DEM FILES UPCOMING SEASONS' HUNTING, FISHING REGULATIONS

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New Hunting Regulations

Hunting Abstract

News Release
RI Department of Environmental Management
235 Promenade Street, Providence, RI 02908
(401) 222-2771 TDD/(401) 222-4462

For Release:	July 30, 2002
Contact:	Gail Mastrati 222-4700 ext. 2402 Stephanie Powell 222-4700 ext. 4418

DEM FILES UPCOMING SEASONS' HUNTING, FISHING REGULATIONS
Catch and Release Still Mandatory on Falls River in Arcadia Management Area

PROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management has filed regulations governing the coming hunting season and next year's freshwater fishing season. The final regulations were developed on the basis of comments received at a public hearing held on June 5.

A proposed change that would have eliminated the "catch-and-release" requirement for trout on the Falls River in the Arcadia Management Area has been withdrawn. Opportunities for public input into the status of the Falls River, including public workshops, will be scheduled if and when this issue is revisited.

DEM also filed a change to parks and management area regulations prohibiting the launching, hauling, and operation of boats with motors of any kind, except electric trolling motors, from the state boat ramp at Stafford Pond in Tiverton to help protect the pond as a drinking water supply. The language formalizes the prohibition that was announced by DEM when it re-opened the boat ramp this spring in time for the opening of the trout-fishing season in April. DEM agreed to the prohibition at the town's request, with the understanding that the town will undertake reciprocal action to address the use of gasoline-powered boats by residents living around the pond. This fall, DEM will revisit - and if necessary, reconsider - the status of the ramp and the engine restriction, in light of actions taken or not taken by the town since that time.

Next year's freshwater fishing regulations include a change that decreases the daily possession limit for trout from six to five fish per day to more equitably distribute catch of the stocked fish among more people.

The hunting regulations prohibit Sunday hunting in the Sapowet and Eight Rod Farm Management Areas in Tiverton. They also ban muzzle-loader deer hunting in the Sapowet Management Area.

Several changes pertain to deer hunting. A bonus antlerless muzzleloader permit will be offered to encourage doe harvest. Hunters must buy the extra permit prior to the start of the hunting season. On Prudence Island, archery hunters will be allowed to harvest either sex deer throughout the season; however, a bonus deer permit will be offered to hunters taking antlerless deer. The quota on the island has been increased from 175 to 275 deer because the deer population has grown to the point where a healthy herd cannot be maintained on the island.

The state will be offering its first youth archery hunt on September 28-29, coinciding with National Hunting and Fishing Day, which is on September 28. Junior license holders, who have completed their bowhunter safety education course, will be permitted to take a deer prior to the traditional season opener. A licensed adult of at least 21 years of age must accompany each young hunter, but the adult cannot carry a bow.

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