Free waterfowl identification workshop this month
PROVIDENCE - The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) today announced hunting season for Canada goose opens this weekend, running Saturday, November 19 - Sunday, November 27. Goose hunting is also allowed Saturday, December 3 - Monday, January 30, 2017.
A waterfowl identification workshop will be offered on Wednesday, November 30 from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at the Cold Spring Community Center in North Kingstown. The workshop is open to individuals aged 12 and older who have completed a hunter safety course and will include an overview of waterfowl, including geese, ducks, and sea ducks. Participants will learn about identifying clues, such as wing patterns, and how to identify waterfowl in a variety of settings. Space is limited and registration is required. To register, send your name, phone number and email address to Jessica Pena in the DEM Division of Fish & Wildlife at jessica.pena@dem.ri.gov.
As part of a larger network of recreational opportunities in Rhode Island, hunting plays an important role in connecting people with nature, supporting quality of life and family traditions, and attracting tourism. According to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, hunting contributes more than $18 million annually to Rhode Island's economy. There are approximately 17,000 licensed hunters in Rhode Island. Hunter education is offered as part of DEM Division of Fish & Wildlife's Hunter Education Program. Safety training is required by law in Rhode Island for beginning hunters. To date, more than 40,000 people have completed a hunter safety course in Rhode Island, helping to dramatically reduce related accidents in the state and elsewhere. A complete schedule of hunter educational offerings is available at www.dem.ri.gov.
Duck hunting season will be open Wednesday, November 23 - Sunday, November 27 and from Saturday, December 3 - Sunday, January 22, 2017. The season for sea ducks opens on Thursday, November 24 - Sunday, January 22, 2017. For more information about waterfowl hunting seasons in Rhode Island, visit www.dem.ri.gov. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM or on Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM) for timely updates.