Rhode Island Hunting Regulations 2026–2027

Explore Rhode Island hunting and trapping season records by species, method, zone and hunter category, with official licensing, access and reporting resources.

Coverage: The table contains all 264 season records across 39 species supplied in the saved Hunterizer season snapshot received October 17, 2026. Mainland, island, property, eligibility, permit and method restrictions apply.

Match the location, species, legal game, method, hunter category, license and tag to each record before using its dates. Open the record’s rules, limits and requirements, and compare them with the current official agency rules linked below. The saved snapshot does not replace current official regulations or property-specific conditions.

Rhode Island hunting season records

264 season records · 39 species

Dates represented in this dataset: 2026-03-01 to 2027-05-31. This range describes the saved data. Check the dates, area and requirements in each individual record.

Type or choose a species. Choose All species or clear the species field to browse every species. Open each record’s rules for limits, equipment and other requirements. A blank source field is shown as Not supplied; it does not mean no requirement applies.

50 records per page

Showing 1–50 of 73 matching records. 264 total records.

All 264 records are available through the filters and page controls. Season rules can differ between records with the same dates and zone.
SpeciesMethodZone, hunter category and rulesDates
DeerArchery
2

Hunter category: {junior}

Rules, limits and requirements
Daily bag limit
1 per permit; see season totals
Possession limit
Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 2 antlerless 2. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas.
Shooting hours
30 minutes before sunrise – 30 minutes after sunset
Licenses, tags and validations
RI hunting license and season/zone-appropriate deer permit for each harvest.
Hunter orange
200 sq in solid fluorescent orange above waist, visible all directions; 500 sq in during shotgun deer seasons. Archery-only areas exempt. Pop-up blinds during firearm deer season also require 200 sq in displayed outside.
Allowed equipment
Long/recurve/compound bow ≥40 lb fixed broadhead or ≥50 lb mechanical; crossbow ≥125 lb with working safety; broadhead ≥7/8 in and ≥2 metal cutting edges. Bowhunter education required.
After the harvest
Immediately notch month/day/hour and attach tag before moving deer. Retain head as antler evidence; tag separated parts/head as required. Report to DEM/EPO within 24 hours; record confirmation on tag. November 7–8 and December 5–6: all deer harvested by any method must be physically checked, except Patience, Prudence and Block Island; keep whole/field dressed, not quartered.
Additional rules and notes
Youth ages 12–17 only. Ages 12–14 accompanied by licensed adult 21+; firearm hunters 15–17 accompanied by qualified adult 21+. Accompanying adults may not hunt in the youth hunt. Deer management zone 2. Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 2 antlerless 2. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas. Annual written private-land permission carried. Private permission, local firearm ordinances, and property-specific closures, access permits and weapon restrictions apply; see §9.16. No drones, laser sights, infrared or night vision for hunting/recovery. No bait except expressly permitted coyote/trapping bait.
Year-round flag
No
2026-09-12 to 2026-09-13
DeerArchery
1

Hunter category: {junior}

Rules, limits and requirements
Daily bag limit
1 per permit; see season totals
Possession limit
Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 1 antlerless 3. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas.
Shooting hours
30 minutes before sunrise – 30 minutes after sunset
Licenses, tags and validations
RI hunting license and season/zone-appropriate deer permit for each harvest.
Hunter orange
200 sq in solid fluorescent orange above waist, visible all directions; 500 sq in during shotgun deer seasons. Archery-only areas exempt. Pop-up blinds during firearm deer season also require 200 sq in displayed outside.
Allowed equipment
Long/recurve/compound bow ≥40 lb fixed broadhead or ≥50 lb mechanical; crossbow ≥125 lb with working safety; broadhead ≥7/8 in and ≥2 metal cutting edges. Bowhunter education required.
After the harvest
Immediately notch month/day/hour and attach tag before moving deer. Retain head as antler evidence; tag separated parts/head as required. Report to DEM/EPO within 24 hours; record confirmation on tag. November 7–8 and December 5–6: all deer harvested by any method must be physically checked, except Patience, Prudence and Block Island; keep whole/field dressed, not quartered.
Additional rules and notes
Youth ages 12–17 only. Ages 12–14 accompanied by licensed adult 21+; firearm hunters 15–17 accompanied by qualified adult 21+. Accompanying adults may not hunt in the youth hunt. Deer management zone 1. Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 1 antlerless 3. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas. Annual written private-land permission carried. Private permission, local firearm ordinances, and property-specific closures, access permits and weapon restrictions apply; see §9.16. No drones, laser sights, infrared or night vision for hunting/recovery. No bait except expressly permitted coyote/trapping bait.
Year-round flag
No
2026-09-12 to 2026-09-13
DeerArchery
2
Rules, limits and requirements
Daily bag limit
1 per permit; see season totals
Possession limit
Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 2 antlerless 2. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas.
Shooting hours
30 minutes before sunrise – 30 minutes after sunset
Licenses, tags and validations
RI hunting license and season/zone-appropriate deer permit for each harvest.
Hunter orange
Archery exempt except muzzleloader season: 200 sq in travelling to/from elevated stand, exempt in elevated stand; shotgun season: 500 sq in. 200 sq in solid fluorescent orange above waist, visible all directions; 500 sq in during shotgun deer seasons. Archery-only areas exempt. Pop-up blinds during firearm deer season also require 200 sq in displayed outside.
Allowed equipment
Long/recurve/compound bow ≥40 lb fixed broadhead or ≥50 lb mechanical; crossbow ≥125 lb with working safety; broadhead ≥7/8 in and ≥2 metal cutting edges. Bowhunter education required.
After the harvest
Immediately notch month/day/hour and attach tag before moving deer. Retain head as antler evidence; tag separated parts/head as required. Report to DEM/EPO within 24 hours; record confirmation on tag. November 7–8 and December 5–6: all deer harvested by any method must be physically checked, except Patience, Prudence and Block Island; keep whole/field dressed, not quartered.
Additional rules and notes
Deer management zone 2. Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 2 antlerless 2. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas. Annual written private-land permission carried. Private permission, local firearm ordinances, and property-specific closures, access permits and weapon restrictions apply; see §9.16. No drones, laser sights, infrared or night vision for hunting/recovery. No bait except expressly permitted coyote/trapping bait.
Year-round flag
No
2026-09-15 to 2027-01-31
DeerArchery
1
Rules, limits and requirements
Daily bag limit
1 per permit; see season totals
Possession limit
Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 1 antlerless 3. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas.
Shooting hours
30 minutes before sunrise – 30 minutes after sunset
Licenses, tags and validations
RI hunting license and season/zone-appropriate deer permit for each harvest.
Hunter orange
Archery exempt except muzzleloader season: 200 sq in travelling to/from elevated stand, exempt in elevated stand; shotgun season: 500 sq in. 200 sq in solid fluorescent orange above waist, visible all directions; 500 sq in during shotgun deer seasons. Archery-only areas exempt. Pop-up blinds during firearm deer season also require 200 sq in displayed outside.
Allowed equipment
Long/recurve/compound bow ≥40 lb fixed broadhead or ≥50 lb mechanical; crossbow ≥125 lb with working safety; broadhead ≥7/8 in and ≥2 metal cutting edges. Bowhunter education required.
After the harvest
Immediately notch month/day/hour and attach tag before moving deer. Retain head as antler evidence; tag separated parts/head as required. Report to DEM/EPO within 24 hours; record confirmation on tag. November 7–8 and December 5–6: all deer harvested by any method must be physically checked, except Patience, Prudence and Block Island; keep whole/field dressed, not quartered.
Additional rules and notes
Deer management zone 1. Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 1 antlerless 3. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas. Annual written private-land permission carried. Private permission, local firearm ordinances, and property-specific closures, access permits and weapon restrictions apply; see §9.16. No drones, laser sights, infrared or night vision for hunting/recovery. No bait except expressly permitted coyote/trapping bait.
Year-round flag
No
2026-09-15 to 2027-01-31
DeerGeneral
3

Hunter category: {disabled}

Rules, limits and requirements
Daily bag limit
1 per permit; see season totals
Possession limit
Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 3 antlerless 2. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas.
Shooting hours
30 minutes before sunrise – 30 minutes after sunset
Licenses, tags and validations
RI hunting license and season/zone-appropriate deer permit for each harvest. DEM special disabled deer permit.
Hunter orange
200 sq in solid fluorescent orange above waist, visible all directions; 500 sq in during shotgun deer seasons. Archery-only areas exempt. Pop-up blinds during firearm deer season also require 200 sq in displayed outside.
Allowed equipment
10/12/16/20 gauge shotgun, capacity max 5 shells, single slug/sabot; no buckshot. Qualifying ≥.45 muzzleloader also allowed with shotgun deer permit. Archery requires archery permit. Single/double barrel muzzleloader ≥.45; single projectile muzzle-loaded; caplock/flintlock/in-line; sabot permitted; no modern shotgun shells.
After the harvest
Immediately notch month/day/hour and attach tag before moving deer. Retain head as antler evidence; tag separated parts/head as required. Report to DEM/EPO within 24 hours; record confirmation on tag. November 7–8 and December 5–6: all deer harvested by any method must be physically checked, except Patience, Prudence and Block Island; keep whole/field dressed, not quartered.
Additional rules and notes
Paraplegic/double amputee hunters only; special permit; assistants may not hunt/carry loaded firearm. Deer management zone 3. Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 3 antlerless 2. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas. Annual written private-land permission carried. Private permission, local firearm ordinances, and property-specific closures, access permits and weapon restrictions apply; see §9.16. No drones, laser sights, infrared or night vision for hunting/recovery. No bait except expressly permitted coyote/trapping bait. Prudence/Patience Islands: archery proficiency required on all lands; Prudence written private permission countersigned by Portsmouth Police. Heritage property available throughout Zone 3 deer season.
Year-round flag
No
2026-10-13 to 2026-10-16
DeerArchery
4
Rules, limits and requirements
Daily bag limit
1 per permit; see season totals
Possession limit
Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 4 antlerless unlimited. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas.
Shooting hours
30 minutes before sunrise – 30 minutes after sunset
Licenses, tags and validations
RI hunting license and season/zone-appropriate deer permit for each harvest.
Hunter orange
Exempt during archery-only portion.
Allowed equipment
Long/recurve/compound bow ≥40 lb fixed broadhead or ≥50 lb mechanical; crossbow ≥125 lb with working safety; broadhead ≥7/8 in and ≥2 metal cutting edges. Bowhunter education required.
After the harvest
Immediately notch month/day/hour and attach tag before moving deer. Retain head as antler evidence; tag separated parts/head as required. Report to DEM/EPO within 24 hours; record confirmation on tag. November 7–8 and December 5–6: all deer harvested by any method must be physically checked, except Patience, Prudence and Block Island; keep whole/field dressed, not quartered.
Additional rules and notes
Deer management zone 4. Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 4 antlerless unlimited. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas. Annual written private-land permission carried. Private permission, local firearm ordinances, and property-specific closures, access permits and weapon restrictions apply; see §9.16. No drones, laser sights, infrared or night vision for hunting/recovery. No bait except expressly permitted coyote/trapping bait. Block Island: police-countersigned landowner permission; special Block Island method permit; archery proficiency on all lands. Black Rock/Rodman Hollow state lands special lottery permit and hunt log required.
Year-round flag
No
2026-10-15 to 2026-10-16
DeerArchery
3

