Rhode Island 2026-27 Hunting Season Dates
Quick answer
Rhode Island's 2026-27 firearm deer season runs Dec 5-31, 2026 (Zones 1 and 2).
Archery deer season runs Oct 15-16, 2026 (Zone 4 (Block Island/New Shoreham)), plus 2 more segments through Oct 30, 2026.
Spring turkey season runs Apr 29-May 23, 2027.
The tables below keep the rest of the listed seasons together by species, with source links back to Rhode Island DEM.
- firearm deer
- Dec 5-31, 2026
- archery deer
- Oct 15-16, 2026, plus 2 more segments through Oct 30, 2026
- spring turkey
- Apr 29-May 23, 2027
Free Rhode Island wallpaper
Rhode Island 2026-27
Save to Photos → set as your lock screen. See all 50 states →
Get Rhode Island’s dates + next season’s wallpaper in your inbox
Key seasons by species
How to read Rhode Island's seasons
Small state, zone and land rules still matter
Rhode Island packs archery, muzzleloader, and shotgun deer opportunity into a compact calendar, with differences by zone and between private and state land. The method and location drive the practical season.
Confirm zone dates, weapon rules, and any area restrictions with the official Rhode Island DEM source.
We summarize official agency information and link to the source for verification. Regulations can change, and zone details matter. Always confirm final dates, bag limits, permits, and legal requirements with Rhode Island DEM before hunting.
Deer
29 listed rowsWhite-tailed Deer
Archery
Archery season Sept 15 to Jan 31. Deer permit required for each deer taken.
Zone: Zones 1 and 2
White-tailed Deer
Archery
Archery only. Proficiency testing required. Written permission required.
Zone: Zone 3 (Patience and Prudence Islands)
White-tailed Deer
Archery/Muzzleloader/Shotgun (2026-2027)
500 sq in fluorescent orange required except during archery-only portion.
Zone: Zone 4 (Block Island/New Shoreham)
White-tailed Deer
Muzzleloader
First Saturday in November through Friday preceding first Saturday in December. First 2 days require check station visit statewide.
Zone: Zones 1 and 2
White-tailed Deer
Archery/Muzzleloader/Shotgun (2026-2027)
500 sq in fluorescent orange required except during archery-only portion.
Zone: Zone 4 (Block Island/New Shoreham)
White-tailed Deer
Archery/Muzzleloader/Shotgun (2026-2027)
500 sq in fluorescent orange required except during archery-only portion.
Zone: Zone 4 (Block Island/New Shoreham)
White-tailed Deer
Archery/Muzzleloader/Shotgun (2026-2027)
500 sq in fluorescent orange required except during archery-only portion.
Zone: Zone 4 (Block Island/New Shoreham)
White-tailed Deer
Archery/Muzzleloader/Shotgun (2026-2027)
500 sq in fluorescent orange required except during archery-only portion.
Zone: Zone 4 (Block Island/New Shoreham)
White-tailed Deer
Archery/Muzzleloader/Shotgun (2026-2027)
500 sq in fluorescent orange required except during archery-only portion.
Zone: Zone 4 (Block Island/New Shoreham)
White-tailed Deer
Archery/Muzzleloader/Shotgun (2026-2027)
500 sq in fluorescent orange required except during archery-only portion.
Zone: Zone 4 (Block Island/New Shoreham)
White-tailed Deer
Archery/Muzzleloader/Shotgun (2026-2027)
500 sq in fluorescent orange required except during archery-only portion.
Zone: Zone 4 (Block Island/New Shoreham)
White-tailed Deer
Shotgun
First Saturday in December to December 31. First 2 days require check station visit statewide. 500 sq in fluorescent orange required.
