Rhode Island Duck Season
2026–2027
Season dates by zone, bag limits, youth days, and license requirements — verified against the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management.
- Earliest opener
- Oct 9
- Latest close
- Jan 24
- Daily bag
- 6 ducks
- Possession
- 18 ducks
Statewide
Statewide
Species limits apply
3× daily bag
Statewide opens in
16 days
Start your Rhode Island log — free. MarshHQ counts every species against these limits as you log, and shows legal shooting light for the spot you’re hunting.
Email only. No card. The log stays free.
Season dates by zone
Duck season. Always confirm shooting hours with RIDEM.
Statewide
60 days
- Oct 9 – Oct 12, 2026
- Nov 25 – Nov 29, 2026
- Dec 5, 2026 – Jan 24, 2027
Other waterfowl seasonsCoot, Early Canada goose, Canada goose (regular), Brant
Coot
Statewide
- Oct 9 – Oct 12, 2026
- Nov 25 – Nov 29, 2026
- Dec 5, 2026 – Jan 24, 2027
Early Canada goose
Statewide
- Sep 1 – Sep 30, 2026
Canada goose (regular)
Statewide
- Nov 21 – Nov 29, 2026
- Dec 5, 2026 – Jan 24, 2027
Canada goose (regular)
Late Canada Goose Season Area
- Jan 30 – Feb 13, 2027
Brant
Statewide
- Dec 25, 2026 – Jan 24, 2027
Youth & special days
Youth waterfowl
- Statewide:
- Oct 24 – Oct 25, 2026
Bag limits
Daily limit is 6 ducks total. Within those, no more than:
Light geese: 25 daily.
Mergansers: 5 daily, 15 in possession.
Scaup: 1 for the first 40 days, then 2 for the last 20 days daily, 6 in possession.
What you need to hunt ducks in Rhode Island
Rhode Island State Waterfowl Stamp — Required for hunters 16 and older, signed across the face (or a certification via the RIO online system).
Federal Duck Stamp — Required for hunters 16 and older.
Harvest Information Program (HIP) Permit — Required of all migratory bird hunters, including youth.
Nontoxic shot — Lead shot is prohibited for waterfowl nationwide.
- Youth ages 12–15 are exempt from the RI State Waterfowl Stamp and Federal Duck Stamp, but still need a license and HIP permit.
License and permit names and exemptions are set by the state and can change without notice, and fees aren’t listed here for the same reason. MarshHQ is not responsible for errors or out-of-date information — confirm current requirements directly with RIDEM (opens in a new tab) before you hunt.
Disclaimer: Bag limits and season dates are for reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. Always verify with USFWS and your state wildlife agency before hunting. Dates and limits above reflect the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management’s published 2026–2027 waterfowl regulations as checked on 2026-07-29. Confirm with the official source before you hunt: rules.sos.ri.gov (opens in a new tab)
Not affiliated with any state wildlife agency.