Hunter category: {junior}

Rules, limits and requirements
Daily bag limit
1 per permit; see season totals
Possession limit
Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 3 antlerless 2. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas.
Shooting hours
30 minutes before sunrise – 30 minutes after sunset
Licenses, tags and validations
RI hunting license and season/zone-appropriate deer permit for each harvest.
Hunter orange
Exempt in archery-only area.
Allowed equipment
Long/recurve/compound bow ≥40 lb fixed broadhead or ≥50 lb mechanical; crossbow ≥125 lb with working safety; broadhead ≥7/8 in and ≥2 metal cutting edges. Bowhunter education required.
After the harvest
Immediately notch month/day/hour and attach tag before moving deer. Retain head as antler evidence; tag separated parts/head as required. Report to DEM/EPO within 24 hours; record confirmation on tag. November 7–8 and December 5–6: all deer harvested by any method must be physically checked, except Patience, Prudence and Block Island; keep whole/field dressed, not quartered.
Additional rules and notes
Youth ages 12–17 only. Ages 12–14 accompanied by licensed adult 21+; firearm hunters 15–17 accompanied by qualified adult 21+. Accompanying adults may not hunt in the youth hunt. Deer management zone 3. Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 3 antlerless 2. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas. Annual written private-land permission carried. Private permission, local firearm ordinances, and property-specific closures, access permits and weapon restrictions apply; see §9.16. No drones, laser sights, infrared or night vision for hunting/recovery. No bait except expressly permitted coyote/trapping bait. Prudence/Patience Islands: archery proficiency required on all lands; Prudence written private permission countersigned by Portsmouth Police. Heritage property available throughout Zone 3 deer season.
Year-round flag
No
2026-10-17 to 2026-10-18
DeerArchery
3
Rules, limits and requirements
Daily bag limit
1 per permit; see season totals
Possession limit
Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 3 antlerless 2. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas.
Shooting hours
30 minutes before sunrise – 30 minutes after sunset
Licenses, tags and validations
RI hunting license and season/zone-appropriate deer permit for each harvest.
Hunter orange
Exempt in archery-only area.
Allowed equipment
Long/recurve/compound bow ≥40 lb fixed broadhead or ≥50 lb mechanical; crossbow ≥125 lb with working safety; broadhead ≥7/8 in and ≥2 metal cutting edges. Bowhunter education required.
After the harvest
Immediately notch month/day/hour and attach tag before moving deer. Retain head as antler evidence; tag separated parts/head as required. Report to DEM/EPO within 24 hours; record confirmation on tag. November 7–8 and December 5–6: all deer harvested by any method must be physically checked, except Patience, Prudence and Block Island; keep whole/field dressed, not quartered.
Additional rules and notes
Deer management zone 3. Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 3 antlerless 2. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas. Annual written private-land permission carried. Private permission, local firearm ordinances, and property-specific closures, access permits and weapon restrictions apply; see §9.16. No drones, laser sights, infrared or night vision for hunting/recovery. No bait except expressly permitted coyote/trapping bait. Prudence/Patience Islands: archery proficiency required on all lands; Prudence written private permission countersigned by Portsmouth Police. Heritage property available throughout Zone 3 deer season.
Year-round flag
No
2026-10-19 to 2027-01-31
DeerArchery
4
Rules, limits and requirements
Daily bag limit
1 per permit; see season totals
Possession limit
Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 4 antlerless unlimited. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas.
Shooting hours
30 minutes before sunrise – 30 minutes after sunset
Licenses, tags and validations
RI hunting license and season/zone-appropriate deer permit for each harvest.
Hunter orange
Exempt during archery-only portion.
Allowed equipment
Long/recurve/compound bow ≥40 lb fixed broadhead or ≥50 lb mechanical; crossbow ≥125 lb with working safety; broadhead ≥7/8 in and ≥2 metal cutting edges. Bowhunter education required.
After the harvest
Immediately notch month/day/hour and attach tag before moving deer. Retain head as antler evidence; tag separated parts/head as required. Report to DEM/EPO within 24 hours; record confirmation on tag. November 7–8 and December 5–6: all deer harvested by any method must be physically checked, except Patience, Prudence and Block Island; keep whole/field dressed, not quartered.
Additional rules and notes
Deer management zone 4. Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 4 antlerless unlimited. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas. Annual written private-land permission carried. Private permission, local firearm ordinances, and property-specific closures, access permits and weapon restrictions apply; see §9.16. No drones, laser sights, infrared or night vision for hunting/recovery. No bait except expressly permitted coyote/trapping bait. Block Island: police-countersigned landowner permission; special Block Island method permit; archery proficiency on all lands. Black Rock/Rodman Hollow state lands special lottery permit and hunt log required.
Year-round flag
No
2026-10-19 to 2026-10-23
DeerArchery
4
Rules, limits and requirements
Daily bag limit
1 per permit; see season totals
Possession limit
Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 4 antlerless unlimited. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas.
Shooting hours
30 minutes before sunrise – 30 minutes after sunset
Licenses, tags and validations
RI hunting license and season/zone-appropriate deer permit for each harvest.
Hunter orange
Exempt during archery-only portion.
Allowed equipment
Long/recurve/compound bow ≥40 lb fixed broadhead or ≥50 lb mechanical; crossbow ≥125 lb with working safety; broadhead ≥7/8 in and ≥2 metal cutting edges. Bowhunter education required.
After the harvest
Immediately notch month/day/hour and attach tag before moving deer. Retain head as antler evidence; tag separated parts/head as required. Report to DEM/EPO within 24 hours; record confirmation on tag. November 7–8 and December 5–6: all deer harvested by any method must be physically checked, except Patience, Prudence and Block Island; keep whole/field dressed, not quartered.
Additional rules and notes
Deer management zone 4. Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 4 antlerless unlimited. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas. Annual written private-land permission carried. Private permission, local firearm ordinances, and property-specific closures, access permits and weapon restrictions apply; see §9.16. No drones, laser sights, infrared or night vision for hunting/recovery. No bait except expressly permitted coyote/trapping bait. Block Island: police-countersigned landowner permission; special Block Island method permit; archery proficiency on all lands. Black Rock/Rodman Hollow state lands special lottery permit and hunt log required.
Year-round flag
No
2026-10-26 to 2026-10-30
DeerMuzzleloader
1

Hunter category: {junior}

Rules, limits and requirements
Daily bag limit
1 per permit; see season totals
Possession limit
Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 1 antlerless 3. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas.
Shooting hours
30 minutes before sunrise – 30 minutes after sunset
Licenses, tags and validations
RI hunting license and season/zone-appropriate deer permit for each harvest.
Hunter orange
200 sq in solid fluorescent orange above waist, visible all directions; 500 sq in during shotgun deer seasons. Archery-only areas exempt. Pop-up blinds during firearm deer season also require 200 sq in displayed outside.
Allowed equipment
Single/double barrel muzzleloader ≥.45; single projectile muzzle-loaded; caplock/flintlock/in-line; sabot permitted; no modern shotgun shells.
After the harvest
Immediately notch month/day/hour and attach tag before moving deer. Retain head as antler evidence; tag separated parts/head as required. Report to DEM/EPO within 24 hours; record confirmation on tag. November 7–8 and December 5–6: all deer harvested by any method must be physically checked, except Patience, Prudence and Block Island; keep whole/field dressed, not quartered.
Additional rules and notes
Youth ages 12–17 only. Ages 12–14 accompanied by licensed adult 21+; firearm hunters 15–17 accompanied by qualified adult 21+. Accompanying adults may not hunt in the youth hunt. Deer management zone 1. Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 1 antlerless 3. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas. Annual written private-land permission carried. Private permission, local firearm ordinances, and property-specific closures, access permits and weapon restrictions apply; see §9.16. No drones, laser sights, infrared or night vision for hunting/recovery. No bait except expressly permitted coyote/trapping bait.
Year-round flag
No
2026-10-31 to 2026-11-01
DeerMuzzleloader
2

