Rhode Island Bird Hunting

Seasons Span October 15 – February 28. 2026

State Drought Monitor – Upland hunting conditions are often highly dependent upon moisture for both habitat production and bird survival.

Season Dates

  • Ring-necked Pheasant:
    • General Season: October 15, 2025 – February 28, 2026
    • Block Island Specific Dates: November 19, November 26, December 3, December 17, 2025, and January 7, 2026
    • Youth Pheasant Hunting Weekend: Typically includes the Monday following the designated weekend (often Columbus Day); exact dates for 2025-26 are not specified but likely follow a similar pattern (e.g., mid-October).
  • Bobwhite Quail:
    • Season: October 15, 2025 – February 28, 2026 (assumed to align with pheasant season, as stocking occurs concurrently).
  • Chukar and Other Artificially Propagated Game Birds:
    • No established season; can be hunted year-round on shooting preserves with no bag limit.

Required Licenses and Costs

  • Hunting License:
    • Resident: $18 (as of previous data; costs increased effective July 1, 2025, but exact new fees not specified).
    • Non-Resident: $45 (as of previous data; costs increased effective July 1, 2025, but exact new fees not specified).
    • Junior Hunters (12-14 years): Must have a hunter safety education certificate and be accompanied by a licensed adult (age 21+ with a valid RI hunting license).
  • Game Bird Permit: Required for hunting bobwhite quail and ring-necked pheasant. Available through the Rhode Island Outdoors online licensing system; cost not specified in provided data but required in addition to the hunting license.
  • Hunter Education Requirement: All hunters must complete a hunter safety course (firearms or archery, depending on method). For archery, a bowhunter education course and in-person written exam are required.
  • Purchase Locations: Licenses can be purchased online via the Rhode Island Outdoors system, at the DEM Office of Boating Registration & Licenses in Providence, or at participating sales agent locations. Licenses must be printed, signed, and carried while hunting.
  • Additional Notes:
    • Hunters on John H. Chafee National Wildlife Refuge need a valid, signed refuge brochure and, for archery, a Rhode Island archery proficiency certification.
    • Youth hunters (12-17 years) may participate in designated youth hunts, requiring accompaniment by a licensed adult for ages 12-14.

Daily Bag Limits and Possession Limits

  • Ring-necked Pheasant:
    • Daily Bag Limit: 2 birds (either sex) statewide; 2 male pheasants (roosters) on Block Island.
    • Possession Limit: 3 birds (based on previous seasons; assumed to be three times the daily bag limit unless otherwise stated).
  • Bobwhite Quail:
    • Daily Bag Limit: 3 birds.
    • Possession Limit: Not explicitly stated, but typically three times the daily bag limit (likely 9).
  • Chukar and Other Artificially Propagated Game Birds:
    • Daily Bag Limit: Unlimited on shooting preserves.
    • Possession Limit: Unlimited.

Additional Regulations and Notes

  • Legal Methods of Take:
    • Shotgun: Bird shot not larger than No. 2; on Block Island, only steel shot or other approved non-toxic shot is allowed for pheasants.
    • Archery: Equipment must meet minimum draw weight for deer hunting, using small game blunts or judo points (no broadheads or field points). Crossbows are not allowed for birds.
  • Hunting Locations:
    • Pheasants and quail are stocked weekly at state management areas like Arcadia, Black Hut, Big River, Buck Hill, Carolina, Durfee Hill, Great Swamp, Nicholas Farm, Sapowet Marsh, Simmons Mill Pond, and Eight Rod Farm.
    • Youth pheasant hunting is permitted at Great Swamp, Durfee Hill, and Eight Rod Farm management areas.
    • Block Island pheasant hunting requires written landowner permission.
  • Other Requirements:
    • Hunters must check in and out at State Management Area hunter check stations during the upland game season and present harvested game for inspection.
    • Hunter Orange: At least 200–500 square inches of bright orange clothing is required for all hunters.
    • Dogs: Allowed for hunting, must be licensed, have proof of rabies vaccination, and wear a collar with the owner’s name and address.
  • Restrictions:
    • No baiting, cooperative drives, or electric calling devices for turkeys (though non-electric calls are allowed). Electronic calls are permitted for coyotes but not specified for upland birds.
    • Field dressing is allowed, but complete dressing (removing head, skin, feathers, etc.) on state property is prohibited.
    • Migratory birds must retain the head or one fully feathered wing during transport.

For the most up-to-date information, check official Rhode Island DEM resources or the Rhode Island Hunting and Trapping Regulations at http://www.dem.ri.gov/documents/regulations/index.php#hunting-fishing.

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