Why It Matters: Earlier this year, Rhode Island Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus Co-Chair, Sen. Gordon Rogers introduced Senate Bill 2154 (SB 2154)– An Act Relating to Fish and Wildlife – Birds, which allows the taking of wild turkeys by using a crossbow in compliance with rules and regulations promulgated by DEM.) SB 2154 increases opportunities for Rhode Island turkey hunters by authorizing crossbows as a new method of take for both the spring and fall seasons. Expanding sporting opportunities for Rhode Island’s sportsmen and women where they can take advantage of technology that is a valid, ethical, and efficient method of take that is approved for hunting use in states across the nation for a variety of game animals without issue is significant progress. The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation’s (CSF) Northeastern States Manager, Fred Bird worked with the Rhode Island Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus in both chambers to include Co-Chair Sen. Gordon Rogers and House Minority Leader and Caucus Co-Chair Rep. Michael Chippendale to support this effort that ultimately led to the legislation passing and becoming law without the Governor’s signature.
Highlights
- Senate Bill 2154, the taking of wild turkeys by using a crossbow, was introduced with the leadership of the Rhode Island Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus, supported by CSF, and became law.
- Sportsmen and women will now be able to take advantage of technology that are a valid, ethical, and efficient method of take that is approved for hunting use in states across the nation for a variety of game animals without issue.
- Incorporating crossbow hunting opportunities into game management may increase hunter recruitment and retention, and crossbows can be valuable tool for controlling game populations, particularly in suburban and urban areas.
CSF is happy to report that the efforts of the Rhode Island Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus under the leadership of Co-Chair Sen. Gordon Rogers and House Minority Leader and Caucus Co-Chair, Rep. Michael Chippendale paid off with a significant win with the passage of SB – 2154. Now, Rhode Island sportsmen and women will enjoy new opportunities in the turkey woods. Expanding sporting opportunities for Rhode Island’s sportsmen and women where they are able to take advantage of technology that is a valid, ethical, and efficient method of take that is approved for hunting use in states across the nation for a variety of game animals without issue is significant progress. In many states, the use of crossbows during the spring turkey season is permitted as an option along with shotgun and traditional archery equipment.
Over the last decade, many states have expanded opportunities for archery hunters wishing to use crossbows. Incorporating crossbow hunting opportunities into game management can be a valuable tool for controlling game populations, particularly in suburban and urban areas. In recent years, New Hampshire authorized the use of crossbows during the deer archery season and fall turkey season in specific wildlife management units to bring crossbow use in line with the deer season and eliminating confusion while adding additional access for sportsmen and women. Maine added crossbows to the definition of “archery equipment” and turkey hunters are permitted to utilize crossbows during the spring and fall turkey seasons in Maine.
CSF congratulates Sen. Rogers, Rep. Chippendale, and the Rhode Island Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus for their leadership in providing new opportunities for Rhode Island’s sporting community.