Hunter category: {junior}

Rules, limits and requirements
Daily bag limit
1 per permit; see season totals
Possession limit
Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 2 antlerless 2. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas.
Shooting hours
30 minutes before sunrise – 30 minutes after sunset
Licenses, tags and validations
RI hunting license and season/zone-appropriate deer permit for each harvest.
Hunter orange
200 sq in solid fluorescent orange above waist, visible all directions; 500 sq in during shotgun deer seasons. Archery-only areas exempt. Pop-up blinds during firearm deer season also require 200 sq in displayed outside.
Allowed equipment
Single/double barrel muzzleloader ≥.45; single projectile muzzle-loaded; caplock/flintlock/in-line; sabot permitted; no modern shotgun shells.
After the harvest
Immediately notch month/day/hour and attach tag before moving deer. Retain head as antler evidence; tag separated parts/head as required. Report to DEM/EPO within 24 hours; record confirmation on tag. November 7–8 and December 5–6: all deer harvested by any method must be physically checked, except Patience, Prudence and Block Island; keep whole/field dressed, not quartered.
Additional rules and notes
Youth ages 12–17 only. Ages 12–14 accompanied by licensed adult 21+; firearm hunters 15–17 accompanied by qualified adult 21+. Accompanying adults may not hunt in the youth hunt. Deer management zone 2. Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 2 antlerless 2. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas. Annual written private-land permission carried. Private permission, local firearm ordinances, and property-specific closures, access permits and weapon restrictions apply; see §9.16. No drones, laser sights, infrared or night vision for hunting/recovery. No bait except expressly permitted coyote/trapping bait.
Year-round flag
No
2026-10-31 to 2026-11-01
DeerArchery
4
Rules, limits and requirements
Daily bag limit
1 per permit; see season totals
Possession limit
Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 4 antlerless unlimited. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas.
Shooting hours
30 minutes before sunrise – 30 minutes after sunset
Licenses, tags and validations
RI hunting license and season/zone-appropriate deer permit for each harvest.
Hunter orange
500 sq in solid fluorescent orange; all deer hunters during mixed-method Block Island dates.
Allowed equipment
Long/recurve/compound bow ≥40 lb fixed broadhead or ≥50 lb mechanical; crossbow ≥125 lb with working safety; broadhead ≥7/8 in and ≥2 metal cutting edges. Bowhunter education required.
After the harvest
Immediately notch month/day/hour and attach tag before moving deer. Retain head as antler evidence; tag separated parts/head as required. Report to DEM/EPO within 24 hours; record confirmation on tag. November 7–8 and December 5–6: all deer harvested by any method must be physically checked, except Patience, Prudence and Block Island; keep whole/field dressed, not quartered.
Additional rules and notes
Deer management zone 4. Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 4 antlerless unlimited. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas. Annual written private-land permission carried. Private permission, local firearm ordinances, and property-specific closures, access permits and weapon restrictions apply; see §9.16. No drones, laser sights, infrared or night vision for hunting/recovery. No bait except expressly permitted coyote/trapping bait. Block Island: police-countersigned landowner permission; special Block Island method permit; archery proficiency on all lands. Black Rock/Rodman Hollow state lands special lottery permit and hunt log required.
Year-round flag
No
2026-11-02 to 2026-11-06
DeerMuzzleloader
4
Rules, limits and requirements
Daily bag limit
1 per permit; see season totals
Possession limit
Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 4 antlerless unlimited. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas.
Shooting hours
30 minutes before sunrise – 30 minutes after sunset
Licenses, tags and validations
RI hunting license and season/zone-appropriate deer permit for each harvest.
Hunter orange
500 sq in solid fluorescent orange; all deer hunters during mixed-method Block Island dates.
Allowed equipment
Single/double barrel muzzleloader ≥.45; single projectile muzzle-loaded; caplock/flintlock/in-line; sabot permitted; no modern shotgun shells.
After the harvest
Immediately notch month/day/hour and attach tag before moving deer. Retain head as antler evidence; tag separated parts/head as required. Report to DEM/EPO within 24 hours; record confirmation on tag. November 7–8 and December 5–6: all deer harvested by any method must be physically checked, except Patience, Prudence and Block Island; keep whole/field dressed, not quartered.
Additional rules and notes
Deer management zone 4. Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 4 antlerless unlimited. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas. Annual written private-land permission carried. Private permission, local firearm ordinances, and property-specific closures, access permits and weapon restrictions apply; see §9.16. No drones, laser sights, infrared or night vision for hunting/recovery. No bait except expressly permitted coyote/trapping bait. Block Island: police-countersigned landowner permission; special Block Island method permit; archery proficiency on all lands. Black Rock/Rodman Hollow state lands special lottery permit and hunt log required.
Year-round flag
No
2026-11-02 to 2026-11-06
DeerGeneral
4
Rules, limits and requirements
Daily bag limit
1 per permit; see season totals
Possession limit
Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 4 antlerless unlimited. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas.
Shooting hours
30 minutes before sunrise – 30 minutes after sunset
Licenses, tags and validations
RI hunting license and season/zone-appropriate deer permit for each harvest.
Hunter orange
500 sq in solid fluorescent orange; all deer hunters during mixed-method Block Island dates.
Allowed equipment
10/12/16/20 gauge shotgun, capacity max 5 shells, single slug/sabot; no buckshot. Qualifying ≥.45 muzzleloader also allowed with shotgun deer permit. Archery requires archery permit.
After the harvest
Immediately notch month/day/hour and attach tag before moving deer. Retain head as antler evidence; tag separated parts/head as required. Report to DEM/EPO within 24 hours; record confirmation on tag. November 7–8 and December 5–6: all deer harvested by any method must be physically checked, except Patience, Prudence and Block Island; keep whole/field dressed, not quartered.
Additional rules and notes
Deer management zone 4. Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 4 antlerless unlimited. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas. Annual written private-land permission carried. Private permission, local firearm ordinances, and property-specific closures, access permits and weapon restrictions apply; see §9.16. No drones, laser sights, infrared or night vision for hunting/recovery. No bait except expressly permitted coyote/trapping bait. Block Island: police-countersigned landowner permission; special Block Island method permit; archery proficiency on all lands. Black Rock/Rodman Hollow state lands special lottery permit and hunt log required.
Year-round flag
No
2026-11-02 to 2026-11-06
DeerMuzzleloader
2
Rules, limits and requirements
Daily bag limit
1 per permit; see season totals
Possession limit
Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 2 antlerless 2. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas.
Shooting hours
30 minutes before sunrise – 30 minutes after sunset
Licenses, tags and validations
RI hunting license and season/zone-appropriate deer permit for each harvest.
Hunter orange
200 sq in solid fluorescent orange above waist, visible all directions; 500 sq in during shotgun deer seasons. Archery-only areas exempt. Pop-up blinds during firearm deer season also require 200 sq in displayed outside.
Allowed equipment
Single/double barrel muzzleloader ≥.45; single projectile muzzle-loaded; caplock/flintlock/in-line; sabot permitted; no modern shotgun shells.
After the harvest
Immediately notch month/day/hour and attach tag before moving deer. Retain head as antler evidence; tag separated parts/head as required. Report to DEM/EPO within 24 hours; record confirmation on tag. November 7–8 and December 5–6: all deer harvested by any method must be physically checked, except Patience, Prudence and Block Island; keep whole/field dressed, not quartered.
Additional rules and notes
Deer management zone 2. Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 2 antlerless 2. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas. Annual written private-land permission carried. Private permission, local firearm ordinances, and property-specific closures, access permits and weapon restrictions apply; see §9.16. No drones, laser sights, infrared or night vision for hunting/recovery. No bait except expressly permitted coyote/trapping bait.
Year-round flag
No
2026-11-07 to 2026-12-04
DeerMuzzleloader
1
Rules, limits and requirements
Daily bag limit
1 per permit; see season totals
Possession limit
Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 1 antlerless 3. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas.
Shooting hours
30 minutes before sunrise – 30 minutes after sunset
Licenses, tags and validations
RI hunting license and season/zone-appropriate deer permit for each harvest.
Hunter orange
200 sq in solid fluorescent orange above waist, visible all directions; 500 sq in during shotgun deer seasons. Archery-only areas exempt. Pop-up blinds during firearm deer season also require 200 sq in displayed outside.
Allowed equipment
Single/double barrel muzzleloader ≥.45; single projectile muzzle-loaded; caplock/flintlock/in-line; sabot permitted; no modern shotgun shells.
After the harvest
Immediately notch month/day/hour and attach tag before moving deer. Retain head as antler evidence; tag separated parts/head as required. Report to DEM/EPO within 24 hours; record confirmation on tag. November 7–8 and December 5–6: all deer harvested by any method must be physically checked, except Patience, Prudence and Block Island; keep whole/field dressed, not quartered.
Additional rules and notes
Deer management zone 1. Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 1 antlerless 3. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas. Annual written private-land permission carried. Private permission, local firearm ordinances, and property-specific closures, access permits and weapon restrictions apply; see §9.16. No drones, laser sights, infrared or night vision for hunting/recovery. No bait except expressly permitted coyote/trapping bait.
Year-round flag
No
2026-11-07 to 2026-12-04
DeerArchery
4
Rules, limits and requirements
Daily bag limit
1 per permit; see season totals
Possession limit
Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 4 antlerless unlimited. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas.
Shooting hours
30 minutes before sunrise – 30 minutes after sunset
Licenses, tags and validations
RI hunting license and season/zone-appropriate deer permit for each harvest.
Hunter orange
500 sq in solid fluorescent orange; all deer hunters during mixed-method Block Island dates.
Allowed equipment
Long/recurve/compound bow ≥40 lb fixed broadhead or ≥50 lb mechanical; crossbow ≥125 lb with working safety; broadhead ≥7/8 in and ≥2 metal cutting edges. Bowhunter education required.
After the harvest
Immediately notch month/day/hour and attach tag before moving deer. Retain head as antler evidence; tag separated parts/head as required. Report to DEM/EPO within 24 hours; record confirmation on tag. November 7–8 and December 5–6: all deer harvested by any method must be physically checked, except Patience, Prudence and Block Island; keep whole/field dressed, not quartered.
Additional rules and notes
Deer management zone 4. Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 4 antlerless unlimited. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas. Annual written private-land permission carried. Private permission, local firearm ordinances, and property-specific closures, access permits and weapon restrictions apply; see §9.16. No drones, laser sights, infrared or night vision for hunting/recovery. No bait except expressly permitted coyote/trapping bait. Block Island: police-countersigned landowner permission; special Block Island method permit; archery proficiency on all lands. Black Rock/Rodman Hollow state lands special lottery permit and hunt log required.
Year-round flag
No
2026-11-09 to 2026-11-10
DeerMuzzleloader
4
Rules, limits and requirements
Daily bag limit
1 per permit; see season totals
Possession limit
Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 4 antlerless unlimited. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas.
Shooting hours
30 minutes before sunrise – 30 minutes after sunset
Licenses, tags and validations
RI hunting license and season/zone-appropriate deer permit for each harvest.
Hunter orange
500 sq in solid fluorescent orange; all deer hunters during mixed-method Block Island dates.
Allowed equipment
Single/double barrel muzzleloader ≥.45; single projectile muzzle-loaded; caplock/flintlock/in-line; sabot permitted; no modern shotgun shells.
After the harvest
Immediately notch month/day/hour and attach tag before moving deer. Retain head as antler evidence; tag separated parts/head as required. Report to DEM/EPO within 24 hours; record confirmation on tag. November 7–8 and December 5–6: all deer harvested by any method must be physically checked, except Patience, Prudence and Block Island; keep whole/field dressed, not quartered.
Additional rules and notes
Deer management zone 4. Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 4 antlerless unlimited. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas. Annual written private-land permission carried. Private permission, local firearm ordinances, and property-specific closures, access permits and weapon restrictions apply; see §9.16. No drones, laser sights, infrared or night vision for hunting/recovery. No bait except expressly permitted coyote/trapping bait. Block Island: police-countersigned landowner permission; special Block Island method permit; archery proficiency on all lands. Black Rock/Rodman Hollow state lands special lottery permit and hunt log required.
