Rhode Island's youth waterfowl hunting weekend is scheduled statewide for Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 24-25, under the state's 2026-27 hunting guide.
The youth-only season is open to hunters ages 12-17. It covers ducks, sea ducks and geese, with the daily bag and possession limits for the regular seasons still applying.
Hunters ages 12-14 need a junior hunting license. Those ages 15-17 need a hunting license, issued after completing hunter safety. Every youth waterfowl hunter also needs a current Harvest Information Program permit, often called a HIP permit. Hunters ages 16-17 also need Rhode Island and federal duck stamps under state regulations. The accompanying adult must have a Rhode Island hunting license, a HIP permit and state and federal duck stamps, according to the guide.
Youth ages 12-14 must hunt in the immediate company of a licensed adult age 21 or older. Hunters ages 15-17 using firearms must also be accompanied by a qualified adult age 21 or older who is a licensed hunter during youth waterfowl days.
An adult may accompany no more than two youth hunters at a time. Adults may not hunt or carry firearms or archery equipment during youth-only hunting days.
All other permit requirements and regulations for each season also apply to youth hunters, according to the guide. Youth deer muzzleloader days follow Oct. 31-Nov. 1 in Zones 1 and 2.
Sources: Youth & Disabled Hunting Opportunities; Rhode Island hunting regulations, sections 9.11 and 9.18.