Hunting in Rhode Island: 4 Things to Know Before Applying for a Hunting Permit for Adults

In order to hunt in Rhode Island, hunters must abide by the regulations and restrictions outlined by the state of Rhode Island. Adherence to such laws promotes safety, wildlife conservation, and ethical practices.

In Rhode Island, adults must posses a hunting permit. The following are four things to know before applying for a hunting permit in Rhode Island:

1. General Rules of Hunting in Rhode Island
It is illegal to hunt without a Rhode Island hunting license. Hunters must carry the permit at all times. According to Rhode Island law, if hunters fail to present their permits when required to do so to a person in a position of authority, they are subject to the same penalties as hunters without any license in the first place.

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A Rhode Island hunting license (or fishing and hunting combination license) is valid from the first day of the season to the last day in February, according to Rhode Island Hunting & Trapping. There are occasional exceptions. A Rhode Island hunting license is valid on regions designated State Management Areas.

2. Where to Get a License
Licenses are available for purchase from the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management's Division of Licensing, located in Providence. In addition, most city and town clerks and sporting goods stores sell licenses, Rhode Island Hunting & Trapping. Hunters can also purchase licenses online via the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management.

3. Necessary Courses
Adults applying for a hunting permit for the first time must complete a hunter education course, which teaches safe hunting techniques, hunting ethics, and general skills. A hunter must be at least 15-years-old in order to hunt without supervision; however, the hunting education courses carry no minimum age.

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License applicants must possess valid hunter safety certification issued by the state of Rhode Island, or any other state. Adults who have had a license in previous years must present a Rhode Island hunting license from previous year. Licenses issued by other states do not count.

4. Bowhunting Considerations
Adults wishing to hunt using bow and arrows must present a Rhode Island bowhunting license from a previous year, or bowhunting certification from any state. A bowhunting education course only certifies the student to hunt with archery.

In order to hunt with both firearms and archery, the hunter must complete both the bowhunting education course and the general hunting education course, according to the state of Rhode Island's Department of Environmental Management.

This article is for information only. Please check current regulations before hunting.

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