Rhode Island Deer Season 2025-26
Rhode Island deer season dates start with Sep 15, 2025-Jan 31, 2026. The table below keeps every listed deer row together with zones and notes where available.
Quick answer
Rhode Island's listed 2025-26 archery deer season runs Sep 15, 2025-Jan 31, 2026.
Archery (includes Crossbow) White-tailed Deer opens Oct 1, 2025 and closes Jan 31, 2026.
Archery White-tailed Deer opens Nov 1, 2025 and closes Jan 31, 2026.
The tables below keep the rest of the listed seasons together by species, with source links back to Rhode Island DEM.
Deer
17 listed rowsWhite-tailed Deer
Archery (includes Crossbow) - Youth Only
Youth only
Zone: Zone 1
White-tailed Deer
Archery (includes Crossbow)
Crossbows included
Zone: Zone 1
White-tailed Deer
Archery (includes Crossbow) - Youth Only
Youth only
Zone: Zone 2
White-tailed Deer
Archery (includes Crossbow)
Crossbows included
Zone: Zone 2
White-tailed Deer
Archery
Specific dates: Oct 16, 17, 20-24, 27-31; Check local ordinance; proficiency testing required
Zone: Zone 4 (Block Island)
White-tailed Deer
Archery - Youth Only
Youth only
Zone: Zone 3 (Patience & Prudence Islands)
White-tailed Deer
Muzzleloader - Youth Only
Youth only
Zone: Zones 1 & 2
White-tailed Deer
Special Season for Disabled Hunters
Limited to paraplegic and double amputee hunters only; special permit required
Zone: Zone 3 (Patience & Prudence Islands)
White-tailed Deer
Muzzleloader
Zone: Zones 1 & 2
White-tailed Deer
Archery
Archery only including crossbows; proficiency testing required
Zone: Zone 3 (Patience & Prudence Islands)
White-tailed Deer
Archery, Muzzleloader & Shotgun
Specific dates: Nov 3-7, 10, 12-14, 17, 18, 20, 21, 24, 25; Dec 1, 2, 4, 5, 8-12, 15, 16, 18, 19; Jan 2, 5-9, 12-16, 20-23, 26-30, 2026; Feb 2-6, 9-13, 2026
Zone: Zone 4 (Block Island)
White-tailed Deer
Shotgun
Zone: Zone 1
White-tailed Deer
Shotgun
Zone: Zone 2
White-tailed Deer
Muzzleloader - Late Season
Private land only, antlerless deer only
Zone: Zones 1 & 2
White-tailed Deer
Shotgun - Late Season
Private land only, antlerless deer only
Zone: Zones 1 & 2
White-tailed Deer
Shotgun - Late
Private land only, antlerless deer only
Zone: Zones 1 & 2
White-tailed Deer
Muzzleloader - Late
Private land only, antlerless deer only
Zone: Zones 1 & 2
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Nearby deer seasons
Rhode Island Deer Season FAQ
When does deer season open in Rhode Island?
September 13, 2025 is the earliest listed deer opener in Rhode Island — archery (includes crossbow) - youth only white-tailed deer runs Sep 13-14, 2025. Confirm zone and permit details with Rhode Island DEM.
What are the 2025-26 deer season dates in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island lists 17 deer season windows: Archery (includes Crossbow) - Youth Only White-tailed Deer (Sep 13-14, 2025); Archery (includes Crossbow) White-tailed Deer (Sep 15, 2025-Jan 31, 2026); Archery (includes Crossbow) - Youth Only White-tailed Deer (Sep 27-28, 2025); Archery (includes Crossbow) White-tailed Deer (Oct 1, 2025-Jan 31, 2026); Archery White-tailed Deer (Oct 16-31, 2025); Archery - Youth Only White-tailed Deer (Oct 25-26, 2025); Muzzleloader - Youth Only White-tailed Deer (Oct 25-26, 2025); Special Season for Disabled Hunters White-tailed Deer (Oct 28-31, 2025); and more. Always verify against Rhode Island DEM before hunting.
Are there different deer seasons in Rhode Island?
Yes — Rhode Island lists separate deer seasons for Archery (includes Crossbow) - Youth Only White-tailed Deer, Archery (includes Crossbow) White-tailed Deer, Archery White-tailed Deer, Archery - Youth Only White-tailed Deer, Muzzleloader - Youth Only White-tailed Deer, Special Season for Disabled Hunters White-tailed Deer. Each can carry its own dates, zones, and weapon rules; see the table above and Rhode Island DEM.
Do I need a license to hunt deer in Rhode Island?
Yes. Rhode Island generally requires the appropriate hunting license, and deer hunting may also require tags, permits, stamps, or zone authorizations. Confirm requirements with Rhode Island DEM.