Rhode Island

Rhode Island Hunting License: Cost, Requirements & How to Apply (2026)

Complete guide to Rhode Island hunting license costs, requirements, seasons, and regulations for the Mar 1, 2025 – Feb 28, 2026 season.

Last updated: March 2026

Resident License $24 General hunting

Non-Resident License $65 General hunting

Hunter Education Required Born after 1960-01-01

Online Purchase Yes Mar 1, 2025 – Feb 28, 2026

LICENSE FEES

Rhode Island Hunting License Fees 2026

Current hunting license costs for residents and non-residents. License year: Mar 1, 2025 – Feb 28, 2026.

Resident Licenses

Resident Hunting License $24 —

Resident Combo (Hunt + Fish) $43 —

Resident Junior Hunting (12-14) $14 —

Resident Senior/Disabled (65+) Free —

Non-Resident Licenses

Non-Resident Hunting License — $65

Non-Resident 3-Day Tourist — $20

Non-Resident Junior Hunting (12-14) — $40

Tags & Permits

Deer Permit $14 $27.50

All Outdoors Deer Package (Res Only) $84 Free

Turkey Permit $9 $23

Endorsements & Stamps

Federal Duck Stamp $25 Required for waterfowl hunters 16+; valid Jul 1 – Jun 30

HIP Certification Free Free; required for all migratory bird hunters

RI Waterfowl Stamp $7.50 Required for waterfowl hunting in RI; in addition to federal stamp

PURCHASE

How to Buy a Rhode Island Hunting License

Multiple convenient options to get your license quickly.

Buy Online (Recommended)

Visit ridemhuntfish.com. Create account or sign in. Select hunting license ($24 res / $65 NR). Add deer permits ($14) or All Outdoors Package ($84). Add turkey permit ($9/$23) if needed. Pay online to avoid Enhanced Access Fees. Print and sign your license

Buy In Person

DEM Office of Boating & Licenses, Providence, Full-service vendors statewide, Select sporting goods stores

Buy By Phone

Call 401-789-0281. Enhanced Access Fee at vendors

Shop for hunting gear at our partners:

Bass Pro Shops → Cabela's → Amazon → Academy Sports →

Pro Tip

The easiest way to buy your Rhode Island hunting license is online through the RI DEM Division of Fish & Wildlife. You'll get your license instantly and can start hunting right away.

EDUCATION

Hunter Education Requirements in Rhode Island

Who needs it: All hunters born on or after January 1, 1960

Online course: Available — Cost: Free

Field day required: Yes, in-person field day required

Minimum age: 12 years old

Apprentice/deferral program: Available — hunt under supervision while completing education

Military exemption: Yes, active duty military may be exempt

Start Your Hunter Education Course

EXEMPTIONS

Who Can Hunt for Free (or at a Discount) in Rhode Island?

Youth (Under 15) Free Free with licensed adult; hunter ed required starting at 12

Senior (65+) Free permanent Free permanent hunting + fishing combo; lifetime license; RI residents

Permanently Disabled Free permanent Free permanent license with qualifying disability documentation

Disabled Veteran Free Disabled veterans receive free licenses and deer permits

Active Military Resident rates Active duty stationed in RI pay resident rates

SEASONS

Rhode Island Hunting Seasons 2026-2027

Key hunting season dates and weapon restrictions.

White-tailed Deer Archery Sep 15 – Jan 31 Bow and crossbow; one of longest archery seasons in NE

White-tailed Deer Shotgun (1st Segment) 3rd Sat in Nov – 3rd Sat in Dec Shotgun slugs only; no rifles allowed

White-tailed Deer Muzzleloader Late Dec – Jan 31 Muzzleloader; overlaps late archery

Turkey Youth Spring Last Sat in Apr – 1 day Shotgun, bow; supervised youth

Turkey Spring May 3 – May 31 Shotgun, bow

Turkey Fall Oct-Nov – Varies Shotgun, bow

Pheasant (Stocked) Regular Oct – Jan Shotgun; DEM stocks management areas

Woodcock Regular Oct – Nov Shotgun; HIP required

Ruffed Grouse Regular Oct – Jan Shotgun; limited wild populations

Rabbit/Snowshoe Hare Regular Oct – Feb 28 Shotgun

Squirrel Regular Sep – Feb 28 Shotgun, .22 rifle

Duck/Waterfowl Regular Oct-Jan – Zone-specific Shotgun (non-toxic shot)

Coyote Year-Round Jan 1 – Dec 31 No limit; can be hunted anytime

BAG LIMITS

Rhode Island Bag Limits

Daily and seasonal harvest limits for major game species.

White-tailed Deer 1 Per permits; All Outdoors = 7 total No rifles; shotgun slugs, muzzleloader, archery only; smallest state but good hunting

Turkey (Spring) 1 2 Bearded turkeys only

Turkey (Fall) 1 1 Either sex

Pheasant 2 No season limit Roosters only; DEM-stocked management areas

Ruffed Grouse 3 No season limit Wild populations; declining

Woodcock 3 No season limit Federal migratory; HIP required

Rabbit 5 No season limit Cottontail and snowshoe hare

Squirrel 5 No season limit Gray squirrel

COMPARE

How Rhode Island Compares to Neighboring States

See how hunting license costs stack up in the region.

Rhode Island $24 $65

Massachusetts $40 $112 Connecticut $19 $91

Compare All 50 States

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island Hunting Licenses

How much is a hunting license in Rhode Island?

Resident: $24 online ($26 vendor). NR: $65 online ($68 vendor). Combo hunt+fish: $43. NR 3-day tourist: $20. Junior: $14/$40. Free permanent license for RI residents 65+ or permanently disabled.

What is the All Outdoors Deer Package?

Resident-only $84 ($87 vendor) — includes 2 antlered + 5 antlerless = 7 total deer permits across Zones 1 and 2. Exceptional value in America's smallest state — that's 7 deer for $84!

Can you use a rifle for deer in Rhode Island?

No — RI bans rifle deer hunting due to small size and density. Allowed: shotgun slugs, muzzleloader, bow, crossbow. This makes RI unique among eastern states and affects weapon choices significantly.

What is the Enhanced Access Fee?

Small fee added at retail vendors: $2/$3 per license, $0.50/$1 per permit (res/NR). Buy online at ridemhuntfish.com to skip these fees. Saves $2-4 per transaction.

When is the archery deer season?

Sep 15 – Jan 31 — one of the longest archery seasons in the Northeast! Crossbows legal. Overlaps with shotgun and muzzleloader seasons, giving archers maximum opportunity in this small state.

What is RI's license year?

March 1 – February 28/29 — differs from most states. Plan your purchase to cover full hunting season (Sep-Jan). Seniors 65+ get a free permanent license with no expiration.

Can I buy a RI license online?

Yes, at ridemhuntfish.com. Lower prices online (no EAF). Carry signed paper copy while hunting. Also available at DEM offices and sporting goods retailers.

Do seniors hunt free in Rhode Island?

Yes — RI residents 65+ or permanently disabled get a FREE permanent hunting+fishing combo license from DEM. Lifetime license, no renewal. One of the best senior programs in New England.