Messages

On behalf of Governor Dan McKee, I am excited to release the eleventh annual Rhode Island Hunting and Trapping Regulation Guide for Rhode Islanders and visitors who enjoy wildlife and the great outdoors. We hope this information will help guide novice and seasoned hunters and trappers alike.

Hunting has a long tradition in Rhode Island, supporting family customs, providing wild local sustainable food resource, connecting people with nature, and attracting tourism to the state. Although I am not an active hunter, I know and respect the valuable history of hunting in Rhode Island, how hunting skills and experiences are passed on generationally in many Rhode Island families, and its important role in managing wildlife populations and providing funding for DEM’s broader network of wildlife conservation efforts. Through the support of Rhode Island hunters and trappers, DEM acquires and protects wildlife habitat, studies local species, and educates the public on the importance of conservation and management. In addition to continuing successful youth hunting programs for several species, for the second time DEM’s Division of Fish and Wildlife again partnered with the University of Rhode Island to offer a college accredited course, Wildlife Conservation and Hunting. This course is designed for students to gain knowledge of Rhode Island’s wildlife resources, the North American Conservation model, and the management of natural resources through sustainable harvesting. Throughout the semester students strengthened their understanding of wildlife conservation, became hunter education certified, and participated in a mentored waterfowl hunt. DEM remains committed to providing opportunities for young people to experience and enjoy the outdoors and inspiring the next generation of responsible hunters, conservation professionals, outdoor enthusiasts, and environmental leaders. Although Rhode Island is the smallest state, DEM manages over 60,000 acres of public land, most of which is available to hunters and trappers. Through partnerships and cooperation with towns and private organizations, hunters can find additional access to hunt and trap in every county, which means your next outdoor adventure is likely only a short distance away! We are proud of the partnerships that we have forged and know that respectful hunters in Rhode Island will help ensure that these partnerships, and these lands, will remain open for recreational access. I hope this guide, funded through your contributions to the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act (Pittman-Robertson Act), enhances your hunting and trapping experiences, while encouraging you to be respectful of the environment. Enjoy the excitement of the outdoors in beautiful Rhode Island and the tranquility and connection to nature that hunting and trapping brings. And thank you for being part of conservation efforts that will provide benefits for generations to come!

Terrence Gray, PE

Director

Environmental Police Chief’s Message:

Welcome to the hunting and fishing abstract for the State of Rhode Island. You will find all the necessary information within this document, and a list of resources, locations and programs that are offered. Rhode Island, while small, has a great deal to offer for outdoor enthusiasts such as whitetail deer, waterfowl, small game, upland game hunting, along with a tremendous trout stocking program for our freshwater bodies of water. Saltwater anglers can fish the many miles of shoreline, take a charter boat fishing, or use recreational boating to access some of the best fishing on the east coast.

The Division of Fish and Wildlife offers hunter education courses and operates a state-of-the-art shooting range at the Great Swamp Wildlife Management Area and provides many other programs for you to learn from and explore. All the programming is provided to ensure that those hunting and fishing in our state, do so in an ethical manner with the greatest regard for the outdoor environment, and the wildlife inhabitants. The Division of Fish and Wildlife has a highly educated and dedicated staff who work to provide ever-improving wildlife habitat, game management, and trout and salmon stocking programs to benefit outdoor enthusiasts. The Environmental Police work together with all divisions of the department, to provide resource protection through conservation law enforcement. Our officers are highly educated and trained to provide a diverse and thorough knowledge of natural resources. Officers are responsible for all state, cooperative, and private lands for hunting and fishing oversight, as well as the marine environment. Hunting, fishing, and boating safety and enforcement are the primary functions of the division. Officers are provided with an incredible assortment of tools to ensure the protection of our natural resources for future generations. Please venture into the great outdoors that Rhode Island has to offer. While we are called the Ocean State, our other natural resource divisions are as impressive as our water side vistas. We ask that you visit and enjoy in a manner that is respectful to the outdoor environment, lands and waters of our state and maintain these areas in a pristine condition so that others can enjoy them as you have. As Chief, I welcome you to Rhode Island and ask that everyone do their part to protect the natural resources of this small but incredibly diverse state. Go out and explore, enjoy and take in all that Rhode Island has to offer.

Sincerely,

Dean Hoxsie, Chief

RI Environmental Police
(401-222-3070)