Rhode Island Hunting Seasons 2025-2026 – Dates, Tags & Wildlife Management Areas
Welcome to your complete guide for Rhode Island’s 2025-2026 hunting seasons! Whether you’re a seasoned hunter who’s been chasing whitetails through Arcadia Management Area for decades or you’re just getting started with your first turkey tag, this guide covers everything you need to know about dates, species, permits, and hunting zones for the upcoming year.
Rhode Island might be the smallest state, but don’t let that fool you – we’ve got some fantastic opportunities for both locals and visiting sportsmen. From the coastal waterfowl action to inland deer populations, the Ocean State offers diverse game and accessible public lands that’ll keep you busy all season long.
Let’s dive into what 2025-2026 has in store for hunters across the state.
📅 Quick Reference Overview
Here’s your at-a-glance summary of the major species and their key dates for the 2025-2026 season:
Big Game Season Highlights:
- Deer Archery: September 15 – January 31, 2026 (varies by zone)
- Deer Shotgun: November 1-30, 2025
- Turkey Spring: April 30 – May 24, 2026
- Turkey Fall: October 1-31, 2025 (archery only)
Small Game & Waterfowl:
- Duck Season: October 10-13, November 26-30, December 6 – January 25, 2026
- Canada Goose: Multiple splits from September through February
- Pheasant: September 13 – February 28, 2026
- Rabbit & Squirrel: October 1 – February 28, 2026
License Year: March 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026
🦌 Big Game Opportunities
White-tailed Deer
Rhode Island’s deer population has rebounded nicely over the years, and the 2025-2026 seasons reflect healthy management zones across the state. Here’s the breakdown by hunting method and zone:
Archery Season (including crossbows):
- Zone 1: September 15 – January 31, 2026
- Zone 2: October 1 – January 31, 2026
- Zone 3 (Patience & Prudence Islands): October 25-26 (Youth only), October 28-31 (Special disabled access)
- Zone 4 (Block Island): October 16, 17, 20-24, 27-31 (check local ordinances)
Muzzleloader Season:
- Zone 1: December 6-21, 2025
- Zone 2: December 6-14, 2025
Shotgun Season:
- Zones 1 & 2: November 1-30, 2025; December 26 – January 2, 2026 (private land only, antlerless deer only)
- Block Island: Extended schedule with multiple dates through February 2026
Bag Limits:
- Statewide: 2 antlered deer maximum (Zone 3 limited to 1 antlered)
- Zone 1: 3 antlerless deer
- Zone 2: 2 antlerless deer
- Zone 3: 2 antlerless deer
- Zone 4: Unlimited antlerless deer
Remember, you’ll need written landowner permission for deer hunting on private property during deer season. All harvested deer must be tagged immediately and reported within 24 hours through the online system at rio.ri.gov or by calling (401) 789-0281.
🦃 Turkey Season Details
Wild turkey populations in Rhode Island have made an incredible comeback, and spring gobbler season remains one of the most exciting times to be in the woods.
Spring Turkey Season:
- General Season: April 30 – May 24, 2026
- Youth Season: April 20-26, 2026 (ages 12-17)
- Paraplegic Season: April 25-26, 2026
- Bag limit: 2 bearded birds (maximum 1 on state lands)
Fall Turkey Season:
- Archery Only: October 1-31, 2025
- Bag limit: 1 turkey of either sex
Both crossbows and traditional archery equipment are now legal for turkey hunting during both spring and fall seasons. Each turkey requires a separate permit, and like deer, all birds must be tagged and reported within 24 hours of harvest.
If you’re planning to hunt turkeys on state management areas, remember that you’re limited to one bird per season on state lands, though you can still harvest a second bird on private property.
🦆 Waterfowl & Migratory Birds
Rhode Island’s coastal location makes it a prime destination for waterfowl hunters, with excellent opportunities for ducks, geese, and other migratory birds.
Canada Goose Seasons:
- Early Season: September 1-30, 2025 (15 bird daily bag limit)
- Regular Season: November 22-30 & December 6 – January 25, 2026 (2-5 bird limit by area)
- Late Season: January 31 – February 14, 2026 (5 bird limit)
Duck Seasons:
- Youth Days: October 25-26, 2025
- Regular Season: October 10-13, November 26-30, December 6 – January 25, 2026
- Daily bag limit: 6 ducks total with species-specific sublimits
Key Species Limits:
- Mallard: 4 per day (maximum 2 hens)
- Wood Duck: 3 per day
- Sea Ducks: 4 per day aggregate (max 3 scoter, 3 eider with 1 hen limit, 3 long-tailed duck)
- Pintail: 3 per day (increased from previous years)
Other Migratory Birds:
- Brant: December 27 – January 25, 2026 (1 per day)
- Woodcock: October 18 – November 30, 2025 (3 per day)
- Mourning Dove: September 1 – October 30, 2025 (12 per day)
All waterfowl hunters need a state hunting license, state waterfowl stamp, federal duck stamp (signed in ink), and a free HIP permit. Non-toxic shot is required for all migratory bird hunting.
Similar to Connecticut’s waterfowl regulations, Rhode Island requires careful attention to daily bag limits and species identification.
🐰 Small Game Calendar
Small game hunting provides excellent opportunities for both beginners and experienced hunters looking to extend their time in the field.
