Welcome to 2025-26 Rhode Island Hunting

Significant Regulation Changes and Highlights 2025–2026

1. Hunting guides are now required to obtain a free Guide Permit for anyone engaging in the act of guiding for game species. See NEW Hunting Guide Permit.
2. New Deer Check Station at Buck Hill WMA at 704 Buck Hill Rd, Pascoag. Durfee Hill is now permanently closed.
3. Small game hunting now allows air rifles to use calibers from .177 to .30 caliber.
4. Hunting violations may now result in a revocation or suspension in your hunting, trapping or fishing license.
5. Tree stands must be removed by March 31st.
6. Pintail bag limit has increased to three (3).
7. Simmons Mill WMA no longer requires decoys to waterfowl hunt.
8. Prudence Island no longer has a restriction on waterfowl hunting more than 10’ above mean high tide.
9. Crossbows are now a legal method of take for turkeys during the spring and fall hunting seasons.
10. License and permit fees have increased, effective July 1, 2025.
11. The Nature Conservancy has opened the Harrington Preserve for all methods of deer hunting.
12. Youth pheasant weekend now includes the following Monday, which usually falls on Columbus Day.
13. Youth hunting seasons now include 12–17 year olds.