Resident deer tag or permit entry cost.
RI
Deer Hunting in Rhode Island: Tags, Seasons & Regulations (2026)
Deer hunting in Rhode Island starts with the current deer cost entries, season dates, bag limits, and CWD rules.
Resident Tag $14 Deer tag/permit
Non-Resident Tag $27.50 Non-resident deer tag
Primary Season Sep 15 – Jan 31 Archery
Draw Required? No (OTC) Over-the-counter tags
DEER QUICK ANSWER
Rhode Island Deer Tag Cost, Season & Rules: Quick Answer
Start here for Rhode Island deer tag cost, primary season timing, draw status, and CWD planning before using the full tables below.
Use this before adding the base license and trip permits.
Most hunters can start from the state license portal and available deer permits.
Archery; also check Shotgun (1st Segment).
For Rhode Island deer hunting, use the listed resident and non-resident deer cost entries together with the note: Deer permits are sold separately by antler/zone/season: $14 resident online and $27.50 non-resident online; resident All Outdoors package is $84 online.. Because this page lists over-the-counter access, the main risk is choosing the correct weapon season, zone, and add-on permit. Rhode Island does not list a current CWD detection here, but carcass import rules can still affect travel.
OVERVIEW
Deer Hunting in Rhode Island
Rhode Island deer hunting uses separate deer permits, so the page should not describe deer tags as included with the base license. Hunters buy antlered or antlerless deer permits matched to the zone and season they plan to hunt, and residents can also use the All Outdoors deer package. CWD has not been detected in Rhode Island deer, but DEM still monitors hunter-harvested deer and uses check-station sampling as an early-detection tool. The statewide antlered deer limit is two, and an antlered deer is defined by antlers measuring three inches or longer.
Species present: White-tailed Deer
SEASONS
Rhode Island Deer Season Dates (2026)
All archery, firearm, and muzzleloader season dates.
Multiple Seasons
Rhode Island offers 3 distinct deer seasons. Check specific zone dates with the RI DEM Division of Fish & Wildlife — dates and bag limits may vary by management unit.
COSTS
Rhode Island Deer Tag Fees
Resident vs. non-resident tag and permit costs.
Resident
$14
Deer tag / permit
Non-Resident
$27.50
Over-the-counter tag available
Deer permits are sold separately by antler/zone/season: $14 resident online and $27.50 non-resident online; resident All Outdoors package is $84 online.
PLAN YOUR NEXT STEP
Choose the right Rhode Island deer planning path
Jump into the state hub, shortlist pages, and deer-planning tools before you work through every remaining section.
Check the full Rhode Island license setup
Move back to the main state hub when you need the base license, non-resident options, or add-on permits outside deer tags.
Use deer-planning tools next
Shift from deer-tag detail into season timing, trip budgeting, and cross-state deer planning helpers.
Add a wider 2026 cost view
Check benchmark and non-resident premium reports before you commit to one deer state or trip budget.
REGULATIONS
CWD & Deer Hunting Regulations in Rhode Island
Chronic Wasting Disease status, antler restrictions, and weapon rules.
CWD Status
Not Detected
CWD Testing / Transport
No in-state detection listed
Rhode Island uses surveillance and carcass-import precautions; hunters should confirm current DEM rules before bringing deer parts from CWD-affected areas.
Bag Limit
Daily: 1 · Season: Per permits; All Outdoors = 7 total
No rifles; shotgun slugs, muzzleloader, archery only; smallest state but good hunting
Allowed Weapons
Bow, shotgun, muzzleloader
Official Source
Always verify current regulations with the official source: RI DEM Division of Fish & Wildlife . Season dates, bag limits, and CWD regulations may change annually.
FAQ
Deer Hunting in Rhode Island — FAQ
Is CWD testing mandatory in Rhode Island?
No statewide mandatory CWD testing rule is listed for routine Rhode Island deer hunters. DEM monitors the herd and may collect tissue samples at biological check stations during fall seasons.
What are the antler restrictions in Rhode Island?
A buck must have antlers measuring 3 inches or greater to be considered an antlered deer. Rhode Island does not use point-counting APRs.
How many bucks can I shoot in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island limits hunters to a maximum of two antlered deer across all seasons statewide per year.
What deer species can I hunt in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island is home to White-tailed Deer. Allowed weapons include bow, shotgun, muzzleloader.
Can non-residents hunt deer in Rhode Island?
Yes, non-residents can hunt deer in Rhode Island, but deer permits are sold separately. The non-resident deer permit is $27.50 online and must match the zone, season, and antler category.