Youth & Disabled Hunting Opportunities

• All youth hunters ages 12 - 14 must be in possession of a resident or non-resident Junior hunting license in order to hunt in RI.
• All youth hunters ages 12 - 14 must hunt in the immediate company of an adult, 21 years of age or older, holding a valid RI hunting license.
• In addition, youth hunters age 12 - 15 shall be in the immediate company of a licensed adult when waterfowl hunting during the youth waterfowl hunt.
• All hunters age 15 and older must possess a resident or non-resident hunting license. Licenses can be purchased after the completion of a Hunter Safety course.
• All hunters under the age of 18 using firearms must be under the supervision of a parent, guardian, or qualified adult. (RIGL 11-47-33). That adult DOES NOT need to be a licensed hunter.
• An adult may accompany no more than two youth hunters at any one time. Adults are prohibited from hunting or carrying archery equipment/firearms during the youth-only hunting days.
• All other hunting permit requirements and hunting regulations per season pertain to youth hunters.
• For more information on hunting, contact the Division of Fish & Wildlife at 401-789-0281 or by emailing [email protected].
• For more information about youth hunting opportunities or our Hunter Education program, call 401-539-0019 or email charles.tappero@dem.ri.gov.

Youth Deer Hunting: Dates vary depending on Season and Zone. All other regulations and permit requirements apply. Please see Deer Hunting for more deer hunting information.

Youth Waterfowl Hunting: Youth hunters may take ducks, sea ducks and geese following daily bag and possession limits for the regular seasons. All youth hunters (12 - 15), and those adults accompanying youth hunters, must have a current HIP Permit and RI hunting license. The accompanying adult must also possess a current RI State Waterfowl Stamp and Federal Duck Stamp.

Youth Waterfowl Training and Mentored Hunt: For the 10th consecutive year, the Division of Fish and Wildlife is partnering with Ducks Unlimited to offer a youth waterfowl training day (September date TBA) and mentored hunt opportunity on youth waterfowl weekend for those youths that attend the training. Space is limited for the training and mentored hunt.

Youth Pheasant Hunting: Youth Pheasant Hunt to be held on October 12 - 13 at Great Swamp, Durfee Hill, and Eight Rod Farm Wildlife Management Areas.

Youth Turkey Hunting: Youth hunters may take up to two (2) bearded turkeys during the spring season, provided they purchase a spring turkey permit for each bird. No more than one (1) bearded turkey may be taken on state lands during the spring season. All stipulations, permit requirements, and pertinent regulations apply. Accompanying adult may assist the youth hunter in calling the bird.

Youth Turkey Training and Mentored Hunt: For the 5th consecutive year, the Division of Fish and Wildlife is partnering with the Light Foundation to offer the youth turkey training and hunt (April date TBD). It is open to minors 12 - 15 years of age. The goal is to create the next generation of conservation leaders by providing youth with an enjoyable and memorable outdoor experience that introduces them to safe and responsible hunting and teaches them fundamental leadership & life skills. Space is limited. For more information or to apply, visit mattlight72.com!

For more information about youth and/or disabled hunting opportunities, please contact our Hunter Education office by emailing charles.tappero@dem.ri.gov or by calling 401-539-0019.

Patience and Prudence Islands (Zone 3) Special Deer Season for Disabled Hunters: The taking of deer will be limited to paraplegic and double amputee hunters only.

• A special hunting permit must be obtained through the RI DEM Office of Boat Registration and Licensing Division, 235 Promenade St. Providence, RI 02908 (401) 222-3576 by each applicant prior to the hunt. None will be issued on the island. An application signed by a physician for a first-time hunter, or a photocopy of a previous paraplegic/double amputee hunting license, is required.
• None of the hunter’s assistants will be allowed to hunt or carry loaded firearms at any time. No license is required of the assistants.
• All deer taken must be checked using the online harvest reporting system rio.ri.gov.
• Disabled hunters may use shotgun or muzzleloader with ammunition and caliber restrictions consistent with regular deer season (see Deer Hunting).

Paraplegic Hunter Turkey Season: Spring turkey permit required. Hunting in this season is limited to paraplegic hunters only as evidenced by possession of a permanent disability hunting license. Bag limit is two (2) provided no more than one (1) is taken on state land.