For Release: October 7, 1998

Contact: Brian Tefft 222-1267 or 789-0281

PROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management's Division of Fish and Wildlife reminds Rhode Islanders that the 1998-1999 upland hunting season opens October 17 and continues through February 28. During the entire hunting season, all recreational users of state management areas, such as hikers, joggers, bikers, motorcyclists, birdwatchers, and horseback riders, are required under state regulations to wear a minimum of 200 square inches of fluorescent orange. The orange must be solid daylight fluorescent material worn above the waist and visible in all directions, in the form of a hat and/or a vest. Persons using boat launching sites are exempt from the fluorescent orange requirements.

"These regulations are designed to provide safety for all recreational users of management areas," said Michael Lapisky, DEM's Deputy Chief of Wildlife Resources. "We want people to enjoy these areas, to be aware that there may be hunting in the vicinity, and to recognize that hunting in these areas in season is legal and appropriate. We also want people to know that Rhode Island has an excellent hunter safety record, which, in large part, is a reflection of our accredited hunter safety program.

"Some people may feel the requirement regarding fluorescent orange material is an imposition, but they should remember that our wildlife management areas are paid for primarily by hunters," Lapisky added. "The management areas are purchased and operated through funds collected by sales of hunting licenses and through grant money from federal taxes on sales of hunting equipment. The money collected helps up preserve these lands for all to enjoy - hikers as well as hunters."

Orange requirements for hunters vary by season. Small game hunters are required to wear 200 square inches of fluorescent orange during the entire season, October 17 through February 28. Archery deer hunters are required to wear 200 square inches of fluorescent orange while travelling to and from a stand, and 500 square inches at all times during the shotgun deer season, December 5 through December 18. Muzzle loader deer hunters are required to wear 200 square inches of fluorescent orange during the entire muzzle loading season, November 1 through November 30. Shotgun deer hunters are required to wear 500 square inches of fluorescent orange, both a hat and vest, during the entire shotgun season, December 5 through December 18. Waterfowlers are exempt from the fluorescent orange requirements.

A reminder to all users that state management areas are closed from one-half hour after sunset to 5 a.m., except for fishing, hunting, launching and/or mooring of boats, or by written permit only.