Year-round flag
No
2026-11-09 to 2026-11-10
DeerGeneral
4
Rules, limits and requirements
Daily bag limit
1 per permit; see season totals
Possession limit
Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 4 antlerless unlimited. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas.
Shooting hours
30 minutes before sunrise – 30 minutes after sunset
Licenses, tags and validations
RI hunting license and season/zone-appropriate deer permit for each harvest.
Hunter orange
500 sq in solid fluorescent orange; all deer hunters during mixed-method Block Island dates.
Allowed equipment
10/12/16/20 gauge shotgun, capacity max 5 shells, single slug/sabot; no buckshot. Qualifying ≥.45 muzzleloader also allowed with shotgun deer permit. Archery requires archery permit.
After the harvest
Immediately notch month/day/hour and attach tag before moving deer. Retain head as antler evidence; tag separated parts/head as required. Report to DEM/EPO within 24 hours; record confirmation on tag. November 7–8 and December 5–6: all deer harvested by any method must be physically checked, except Patience, Prudence and Block Island; keep whole/field dressed, not quartered.
Additional rules and notes
Deer management zone 4. Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 4 antlerless unlimited. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas. Annual written private-land permission carried. Private permission, local firearm ordinances, and property-specific closures, access permits and weapon restrictions apply; see §9.16. No drones, laser sights, infrared or night vision for hunting/recovery. No bait except expressly permitted coyote/trapping bait. Block Island: police-countersigned landowner permission; special Block Island method permit; archery proficiency on all lands. Black Rock/Rodman Hollow state lands special lottery permit and hunt log required.
Year-round flag
No
2026-11-09 to 2026-11-10
DeerGeneral
4
Rules, limits and requirements
Daily bag limit
1 per permit; see season totals
Possession limit
Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 4 antlerless unlimited. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas.
Shooting hours
30 minutes before sunrise – 30 minutes after sunset
Licenses, tags and validations
RI hunting license and season/zone-appropriate deer permit for each harvest.
Hunter orange
500 sq in solid fluorescent orange; all deer hunters during mixed-method Block Island dates.
Allowed equipment
10/12/16/20 gauge shotgun, capacity max 5 shells, single slug/sabot; no buckshot. Qualifying ≥.45 muzzleloader also allowed with shotgun deer permit. Archery requires archery permit.
After the harvest
Immediately notch month/day/hour and attach tag before moving deer. Retain head as antler evidence; tag separated parts/head as required. Report to DEM/EPO within 24 hours; record confirmation on tag. November 7–8 and December 5–6: all deer harvested by any method must be physically checked, except Patience, Prudence and Block Island; keep whole/field dressed, not quartered.
Additional rules and notes
Deer management zone 4. Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 4 antlerless unlimited. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas. Annual written private-land permission carried. Private permission, local firearm ordinances, and property-specific closures, access permits and weapon restrictions apply; see §9.16. No drones, laser sights, infrared or night vision for hunting/recovery. No bait except expressly permitted coyote/trapping bait. Block Island: police-countersigned landowner permission; special Block Island method permit; archery proficiency on all lands. Black Rock/Rodman Hollow state lands special lottery permit and hunt log required.
Year-round flag
No
2026-11-12 to 2026-11-13
DeerMuzzleloader
4
Rules, limits and requirements
Daily bag limit
1 per permit; see season totals
Possession limit
Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 4 antlerless unlimited. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas.
Shooting hours
30 minutes before sunrise – 30 minutes after sunset
Licenses, tags and validations
RI hunting license and season/zone-appropriate deer permit for each harvest.
Hunter orange
500 sq in solid fluorescent orange; all deer hunters during mixed-method Block Island dates.
Allowed equipment
Single/double barrel muzzleloader ≥.45; single projectile muzzle-loaded; caplock/flintlock/in-line; sabot permitted; no modern shotgun shells.
After the harvest
Immediately notch month/day/hour and attach tag before moving deer. Retain head as antler evidence; tag separated parts/head as required. Report to DEM/EPO within 24 hours; record confirmation on tag. November 7–8 and December 5–6: all deer harvested by any method must be physically checked, except Patience, Prudence and Block Island; keep whole/field dressed, not quartered.
Additional rules and notes
Deer management zone 4. Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 4 antlerless unlimited. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas. Annual written private-land permission carried. Private permission, local firearm ordinances, and property-specific closures, access permits and weapon restrictions apply; see §9.16. No drones, laser sights, infrared or night vision for hunting/recovery. No bait except expressly permitted coyote/trapping bait. Block Island: police-countersigned landowner permission; special Block Island method permit; archery proficiency on all lands. Black Rock/Rodman Hollow state lands special lottery permit and hunt log required.
Year-round flag
No
2026-11-12 to 2026-11-13
DeerArchery
4
Rules, limits and requirements
Daily bag limit
1 per permit; see season totals
Possession limit
Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 4 antlerless unlimited. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas.
Shooting hours
30 minutes before sunrise – 30 minutes after sunset
Licenses, tags and validations
RI hunting license and season/zone-appropriate deer permit for each harvest.
Hunter orange
500 sq in solid fluorescent orange; all deer hunters during mixed-method Block Island dates.
Allowed equipment
Long/recurve/compound bow ≥40 lb fixed broadhead or ≥50 lb mechanical; crossbow ≥125 lb with working safety; broadhead ≥7/8 in and ≥2 metal cutting edges. Bowhunter education required.
After the harvest
Immediately notch month/day/hour and attach tag before moving deer. Retain head as antler evidence; tag separated parts/head as required. Report to DEM/EPO within 24 hours; record confirmation on tag. November 7–8 and December 5–6: all deer harvested by any method must be physically checked, except Patience, Prudence and Block Island; keep whole/field dressed, not quartered.
Additional rules and notes
Deer management zone 4. Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 4 antlerless unlimited. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas. Annual written private-land permission carried. Private permission, local firearm ordinances, and property-specific closures, access permits and weapon restrictions apply; see §9.16. No drones, laser sights, infrared or night vision for hunting/recovery. No bait except expressly permitted coyote/trapping bait. Block Island: police-countersigned landowner permission; special Block Island method permit; archery proficiency on all lands. Black Rock/Rodman Hollow state lands special lottery permit and hunt log required.
Year-round flag
No
2026-11-12 to 2026-11-13
DeerMuzzleloader
4
Rules, limits and requirements
Daily bag limit
1 per permit; see season totals
Possession limit
Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 4 antlerless unlimited. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas.
Shooting hours
30 minutes before sunrise – 30 minutes after sunset
Licenses, tags and validations
RI hunting license and season/zone-appropriate deer permit for each harvest.
Hunter orange
500 sq in solid fluorescent orange; all deer hunters during mixed-method Block Island dates.
Allowed equipment
Single/double barrel muzzleloader ≥.45; single projectile muzzle-loaded; caplock/flintlock/in-line; sabot permitted; no modern shotgun shells.
After the harvest
Immediately notch month/day/hour and attach tag before moving deer. Retain head as antler evidence; tag separated parts/head as required. Report to DEM/EPO within 24 hours; record confirmation on tag. November 7–8 and December 5–6: all deer harvested by any method must be physically checked, except Patience, Prudence and Block Island; keep whole/field dressed, not quartered.
Additional rules and notes
Deer management zone 4. Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 4 antlerless unlimited. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas. Annual written private-land permission carried. Private permission, local firearm ordinances, and property-specific closures, access permits and weapon restrictions apply; see §9.16. No drones, laser sights, infrared or night vision for hunting/recovery. No bait except expressly permitted coyote/trapping bait. Block Island: police-countersigned landowner permission; special Block Island method permit; archery proficiency on all lands. Black Rock/Rodman Hollow state lands special lottery permit and hunt log required.
Year-round flag
No
2026-11-16 to 2026-11-17
DeerGeneral
4
Rules, limits and requirements
Daily bag limit
1 per permit; see season totals
Possession limit
Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 4 antlerless unlimited. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas.
Shooting hours
30 minutes before sunrise – 30 minutes after sunset
Licenses, tags and validations
RI hunting license and season/zone-appropriate deer permit for each harvest.
Hunter orange
500 sq in solid fluorescent orange; all deer hunters during mixed-method Block Island dates.
Allowed equipment
10/12/16/20 gauge shotgun, capacity max 5 shells, single slug/sabot; no buckshot. Qualifying ≥.45 muzzleloader also allowed with shotgun deer permit. Archery requires archery permit.
After the harvest
Immediately notch month/day/hour and attach tag before moving deer. Retain head as antler evidence; tag separated parts/head as required. Report to DEM/EPO within 24 hours; record confirmation on tag. November 7–8 and December 5–6: all deer harvested by any method must be physically checked, except Patience, Prudence and Block Island; keep whole/field dressed, not quartered.
Additional rules and notes
Deer management zone 4. Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 4 antlerless unlimited. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas. Annual written private-land permission carried. Private permission, local firearm ordinances, and property-specific closures, access permits and weapon restrictions apply; see §9.16. No drones, laser sights, infrared or night vision for hunting/recovery. No bait except expressly permitted coyote/trapping bait. Block Island: police-countersigned landowner permission; special Block Island method permit; archery proficiency on all lands. Black Rock/Rodman Hollow state lands special lottery permit and hunt log required.
Year-round flag
No
2026-11-16 to 2026-11-17
DeerArchery
4
Rules, limits and requirements
Daily bag limit
1 per permit; see season totals
Possession limit
Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 4 antlerless unlimited. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas.
Shooting hours
30 minutes before sunrise – 30 minutes after sunset
Licenses, tags and validations
RI hunting license and season/zone-appropriate deer permit for each harvest.
Hunter orange
500 sq in solid fluorescent orange; all deer hunters during mixed-method Block Island dates.
Allowed equipment
Long/recurve/compound bow ≥40 lb fixed broadhead or ≥50 lb mechanical; crossbow ≥125 lb with working safety; broadhead ≥7/8 in and ≥2 metal cutting edges. Bowhunter education required.
After the harvest
Immediately notch month/day/hour and attach tag before moving deer. Retain head as antler evidence; tag separated parts/head as required. Report to DEM/EPO within 24 hours; record confirmation on tag. November 7–8 and December 5–6: all deer harvested by any method must be physically checked, except Patience, Prudence and Block Island; keep whole/field dressed, not quartered.
Additional rules and notes
Deer management zone 4. Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 4 antlerless unlimited. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas. Annual written private-land permission carried. Private permission, local firearm ordinances, and property-specific closures, access permits and weapon restrictions apply; see §9.16. No drones, laser sights, infrared or night vision for hunting/recovery. No bait except expressly permitted coyote/trapping bait. Block Island: police-countersigned landowner permission; special Block Island method permit; archery proficiency on all lands. Black Rock/Rodman Hollow state lands special lottery permit and hunt log required.
Year-round flag
No
2026-11-16 to 2026-11-17
DeerMuzzleloader
4
Rules, limits and requirements
Daily bag limit
1 per permit; see season totals
Possession limit
Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 4 antlerless unlimited. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas.
Shooting hours
30 minutes before sunrise – 30 minutes after sunset
Licenses, tags and validations
RI hunting license and season/zone-appropriate deer permit for each harvest.
Hunter orange
500 sq in solid fluorescent orange; all deer hunters during mixed-method Block Island dates.
Allowed equipment
Single/double barrel muzzleloader ≥.45; single projectile muzzle-loaded; caplock/flintlock/in-line; sabot permitted; no modern shotgun shells.
After the harvest
Immediately notch month/day/hour and attach tag before moving deer. Retain head as antler evidence; tag separated parts/head as required. Report to DEM/EPO within 24 hours; record confirmation on tag. November 7–8 and December 5–6: all deer harvested by any method must be physically checked, except Patience, Prudence and Block Island; keep whole/field dressed, not quartered.
Additional rules and notes