Zone: Zones 1 and 2
| Season | Dates | Status |
|---|---|---|
| White-tailed DeerYouth Archery · Zone 3Youth hunters age 12-17. First full weekend following Columbus Day. | dates not listed | Closed |
| White-tailed DeerYouth Muzzleloader · Zones 1 and 2Youth hunters age 12-17. Last full weekend prior to first Saturday in November. | dates not listed | Closed |
| White-tailed DeerYouth Archery · Zones 1 and 2Youth hunters age 12-17. Junior hunters (12-14) must be in immediate company of adult 21+. Adult may not carry firearm or archery equipment. | Closed | |
| White-tailed DeerParaplegic Special Season · Zone 3 (Patience and Prudence Islands)Paraplegic and double amputee hunters only. Shotgun or muzzleloader permitted. Special permit required. | Closed | |
| White-tailed DeerArchery (2026-2027) · Zone 4 (Block Island/New Shoreham)Block Island archery, muzzleloader or shotgun deer permit required. Proficiency testing required for archery. | Closed | |
| White-tailed DeerArchery (2026-2027) · Zone 4 (Block Island/New Shoreham)Block Island archery, muzzleloader or shotgun deer permit required. Proficiency testing required for archery. | Closed | |
| White-tailed DeerArchery (2026-2027) · Zone 4 (Block Island/New Shoreham)Block Island archery, muzzleloader or shotgun deer permit required. Proficiency testing required for archery. | Closed | |
| White-tailed DeerArchery/Muzzleloader/Shotgun (2026-2027) · Zone 4 (Block Island/New Shoreham)500 sq in fluorescent orange required except during archery-only portion. | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerArchery/Muzzleloader/Shotgun (2026-2027) · Zone 4 (Block Island/New Shoreham)500 sq in fluorescent orange required except during archery-only portion. | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerArchery/Muzzleloader/Shotgun (2026-2027) · Zone 4 (Block Island/New Shoreham)500 sq in fluorescent orange required except during archery-only portion. | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerArchery/Muzzleloader/Shotgun (2026-2027) · Zone 4 (Block Island/New Shoreham)500 sq in fluorescent orange required except during archery-only portion. | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerArchery/Muzzleloader/Shotgun (2026-2027) · Zone 4 (Block Island/New Shoreham)500 sq in fluorescent orange required except during archery-only portion. | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerArchery/Muzzleloader/Shotgun (2026-2027) · Zone 4 (Block Island/New Shoreham)500 sq in fluorescent orange required except during archery-only portion. | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerArchery/Muzzleloader/Shotgun (2026-2027) · Zone 4 (Block Island/New Shoreham)500 sq in fluorescent orange required except during archery-only portion. | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerArchery/Muzzleloader/Shotgun (2026-2027) · Zone 4 (Block Island/New Shoreham)500 sq in fluorescent orange required except during archery-only portion. | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerArchery/Muzzleloader/Shotgun (2026-2027) · Zone 4 (Block Island/New Shoreham)500 sq in fluorescent orange required except during archery-only portion. | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerArchery/Muzzleloader/Shotgun (2026-2027) · Zone 4 (Block Island/New Shoreham)500 sq in fluorescent orange required except during archery-only portion. | Upcoming |
Turkey
Wild Turkey
Paraplegic Spring
Paraplegic hunters only (permanent disability hunting license required). Assistants cannot hunt or carry firearms. Spring Turkey Permit required.
Zone: Statewide
Wild Turkey
Youth Spring
Youth hunters age 12-17. Junior hunters (12-14) must be with adult 21+. Adult cannot carry firearm or hunt turkey.
Zone: Statewide
Wild Turkey
Spring (Statewide)
Shooting hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1:00 PM EDT. Separate turkey permit required. Calling device (non-electric) required.
Zone: Statewide
Wild Turkey
Fall Archery
Archery only. No firearms permitted during fall archery season. Shooting hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise until sunset. Bow hunter education required.
Zone: Statewide
Waterfowl
Active Military/Veterans Waterfowl (ducks, mergansers, coots, geese, brant)
Special Military/Veteran Season
Active military and veterans only. Proof of eligibility required. HIP permit, State Waterfowl Stamp, and Federal Duck Stamp required.
Zone: Statewide
Brant
General
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Non-toxic shot required.
Zone: Statewide
Canada Goose
Late Season
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Limited geographic area north and west of described boundary line. Areas south and east of demarcation line are closed during February Late Season.
