Archery Proficiency Testing
Archery Proficiency Certification is required every two years for bowhunting deer in Prudence Island, Patience Island, and Block Island. This requirement applies to private, state, and federal lands. While archery proficiency testing for small game archery hunting is not required on most private and state lands, it is required in Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge and John H. Chafee National Wildlife Refuge. Small game archery hunting is not permitted in Beavertail State Park, Bristol town cooperative properties, and anywhere in the town of Lincoln.
Check the current RI Hunting Abstract for a complete listing of all locations in Rhode Island that require the archery proficiency certification for bowhunting.
Schedule a TEST
Note: Only DFW Hunter Education staff can issue an Archery Proficiency card immediately after a passed test. Testers at all other contacts/locations must wait for Hunter Education staff to receive and process the test record card(s).
Testing Location: 1B Camp E-Hun-Tee Place, Exeter, RI 02822 (directions)
Testing is available weekdays, by appointment between 10 AM and 2 PM. Email is the preferred method for requesting an appointment. Same-day or next-day appointment requests cannot be guaranteed. Please make alternate, specific appointment requests at least one (1) – ideally two (2) – full week(s) in advance.
Make an Appointment:
- DEM.DFWHunterEducation@dem.ri.gov (preferred)
- 401-539-0019 (landline, voice only, office hours: weekdays 8:30 AM - 4 PM)
- Preferred appointment times:
- Tuesdays at 10:00 AM
- Thursdays at 2:00 PM
No appointment necessary, but testing availability and wait times depend on range activity. No on-site phone or email. Send questions to DEM.DFWHunterEducation@dem.ri.gov.
Testing Schedule: Weekends, April through October
Testing Location: 277 Great Neck Road, West Kingston, RI 02892 (directions)
Please call during normal business hours and allow time for a response.
- Wallum Lake Rod & Gun Club, Burrillville: Ron Daignault and Gus Gomez
- Narragansett Bow Hunters, North Kingstown: Deb Dean (Saturdays, by appointment)
- Block Island Assistant Recreation Director: Luke "Mac" Brown / 401-466-3226
- Tiverton Rod and Gun Club, Tiverton: Derrick Foley / 508-558-2920
Testing Requirements and Protocols
Adult participants must bring a valid photo ID and a Rhode Island Outdoors (RIO) account
The proficiency test consists of:
- Five shots from 20 yards
- To pass, three of five arrows must strike the vital area of a life-sized, two-dimensional deer silhouette target
- No practice shots are allowed before testing
Recommendation: You should be able to consistently group your shots within an 8-inch circle before taking the test.
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.
Equipment Requirements:
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 to 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.
Retesting: 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.