Fall Outdoor Fun: Learn Something New with DEM's Division of Fish and Wildlife

Published on Wednesday, August 07, 2024

PROVIDENCE, RI – This fall, come learn new skills with the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management’s Division of Fish and Wildlife (DFW)! Connect with the outdoors and learn some new skills this summer; from fishing days to hunter education classes to guided walks, there’s something for everyone. Join DFW’s Aquatic Resource Education Program, Hunter Education Program, and Wildlife Outreach and Volunteer Program staff to learn, explore, and enjoy. 

Most programs being offered this season are free of charge and open to families. A list of programs and registration information are listed below. For a complete list of up-to-date programs, click here. 

AQUATIC RESOURCE EDUCATION PROGRAMS

Come Clam with Me!

  • Date: Friday, September 20
  • Time: 2 – 5 PM
  • Location: North Kingstown Town Beach
  • Age group: All ages
  • Cost: $10 per person ages 8 and up; participants under 8 are free
  • Registration: Print and fill out the registration form here https://dem.ri.gov/events/come-clam-me-north-kingstown-0. Checks should be made payable to ‘ARE Program’. Once received you will be notified by email of your registration status.

DEM’s Division of Fish and Wildlife’s Aquatic Resource Education (ARE) program invites you to 'Come Clam with Me'! Learn how to dig for clams, the equipment you need, and the management strategies that have kept Rhode Island in the quahogging industry for so long. Jody King, a long time quahogger, will be instructing people of all ages about the ins and outs of recreational clamming. Fee: $10/person for registrants 8 years of age and older. Space is limited**.

Introduction to Saltwater Fly Fishing

  • Saturday, September 21
  • Time 9 AM – 3 PM
  • Age group: Families with children over 12 years old are welcome. 
  • Cost: $30.00/person
  • Registration: Space is limited, and registration is required. For more information and to register, please contact Kimberly Sullivan at Kimberly.sullivan@dem.ri.gov. 

Did you know that one of the best times to fly fish Rhode Island’s coastal rivers is in the fall? The leaves are changing, the weather is cooling, and the fish are running! Join DEM’s Division of Fish and Wildlife’s Aquatic Resource Education (ARE) program to learn about fly fishing Rhode Island’s coastal rivers. This daylong workshop will introduce you to saltwater fly fishing by explaining the gear you need for an enjoyable and safe day out on the water, teaching you effective knot tying and casting techniques, and then taking you out on the water for an afternoon of fishing the Narrow River. Equipment and lunch are provided. Chest waders are recommended. 

Annual Fall Fly Tying

  • Dates: Thursdays beginning November 14 – December 19 (except Thanksgiving)
  • Time: 6:30 – 8:30 PM
  • Location: North Kingstown Community Center
  • Age group: Families with children over 10 years of age are welcome.
  • Cost: $5/person/session; Preregistration special: $20 for all five classes
  • Registration: Pre-registration is encouraged but walk-ins are welcome. For more information and to register, please contact Kimberly Sullivan at Kimberly.sullivan@dem.ri.gov.

DEM’s Division of Fish and Wildlife’s Aquatic Resource Education (ARE) program announces this year’s dates for the Annual Fall Fly Tying! Each year the ARE program assembles a variety of fly-tying instructors from United Fly Tyers of RI, Rhody Fly Rodders, TU and other organizations to teach fly tying techniques to both beginner and intermediate tyers. Each session offers participants a choice of tying freshwater or saltwater flies. Since they do not build on each other, you can attend one or all. All equipment is provided. Families with children over 10 years of age are welcome.  Pre-registration is encouraged but walk-ins are welcome. For more information and to register, please contact Kimberly Sullivan at Kimberly.sullivan@dem.ri.gov.

Project WILD Facilitator Training

  • Dates: Monday, December 2 and Friday, December 6 (BOTH SESSIONS REQUIRED)
  • Time: 8:30 AM – 3 PM
  • Location: DEM Division of Fish and Wildlife Classroom – Exeter, RI
  • Cost: FREE
  • Registration: For more information and to register, please contact Kimberly Sullivan at Kimberly.sullivan@dem.ri.gov.

Are you an informal or formal environmental educator eager to engage and teach Rhode Island classroom teachers about interacting with their environment through fun and interactive activities? Become a Project WILD Facilitator! As a Project WILD facilitator in Rhode Island, you’ll have the opportunity to train teachers in three dynamic curricula: Project WILD, Aquatic WILD, and Growing Up WILD. Additionally, you'll provide them with FREE curricula, courtesy of DEM’s Division of Fish and Wildlife’s Aquatic Resource Education program, for use in their classrooms. Project WILD offers a multidisciplinary approach aligned with Rhode Island’s NGSS, STEM, and Core Curriculum standards, along with valuable online resources. This two-day workshop will provide you with information about the curricula, tips and tricks of how to engage with your audience and acquaint you with the process of becoming a certified Project WILD Facilitator. The workshop is free of charge and lunch is included. Registration is required. 