Zone: Providence, Bristol, Kent Counties and portions of Washington County
Canada Goose
Regular Season
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Two separate segments. Special permits and blind reservations required for South Shore Management Area. HIP permit, State Waterfowl Stamp and Federal Duck Stamp required.
Zone: Statewide
Canada Goose
Special September Season
Shooting hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset. HIP permit, State Waterfowl Stamp and Federal Duck Stamp required.
Zone: Statewide
Ducks, Coots, Mergansers
General (3 segments)
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Three segments. Duck bag includes restrictions: 4 mallards (2 hen), 3 wood ducks, 2 redheads, 2 black ducks, 3 pintail, 2 canvasbacks, 1 scaup first 40 days/2 scaup last 20 days, 4 sea ducks. Harlequin ducks closed. Non-toxic shot required.
Zone: Statewide
Snow Goose (including Blue Goose)
General
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Season runs concurrent with and extends before Regular Canada Goose season end.
Zone: Statewide
Youth Waterfowl (ducks, mergansers, coots, geese, brant)
Youth Season
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Youth hunters age 12-17. Adults accompanying youth are prohibited from hunting. Junior hunters (12-14) must be with adult 21+. HIP permit, State Waterfowl Stamp and Federal Duck Stamp required for accompanying adults.
Zone: Statewide
Dove
Mourning Dove / Eurasian Collared-Dove
Second Segment
Shooting hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise until sunset. Possession limit = 3x daily bag limit.
Zone: Statewide
Mourning Dove / Eurasian Collared-Dove
First Segment
Shooting hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise until sunset. Possession limit = 3x daily bag limit.
Zone: Statewide
Pheasant
Ring-necked Pheasant
General
Game Bird Permit required.
Zone: Statewide (except Block Island)
Ring-necked Pheasant (Block Island 2026-2027)
General
Non-toxic shot required. Game Bird Permit required.
Zone: Zone 4 (New Shoreham/Block Island)
Ring-necked Pheasant (Block Island 2026-2027)
General
Non-toxic shot required. Game Bird Permit required.
Zone: Zone 4 (New Shoreham/Block Island)
Ring-necked Pheasant (Block Island 2026-2027)
General
Non-toxic shot required. Game Bird Permit required.
Zone: Zone 4 (New Shoreham/Block Island)
Ring-necked Pheasant (Block Island 2026-2027)
General
Non-toxic shot required. Game Bird Permit required.
Zone: Zone 4 (New Shoreham/Block Island)
Ring-necked Pheasant (Block Island 2026-2027)
General
Non-toxic shot required. Game Bird Permit required.
Zone: Zone 4 (New Shoreham/Block Island)
Ring-necked Pheasant
Youth Season
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Youth hunters age 12-17. Game Bird Permit required. Adults cannot carry firearms or hunt pheasant. Firearm youth hunters age 15-17 must be with adult 21+.
Zone: Great Swamp MA, Durfee Hill MA, Eight Rod Farm MA only
Quail
Bobwhite Quail
General
Game Bird Permit required.
Zone: Statewide
Grouse
Ruffed Grouse
General
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Season is closed.
Zone: Statewide
Rabbit
Cottontail Rabbit
General
Shooting hours sunrise to sunset.
Zone: Statewide
Squirrel
Gray Squirrel / Red Squirrel
General
Shooting hours sunrise to sunset.
Zone: Statewide
Furbearer
Beaver
Trapping (Private Land)
Special Beaver Trapping Permit (no fee) required plus RI Trapping License. All beaver pelts must be presented for tagging. Setting traps within 10 ft of beaver lodge prohibited.
Zone: Private Land
Coyote
Trapping (State Lands)
No closed season on private lands. Foothold traps and snares prohibited. RI Trapping License required.
Zone: State Lands
Gray Fox, Red Fox, Mink, Muskrat, Opossum, Cottontail Rabbit, Gray Squirrel, Red Squirrel, Raccoon, Skunk, Weasel
Trapping
RI Trapping License required. Traps may not be set prior to sunrise on opening day. All traps must be removed by last day of season.
