Youth & Disabled Hunting Opportunities

• All youth hunting seasons are open to hunters ages 12–17.
• All youth hunters ages 12–14 must be in possession of a resident or non-resident Junior hunting license in order to hunt in RI.
• All youth hunters ages 15–17 must possess a resident or non-resident hunting license. Licenses can be purchased after the completion of a Hunter Safety course.
• All youth hunters ages 12–14 must hunt in the immediate company of an adult, 21 years of age or older, holding a valid RI hunting license.
• All hunters 15–17 using firearms must be under the supervision of a parent, guardian, or qualified adult. That adult DOES NOT need to be a licensed hunter, except for youth waterfowl hunting.
• An adult may accompany no more than two youth hunters at any one time. Adults are prohibited from hunting or carrying archery equipment/firearms during the youth-only hunting days.
• All other hunting permit requirements and hunting regulations per season pertain to youth hunters.

Youth Deer Hunting: Dates vary depending on Season and Zone. All other regulations and permit requirements apply. Please see deer hunting information.

Youth Waterfowl Hunting: Youth hunters may take ducks, sea ducks and geese following daily bag and possession limits for the regular seasons. All youth hunters (12–17) must have a current HIP Permit and RI Hunting License. The adult must also possess a current HIP Permit, state and federal duck stamp, and RI Hunting License.

Youth Pheasant Hunting: Youth pheasant season will be open during October 10–12. Pheasants will be stocked at Great Swamp, Durfee Hill, and Eight Rod Farm Wildlife Management Areas.

Youth Turkey Hunting: Youth hunters may take up to two (2) bearded turkeys during the spring season, provided they purchase a spring turkey permit for each bird. No more than one (1) bearded turkey may be taken on state lands during the spring season. All stipulations, permit requirements, and pertinent regulations apply. Accompanying adult may assist the youth hunter in calling the bird.

Hunter Education & Mentored Opportunities: The Division of Fish and Wildlife is committed to providing opportunities that support the development of safe, responsible, and ethical hunters while helping participants build knowledge, skills, and confidence in the outdoors. Programs and events may include skills training, mentored hunting experiences, and other outreach activities for participants of varying ages and experience levels. Program offerings vary annually. For current program offerings, registration information, and updates, visit RIDEM Hunter Education and Outreach Programs.

National Archery in Schools Program (NASP): The Division of Fish and Wildlife also supports the National Archery in Schools Program (NASP), which introduces students to archery through participating schools and organizations. Program availability varies by school and location. For more information about the Hunter Education Program or NASP, call (401) 539-0019 or email [email protected].

Patience and Prudence Islands (Zone 3) Special Deer Season for Disabled Hunters: The taking of deer will be limited to paraplegic and double amputee hunters only.

• A special hunting permit must be obtained through the RI DEM Office of Boat Registration and Licensing Division, 235 Promenade St. Providence, RI 02908 (401) 222-3576 by each applicant prior to the hunt. None will be issued on the island. An application signed by a physician for a first-time hunter, or a photocopy of a previous paraplegic/double amputee hunting license, is required.
• None of the hunter’s assistants will be allowed to hunt or carry loaded firearms at any time. No license is required of the assistants.
• All deer taken must be checked using the online harvest reporting system rio.ri.gov.
• Disabled hunters may use shotgun or muzzleloader with ammunition and caliber restrictions consistent with regular deer season (see deer hunting information).

Active Military and Veterans Waterfowl Season

• Active military and veteran hunters may take ducks, mergansers, coots, Canada geese, light geese, and brant following daily bag and possession limits for the regular seasons. The scaup bag limit will be two (2).
• Proof of eligibility is required and must be carried on person while hunting.
• All active military and veteran waterfowl hunters must have a State Harvest Information (HIP) permit, Rhode Island State Waterfowl Stamp and Federal Duck Stamp in addition to a current Rhode Island hunting license.

Paraplegic Hunter Turkey Season: Spring turkey permit required. Hunting in this season is limited to paraplegic hunters only as evidenced by possession of a permanent disability hunting license. Bag limit is two (2) provided no more than one (1) is taken on state land.