Rhode Island: 2026 hunting seasons, license rules and official links
Run by: RI DEM Division of Fish & Wildlife. Below are the 2026 deer season dates, selected fall turkey, bear and small game dates, and license rules we could read on official pages. It is not a full list of seasons: waterfowl, other small game, trapping and fishing rules are on the official pages linked below.
2026 deer seasons
| Season | Dates (inclusive) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Archery deer (Zones 1 and 2) | Sep 15, 2026 to Jan 31, 2027 | Zone 3 and Block Island (Zone 4) have different dates; see the official abstract. |
| Muzzleloader deer (Zones 1 and 2) | Nov 7, 2026 to Dec 4, 2026 | |
| Shotgun deer (Zones 1 and 2) | Dec 5, 2026 to Dec 31, 2026 | Single projectile only; buckshot is prohibited, per the abstract. |
Source: RI DEM: 2026-27 hunting abstract (PDF). Last verified Oct 17, 2026. Dates can vary by zone, unit or land type; check the official page for your location.
Other fall 2026 seasons: turkey, bear and small game
| Season | Dates (inclusive) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fall turkey, archery | Oct 1, 2026 to Oct 31, 2026 | |
| Pheasant, bobwhite quail (state land) | Oct 17, 2026 to Feb 28, 2027 | Game Bird Permit required for pheasant and quail. |
| Gray and red squirrel | Sep 12, 2026 to Feb 28, 2027 |
The abstract lists ruffed grouse as CLOSED and says season dates are subject to regulatory changes made at the time of printing. Source: RI DEM: 2026-27 hunting abstract (PDF). Last verified Oct 17, 2026. Licenses, permits or stamps may be required for each species; check the official page.
Good to know before you buy a license or head out
- The Rhode Island license year begins March 1 and ends the last day of February.
Source: RI DEM: hunting license, stamp and permit fees. Last verified Oct 17, 2026. - Annual written permission is required to hunt deer on privately owned land (R.I. Gen. Laws 20-15-1(4), as cited in the DEM regulations).
Source: RI DEM hunting and trapping regulations (250-RICR-60-00-9). Last verified Oct 17, 2026. - A valid RI hunting license also serves as a permit to hunt State Management Areas, except where check stations operate or special permits are required (deer, waterfowl, turkey on state lands).
Source: RI DEM: hunting license, stamp and permit fees. Last verified Oct 17, 2026.
Official links (Rhode Island)
- Fish & Wildlife (DEM)
- Online hunting and fishing licenses
- Hunting license, stamp and permit fees
- 2026-27 hunting abstract (PDF)
- Hunting and trapping regulations (RI Dept. of State)
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