How to Tag & Report Your Deer
State Operated Check Stations
The state operated check stations provide biologists with information on hunter success and gives them a chance to inspect and sample harvested game.
Deer Check Stations
- All deer taken during the first two days (Saturday & Sunday, Nov. 4 & 5) of the Muzzleloader Deer Season, and the first two days (Saturday & Sunday, Dec. 2 & 3) of Shotgun Deer Season, including deer taken with archery equipment, must be physically checked at a state operated biological check station, except those deer taken on Patience, Prudence, and Block Island, which must be reported using the online licensing system.
- Operating Hours: 8:00 A.M. until 6:00 P.M. daily.
- Arcadia Management Area: Rt. 165, Ten Rod Road, at Wood River, Exeter, Phone: 401-539-7117. (41.57305, -71.72163)
- Carolina Management Area: Pine Hill Road, Richmond, Phone: 401-364-3483. (41.46618, -71.68860)
- Durfee Hill Management Area: Reynolds Road (Rte 94), Glocester, Phone: 401-568-6753 (41.90218, -71.78422)
- Great Swamp Management Area: 277 Great Neck Road, West Kingston, Phone: 401-789-1636 (41.47374, -71.57533)
- Tiverton Rod and Gun Club: 1529 Fish Rd, Tiverton, Phone: 401-624-3959 (41.62681, -71.18825)
The online licensing system has brought changes to tagging and reporting your deer harvest that all hunters should be aware of. Before you leave the house or license vendor, sign your hunting license and deer tags! Now you will not need a pen until you report your harvest online or over the phone! Before heading afield, grab a zip tie or string along with a durable plastic bag and put your license and tags inside the bag to protect them from the elements!
1. Bag It!
Photo by Sam Dalti
Congratulations on your successful deer harvest!
2. Tag It!
Your tag must be notched (day, hour and month of harvest) before moving the deer for photos, field dressing or to leave the woods.
HELPFUL TIP: It is recommended to place your tag in a durable, clear plastic bag (Ziploc bag) to make sure your tag will not rip, tear, or become illegible from water, blood or dirt. Consider rolling up the bag with the tag inside, and placing it inside the deer’s ear and tie the ear shut with a piece of string or zip tie. Reminder: The notched tag must remain affixed to the deer at all times until the deer has been prepared for taxidermy or consumption.
3. Report It!
Photo by Northeast Woodsman
Use your smart phone or desktop computer to report your harvest at:
- You must report your deer harvest within 24 hours. If you do not have internet or cellular data access to report your deer harvest, you may call the Division of Fish and Wildlife at (401) 789-0281 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday-Friday to report your harvest.
- Once on the harvest reporting site, you will be asked a few questions to determine the age and sex of the animal, the location and method of harvest and information about your time afield.
- When you are finished reporting your deer online or over the phone, you will be given a harvest report confirmation number. This number confirms that you have reported your harvest. Write the number on your tag and keep the tag affixed to the deer until prepared for taxidermy or consumption.
REMINDER: All deer taken during Nov. 4 & 5 and Dec. 2 & 3 must be physically checked, except those taken on Patience, Prudence, and Block Islands.
