Ring-Necked Pheasant
Pheasant Hunting
A Game Bird Permit is required to hunt ring-neck pheasant. The daily limit for pheasant is two (2) either sex birds. No physical tag required. Pheasants are stocked prior to opening day, then twice weekly, at most locations, until December. Birds are stocked once per week in December based on weather and available stock. Pheasant stocking does not occur in January and February. Stocked management areas are: Arcadia, Black Hut, Big River, Buck Hill, Carolina, Durfee Hill, Great Swamp, Nicholas Farm, Sapowet Marsh, Simmons Mill Pond, and Eight Rod Farm.
Block Island Pheasant Hunting
Pheasant hunting is open on Block Island, with written landowner permission, on November 19 and 26, December 3 and 17, and January 7, 2026. Only male pheasants (roosters) may be taken from Block Island with a daily bag limit of 2 per day.
| Species | Dates |
|---|---|
| Youth Pheasant* | October 11 - 12, 2025 |
| Pheasant | October 18 - February 28, 2025 |
* See Youth & Disabled Hunting Opportunities for more information
Pheasant Stocking Schedule for the 2025 Season
Pheasant Stocking Season: October 18, 2025 – December 27, 2025
Youth Season: October 11 – 12, 2025
Rhode Island DEM annually stocks ring-necked pheasants throughout the state’s upland habitats for fall hunting opportunities. Changes in vendors alter the midweek dates these birds are first available at each location. Birds are stocked the night before to provide them time to acclimate to their environment and provide a fair chase hunt to those with an RI Game Bird Permit ($18.50). The Stocking Schedule below shows the dates the birds are first available for harvest, but many will still be available days later for the motivated hunter with a keen dog!
List updated 8/14/25: Please stop back frequently as the schedule is subject to change based on vendor deliveries.
* Weather permitting
|
Explore this interactive map that includes most lands scheduled for pheasant stocking. View stocking maps listed at the bottom of this webpage. Data is updated each fall as the season approaches. |