Deer management zone 4. Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 4 antlerless unlimited. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas. Annual written private-land permission carried. Private permission, local firearm ordinances, and property-specific closures, access permits and weapon restrictions apply; see §9.16. No drones, laser sights, infrared or night vision for hunting/recovery. No bait except expressly permitted coyote/trapping bait. Block Island: police-countersigned landowner permission; special Block Island method permit; archery proficiency on all lands. Black Rock/Rodman Hollow state lands special lottery permit and hunt log required.
Year-round flag
No
2026-11-19 to 2026-11-20
DeerGeneral
4
Rules, limits and requirements
Daily bag limit
1 per permit; see season totals
Possession limit
Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 4 antlerless unlimited. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas.
Shooting hours
30 minutes before sunrise – 30 minutes after sunset
Licenses, tags and validations
RI hunting license and season/zone-appropriate deer permit for each harvest.
Hunter orange
500 sq in solid fluorescent orange; all deer hunters during mixed-method Block Island dates.
Allowed equipment
10/12/16/20 gauge shotgun, capacity max 5 shells, single slug/sabot; no buckshot. Qualifying ≥.45 muzzleloader also allowed with shotgun deer permit. Archery requires archery permit.
After the harvest
Immediately notch month/day/hour and attach tag before moving deer. Retain head as antler evidence; tag separated parts/head as required. Report to DEM/EPO within 24 hours; record confirmation on tag. November 7–8 and December 5–6: all deer harvested by any method must be physically checked, except Patience, Prudence and Block Island; keep whole/field dressed, not quartered.
Additional rules and notes
Deer management zone 4. Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 4 antlerless unlimited. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas. Annual written private-land permission carried. Private permission, local firearm ordinances, and property-specific closures, access permits and weapon restrictions apply; see §9.16. No drones, laser sights, infrared or night vision for hunting/recovery. No bait except expressly permitted coyote/trapping bait. Block Island: police-countersigned landowner permission; special Block Island method permit; archery proficiency on all lands. Black Rock/Rodman Hollow state lands special lottery permit and hunt log required.
Year-round flag
No
2026-11-19 to 2026-11-20
DeerArchery
4
Rules, limits and requirements
Daily bag limit
1 per permit; see season totals
Possession limit
Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 4 antlerless unlimited. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas.
Shooting hours
30 minutes before sunrise – 30 minutes after sunset
Licenses, tags and validations
RI hunting license and season/zone-appropriate deer permit for each harvest.
Hunter orange
500 sq in solid fluorescent orange; all deer hunters during mixed-method Block Island dates.
Allowed equipment
Long/recurve/compound bow ≥40 lb fixed broadhead or ≥50 lb mechanical; crossbow ≥125 lb with working safety; broadhead ≥7/8 in and ≥2 metal cutting edges. Bowhunter education required.
After the harvest
Immediately notch month/day/hour and attach tag before moving deer. Retain head as antler evidence; tag separated parts/head as required. Report to DEM/EPO within 24 hours; record confirmation on tag. November 7–8 and December 5–6: all deer harvested by any method must be physically checked, except Patience, Prudence and Block Island; keep whole/field dressed, not quartered.
Additional rules and notes
Deer management zone 4. Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 4 antlerless unlimited. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas. Annual written private-land permission carried. Private permission, local firearm ordinances, and property-specific closures, access permits and weapon restrictions apply; see §9.16. No drones, laser sights, infrared or night vision for hunting/recovery. No bait except expressly permitted coyote/trapping bait. Block Island: police-countersigned landowner permission; special Block Island method permit; archery proficiency on all lands. Black Rock/Rodman Hollow state lands special lottery permit and hunt log required.
Year-round flag
No
2026-11-19 to 2026-11-20
DeerMuzzleloader
4
Rules, limits and requirements
Daily bag limit
1 per permit; see season totals
Possession limit
Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 4 antlerless unlimited. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas.
Shooting hours
30 minutes before sunrise – 30 minutes after sunset
Licenses, tags and validations
RI hunting license and season/zone-appropriate deer permit for each harvest.
Hunter orange
500 sq in solid fluorescent orange; all deer hunters during mixed-method Block Island dates.
Allowed equipment
Single/double barrel muzzleloader ≥.45; single projectile muzzle-loaded; caplock/flintlock/in-line; sabot permitted; no modern shotgun shells.
After the harvest
Immediately notch month/day/hour and attach tag before moving deer. Retain head as antler evidence; tag separated parts/head as required. Report to DEM/EPO within 24 hours; record confirmation on tag. November 7–8 and December 5–6: all deer harvested by any method must be physically checked, except Patience, Prudence and Block Island; keep whole/field dressed, not quartered.
Additional rules and notes
Deer management zone 4. Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 4 antlerless unlimited. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas. Annual written private-land permission carried. Private permission, local firearm ordinances, and property-specific closures, access permits and weapon restrictions apply; see §9.16. No drones, laser sights, infrared or night vision for hunting/recovery. No bait except expressly permitted coyote/trapping bait. Block Island: police-countersigned landowner permission; special Block Island method permit; archery proficiency on all lands. Black Rock/Rodman Hollow state lands special lottery permit and hunt log required.
Year-round flag
No
2026-11-23 to 2026-11-24
DeerArchery
4
Rules, limits and requirements
Daily bag limit
1 per permit; see season totals
Possession limit
Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 4 antlerless unlimited. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas.
Shooting hours
30 minutes before sunrise – 30 minutes after sunset
Licenses, tags and validations
RI hunting license and season/zone-appropriate deer permit for each harvest.
Hunter orange
500 sq in solid fluorescent orange; all deer hunters during mixed-method Block Island dates.
Allowed equipment
Long/recurve/compound bow ≥40 lb fixed broadhead or ≥50 lb mechanical; crossbow ≥125 lb with working safety; broadhead ≥7/8 in and ≥2 metal cutting edges. Bowhunter education required.
After the harvest
Immediately notch month/day/hour and attach tag before moving deer. Retain head as antler evidence; tag separated parts/head as required. Report to DEM/EPO within 24 hours; record confirmation on tag. November 7–8 and December 5–6: all deer harvested by any method must be physically checked, except Patience, Prudence and Block Island; keep whole/field dressed, not quartered.
Additional rules and notes
Deer management zone 4. Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 4 antlerless unlimited. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas. Annual written private-land permission carried. Private permission, local firearm ordinances, and property-specific closures, access permits and weapon restrictions apply; see §9.16. No drones, laser sights, infrared or night vision for hunting/recovery. No bait except expressly permitted coyote/trapping bait. Block Island: police-countersigned landowner permission; special Block Island method permit; archery proficiency on all lands. Black Rock/Rodman Hollow state lands special lottery permit and hunt log required.
Year-round flag
No
2026-11-23 to 2026-11-24
DeerGeneral
4
Rules, limits and requirements
Daily bag limit
1 per permit; see season totals
Possession limit
Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 4 antlerless unlimited. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas.
Shooting hours
30 minutes before sunrise – 30 minutes after sunset
Licenses, tags and validations
RI hunting license and season/zone-appropriate deer permit for each harvest.
Hunter orange
500 sq in solid fluorescent orange; all deer hunters during mixed-method Block Island dates.
Allowed equipment
10/12/16/20 gauge shotgun, capacity max 5 shells, single slug/sabot; no buckshot. Qualifying ≥.45 muzzleloader also allowed with shotgun deer permit. Archery requires archery permit.
After the harvest
Immediately notch month/day/hour and attach tag before moving deer. Retain head as antler evidence; tag separated parts/head as required. Report to DEM/EPO within 24 hours; record confirmation on tag. November 7–8 and December 5–6: all deer harvested by any method must be physically checked, except Patience, Prudence and Block Island; keep whole/field dressed, not quartered.
Additional rules and notes
Deer management zone 4. Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 4 antlerless unlimited. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas. Annual written private-land permission carried. Private permission, local firearm ordinances, and property-specific closures, access permits and weapon restrictions apply; see §9.16. No drones, laser sights, infrared or night vision for hunting/recovery. No bait except expressly permitted coyote/trapping bait. Block Island: police-countersigned landowner permission; special Block Island method permit; archery proficiency on all lands. Black Rock/Rodman Hollow state lands special lottery permit and hunt log required.
Year-round flag
No
2026-11-23 to 2026-11-24
DeerArchery
4
Rules, limits and requirements
Daily bag limit
1 per permit; see season totals
Possession limit
Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 4 antlerless unlimited. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas.
Shooting hours
30 minutes before sunrise – 30 minutes after sunset
Licenses, tags and validations
RI hunting license and season/zone-appropriate deer permit for each harvest.
Hunter orange
500 sq in solid fluorescent orange; all deer hunters during mixed-method Block Island dates.
Allowed equipment
Long/recurve/compound bow ≥40 lb fixed broadhead or ≥50 lb mechanical; crossbow ≥125 lb with working safety; broadhead ≥7/8 in and ≥2 metal cutting edges. Bowhunter education required.
After the harvest
Immediately notch month/day/hour and attach tag before moving deer. Retain head as antler evidence; tag separated parts/head as required. Report to DEM/EPO within 24 hours; record confirmation on tag. November 7–8 and December 5–6: all deer harvested by any method must be physically checked, except Patience, Prudence and Block Island; keep whole/field dressed, not quartered.
Additional rules and notes
Deer management zone 4. Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 4 antlerless unlimited. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas. Annual written private-land permission carried. Private permission, local firearm ordinances, and property-specific closures, access permits and weapon restrictions apply; see §9.16. No drones, laser sights, infrared or night vision for hunting/recovery. No bait except expressly permitted coyote/trapping bait. Block Island: police-countersigned landowner permission; special Block Island method permit; archery proficiency on all lands. Black Rock/Rodman Hollow state lands special lottery permit and hunt log required.
Year-round flag
No
2026-11-30 to 2026-11-30
DeerMuzzleloader
4
Rules, limits and requirements
Daily bag limit
1 per permit; see season totals
Possession limit
Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 4 antlerless unlimited. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas.
Shooting hours
30 minutes before sunrise – 30 minutes after sunset
Licenses, tags and validations
RI hunting license and season/zone-appropriate deer permit for each harvest.
Hunter orange
500 sq in solid fluorescent orange; all deer hunters during mixed-method Block Island dates.
Allowed equipment
Single/double barrel muzzleloader ≥.45; single projectile muzzle-loaded; caplock/flintlock/in-line; sabot permitted; no modern shotgun shells.
After the harvest
Immediately notch month/day/hour and attach tag before moving deer. Retain head as antler evidence; tag separated parts/head as required. Report to DEM/EPO within 24 hours; record confirmation on tag. November 7–8 and December 5–6: all deer harvested by any method must be physically checked, except Patience, Prudence and Block Island; keep whole/field dressed, not quartered.
Additional rules and notes
Deer management zone 4. Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 4 antlerless unlimited. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas. Annual written private-land permission carried. Private permission, local firearm ordinances, and property-specific closures, access permits and weapon restrictions apply; see §9.16. No drones, laser sights, infrared or night vision for hunting/recovery. No bait except expressly permitted coyote/trapping bait. Block Island: police-countersigned landowner permission; special Block Island method permit; archery proficiency on all lands. Black Rock/Rodman Hollow state lands special lottery permit and hunt log required.
Year-round flag
No
2026-11-30 to 2026-11-30
DeerGeneral
4
Rules, limits and requirements
Daily bag limit
1 per permit; see season totals
Possession limit
Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 4 antlerless unlimited. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas.
Shooting hours
30 minutes before sunrise – 30 minutes after sunset
Licenses, tags and validations
RI hunting license and season/zone-appropriate deer permit for each harvest.
Hunter orange
500 sq in solid fluorescent orange; all deer hunters during mixed-method Block Island dates.
Allowed equipment
10/12/16/20 gauge shotgun, capacity max 5 shells, single slug/sabot; no buckshot. Qualifying ≥.45 muzzleloader also allowed with shotgun deer permit. Archery requires archery permit.
After the harvest
