Published on Monday, August 17, 2026
PROVIDENCE, RI – Spend time outdoors this fall with fun, hands-on-programs from the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management’s (DEM) Division of Fish and Wildlife (DFW). Get outdoors, try something new, and build skills along the way! There’s something for everyone; from fly fishing and hunter education classes to bats and bears 101. Most are free and family friendly, check out the lineup and registration details below:
Not so spooky after all: just in time for Halloween, learn more about RI’s often misunderstood bats at the “Bat Mythbusters” event.
Although Black bear sightings in Rhode Island continue to increase, coexistence is possible when you are “Bear Aware.” Join DFW staff to learn about these beautiful creatures and actions you can take to avoid issues. This event is free, but registration is required.
- Date: Thursday, September 10
- Time: 6 – 7 PM
- Location: Clark Memorial Library
- Age group: Adults
- Cost: Free
- Contact the library to register at (401) 364-6100.
With Halloween around the corner, bust some bat myths with DFW! Sit back, relax, and learn about Rhode Island's unique bat species and the conservation work being done to help these misunderstood mammals.
- Date: Thursday, October 22
- Time: 7– 8:30 PM
- Location: Peace Dale Museum of Art and Culture
- Age group: Adults
- Cost: Free
- No registration required
Learn the fundamentals of safe firearm handling, hunting ethics, wildlife conservation, and Rhode Island hunting regulations. After successful course and final exam completion, participants will receive a Hunter Safety Education certification, which is required to purchase a firearm hunting license in RI.
- Date: Saturday, September 12, and Sunday, September 13
- Location: Tiverton Rod and Gun Club, 1529 Fish Road, Tiverton, RI 02878
- Cost: Free
- Ages: 12 and up
- Registration: https://forms.gle/n9BSE4Aa6sQqPPSW6
Learn the fundamentals of safe firearm handling, hunting ethics, wildlife conservation, and Rhode Island hunting regulations. After successful course and final exam completion, participants will receive a Hunter Safety Education certification, which is required to purchase a firearm hunting license in RI.
- Date: Wednesday, September 23, and Saturday, September 26
- Location: 14 Walter Carey Road, Smithfield, RI 02917
- Cost: Free
- Ages: 12 and up
- Registration: https://forms.gle/3hXFgnbyWRtmG2RNA
Designed for new and experienced archers alike, this course covers bowhunting safety, equipment, shot placement, ethics, wildlife conservation, and state regulations. Upon successful completion and passing a final exam, participants will receive a Bowhunter Safety Education certification, which is required to purchase a bowhunting license in RI.
Intro to Deer Hunting Workshop
Whether you're new to hunting or looking to build confidence before your first season, this beginner-friendly workshop covers the fundamentals of deer hunting. You will learn about local regulations, scouting techniques, gear selection, safe firearm handling, and ethical hunting practices. Led by experienced hunters and educators, this workshop is designed to give you the knowledge and tools you need to get started.
Waterfowl Pre-Season Prep (Q&A Night)
Get ready for opening day of RI waterfowl season with an evening of conversation, tips, and questions! Join experienced waterfowl hunters and DFW staff for an informal Q&A covering gear, scouting, regulations, decoy setups, calling, and more. Whether it's your first season or your fiftieth, come prepared to ask questions and learn from fellow hunters.
- Date: Tuesday, September 29
- Time: 5 – 8 PM
- Location: DFW Outdoor Education Office, 1B Camp E Hun Tee Place, Exeter, RI 02822
- Age Group: Adults
- Cost: Free
- Registration: https://forms.gle/YPjGTDLgTBR6vu6r5
Learn to Shoot Series:
Aquatic Resource Education Programs:
Introduction to Saltwater Fly Fishing
Learn the basics of striped bass saltwater fly fishing in Rhode Island. This introductory class covers equipment, casting techniques, reading the water, and fishing strategies. Lunch and equipment provided. Participants will need to bring their own chest waders. Space limited and pre-registration required,
- Date: Saturday, September 26
- Time: 9 AM – 3 PM
- Location: Narrow River Parking Area, Sprague Bridge, Narragansett, RI
- Age: Adults and families with children 12 and older.
- Registration: Email kimberly.sullivan@dem.ri.gov.
- Cost: $30.00
Annual Fall Fly Tying Series
From beginners to intermediate fly tyers, both freshwater and saltwater patterns – learn everything you need to know about fly tying during this bi-weekly workshop series. All materials and tools are provided by DFW’s Aquatic Resource Education program.
- Date: Thursdays in November and December
- Time: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
- Location: TBD
- Age: Adults and families with children 10+
- Cost: $5 per person per night.
- Registration: email kimberly.sullivan@dem.ri.gov.
For more information on DEM programs and initiatives, visit www.dem.ri.gov. Follow DEM on Facebook, Twitter/X (@RhodeIslandDEM), or Instagram (@rhodeisland.dem) for timely updates. Sign up here to receive the latest press releases, news, and events from DEM's Public Affairs Office to your inbox. Follow DFW on Facebook and Instagram (@ri.fishandwildlife) to stay up to date on news, events and volunteer opportunities. You can also subscribe to DFW’s monthly newsletter here.
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