This page of Rhode Island hunting seasons is updated annually. While Thepredatorhunter.com focuses on coyotes, fox, and bobcats, it is hoped other game hunters will take up predator hunting as well.
Purchase a Rhode Island hunting license here.
There is no open season for bobcats in Rhode Island, however, the coyotes and foxes can be taken in the state. Please click on the pages below to learn more.
Learn the rules for hunting coyotes in Rhode Island.
Learn the rules for hunting fox in Rhode Island.
Aug 2, 2022 news update: Hunting permits available for summer deer season.
Rhode Island hunting seasons for turkey 2022-2023.
| Fall Archery Turkey Season | October 1 – 31 |
| Youth Turkey Season | April 17 – 23, 2023 |
| Disabled Turkey Season | April 22 – 23, 2023 |
| Spring Turkey Season | April 27 – May 21, 2023 |
Rhode Island hunting seasons for deer 2022-2023.
| Archery and Crossbow | September 10 – 11 (Youth only, Zone 1) September 24 – 25 (Youth only, Zone 2) September 15 – January 31, 2023 (Zone 1) October 1 – January 31, 2023 (Zone 2) |
| Archery: Patience and Prudence Islands (Zone 3) | October 29 – 30 (Youth only) November 1 – January 31, 2023 |
| Archery: Block Island (Zone 4) | October 11-14, 17-21, 24-28, 31 (Check local ordinance) |
| Muzzleloader | October 29 – 30 (Youth only Zones 1, 2) November 5 – 27 (Zones 1, 2) December 26 – January 2, 2023 (Zones 1, 2 Private land only, antlerless deer only) |
| Shotgun | December 3 – 18 (Zone 1) December 3 – 11 (Zone 2) December 26 – January 2, 2023 (Zones 1, 2 – Private land only, antlerless deer only) |
| Archery, Shotgun & Muzzle loader: Block Island (Zone 4) | November 1-4, 7-10, 14, 15, 17, 18, 21, 22, 28-30 December 1, 2, 5-9, 12-16, 19, 20, 22, 23 January 2-6, 9-13, 17-20, 23-27, 30, 31, 2023 February 1-3, 6-10, 13-17, 2023 |
| Disabled Hunters: Prudence and Patience Islands (Zone 3) | October 25 – 28 |
Rhode Island hunting seasons for Goose 2022-2023.
| Early Season Canada Goose | September 1 – 30 |
| Regular Season Canada Goose | November 19 – 27, and December 3 – January 22, 2023. |
| Late Season Canada Goose | January 28 – February 11, 2023. |
| Snow Goose | October 9 – January 23, 2022 |
Rhode Island’s hunting FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Am I required to complete a hunter education course to legally hunt in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island law states that no license to hunt shall be issued to any person unless that person has held a license in a prior year or unless that person presents a hunter education card issued by Rhode Island or under an equivalent hunter safety program adopted by any other state. Persons who are serving in or have been honorably discharged from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps or Coast Guard are exempt from the hunter education requirement.
Q: Can I obtain a Rhode Island hunting license by providing a hunting license issued by another state?
Yes. You must have a previous hunting license or a hunter education certificate/card from any state.
Q: What about a bowhunter license?
A previous Rhode Island bowhunter license or a bowhunter education certificate/card from any state is required for those individuals who wish to hunt using archery gear. Those individuals who intend to hunt exclusively with bow and arrow may obtain an “Archery Only” license by completing a bowhunter education course. Those individuals who wish to hunt with firearms, AND archery gear must complete both courses.
Q: Do I need an archery proficiency card to bowhunt for deer?
Most mainland archers do not need an archery proficiency card. Individuals who wish to hunt deer with bow and arrow on Prudence Island, Patience Island, Block Island, Beavertail or in the Town of Lincoln must hold an Archery Proficiency card.
Q: How old do I have to be to take the courses?
There is no minimum age requirement to enroll in the hunter education course or bowhunter education course. The student must be mature enough to understand the information presented, pass the written exam and participate in practical exercises as required. The student must also demonstrate to the satisfaction of the instructor that they possess the skills and attitude to responsibly and safely participate in hunting activity.
Q: How old do I have to be to hunt in Rhode Island?
Persons age 12 to 14 who have completed a course may obtain a junior hunting license and may hunt in the immediate company of a qualified licensed adult twenty-one years of age or older. An individual may hunt unsupervised at 15 years of age.
Q: Who teaches the courses and when and where are they held?
The courses are taught by volunteer instructors in conjunction with the Rhode Island Division of Fish & Wildlife. Courses are held at sportsmen’s clubs, community centers and other public meeting places. Hunter and Bowhunter Education Courses are held in the evenings and on weekends throughout the year, with the majority of courses held in August, September and October. The Hunter Education and Bowhunter Education courses can also be completed online with an in-person testing component for certification.
Q: Is there a fee to take the courses?
There is no fee to participate in the classroom course. All materials are provided free of charge. For the online courses there is a fee of $19.95 for the Hunter Education Course and a fee of $30 for the Bowhunter Education Course.
Q: How long are the courses and what do they include?
The hunter education course entails a minimum of 10 hours of classroom participation and includes such topics as hunter responsibility, principles of wildlife management, firearms, wildlife laws and identification, game care, specialty hunting, outdoor emergencies and survival, water safety and hypothermia. The Bowhunter Education Course is a one day course (approximately 8 hours) covering topics specific to bowhunting, including fundamentals of bowhunting, safety issues, how an arrow works, bowhunting equipment, tree stand use, shot placement and blood trailing.
Q: Will I shoot a gun and/or bow in the courses.
Live fire is not mandatory in either course. About half of our hunter education courses include a live fire exercise where you will actually fire a gun. Some of our bowhunter education courses offer proficiency testing at the conclusion of the course for those who desire to participate. Again, this exercise is not required to pass the course.
Q: Will my Rhode Island Hunter Education or Bowhunter Education Card be accepted in another state?
Yes. If you are a RI resident, your Rhode Island hunter education cards are accepted throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico. If you are not a RI resident, please check with your state’s Hunter Education office to see what is accepted in your state.
Q: Can I use my Rhode Island Hunter Education Course Card in lieu of the Pistol/Revolver Certification Card (Blue Card) to purchase a hand gun?
Yes. A Rhode Island Hunter Education Course card can be used in lieu of a Blue Card to purchase a handgun. See RIGL 11-47-35 section 2C.
Q: If I lost my Hunter Education card, can I get a duplicate?
The hunter education office has student records dating back to 1973 and will provide a duplicate card if your name is on record. If you successfully completed a Hunter Education or Bowhunter Education course in Rhode Island and are in need of a duplicate card, please contact the Hunter Education Office at (401)539-0019.
Do you have a list of deer processors and taxidermists?
Yes. You can find a list of deer processors and taxidermists here.