Rhode Island

Despite being the smallest state in the Union, the Ocean State has a lot to offer, from its 400 miles of Atlantic coastline to its high concentration of forested land. Between the founding of Providence in 1635, to the ratification of the Constitution in 1776, Rhode Island has served a vital role in our nation’s history. From the coastal lowland in the south and east and rolling hills from New England’s upland in the west, the activities available to sportsmen are immense. Species that are typically found in the Ocean State include whitetail deer, wild turkeys, and various types of waterfowl.

Rhode Island Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus Leadership

Representative Michael Chippendale Senator Gordon Rogers
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Rhode Island Policy Briefs

Crossbows

Over the last decade, many states have expanded opportunities for archery hunters wishing to use crossbows. Incorporating crossbow hunting opportunities into game management may increase… Read more.

Federal Land Habitat Management

Properly managed wildlife habitat is essential for supporting sustainable and healthy wildlife populations. Well-managed lands containvarious successional stages that provide a diversity of habitats capable… Read more.

Rhode Island Latest News

July 7, 2025

Update: Rhode Island State So-Called “Assault Weapon Ban” Signed by Governor

Why It Matters: On June 26, 2025, “The State Assault Weapons Ban Act” (S. 359), now Chapter 281, was signed into law by Governor Dan McKee. The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) previously reported on an impending ban on modern sporting firearms, the impact it would have on Rhode Islander’s rights, and the negative implications for…

June 2, 2025

Rhode Island State “Assault” Weapons Ban Imminent

Why It Matters: On May 14, 2025, “The State Assault Weapons Ban Act” (S. 359) was heard by the Rhode Island Senate Judiciary Committee. A companion bill (H. 5436) had previously mirrored this path in its respective chamber earlier this year. This sweeping anti-firearm package would impact commonly owned rifles, shotguns and handguns with significant…

July 15, 2024

New Opportunities for Ocean State Turkey Hunters

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…

February 27, 2023

Proposed New England Trapping Restrictions

Why It Matters: Trapping is unique in that it can be used for predator and furbearer management, harvest, to maintain healthy ecosystems, manage invasive species, and can also be used to capture live wildlife for research and management purposes. Restraining traps have been particularly critical in conservation efforts by allowing state agencies to capture and…

Impact You Can See

Legislatures in AL, AR, DE, GA, IL, KY, LA, MS, NH, NV, NY, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, UT, VT, and WV celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Sportfish Restoration Program and formally recognized the crucial role that sportsmen and women play in funding conservation efforts through the “user pays, public benefits” structure of the American System of Conservation Funding.