Hunting Opportunities:
The tidal salt marshes and forests at John H. Chafee National Wildlife Refuge support many wildlife species, including geese, ducks, white-tailed deer and wild turkey. All hunters must sign and carry a current-year refuge brochure for the appropriate hunting season. Waterfowl, white-tailed deer and wild turkey hunting follows Rhode Island state seasons, with some weapon and date restrictions. A Rhode Island archery proficiency certification is required for hunting on refuge lands, please visit https://dem.ri.gov/. Refuge deer hunters may opportunistically take coyote and fox during the deer season.
John H. Chafee NWR Hunting Season 2023-2024
All hunters are responsible for reviewing and abiding by current season regulations when hunting at John H. Chafee NWR. Both State and federal regulations apply, including all required licenses and stamps. For information about Rhode Island hunting licenses and regulations, visit RIDEM site: http://www.dem.ri.gov/index.php
NOTICE: Archery only hunting for big game (white-tailed deer, fall season wild turkey, coyote, and fox seasons). Spring wild turkey season is CLOSED on refuge lands. Archery hunters must obtain and carry the Rhode Island Archery Certification while on refuge lands.
Remember! Your signed brochure authorizes you to take specific game only. Harming, collecting, or disturbing any other wildlife is a violation of refuge regulations and is cause for prosecution.
John H. Chafee National Wildlife Refuge Big and Upland 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 hunting brochure on their person at all times during refuge hunting days. Archery-only hunting for white- tailed deer, wild turkey (fall only), coyote, and fox is allowed in designated locations (see map in brochure below), during the State hunting seasons. Permitted hunters may take coyote and fox during the deer hunting season only. Spring turkey season is closed.
Weapons
Firearms hunting is not allowed. Persons possessing, transporting, or carrying archery equipment on National Wildlife Refuge System lands must comply with all provisions of State and local laws. Persons may only use (discharge) bow and arrows/crossbows in accordance with 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 State of Rhode Island regulations subject to the conditions stated below.
Access
White-tailed deer, wild turkey (fall only), coyote, and fox 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 with unloaded weapons. Some, but not all, safety zones are marked in the field. Only participants who possess a valid, signed hunt brochure will be allowed to enter the hunt units. Hunters may scout the hunt units one week prior to the hunt season with a valid, signed 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 September 8, 2023 and must be removed by February 15, 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 may be placed beginning September 8, 2023 and must be removed by February 15, 2024.
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.
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 hunt brochure on their person at all times during refuge hunting days. Waterfowl (goose, duck, merganser, 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 laws. Persons may only use (discharge) firearms in accordance with refuge regulations (50 CFR 27.42 and specific refuge regulations in 50 CFR § 32.58).
Vehicles and Boats
All-terrain vehicles (ATVs and UTVs), dirt bikes, and other non-licensed vehicles are prohibited. 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 (goose, duck, merganser, and coot) 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 to access a hunt unit but weapons must be unloaded. Some, but not all, safety zones are marked in the field. Only participants who possess a valid, signed refuge 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 the 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 the refuge at 401-364-9124 or email us at rhodeislandcomplex@fws.gov.