Project WET Facilitator Training

  • Dates: Wednesday, December 4 and Friday, December 6 (BOTH SESSIONS REQUIRED)
  • Time: 8:30 AM – 3 PM
  • Location: DEM Division of Fish and Wildlife Classroom – Exeter, RI
  • Cost: FREE
  • Registration: For more information and to register, please contact Kimberly Sullivan at Kimberly.sullivan@dem.ri.gov.

Are you an informal or formal environmental educator eager to engage and teach Rhode Island classroom teachers about interacting with their water environment through fun and interactive activities? As a Project WET facilitator in Rhode Island, you’ll have the opportunity to train teachers in three dynamic curricula: Project WET, Getting Little Feet Wet, and Climate, Water, and Resilience. Additionally, you'll provide them with FREE curricula, courtesy of DEM’s Division of Fish and Wildlife’s Aquatic Resource Education program, for use in their classrooms. Project WET offers a multidisciplinary approach aligned with Rhode Island’s NGSS, STEM, and Core Curriculum standards, along with valuable online resources. This two-day workshop will provide you with information about the curricula, tips and tricks of how to engage with your audience, and acquaint you with the process of becoming a certified Project WET Facilitator. The workshop is free of charge and lunch is included. Registration is required.

HUNTER EDUCATION PROGRAMS 

Archery Proficiency Day (Certification)

  • Date: Saturday, September 7
  • Time: 10 AM – 4 PM
  • Location: Narragansett Bowhunters Club- 1531 Ten Rod Rd, North Kingstown, RI 02852
  • Age group: Adults
  • Cost: Free
  • Registration: Contact Lead Instructor, Ed Klosowski at 401-742-2036

Archery Proficiency testing is required every two years for bowhunting deer on Prudence Island, Patience Island, and Block Island, in Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge and John H. Chafee National Wildlife Refuge, and in Beavertail State Park, town of Bristol co-op properties, and anywhere in the town of Lincoln. This archery proficiency day is a great opportunity to update your certification! For more details on testing requirements, click here: https://dem.ri.gov/events/archery-proficiency-day-certification-1 

Hunter Education Certification Course - 2 DAY

  • Dates and times: Saturday, September 7 (8 AM – 5 PM) and Sunday, September 8 (12 – 5 PM)
  • Location: Tiverton Rod and Gun Club. 1529 Fish Rd. Tiverton RI
  • Age group: Ages 11 and up
  • Cost: Free
  • Registration: https://forms.gle/dNN4gtb85aJAUf4a9 

Hunter safety certification classes are designed to educate and prepare individuals for safe, legal, and responsible hunting practices. Successful completion of the course results in a certification allowing individuals to legally purchase a hunting license in Rhode Island. These classes emphasize not only the skills needed for a successful hunt but also the importance of respecting wildlife and natural habitats. Please contact instructor Derrick Foley with any questions: casper1776@cox.net 

Intro to Waterfowl Hunting Workshop

  • Date: Saturday, September 14
  • Time: 9 AM – 4 PM
  • Location: 1B Camp E Hun Tee Place, Exeter, RI 02822
  • Age group: Ages 11 and up
  • Cost: Free
  • Registration: https://forms.gle/64eCHyhDm3QNc7ASA 

Curious about waterfowl hunting but don't know where to start? Join our Intro to Waterfowl Hunting Class and embark on an adventure like no other! 

  • Learn from seasoned experts in an interactive and informative session.
  • Discover essential techniques and strategies for a successful hunt.
  • Get hands-on experience with equipment and safety protocols.
  • Connect with fellow enthusiasts and build your hunting network.
  • Gain insights into conservation efforts and ethical hunting practices.

Whether you're a beginner or looking to enhance your skills, this class is perfect for anyone eager to explore the thrilling world of waterfowl hunting. Don't miss out—reserve your spot today and step into your next great outdoor pursuit! Further details will be emailed to you closer to the program date. For any questions, please contact: madison.proulx@dem.ri.gov 

Bowhunter Education Certification Course 

  • Date: Saturday, September 14 
  • Time: 8 AM – 5 PM
  • Location: Tiverton Rod and Gun Club. 1529 Fish Rd. Tiverton RI
  • Age group: Ages 11 and up
  • Cost: Free
  • Registration: https://forms.gle/Wksd56WUfETg3jgN8 

Bowhunter safety education certification classes are designed to educate and prepare individuals for safe, legal, and responsible hunting practices. Successful completion of the course results in a certification allowing individuals to legally purchase a bowhunting license in Rhode Island. These classes emphasize not only the skills needed for a successful hunt but also the importance of respecting wildlife and natural habitats. Please contact instructor Derrick Foley with any questions: casper1776@cox.net 

Trapping 101 Class

This non-certification course will cover various aspects of trapping to include: the history of trapping, conservation and trapping regulations, the biology of different target species in RI, best management practices in the field, types of traps, and a hands-on demonstration of how to set traps from experienced trappers.  All participants are encouraged to bring a lunch and water. Participants may also want to bring a pen and paper for notes. This workshop is offered free of charge, but pre-registration is required. For any questions, please contact: madison.proulx@dem.ri.gov 

Deer Processing Workshop

Successfully harvested a deer and wondering what’s next? Whether you’re new to hunting or a seasoned pro, discover the essential skills for processing your deer. Join us to learn how to master the art of butchering, from skinning to crafting delicious sausages, guided by industry experts.