Small Game Seasons & Limits:
| Species | Season Dates | Daily Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Cottontail Rabbit | Oct 1 – Feb 28, 2026 | 5 |
| Gray & Red Squirrel | Sep 13 – Feb 28, 2026 | 5 |
| Pheasant | Sep 13 – Feb 28, 2026 | 2 |
| Bobwhite Quail | Oct 18 – Feb 28, 2026 | 3 |
| Raccoon | Oct 1 – Feb 28, 2026 | Unlimited |
| Fox | Oct 1 – Feb 28, 2026 | Unlimited |
| Coyote (State Land) | Sep 15 – Feb 28, 2026 & Apr 30 – May 24, 2026 | Unlimited |
| Coyote (Private Land) | No closed season | Unlimited |
Youth Pheasant Weekend: October 11-13, 2025 (now includes Columbus Day Monday)
For pheasant and quail hunting, you’ll need a Game Bird Permit in addition to your hunting license. The Division of Fish & Wildlife stocks pheasants in various Wildlife Management Areas throughout the season, so check their website for stocking schedules.
Air rifles are now legal for small game hunting, with calibers from .177 to .30 allowed (minimum 750 fps with appropriate pellet weights).
🐾 Furbearer & Trapping Opportunities
Rhode Island offers both hunting and trapping opportunities for various furbearer species.
Trapping Season: November 1 – January 31, 2026
Special Seasons:
- Beaver & Fisher: December 1 – February 28, 2026 (special permit required)
- Coyote: Private land – no closed season; State land – November 1 – March 14, 2026
Bag Limits:
- Beaver: 40 (residents), 20 (non-residents)
- All other species: No limit
Trapping requires a separate trapping license, and all traps must be checked every 24 hours. Steel-jaw leghold traps and poison are prohibited. Written landowner permission is required for trapping on private property.
🗺️ Rhode Island Hunting Zones & Public Lands
Rhode Island manages over 60,000 acres of public hunting land through Wildlife Management Areas and state parks. The state is divided into four main deer hunting zones:
- Zone 1: Western and northern areas
- Zone 2: Central and eastern mainland areas
- Zone 3: Patience and Prudence Islands
- Zone 4: Block Island
Popular public hunting areas include:
- Arcadia Management Area (14,000+ acres)
- Great Swamp Management Area (3,349 acres)
- Carolina Management Area (2,400 acres)
- Buck Hill Management Area (recently expanded to 942+ acres)
For detailed maps of hunting areas, visit the DEM Interactive Map system at dem.ri.gov/maps/wma.htm. Each area has specific regulations and allowed hunting methods, so check the area-specific rules before heading out.
🎟️ Licenses, Permits & Fees
Basic License Fees (2025-2026):
| License Type | Online Fee | Vendor Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Resident Hunting | $24 | $26 |
| Resident Combination (Hunt/Fish) | $43 | $45 |
| Resident Junior (12-14) | $14 | $16 |
| Non-Resident Hunting | $65 | $68 |
| Non-Resident 3-Day Tourist | $38 | $40 |
Additional Permits:
- State Waterfowl Stamp: $9
- Game Bird Permit: $18.50
- Deer Permits: Varies by zone and weapon type
- Turkey Permits: Separate fee for each bird
Special Categories:
- Active Military Personnel: $14/$16
- Permanent Resident (65+ or disabled): $25
License fees increased effective July 1, 2025, but remember that these revenues are matched 3:1 by federal funds through the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program, supporting conservation efforts statewide.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I hunt on my own property without a license?
A: No, all hunters need a valid hunting license regardless of land ownership. However, resident landowners and their immediate family have certain privileges on their own property.
Q: What are the hunter orange requirements?
A: You need 200 square inches of daylight fluorescent orange from the second Saturday in September through February, and from the third Saturday in April through May. During shotgun deer seasons, 500 square inches are required. Orange must be worn above the waist and visible from all directions.
Q: Can I hunt on Sundays?
A: Yes, but some municipalities restrict Sunday hunting on private lands. Towns with restrictions include Portsmouth, Little Compton, Middletown, and Barrington. There are no restrictions on state lands.
Q: Do I need hunter education?
A: Yes, all first-time license buyers must complete hunter education. Junior hunters (12-14) must complete the course before hunting and must be accompanied by a licensed adult 21 or older.
Q: When do I need to report my harvest?
A: All deer and turkey must be reported within 24 hours via rio.ri.gov or by calling (401) 789-0281 during business hours.
Q: Are crossbows legal?
A: Yes, crossbows are legal for deer hunting (minimum 125 lb draw weight) and are now also legal for turkey hunting during both spring and fall seasons.
Q: What about hunting guides?
A: New for 2025-2026: Hunting guides must obtain a free Guide Permit if they’re paid for guiding services for any game species.
🔗 Important Resources & Links
- Report Harvest: rio.ri.gov
- DEM Wildlife Division: (401) 789-0281
- Violation Hotline: (401) 222-3070 (24/7)
- Hunter Education: dem.ri.gov
- Interactive Hunting Maps: DEM Map Portal
- Official Regulations: Full regulation guide available at dem.ri.gov
For hunters looking to explore beyond Rhode Island, Massachusetts hunting opportunities offer similar New England experiences with different seasons and regulations.
Wrapping Up Your 2025-2026 Season
Rhode Island’s 2025-2026 hunting seasons offer something for everyone, from the excitement of spring gobbler season to the challenge of late-season waterfowl. The key changes this year include expanded crossbow opportunities for turkey hunters, increased pintail bag limits, and new guide permit requirements.
Remember to purchase your licenses and permits early, especially for popular seasons like spring turkey. All hunters should double-check specific area regulations before heading out, as individual Wildlife Management Areas may have additional restrictions.
The most important thing is to hunt safely, ethically, and within the regulations. Take time to mentor new hunters, respect private property, and help maintain the positive image of hunting in our small but diverse state.
Whether you’re planning a quick morning duck hunt or a full weekend at one of our management areas, Rhode Island’s hunting opportunities provide excellent ways to connect with nature and continue the sporting traditions that help fund conservation efforts statewide.
Stay safe out there, and make the most of what promises to be another great year of hunting in the Ocean State!
