With numerous hunters taking advantage of public hunting grounds, you may find it more difficult to bag your favorite game animal. Some Rhode Island hunters prefer private land, which in many cases is not as heavily hunted and offers more opportunities.
Rhode Island allows hunting on private property but has strict laws regarding how and when you can enter and use the land. When hunting in Rhode Island, you must not only adhere to the state’s hunting laws, you must also respect private property and abide by any special restrictions the landowner has established.
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Before you take advantage of hunting on private land in Rhode Island, remember these four things.
1. Some landowners may charge for access.
In the leaflet “Hunting Leases on Private Land,”
Rhode Island’s Department of Environmental Management said landowners control who has access to their land for hunting and may determine who to allow onto their property. A landowner may require you to pay a daily fee or sign a lease agreement for the entire hunting season.
2. You might need written permission.
According to the Rhode Island Hunting and Trapping Regulation Guide, you must obtain a property owner’s permission before hunting deer there. The state also encourages hunters to seek permission before hunting other animals or engaging in other activities on private land. In some areas of Rhode Island, you must have the authorization of both the owner and the police chief before hunting on private land.
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3. You must obey state hunting laws.
Even though you’re on private property, it’s the state and not the landowner that establishes the hunting regulations. For example, even if you have the owner’s permission to hunt there, you must still have a valid hunting license. You must also abide by the state’s laws regarding daily bag limits and hunting seasons.
4. You’re responsible for your own safety.
Property owners are required to maintain their land and warn hunters about potential hazards, but they might not be liable for your safety. In fact, the state DEM said some owners add a passage to their lease agreements exempting themselves from liability. If you sign such a lease, you might be required to purchase your own liability insurance.
This article is for information only. Please check current regulations before hunting.
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