We set out to create the most simplified guide to Rhode Island hunting seasons for 2023.
Want to find out season dates, learn about regulations and bag limits, understand license requirements, and get access helpful links?
Then you’ll love the info outlined in today’s guide. Let’s dive right in.
Rhode Island Hunting Season Dates
Rhode Island, while small, has a lot of hunting opportunities. The state has coastal shrublands, forestlands, and grasslands. Hunting opportunities include Whitetail deer, waterfowl, small game, and upland bird hunting.
Rhode Island Deer Season 2023
Season
Dates
Archery (includes Crossbow)
September 11 - 12 (Youth only, Zone 1) September 25 - 26 (Youth only, Zone 2) September 15 - January 31, 2022 (Zone 1) October 1 - January 31, 2022 (Zone 2)
Archery: Patience & Prudence Islands (Zone 3)
October 30 - 31 (Youth only) November 1 - January 31, 2022
Archery: Block Island (Zone 4)
October 12-15, 18-22, 25-29 (Check local ordinance)
Muzzleloader
October 30 - 31 (Youth only Zones 1, 2) November 6 - 28 (Zones 1, 2) December 26 - January 2, 2022 (Zones 1, 2 Private land only, antlerless deer only)
Shotgun
December 4 - 19 (Zone 1) December 4 - 12 (Zone 2) December 26 - January 2, 2022 (Zones 1, 2 - Private land only, antlerless deer only)
Archery, Muzzleloader, Shotgun (Zone 4)
November 1-5, 8-10, 12, 15, 16, 18, 19, 22, 23, 29, 30 December 1-3, 6, 7, 9, 10, 13 January 3, 4, 6, 7, 10, 11, 13, 14, 18, 20, 21, 24-28, 31, 2022 February 1-4, 7-11, 14-18, 2022
Special Season for Disabled Hunters: Patience & Prudence Islands (Zone 3)
October 26 - 29
Rhode Island Wild Turkey Season 2023
Fall Archery: October 1, 2023 - October 31, 2023
Spring Gobbler: April 28, 2023 - May 22, 2023
Rhode Island Hunting Zones 2023
See the map below for a breakdown of RI's hunting zones:
Rhode Island Bag Limits by Zone 2023
Zone 1 bag limit: 3 Antlerless Deer
Zone 2 bag limit: 2 Antlerless Deer
Zone 3 bag limit: 2 Antlerless Deer
Zone 4 bag limit: Unlimited Antlerless Deer
Statewide bag limit: 2 Antlered Deer, (Zone 3: no more than 1 Antlered Deer)
Rhode Island Hunting License 2023
License and Permits
Fee (online)
Fee (at vendor)
Resident Hunting License
$21.00
$23.00
Resident Trapping License
$15.00
$17.00
Non-Resident Hunting License
$55.00
$58.00
Non-Resident Trapping License
$50.00
$53.00
Resident All Outdoors Package Permit (see note 1)
$78.00
$81.00
Resident Deer Permit (see note 2)
$13.00
$13.50
Non-Resident Deer Permit (see note 2)
$26.50
$27.50
Resident Turkey Permit
$8.00
$8.50
Non-Resident Turkey Permit
$21.50
$22.50
The All Outdoors Deer Permit Package consists of two (2) antlered deer permits and five (5) antlerless deer permits that may be used in any combination during the open deer seasons in Zones 1 and 2 in accordance with the zone bag limits.
Deer permits are season, sex, weapon, and zone specific.
Non-Residents pay a $1.00 Enhanced access fee ($18.00 Gamebird Permit and $9.00 State Waterfowl Stamp)
Rhode Island Hunting Regulations 2023
Antlerless deer definition: has no antlers or antlers that are less than 3 inches.
Hunters must wear orange - yes, archers too.
Helpful Resources
Official State Site: http://www.dem.ri.gov/programs/managementservices/licenses/hunting-licenses.php
FAQs
Can you hunt on Sundays in Rhode Island?
Yes you can hunt on Sundays in RI.
When does hunting season start in RI?
RI's hunting season starts as early as September 11 for deer in some zones.
Can you buy a rhode island hunting license online?
Yes, you can buy a RI hunting license here: https://www.ri.gov/DEM/huntfish