Immediately notch month/day/hour and attach tag before moving deer. Retain head as antler evidence; tag separated parts/head as required. Report to DEM/EPO within 24 hours; record confirmation on tag. November 7–8 and December 5–6: all deer harvested by any method must be physically checked, except Patience, Prudence and Block Island; keep whole/field dressed, not quartered.
Additional rules and notes
Deer management zone 4. Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 4 antlerless unlimited. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas. Annual written private-land permission carried. Private permission, local firearm ordinances, and property-specific closures, access permits and weapon restrictions apply; see §9.16. No drones, laser sights, infrared or night vision for hunting/recovery. No bait except expressly permitted coyote/trapping bait. Block Island: police-countersigned landowner permission; special Block Island method permit; archery proficiency on all lands. Black Rock/Rodman Hollow state lands special lottery permit and hunt log required.
Year-round flag
No
2026-11-30 to 2026-11-30
DeerGeneral
4
Rules, limits and requirements
Daily bag limit
1 per permit; see season totals
Possession limit
Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 4 antlerless unlimited. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas.
Shooting hours
30 minutes before sunrise – 30 minutes after sunset
Licenses, tags and validations
RI hunting license and season/zone-appropriate deer permit for each harvest.
Hunter orange
500 sq in solid fluorescent orange; all deer hunters during mixed-method Block Island dates.
Allowed equipment
10/12/16/20 gauge shotgun, capacity max 5 shells, single slug/sabot; no buckshot. Qualifying ≥.45 muzzleloader also allowed with shotgun deer permit. Archery requires archery permit.
After the harvest
Immediately notch month/day/hour and attach tag before moving deer. Retain head as antler evidence; tag separated parts/head as required. Report to DEM/EPO within 24 hours; record confirmation on tag. November 7–8 and December 5–6: all deer harvested by any method must be physically checked, except Patience, Prudence and Block Island; keep whole/field dressed, not quartered.
Additional rules and notes
Deer management zone 4. Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 4 antlerless unlimited. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas. Annual written private-land permission carried. Private permission, local firearm ordinances, and property-specific closures, access permits and weapon restrictions apply; see §9.16. No drones, laser sights, infrared or night vision for hunting/recovery. No bait except expressly permitted coyote/trapping bait. Block Island: police-countersigned landowner permission; special Block Island method permit; archery proficiency on all lands. Black Rock/Rodman Hollow state lands special lottery permit and hunt log required.
Year-round flag
No
2026-12-01 to 2026-12-01
DeerMuzzleloader
4
Rules, limits and requirements
Daily bag limit
1 per permit; see season totals
Possession limit
Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 4 antlerless unlimited. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas.
Shooting hours
30 minutes before sunrise – 30 minutes after sunset
Licenses, tags and validations
RI hunting license and season/zone-appropriate deer permit for each harvest.
Hunter orange
500 sq in solid fluorescent orange; all deer hunters during mixed-method Block Island dates.
Allowed equipment
Single/double barrel muzzleloader ≥.45; single projectile muzzle-loaded; caplock/flintlock/in-line; sabot permitted; no modern shotgun shells.
After the harvest
Immediately notch month/day/hour and attach tag before moving deer. Retain head as antler evidence; tag separated parts/head as required. Report to DEM/EPO within 24 hours; record confirmation on tag. November 7–8 and December 5–6: all deer harvested by any method must be physically checked, except Patience, Prudence and Block Island; keep whole/field dressed, not quartered.
Additional rules and notes
Deer management zone 4. Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 4 antlerless unlimited. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas. Annual written private-land permission carried. Private permission, local firearm ordinances, and property-specific closures, access permits and weapon restrictions apply; see §9.16. No drones, laser sights, infrared or night vision for hunting/recovery. No bait except expressly permitted coyote/trapping bait. Block Island: police-countersigned landowner permission; special Block Island method permit; archery proficiency on all lands. Black Rock/Rodman Hollow state lands special lottery permit and hunt log required.
Year-round flag
No
2026-12-01 to 2026-12-01
DeerArchery
4
Rules, limits and requirements
Daily bag limit
1 per permit; see season totals
Possession limit
Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 4 antlerless unlimited. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas.
Shooting hours
30 minutes before sunrise – 30 minutes after sunset
Licenses, tags and validations
RI hunting license and season/zone-appropriate deer permit for each harvest.
Hunter orange
500 sq in solid fluorescent orange; all deer hunters during mixed-method Block Island dates.
Allowed equipment
Long/recurve/compound bow ≥40 lb fixed broadhead or ≥50 lb mechanical; crossbow ≥125 lb with working safety; broadhead ≥7/8 in and ≥2 metal cutting edges. Bowhunter education required.
After the harvest
Immediately notch month/day/hour and attach tag before moving deer. Retain head as antler evidence; tag separated parts/head as required. Report to DEM/EPO within 24 hours; record confirmation on tag. November 7–8 and December 5–6: all deer harvested by any method must be physically checked, except Patience, Prudence and Block Island; keep whole/field dressed, not quartered.
Additional rules and notes
Deer management zone 4. Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 4 antlerless unlimited. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas. Annual written private-land permission carried. Private permission, local firearm ordinances, and property-specific closures, access permits and weapon restrictions apply; see §9.16. No drones, laser sights, infrared or night vision for hunting/recovery. No bait except expressly permitted coyote/trapping bait. Block Island: police-countersigned landowner permission; special Block Island method permit; archery proficiency on all lands. Black Rock/Rodman Hollow state lands special lottery permit and hunt log required.
Year-round flag
No
2026-12-01 to 2026-12-01
DeerGeneral
4
Rules, limits and requirements
Daily bag limit
1 per permit; see season totals
Possession limit
Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 4 antlerless unlimited. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas.
Shooting hours
30 minutes before sunrise – 30 minutes after sunset
Licenses, tags and validations
RI hunting license and season/zone-appropriate deer permit for each harvest.
Hunter orange
500 sq in solid fluorescent orange; all deer hunters during mixed-method Block Island dates.
Allowed equipment
10/12/16/20 gauge shotgun, capacity max 5 shells, single slug/sabot; no buckshot. Qualifying ≥.45 muzzleloader also allowed with shotgun deer permit. Archery requires archery permit.
After the harvest
Immediately notch month/day/hour and attach tag before moving deer. Retain head as antler evidence; tag separated parts/head as required. Report to DEM/EPO within 24 hours; record confirmation on tag. November 7–8 and December 5–6: all deer harvested by any method must be physically checked, except Patience, Prudence and Block Island; keep whole/field dressed, not quartered.
Additional rules and notes
Deer management zone 4. Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 4 antlerless unlimited. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas. Annual written private-land permission carried. Private permission, local firearm ordinances, and property-specific closures, access permits and weapon restrictions apply; see §9.16. No drones, laser sights, infrared or night vision for hunting/recovery. No bait except expressly permitted coyote/trapping bait. Block Island: police-countersigned landowner permission; special Block Island method permit; archery proficiency on all lands. Black Rock/Rodman Hollow state lands special lottery permit and hunt log required.
Year-round flag
No
2026-12-03 to 2026-12-04
DeerArchery
4
Rules, limits and requirements
Daily bag limit
1 per permit; see season totals
Possession limit
Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 4 antlerless unlimited. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas.
Shooting hours
30 minutes before sunrise – 30 minutes after sunset
Licenses, tags and validations
RI hunting license and season/zone-appropriate deer permit for each harvest.
Hunter orange
500 sq in solid fluorescent orange; all deer hunters during mixed-method Block Island dates.
Allowed equipment
Long/recurve/compound bow ≥40 lb fixed broadhead or ≥50 lb mechanical; crossbow ≥125 lb with working safety; broadhead ≥7/8 in and ≥2 metal cutting edges. Bowhunter education required.
After the harvest
Immediately notch month/day/hour and attach tag before moving deer. Retain head as antler evidence; tag separated parts/head as required. Report to DEM/EPO within 24 hours; record confirmation on tag. November 7–8 and December 5–6: all deer harvested by any method must be physically checked, except Patience, Prudence and Block Island; keep whole/field dressed, not quartered.
Additional rules and notes
Deer management zone 4. Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 4 antlerless unlimited. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas. Annual written private-land permission carried. Private permission, local firearm ordinances, and property-specific closures, access permits and weapon restrictions apply; see §9.16. No drones, laser sights, infrared or night vision for hunting/recovery. No bait except expressly permitted coyote/trapping bait. Block Island: police-countersigned landowner permission; special Block Island method permit; archery proficiency on all lands. Black Rock/Rodman Hollow state lands special lottery permit and hunt log required.
Year-round flag
No
2026-12-03 to 2026-12-04
DeerMuzzleloader
4
Rules, limits and requirements
Daily bag limit
1 per permit; see season totals
Possession limit
Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 4 antlerless unlimited. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas.
Shooting hours
30 minutes before sunrise – 30 minutes after sunset
Licenses, tags and validations
RI hunting license and season/zone-appropriate deer permit for each harvest.
Hunter orange
500 sq in solid fluorescent orange; all deer hunters during mixed-method Block Island dates.
Allowed equipment
Single/double barrel muzzleloader ≥.45; single projectile muzzle-loaded; caplock/flintlock/in-line; sabot permitted; no modern shotgun shells.
After the harvest
Immediately notch month/day/hour and attach tag before moving deer. Retain head as antler evidence; tag separated parts/head as required. Report to DEM/EPO within 24 hours; record confirmation on tag. November 7–8 and December 5–6: all deer harvested by any method must be physically checked, except Patience, Prudence and Block Island; keep whole/field dressed, not quartered.
Additional rules and notes
Deer management zone 4. Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 4 antlerless unlimited. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas. Annual written private-land permission carried. Private permission, local firearm ordinances, and property-specific closures, access permits and weapon restrictions apply; see §9.16. No drones, laser sights, infrared or night vision for hunting/recovery. No bait except expressly permitted coyote/trapping bait. Block Island: police-countersigned landowner permission; special Block Island method permit; archery proficiency on all lands. Black Rock/Rodman Hollow state lands special lottery permit and hunt log required.
Year-round flag
No
2026-12-03 to 2026-12-04
DeerGeneral
1
Rules, limits and requirements
Daily bag limit
1 per permit; see season totals
Possession limit
Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 1 antlerless 3. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas.
Shooting hours
30 minutes before sunrise – 30 minutes after sunset
Licenses, tags and validations
RI hunting license and season/zone-appropriate deer permit for each harvest.
Hunter orange
200 sq in solid fluorescent orange above waist, visible all directions; 500 sq in during shotgun deer seasons. Archery-only areas exempt. Pop-up blinds during firearm deer season also require 200 sq in displayed outside.
Allowed equipment
10/12/16/20 gauge shotgun, capacity max 5 shells, single slug/sabot; no buckshot. Qualifying ≥.45 muzzleloader also allowed with shotgun deer permit. Archery requires archery permit.
After the harvest
Immediately notch month/day/hour and attach tag before moving deer. Retain head as antler evidence; tag separated parts/head as required. Report to DEM/EPO within 24 hours; record confirmation on tag. November 7–8 and December 5–6: all deer harvested by any method must be physically checked, except Patience, Prudence and Block Island; keep whole/field dressed, not quartered.
Additional rules and notes
Deer management zone 1. Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 1 antlerless 3. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas. Annual written private-land permission carried. Private permission, local firearm ordinances, and property-specific closures, access permits and weapon restrictions apply; see §9.16. No drones, laser sights, infrared or night vision for hunting/recovery. No bait except expressly permitted coyote/trapping bait.
Year-round flag
No
2026-12-05 to 2026-12-31
DeerGeneral
2
Rules, limits and requirements
Daily bag limit
1 per permit; see season totals
Possession limit
Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 2 antlerless 2. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas.
Shooting hours
30 minutes before sunrise – 30 minutes after sunset
Licenses, tags and validations
RI hunting license and season/zone-appropriate deer permit for each harvest.
