FIRE BAN IN EFFECT In response to the continued elevated risk of wildfires, DEM has issued a fire ban at all State Parks, campgrounds, and management areas until further notice. The ban is effective as of today (10/28/24) and includes campfires in designated campfire areas, including charcoal fires and cooking fires. This preventative measure applies to all DEM-managed lands and aims to reduce the threat of human-caused wildfires. DEM will continue to monitor and evaluate conditions to determine when the ban can be lifted. Together we can protect our communities and keep first responders safe by reducing the risk of wildfires: 📞 Call 911 if you spot a fire/smoke. Timely information is critical to contain fires before they spread. 🔥 Remember, any outdoor fire is a potential source for a wildfire. Be careful with cigarettes and ashes. When disposing of wood stove ashes, put the ashes in a metal bucket of water. 🚒 Check with your local fire department for any other restrictions and permitting information. 🚨 Stay informed and find resources at dem.ri.gov/wildfirestatus.
Archery Proficiency Testing ARCHERY PROFICIENCY TESTING TIMES & CONTACTS RI Division of Fish & Wildlife, year-round, by appointment: Contacts: Branton Elleman (email preferred) Branton.Elleman.ctr@dem.ri.gov 401-575-6331 (work cell, text encouraged) Education Office Jessica.Vincent.int@dem.ri.gov 401-539-0019 (landline, M-F, 8:30AM-4:00PM) Testing Times: Weekdays, by appointment, 10:00AM to 2:00PM Same-day or next-day appointment requests can not be guaranteed. Please make general appointment requests at least one (1) week in advance. Weekend and earlier/later daytime appointments are conditionally available with advance notice but are ultimately subject to staff availability and not guaranteed. Please make special appointment requests at least four (4) weeks in advance. Testing Location: DFW Education Office, 1B Camp E-Hun-Tee Place, Exeter, RI 02822 Phone Number: 401-539-0019 (landline, M-F, 8:30AM-4:00PM) Directions: https://dem.ri.gov/contact-us/marine-fisheries-and-fish-wildlife-offices ARCHERY PROFICIENCY DESRIPTION & PROCEDURE Archery Proficiency testing is required every two years for bowhunting deer: Anywhere on Prudence Island, Patience Island, and Block Island includes private, state, and federal lands not required for small game archery hunting on private and state lands In Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge and John H. Chafee National Wildlife Refuge small game archery hunting is permitted, but also requires archery proficiency testing In Beavertail State Park, the town co-op properties in Bristol, and anywhere in the town of Lincoln no small game archery hunting Photo ID is required for all adult participants. The test consists of five shots at 20 yards. Three of five arrows must strike the vital area of a life size, two-dimensional deer silhouette target. It is advised that archers are able to consistently group shots within an 8" diameter circle before testing. No practice shots before testing. Participants may shoot standing, kneeling, or sitting. Crossbow shooters may brace against the body, if desired. Shooting rests, such as monopod or bipod shooting sticks, are not permitted. The participant must provide five arrows or bolts equipped with broadheads. Participants can NOT reuse the same arrow(s). The test is over once the participant approaches the target to review score and retrieve arrows/bolts. Broadheads must have a minimum of two cutting edges 7/8" or greater at the widest point and may be fixed-blade or mechanical. Broadheads do not need to be a matched set or sharpened. Manufacturer-provided practice broadheads are acceptable. Field, bullet, judo, or any point not physically identical to those legal for deer hunting are not acceptable. Broadheads must be covered in a quiver while being transported attached to arrows and bolts, or brought to the range unassembled. Bows must register a draw weight of at least 40 pounds if using fixed-blade broadheads and 50 pounds if using mechanical broadheads. The test proctor may require participants verify draw weight with a handheld tester. Crossbows do not need to be measured unless there is reasonable suspicion that it does not meet the 125 pound draw requirement. Only ONE attempt is allowed per 24-hour day. If a participant fails twice within 72 hours, a 5-day waiting period will be enforced before the next attempt. Check the current RI Hunting Abstract for a complete listing of all locations in Rhode Island that require the archery proficiency certification for bowhunting.