Approximately 12 miles offshore on picturesque Block Island, this small refuge provides important habitat for wildlife and supports an abundant white-tailed deer population. All hunters must sign and carry a current-year refuge brochure for the appropriate hunting season.
White-tailed deer hunters may enjoy opportunities during the Rhode Island state season at Sandy Point and Beane Point. Wash Pond, Grove Point and Skippers Island are archery-only units. A Rhode Island archery proficiency certification is required for hunting on Block Island National Wildlife Refuge lands, please visit https://dem.ri.gov/. Waterfowl hunters are allowed to hunt ducks, mergansers and coot in Wash Pond during the state season. Hunting dates follow those set by the Town of New Shoreham. The refuge recommends that hunters check in with the police department before their hunt.
Block Island National Wildlife Refuge Big Game Hunting Regulations 2023–2024
Hunters are required to possess a valid Rhode Island hunting license, all required stamps, an original, valid government-issued photo identification (no copies or photos), State archery proficiency certification, and a valid, signed refuge hunt brochure on their person at all times during refuge hunting days. Firearm and archery hunting for white-tailed deer is allowed in designated locations (see map in brochure below) during the State hunting seasons. We encourage hunters to check in with the Chief of Police prior to hunting.
Weapons
Persons possessing, transporting, or carrying firearms or archery equipment on National Wildlife Refuge System lands must comply with all provisions of State and local law. Persons may only use (discharge) weapons in accordance with refuge regulations (50 CFR 27.42 and specific refuge regulations in 50 CFR 32.58).
Vehicles
All-terrain vehicles (ATVs and UTVs), dirt bikes, and other non-licensed vehicles are prohibited on refuge lands.
Hunting Regulations
Hunting is permitted in accordance with Federal regulations governing public use on National Wildlife Refuges as set forth in Title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations. Hunting will be in accordance with applicable Rhode Island regulations subject to the conditions stated below.
Access
White-tailed deer hunting dates and times are posted in the Rhode Island Hunting and Trapping Abstract. Hunting is permitted in designated areas of the refuge as depicted on the hunting map. Hunting is not allowed within safety zones, and no weapon discharge into, from, or within safety zones. Hunters may pass through a hunt safety zone, but weapons must be unloaded. Some, but not all, safety zones are marked in the field. Only participants who possess a valid, signed refuge hunt brochure will be allowed to enter the hunt areas. Hunters may scout hunt units one week prior to the season with a valid, signed refuge hunt brochure. Night hunting is prohibited.
Tree Stands and Hunting Blinds
We only allow portable tree stands and blinds. You must clearly label any tree stand or blind left on the refuge overnight with your Rhode Island hunting license number. Stands and blinds may be placed beginning October 5, 2023, and must be removed from the refuge by February 28, 2024. The use of nails, wire, screws, or bolts to attach a stand to a tree or hunting from a tree into which a metal object has been driven to support a hunter is prohibited on refuge lands (50 CFR 32.2(i)).
Game/Trail Cameras All game/trail cameras must be clearly labeled on the exterior of the housing with the hunter’s State hunting license number. When deploying cameras, mounting hardware must not cause damage to vegetation. Cameras must be removed by February 28, 2023.
Harvest Reporting
In addition to following State harvest reporting requirements, hunters must complete a Big Game Harvest Report (FWS form 3-2359) and return it to the refuge by March 15, 2024.
Block Island National Wildlife Refuge Waterfowl Hunting Regulations 2023–2024
Hunters are required to possess a valid Rhode Island hunting license, all required stamps, an original valid government-issued photo identification (no copies or photos), and a valid signed refuge hunting brochure on their person at all times during refuge hunting days. Waterfowl (ducks, mergansers, and coot) hunting is allowed in designated locations (see map in brochure below).
Firearms
Persons possessing, transporting, or carrying firearms on National Wildlife Refuge System lands must comply with all provisions of State and local law. Persons may only use (discharge) firearms in accordance with refuge regulations (50 CFR 27.42 and specific refuge regulations in 50 CFR Part 32).
Vehicles and Boats
All-terrain vehicles (ATVs and UTVs), dirt bikes, and other non-licensed vehicles are prohibited on refuge lands. Boats may only be launched from private land or public boat launches. State boating regulations apply.
Hunting Regulations
Hunting is permitted in accordance with Federal regulations governing public use on National Wildlife Refuges as set forth in Title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations. Hunting will be in accordance with applicable State of Rhode Island regulations subject to the conditions stated below.
Access
Waterfowl (ducks, mergansers, and coot) hunting dates and times are posted in the Rhode Island Hunting and Trapping Abstract. Hunting is permitted in Wash Pond Unit as depicted on the hunting map. Hunting is not allowed within safety zones, and no weapon discharge into, from, or within safety zones. Hunters may pass through a hunt safety zone to access a hunt unit, but weapons must be unloaded within safety zones. Some, but not all safety zones are marked in the field. Only participants who possess a valid, signed refuge hunt brochure will be allowed to enter the hunt areas.
Hunting Blinds and Decoys
We allow temporary waterfowl blinds and decoys while hunting. All blinds and decoys must be removed at the end of each hunt day.
Use of Dogs
We allow the use of dogs for retrieval of waterfowl consistent with State regulations. Dog training is not allowed on refuge property.
Harvest Reporting In addition to the required reporting to the Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program (HIP), hunters must complete a Migratory Bird Hunt Report (FWS form 3-2361) and return it to the refuge by March 15, 2024.
If you have any questions please call 401.364.9124 or email us at rhodeislandcomplex@fws.gov.
