Rhode Island

Sub-species: Eastern

Tags: Over the counter

Application Period: n/a

Electronic or Print at Home Fulfillment: YES

Hunter Education Required: Yes

Bag Limit: 2 bearded turkeys, 1 must be on private land

2026 Spring Season Dates: April 30 – May 24

2025 Fall Season Dates:

Archery only: Oct 1-31

Special Youth Hunt: April 20-26

Special Disabled Hunt: April 25-26

Decoys Allowed: Yes

Tagging Instructions: A person killing a wild turkey must immediately notch the month, day, hour of kill and type of property taken on (private or public). The carcass and notched tag must remain in the possession of the hunter after the kill and while removing the carcass from the field. Should the hunter leave the carcass prior to removal from the field, the notched tag must be attached to and remain with the carcass. After removal from the field, the notched tag must be attached to and remain with the carcass until prepared for consumption or taxidermy.  The killing of a wild turkey must be reported to DEM using the online harvest reporting website www.ri.gov/DEM/huntfish by 11:59 p.m. on the date of the kill.

Noteworthy Restrictions: Legal hunting hours end at 1:00pm.  Shotguns no larger than 10 gauge with shot sizes no larger than # 4 are legal. It is illegal to have a loaded rifle of shotgun in a vehicle.  No shooting along, upon, or across a public road.  Firearms can only be loaded 15 minutes prior to legal shooting hours.  It is illegal to discharge a firearm within 500 feet of an occupied dwelling without written permission.  Hunters must carry a turkey-calling device (non-electric) while hunting. Calling is the only legal method for hunting wild turkeys in the spring.  Stalking is prohibited. Hunters may take two turkeys on the same day provided that one is killed on private land.

 Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management

401-222-4700

Purchase License Online

Licenses Needed to Hunt Turkeys