For Release: June 20, 1997

Contact: Michael L. Lapisky 277-3075 or 789-3094

Stephanie Powell 277-2771 ext. 4418

PROVIDENCE - On Tuesday, July 1, the RI Department of Environmental Management's Division of Fish and Wildlife will hold a public hearing on the proposed 1997-1998 fishing and hunting season dates and bag limits. In addition, rules and regulations pertaining to deer damage to agricultural crops will be heard. The hearing will be held at 7 p.m. at the Arnold Conference Center in the John F. Regan Building on the grounds of the Rhode Island Medical Center, which runs between New London Avenue (Route 2) and Pontiac Avenue in Cranston.

Wildlife regulations under discussion will include dates and bag limits for upland game, deer, and wild turkey. Fishing rules and regulations to be heard include seasons and size limits for all species of freshwater fish. Proposed changes in regulations include the use of telescopic scopes for muzzle loading deer season, and options for the spring turkey season. Other regulations remain in traditional format pending federal regulatory process.

All interested parties are invited to attend. All statements will be heard. Statements may also be submitted in writing at the hearing or to DEM's Division of Fish and Wildlife, Stedman Government Center, 4808 Tower Hill Road, Wakefield, no later than July 1.

The proposed rules and regulations are available weekdays between 8:30 and 3:30 p.m. at the Fish and Wildlife office in Wakefield.