Hunter orange
200 sq in solid fluorescent orange above waist, visible all directions; 500 sq in during shotgun deer seasons. Archery-only areas exempt. Pop-up blinds during firearm deer season also require 200 sq in displayed outside.
Allowed equipment
10/12/16/20 gauge shotgun, capacity max 5 shells, single slug/sabot; no buckshot. Qualifying ≥.45 muzzleloader also allowed with shotgun deer permit. Archery requires archery permit.
After the harvest
Immediately notch month/day/hour and attach tag before moving deer. Retain head as antler evidence; tag separated parts/head as required. Report to DEM/EPO within 24 hours; record confirmation on tag. November 7–8 and December 5–6: all deer harvested by any method must be physically checked, except Patience, Prudence and Block Island; keep whole/field dressed, not quartered.
Additional rules and notes
Deer management zone 2. Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 2 antlerless 2. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas. Annual written private-land permission carried. Private permission, local firearm ordinances, and property-specific closures, access permits and weapon restrictions apply; see §9.16. No drones, laser sights, infrared or night vision for hunting/recovery. No bait except expressly permitted coyote/trapping bait.
Year-round flag
No
2026-12-05 to 2026-12-31
DeerMuzzleloader
4
Rules, limits and requirements
Daily bag limit
1 per permit; see season totals
Possession limit
Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 4 antlerless unlimited. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas.
Shooting hours
30 minutes before sunrise – 30 minutes after sunset
Licenses, tags and validations
RI hunting license and season/zone-appropriate deer permit for each harvest.
Hunter orange
500 sq in solid fluorescent orange; all deer hunters during mixed-method Block Island dates.
Allowed equipment
Single/double barrel muzzleloader ≥.45; single projectile muzzle-loaded; caplock/flintlock/in-line; sabot permitted; no modern shotgun shells.
After the harvest
Immediately notch month/day/hour and attach tag before moving deer. Retain head as antler evidence; tag separated parts/head as required. Report to DEM/EPO within 24 hours; record confirmation on tag. November 7–8 and December 5–6: all deer harvested by any method must be physically checked, except Patience, Prudence and Block Island; keep whole/field dressed, not quartered.
Additional rules and notes
Deer management zone 4. Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 4 antlerless unlimited. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas. Annual written private-land permission carried. Private permission, local firearm ordinances, and property-specific closures, access permits and weapon restrictions apply; see §9.16. No drones, laser sights, infrared or night vision for hunting/recovery. No bait except expressly permitted coyote/trapping bait. Block Island: police-countersigned landowner permission; special Block Island method permit; archery proficiency on all lands. Black Rock/Rodman Hollow state lands special lottery permit and hunt log required.
Year-round flag
No
2026-12-07 to 2026-12-11
DeerArchery
4
Rules, limits and requirements
Daily bag limit
1 per permit; see season totals
Possession limit
Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 4 antlerless unlimited. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas.
Shooting hours
30 minutes before sunrise – 30 minutes after sunset
Licenses, tags and validations
RI hunting license and season/zone-appropriate deer permit for each harvest.
Hunter orange
500 sq in solid fluorescent orange; all deer hunters during mixed-method Block Island dates.
Allowed equipment
Long/recurve/compound bow ≥40 lb fixed broadhead or ≥50 lb mechanical; crossbow ≥125 lb with working safety; broadhead ≥7/8 in and ≥2 metal cutting edges. Bowhunter education required.
After the harvest
Immediately notch month/day/hour and attach tag before moving deer. Retain head as antler evidence; tag separated parts/head as required. Report to DEM/EPO within 24 hours; record confirmation on tag. November 7–8 and December 5–6: all deer harvested by any method must be physically checked, except Patience, Prudence and Block Island; keep whole/field dressed, not quartered.
Additional rules and notes
Deer management zone 4. Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 4 antlerless unlimited. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas. Annual written private-land permission carried. Private permission, local firearm ordinances, and property-specific closures, access permits and weapon restrictions apply; see §9.16. No drones, laser sights, infrared or night vision for hunting/recovery. No bait except expressly permitted coyote/trapping bait. Block Island: police-countersigned landowner permission; special Block Island method permit; archery proficiency on all lands. Black Rock/Rodman Hollow state lands special lottery permit and hunt log required.
Year-round flag
No
2026-12-07 to 2026-12-11
DeerGeneral
4
Rules, limits and requirements
Daily bag limit
1 per permit; see season totals
Possession limit
Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 4 antlerless unlimited. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas.
Shooting hours
30 minutes before sunrise – 30 minutes after sunset
Licenses, tags and validations
RI hunting license and season/zone-appropriate deer permit for each harvest.
Hunter orange
500 sq in solid fluorescent orange; all deer hunters during mixed-method Block Island dates.
Allowed equipment
10/12/16/20 gauge shotgun, capacity max 5 shells, single slug/sabot; no buckshot. Qualifying ≥.45 muzzleloader also allowed with shotgun deer permit. Archery requires archery permit.
After the harvest
Immediately notch month/day/hour and attach tag before moving deer. Retain head as antler evidence; tag separated parts/head as required. Report to DEM/EPO within 24 hours; record confirmation on tag. November 7–8 and December 5–6: all deer harvested by any method must be physically checked, except Patience, Prudence and Block Island; keep whole/field dressed, not quartered.
Additional rules and notes
Deer management zone 4. Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 4 antlerless unlimited. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas. Annual written private-land permission carried. Private permission, local firearm ordinances, and property-specific closures, access permits and weapon restrictions apply; see §9.16. No drones, laser sights, infrared or night vision for hunting/recovery. No bait except expressly permitted coyote/trapping bait. Block Island: police-countersigned landowner permission; special Block Island method permit; archery proficiency on all lands. Black Rock/Rodman Hollow state lands special lottery permit and hunt log required.
Year-round flag
No
2026-12-07 to 2026-12-11
DeerGeneral
4
Rules, limits and requirements
Daily bag limit
1 per permit; see season totals
Possession limit
Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 4 antlerless unlimited. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas.
Shooting hours
30 minutes before sunrise – 30 minutes after sunset
Licenses, tags and validations
RI hunting license and season/zone-appropriate deer permit for each harvest.
Hunter orange
500 sq in solid fluorescent orange; all deer hunters during mixed-method Block Island dates.
Allowed equipment
10/12/16/20 gauge shotgun, capacity max 5 shells, single slug/sabot; no buckshot. Qualifying ≥.45 muzzleloader also allowed with shotgun deer permit. Archery requires archery permit.
After the harvest
Immediately notch month/day/hour and attach tag before moving deer. Retain head as antler evidence; tag separated parts/head as required. Report to DEM/EPO within 24 hours; record confirmation on tag. November 7–8 and December 5–6: all deer harvested by any method must be physically checked, except Patience, Prudence and Block Island; keep whole/field dressed, not quartered.
Additional rules and notes
Deer management zone 4. Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 4 antlerless unlimited. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas. Annual written private-land permission carried. Private permission, local firearm ordinances, and property-specific closures, access permits and weapon restrictions apply; see §9.16. No drones, laser sights, infrared or night vision for hunting/recovery. No bait except expressly permitted coyote/trapping bait. Block Island: police-countersigned landowner permission; special Block Island method permit; archery proficiency on all lands. Black Rock/Rodman Hollow state lands special lottery permit and hunt log required.
Year-round flag
No
2026-12-14 to 2026-12-15
DeerMuzzleloader
4
Rules, limits and requirements
Daily bag limit
1 per permit; see season totals
Possession limit
Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 4 antlerless unlimited. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas.
Shooting hours
30 minutes before sunrise – 30 minutes after sunset
Licenses, tags and validations
RI hunting license and season/zone-appropriate deer permit for each harvest.
Hunter orange
500 sq in solid fluorescent orange; all deer hunters during mixed-method Block Island dates.
Allowed equipment
Single/double barrel muzzleloader ≥.45; single projectile muzzle-loaded; caplock/flintlock/in-line; sabot permitted; no modern shotgun shells.
After the harvest
Immediately notch month/day/hour and attach tag before moving deer. Retain head as antler evidence; tag separated parts/head as required. Report to DEM/EPO within 24 hours; record confirmation on tag. November 7–8 and December 5–6: all deer harvested by any method must be physically checked, except Patience, Prudence and Block Island; keep whole/field dressed, not quartered.
Additional rules and notes
Deer management zone 4. Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 4 antlerless unlimited. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas. Annual written private-land permission carried. Private permission, local firearm ordinances, and property-specific closures, access permits and weapon restrictions apply; see §9.16. No drones, laser sights, infrared or night vision for hunting/recovery. No bait except expressly permitted coyote/trapping bait. Block Island: police-countersigned landowner permission; special Block Island method permit; archery proficiency on all lands. Black Rock/Rodman Hollow state lands special lottery permit and hunt log required.
Year-round flag
No
2026-12-14 to 2026-12-15
DeerArchery
4
Rules, limits and requirements
Daily bag limit
1 per permit; see season totals
Possession limit
Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 4 antlerless unlimited. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas.
Shooting hours
30 minutes before sunrise – 30 minutes after sunset
Licenses, tags and validations
RI hunting license and season/zone-appropriate deer permit for each harvest.
Hunter orange
500 sq in solid fluorescent orange; all deer hunters during mixed-method Block Island dates.
Allowed equipment
Long/recurve/compound bow ≥40 lb fixed broadhead or ≥50 lb mechanical; crossbow ≥125 lb with working safety; broadhead ≥7/8 in and ≥2 metal cutting edges. Bowhunter education required.
After the harvest
Immediately notch month/day/hour and attach tag before moving deer. Retain head as antler evidence; tag separated parts/head as required. Report to DEM/EPO within 24 hours; record confirmation on tag. November 7–8 and December 5–6: all deer harvested by any method must be physically checked, except Patience, Prudence and Block Island; keep whole/field dressed, not quartered.
Additional rules and notes
Deer management zone 4. Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 4 antlerless unlimited. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas. Annual written private-land permission carried. Private permission, local firearm ordinances, and property-specific closures, access permits and weapon restrictions apply; see §9.16. No drones, laser sights, infrared or night vision for hunting/recovery. No bait except expressly permitted coyote/trapping bait. Block Island: police-countersigned landowner permission; special Block Island method permit; archery proficiency on all lands. Black Rock/Rodman Hollow state lands special lottery permit and hunt log required.
Year-round flag
No
2026-12-14 to 2026-12-15
DeerArchery
4
Rules, limits and requirements
Daily bag limit
1 per permit; see season totals
Possession limit
Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 4 antlerless unlimited. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas.
Shooting hours
30 minutes before sunrise – 30 minutes after sunset
Licenses, tags and validations
RI hunting license and season/zone-appropriate deer permit for each harvest.
Hunter orange
500 sq in solid fluorescent orange; all deer hunters during mixed-method Block Island dates.
Allowed equipment
Long/recurve/compound bow ≥40 lb fixed broadhead or ≥50 lb mechanical; crossbow ≥125 lb with working safety; broadhead ≥7/8 in and ≥2 metal cutting edges. Bowhunter education required.
After the harvest
Immediately notch month/day/hour and attach tag before moving deer. Retain head as antler evidence; tag separated parts/head as required. Report to DEM/EPO within 24 hours; record confirmation on tag. November 7–8 and December 5–6: all deer harvested by any method must be physically checked, except Patience, Prudence and Block Island; keep whole/field dressed, not quartered.
Additional rules and notes
Deer management zone 4. Season total: max 2 antlered statewide across all methods (only 1 may be Zone 3); Zone 4 antlerless unlimited. One permit per deer; seasonal limits, not daily quotas. Annual written private-land permission carried. Private permission, local firearm ordinances, and property-specific closures, access permits and weapon restrictions apply; see §9.16. No drones, laser sights, infrared or night vision for hunting/recovery. No bait except expressly permitted coyote/trapping bait. Block Island: police-countersigned landowner permission; special Block Island method permit; archery proficiency on all lands. Black Rock/Rodman Hollow state lands special lottery permit and hunt log required.
Year-round flag
No
2026-12-17 to 2026-12-18

