Rhode Island Waterfowl Season 2026
Rhode Island waterfowl season dates start with Nov 10-11, 2026. The table below keeps every listed waterfowl row together with zones and notes where available.
Quick answer
Rhode Island's listed 2026 waterfowl season runs Nov 10-11, 2026.
The tables below keep the rest of the listed seasons together by species, with source links back to Rhode Island DEM.
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
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Nearby waterfowl seasons
Rhode Island Waterfowl Season FAQ
When does waterfowl season open in Rhode Island?
September 1, 2026 is the earliest listed waterfowl opener in Rhode Island — special september season canada goose runs Sep 1-30, 2026. Confirm zone and permit details with Rhode Island DEM.
What are the 2026 waterfowl season dates in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island lists 2 waterfowl season windows: Special Military/Veteran Season Active Military/Veterans Waterfowl (ducks, mergansers, coots, geese, brant) (Nov 10-11, 2026); Special September Season Canada Goose (Sep 1-30, 2026). Always verify against Rhode Island DEM before hunting.
Are there different waterfowl seasons in Rhode Island?
Yes — Rhode Island lists separate waterfowl seasons for Special Military/Veteran Season Active Military/Veterans Waterfowl (ducks, mergansers, coots, geese, brant), Special September Season Canada Goose. 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 waterfowl in Rhode Island?
Yes. Rhode Island generally requires the appropriate hunting license, and waterfowl hunting may also require tags, permits, stamps, or zone authorizations. Confirm requirements with Rhode Island DEM.