6
Daily duck limit
8
Daily goose limit
6
Teal limit (early)
$18.00
Waterfowl license (res.)
Season Information
Season DatesEarly Teal: Sept 1–16; Regular Season: Oct 1 – Dec 15; Sea Duck: Oct – Jan 26
FlywayAtlantic Flyway
Zone InformationRhode Island has a single inland zone and a separate coastal zone that includes Narragansett Bay, Point Judith Pond, and the coastal ponds. Sea duck season in coastal waters is extended.
Species NotesDucks: 6/day total; mallard 4 (2 hens); black duck 2; pintail 1; canvasback 1; scaup 2; wood duck 3. Sea ducks: 7/day (eider, scoter, long-tailed combined). Geese: Canada 8/day; brant 2/day.
License & Permit Requirements
State Hunting License
✅ Required
Federal Duck Stamp
✅ Required
HIP Registration
✅ Required
HIP Registration Info
All waterfowl hunters must complete HIP registration annually. Register free online at dem.ri.gov/fish-wildlife or at any license vendor. Your HIP number is required when hunting migratory birds.
How to Get Licensed for Waterfowl Hunting
1
Purchase a Rhode Island hunting license ($18.00 resident) from Rhode Island Division of Fish and Wildlife.
2
Complete HIP Registration (free) — available when purchasing your hunting license or through the Rhode Island Division of Fish and Wildlife website.
3
Purchase the Federal Duck Stamp ($25) — required for all waterfowl hunters age 16+. Available at USPS offices or online.
Additional Notes: Rhode Island's Narragansett Bay is one of the most productive sea duck locations in the entire Atlantic Flyway, supporting large concentrations of eider, scoter, and goldeneye from November through January. The coastal salt ponds along the southern shore attract black duck, brant, and wigeon. Rhode Island is the smallest state in the union but provides surprisingly diverse waterfowl opportunities given its long coastline relative to its land area. Hunting pressure is moderate and access to public coastal hunting areas is available through RIDEM.
Buy RI License — Rhode Island Division of Fish and Wildlife