Fall Muzzleloader Sight-In and Support

  • Date: Saturday, October 19
  • Time: 9 AM – 12 PM
  • Location: Great Swamp Shooting Range, West Kingston, RI
  • Registration: No pre-registration required

Muzzleloader deer season is approaching fast. Don’t get caught unprepared, whether it’s your first season or you’re a seasoned pro. Join DEM’s Hunter Education staff at the Great Swamp Shooting Range for a morning of muzzleloader shooting support and basic information. Sight-in your hunting muzzleloaders, bring out the reproductions, or show off your true black-powder antiques. Staff will have a limited quantity of muzzleloaders and instructors on-hand to offer one-on-one instruction on a first-come, first-serve basis to anyone interested.

No permit will be required for this special session, but non-permitted users will be limited to firing muzzleloading firearms only and be required to sign a waiver. For questions, please contact Range Supervisor Branton Elleman at branton.elleman.ctr@dem.ri.gov, or 401-575-6331.

2024 Youth Waterfowl Mentored Hunt 

DEM's Division of Fish and Wildlife is teaming up with Rhode Island’s chapters of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers and Ducks Unlimited and other partners to offer Rhode Island's annual Youth Waterfowl Training & Mentored Hunt this fall. All youth hunters ages 12 to 15 who have completed a Hunter Education Certification Course are invited to apply. Space is limited and applications are due by Sunday, August 25.

This multi-day event includes a training session and cookout for youth and their parents, in addition to the mentored hunt. The training and cookout will occur on Saturday, September 28, then participants will be paired with experienced mentors and partake in a mentored youth waterfowl hunt on Saturday, October 26. A current RI hunting license and Harvest Information Program (HIP) permit are required for participation. Event details and application process are available here: https://dem.ri.gov/natural-resources-bureau/fish-wildlife/outreach-education/hunter-education/rhode-island-youth 

WILDLIFE OUTREACH PROGRAMS

Wildlife Solutions: Noisy Neighbors

Learn how to prevent bats and squirrels from invading your home with the DEM’s Division of Fish and Wildlife. The pitter-patter of tiny feet is not so adorable when it’s coming from your attic. These small mammals may just be trying to find a warm home, but yours is taken. These tiny mammals are tricky to remove effectively and if exclusion is done improperly, it can lead to ineffective and unfortunate results. It is imperative that they are safely and properly excluded from homes. This session will cover the appropriate time and measures for removal of your noisy neighbors and how to prevent them from returning. Learn the big role these small mammals make in the ecosystem and the research underway in Rhode Island.

This will be a VIRTUAL program in partnership with the Clark Memorial Library. This program is FREE, but registration is required so that we can prepare materials and send Zoom links. 

Intro to Wildlife Rehabilitation

Are you interested in learning more about wildlife rehabilitation or wildlife medicine? Are you passionate about caring for wildlife? Pursuing your Level 1 wildlife rehabilitator license in Rhode Island? 

Join Beck Veterinary Services LLC for this exciting new course offering! This course is taught by several veterinarians and rehabilitators. It offers an introduction to important topics for wildlife care, incorporating principles of wildlife rehabilitation and wildlife medicine. This course is approved by DEM for the RI Level 1 Wildlife Rehabilitator License. 

Examples of topics covered:

  • Wildlife restraint
  • Triaging wildlife
  • Wildlife nutrition and housing
  • Wound management and fracture stabilization
  • Wildlife welfare
  • Common presenting problems (diseases, injuries, toxins, and more)
  • Intro to home rehabilitation of a wide variety of species

Questions? Contact drmo@beckveterinary.com. 

VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

RI Wild Bee Observer

Want to help us protect the bees of Rhode Island? Join DEM’s Division of Fish and Wildlife as a community scientist by contributing to our RI Wild Bee Observer project through the free iNaturalist app! It’s an easy way to document bee species anywhere in RI, from your neighborhood to your favorite hiking spot. This is a great volunteer opportunity for families! For project instructions, including tips for taking photos of bees, follow this link: https://dem.ri.gov/media/63796/download 

For more information on DEM programs and initiatives, visit www.dem.ri.gov. Follow DEM on Facebook, Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM), or Instagram (@rhodeisland.dem) for timely updates. 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. Sign up here to receive the latest press releases, news, and events from DEM's Public Affairs Office to your inbox.