Start with the deer zone and property

Zones 1 and 2 follow the listed municipal boundaries; Zone 3 is Patience and Prudence Islands, and Zone 4 is Block Island. Private-land deer hunters must carry annual written permission. Block Island uses designated hunting days, and individual properties can restrict methods further.

Official guidance: Start with the deer zone and property

Check licenses and species permits

Rhode Island’s license year runs March 1 through the last day of February. Carry your hunting license. Special deer, turkey or waterfowl permits can still be required on state land; check the current license and permit list before choosing a hunt.

Official guidance: Check licenses and species permits

Public land has its own access conditions

The public-land chart identifies permitted species, deer zones, special permits and archery proficiency requirements. Beavertail and the Bristol town cooperatives illustrate why a statewide season date is insufficient: their deer access and equipment conditions differ from general mainland rules.

Official guidance: Public land has its own access conditions

Tag and report a deer

Notch and attach the deer tag before moving the carcass, then report the harvest within 24 hours and record the confirmation number. Deer taken November 7–8 or December 5–6, 2026 generally require a physical check station; Patience, Prudence and Block Island deer use online reporting instead.

Official guidance: Tag and report a deer

Rhode Island hunting FAQs

Do Zones 1 and 2 share the same deer seasons in 2026–2027?

Yes. Their regular archery season is September 15–January 31, muzzleloader is November 7–December 4, and shotgun is December 5–31. Property and permit conditions still apply.

Can I use the mainland calendar on Block Island?

No. Zone 4 has designated dates and local conditions. Its pheasant days also differ from the general pheasant season.

When must I report a deer?

Within 24 hours. The first two days of muzzleloader and shotgun season have physical check requirements, with the listed island exception.

Does a hunting license cover pheasant hunting by itself?

Generally, a Game Bird Permit is also required for ring-necked pheasant and bobwhite quail. Check preserve and property exceptions in the regulations.

Plan a hunt by location and date

Use Hunterizer to look up hunting information by location and date. Compare the result with the current official rules and any property-specific conditions. For another state, visit the state hunting regulation directory.

Official Rhode Island hunting sources

Table data: Hunterizer season snapshot received October 17, 2026. Agency updates, emergency closures and individual hunt conditions can change the applicable rules. Check the current official sources linked above before hunting or trapping.

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