Wildlife biologists from DEM's Division of Fish and Wildlife say that prospects for the season are good as the sparse acorn crop is keeping deer on the move. Last year 446 deer were taken during the shotgun season, the largest of which was a 200 pound dressed 12 point buck from South Kingstown. Exeter and Richmond reported the most deer harvested last year - 56 deer in each community. Permits can be used for taking deer in either sequence. Buckshot is limited to 00 buck or larger and is prohibited in 20 gauge.
Deer hunters can carry only buckshot, sabot rounds, or rifled slug while hunting.
Anyone hunting on private land must obtain written permission from the landowner and carry this authorization at all times. Deer hunters must wear a minimum of 500 square inches of florescent orange, as must all users in management areas during the shotgun season. All deer must be ear-tagged immediately and checked within 24 hours. Hunters must check their deer at state run check stations during the December 2-10 portion of the season. Check station hours are from 8 am to 6 pm, except at Durfee Hill, which will operate from 6 am to 6 pm.