Hunting
Hunting has a long tradition in Rhode Island, supporting family customs, connecting people with nature, and attracting tourism to the state. Most hunters hunt to provide food for their families, while also enjoying time spent with family and friends in the outdoors.
Rhode Island is home to a myriad of natural habitats. From coastal shrublands to forestland to grasslands that sway in the breeze, opportunities for hunting and trapping abound. Revenue generated from license and permit sales supports Rhode Island fish and wildlife conservation programs. A critical source of funding, these monies are leveraged to match federal Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program dollars that support outdoor recreational opportunities for fishing, hunting, and boating in Rhode Island.
Investing in land and wildlife conservation remains an important focus of the DEM. We’ve protected over 800 acres in the last eight years to enhance opportunities for hunting and trapping, bringing the total purchased to date to more than 16,000 acres. This adds significantly to the 55,000 acres already managed by our Division of Fish and Wildlife.
Throughout the year, DEM’s Division of Fish & Wildlife offers a host of educational workshops for novice and experienced hunters; among the offerings are programs on deer processing, firearms familiarization, tree stand safety, wilderness first aid, wild game cooking, land navigation, and mentored hunts. Check our
calendar for upcoming clinics and special events.