The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) Division of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) is offering a series of outdoor educational programs this fall. The events, which include fishing workshops, hunter education classes, guided walks, and wildlife outreach sessions, are designed to help residents learn new skills while spending time outdoors. Most activities are free and open to families.
One program, “Bat Mythbusters,” will focus on educating participants about Rhode Island’s bat species and conservation efforts related to these animals. This event is scheduled just before Halloween.
The Aquatic Resource Education Programs include an Introduction to Saltwater Fly Fishing workshop on September 27 at Narrow River in Narragansett. The session will cover the basics of saltwater fly fishing with expert instruction and hands-on practice. Lunch and equipment are provided, but participants must bring their own chest waders. Families with children aged 12 and older can register by contacting Kimberly Sullivan at Kimberly.sullivan@dem.ri.gov.
Hunter Education Programs offered this fall feature several options for those interested in learning about hunting or improving their skills. An Intro To Deer Hunting Workshop will be held on September 21 at Wallum Lake Rod and Gun Club, covering local regulations, scouting techniques, gear selection, firearm safety, and ethical hunting practices. Registration is available online at https://forms.gle/2tFGaChQZrQsREVJA.
Additional hunter education classes will take place at Tiverton Rod and Gun Club for both firearm safety (September 6-7) and bowhunter education (September 13). Those who complete the courses earn a Hunter Safety Education Certificate required for a Rhode Island firearm hunting license.
A Youth Waterfowl Hunt and Training Day is planned in partnership with local chapters of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers and Ducks Unlimited. The event includes training for youth ages 12 to 15 who have completed hunter education certification, followed by a mentored hunt later in October. Details are available at https://dem.ri.gov/natural-resources-bureau/fish-wildlife/outreach-education/hunter-education/rhode-island-youth.
Other offerings include a multi-day hunter education class at Cross Mills Library in Charlestown beginning October 2 (registration: https://forms.gle/6ao3ZwAYgSAqL7J5A), as well as a public range day for muzzleloading rifles on October 18 at Great Swamp Shooting Range in West Kingston.
Wildlife Outreach Programs this season focus on coexistence with local wildlife such as coyotes (“Coexisting with Coyotes” sessions on September 4 at Clark Memorial Library and October 23 at Willett Free Library), black bears (“Bear Necessities” on September 30 at North Kingstown Library), and bats (“Bat Mythbusters” on October 9 at Greene Public Library; registration: https://forms.office.com/g/3q12M81uyn).
Volunteer opportunities are also available through ongoing citizen science projects such as the Summer Deer Survey—where residents report deer sightings to assist biologists—and Herp Observer, which collects data on reptiles and amphibians using a smartphone app (more information: www.dem.ri.gov/herpobserver). Another project invites community members to document bee species across the state via iNaturalist; instructions can be found at https://dem.ri.gov/media/63796/download.
For more details about DEM programs or to stay updated on news and events, visit www.dem.ri.gov or follow DEM’s social media channels.
