: October 11-13, 2025

Gray & Red Squirrel

Closed

Dates: September 13, 2025 - February 28, 2026

Coyote

Open

State Land: Sept 15, 2025 - Feb 28, 2026; Apr 30 - May 24, 2026
Private Land: No closed season