When does deer season start in Rhode Island?

No current deer opener is listed for Rhode Island yet. Check Rhode Island DEM for the latest published dates.

When is Rhode Island's firearm deer season?

Rhode Island does not have a firearm deer row in the current data set yet. Check Rhode Island DEM for firearm, rifle, or general deer season details.

When does spring turkey open in Rhode Island?

A current spring turkey opener is not listed for Rhode Island yet. Check Rhode Island DEM for the latest turkey dates.

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.

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Rhode Island Waterfowl Season 2025-26

Rhode Island waterfowl season dates start with Oct 10, 2025-Jan 25, 2026. The table below keeps every listed waterfowl row together with zones and notes where available.

Quick answer

Rhode Island's listed 2025-26 waterfowl season runs Oct 10, 2025-Jan 25, 2026.

Regular Season Ducks opens Oct 10, 2025 and closes Jan 25, 2026.

Regular Season Mergansers opens Oct 10, 2025 and closes Jan 25, 2026.

The tables below keep the rest of the listed seasons together by species, with source links back to Rhode Island DEM.

Last verified: June 15, 2026 · Source: Rhode Island DEM

Waterfowl

14 listed rows

Brant

Regular Season

Closed

—

Dec 27, 2025-Jan 25, 2026

Season remains 30 days; bag limit remains 1

Zone: Statewide

Canada Goose

Early Season

Closed

—

Sep 1-30, 2025

Shooting hours 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset for September season only

Zone: Statewide

Canada Goose

Regular Season

Closed

—

Nov 22, 2025-Jan 25, 2026

Dates: November 22-30 and December 6-January 25, 2026; Special permits required for South Shore Management Area; field reservations required

Zone: Statewide

Canada Goose

Late Season

Closed

—

Jan 31-Feb 14, 2026

Limited to specific counties as described in RIHR 9.11(B)(3)(d)

Zone: Providence, Bristol, Kent counties and portions of Washington County

Coots

Regular Season

Closed

—

Oct 10, 2025-Jan 25, 2026

Same season dates as ducks

Zone: Statewide

Ducks

Regular Season

Closed

—

Oct 10, 2025-Jan 25, 2026

Dates: Oct 10-13, Nov 26-30, Dec 6-Jan 25, 2026. Mallard 4 (2 hens), Black Duck 2, Canvasback 2, Pintail 3, Redhead 2, Wood Duck 3, Scaup see restrictions, Sea Ducks see restrictions, Other 6

Zone: Statewide

Ducks, Sea Ducks, Mergansers, Coots

Youth Waterfowl

Closed

—

Oct 25-26, 2025

Open to youth hunters age 12-17 accompanied by a licensed adult 21 years or older. May take ducks, sea ducks, geese, and brant.

Zone: Statewide

Ducks, Sea Ducks, Mergansers, Coots - Youth

Youth Waterfowl

Closed

—

Oct 25-26, 2025

Open to youth hunters age 12-17 accompanied by licensed adult 21 years of age or older

Zone: Statewide

Mergansers

Regular Season

Closed

—

Oct 10, 2025-Jan 25, 2026

Same season dates as ducks

Zone: Statewide

Scaup

Regular Season

Closed

—

Oct 10, 2025-Jan 5, 2026

Dates: Oct 10-13, Nov 26-30, Dec 6-Jan 5, 2026; Jan 6-25 bag limit increases to 2

Zone: Statewide

Scaup

Late Season

Closed

—

Jan 6-25, 2026

Zone: Statewide

Sea Ducks

Regular Season

Closed

—

Oct 10, 2025-Jan 25, 2026

No more than 3 Scoter, 3 Eider (1 hen), or 3 Long-tailed Ducks; no longer a special sea duck season

Zone: Statewide

Show 2 more waterfowl rows

Snow Goose (including Blue Goose)

Regular Season

Closed

—

Oct 11, 2025-Jan 25, 2026

No possession limit

Zone: Statewide

Waterfowl (Youth)

Youth Waterfowl

Closed

—

Oct 25-26, 2025

Open to youth hunters age 12-17 accompanied by licensed adult 21 years or older; may take ducks, sea ducks, geese, and brant

Zone: Statewide