Zone: Statewide
Beaver
Trapping (State Management Areas)
Special Beaver Trapping Permit (no fee) required plus RI Trapping License. All beaver pelts must be presented for tagging.
Zone: State Management Areas
Fisher
Trapping
Special Fisher Trapping Permit (no fee) required plus RI Trapping License. All fisher pelts must be tagged; carcass must be turned in to RI Division of Fish and Wildlife. Trapping log required.
Zone: Statewide
Small Game
Raccoon
General
Season starts at 6:00 PM October 1. On Prudence and Patience Islands limited to January 1 through last day of February with written permission. Special shooting restrictions at night.
Zone: Statewide
Woodchuck
General (State Lands)
No closed season on private lands. Season on state lands is third Saturday in October to last day in February.
Zone: State Lands
Red Fox / Gray Fox
General
Shooting hours sunrise to sunset.
Zone: Statewide
Migratory Birds
American Woodcock
General
Shooting hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise until sunset.
Zone: Statewide
Common Snipe
General
Shooting hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise until sunset. Non-toxic shot required.
Zone: Statewide
Crow
Second Segment
Shooting hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset. Patience Island closed. Prudence Island Heritage property closed during archery only deer season.
Zone: Statewide
Rail (King/Clapper/Sora/Virginia)
General
Shooting hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise until sunset. Non-toxic shot required.
Zone: Statewide
Crow
Third Segment (Fri/Sat/Sun only)
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only. Shooting hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset.
Zone: Statewide
Crow
First Segment (Fri/Sat/Sun only)
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only. Shooting hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset. Patience Island closed to crow hunting. Prudence Island Heritage property closed during open archery only deer season.
Zone: Statewide
Coyote
Coyote
General (State Lands)
No closed season on private lands. Also open during spring turkey hunting season on state lands. Shooting hours state lands: 1/2 hr before sunrise to 1/2 hr after sunset. Private lands: 1/2 hr before sunrise to midnight. 200 sq in fluorescent orange required on state lands from 3rd Saturday Oct to last day Feb; 500 sq in during shotgun deer season.
Zone: State Lands
Other
Green Frog / Bullfrog
General
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Season closed June 1 through July 31. Methods: hand, dip nets, spearing, hook and line, or bow and arrow. RI Fishing, Hunting or Trapping License required.
Zone: Statewide
Snapping Turtle
General
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Season closed May 15 through July 15. Minimum 13 inch straight-line carapace length. Methods: turtle traps, hand, dip nets, snagging, or bow and arrow. Commercial taking prohibited. RI Fishing, Hunting or Trapping License required.
Zone: Statewide
The Friday Hunting Briefing.
Gear deals worth grabbing, the week's hunting news, and field-tested picks — curated every Friday by a hunter, for hunters. Free, unsubscribe anytime.
🎯 While you wait for opening day
Practice in Hunting Homestead
Build a property, plant food plots, and take shots with real ballistics in our free browser game. No download — season's always open.
Rhode Island Hunting Season FAQ
When does deer season start in Rhode Island?
Archery deer season runs Oct 15-16, 2026 (Zone 4 (Block Island/New Shoreham)), plus 2 more segments through Oct 30, 2026. Firearm deer season runs Dec 5-31, 2026 (Zones 1 and 2). Dates can differ by zone and permit; confirm with Rhode Island DEM.
When is Rhode Island's firearm deer season?
Firearm deer season runs Dec 5-31, 2026 (Zones 1 and 2). Check zone and permit details with Rhode Island DEM before hunting.
When does spring turkey open in Rhode Island?
Spring turkey season runs Apr 29-May 23, 2027. Youth and other special hunts, where listed, open earlier.
Do I need a license to hunt in Rhode Island?
Yes. Hunters generally need the appropriate Rhode Island hunting license, and some seasons may require tags, permits, stamps, or zone-specific authorizations. Confirm final requirements with Rhode Island DEM.