Ocean State Today

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management’s Division of Fish & Wildlife (DFW) will simplify the sale of hunting and freshwater fishing licenses, permits, stamps, and tags by releasing all items for sale on February 19. This change means that hunters and anglers can purchase these items at the beginning of the license year or as needed throughout the year. The sale timing for trapping and saltwater fishing licenses remains unchanged. Current 2024 freshwater fishing licenses and Trout Stamps will expire on February 28.

Starting July 1, 2025, prices for licenses, permits, stamps, and tags will gradually increase due to a provision in the fiscal year 2022 budget enacted by the General Assembly. Most prices have not been raised since 2003. Disabled individuals, seniors (65+), and saltwater fishing license fees will remain unchanged. The increase could be up to $5 per product for residents and up to $15 per product for non-residents. Licenses can be purchased at current prices from February 19 until June 30 through DEM's Rhode Island Outdoors online licensing system or local sales agents.

These price increases are projected to generate over $185,000 in additional annual revenue through 2027 and over $300,000 annually after a third increase in 2028. Annually, nearly 70,000 licenses are purchased by hunters, trappers, and anglers. Revenue supports Rhode Island’s fish and wildlife conservation programs with federal matching funds from the US Fish & Wildlife Service Office of Conservation Investment.

For more information on DEM programs and initiatives visit their website or follow them on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter/X (@RhodeIslandDEM), or Instagram (@rhodeisland.dem). Updates from DFW can also be followed on Facebook and Instagram (@ri.fishandwildlife).