Outdoors in RI: Shooting range opens. Hunting, fishing classes. Be bear aware. Go, Appalachia!

Hatch, Bloom, and Explore this Spring at a DEM Outdoor Education Course

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) Division of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) has another season of great spring programs scheduled to connect Rhode Islanders with our state’s beautiful natural resources. From Vernal pool and sky dance nights to learning the ins and outs of spring turkey hunting. DFW’s Aquatic Resource Education, Hunter Education, Wildlife Outreach and Volunteer programs have planned a schedule with plenty of opportunities to learn about Rhode Island’s fish and wildlife resources or to try out a new outdoor skill. Most of the programs being offered this winter are free of charge and family friendly.

A list of programs and registration information are listed below:

Wildlife Outreach Programs: 

Wildlife Management Areas 101 

Whether you love hiking, biking, fishing, hunting, birdwatching, or horseback riding, RI’s Wildlife Management Areas are beautiful places to explore and enjoy nature! While these conservation lands are open to the public, there are some rules visitors need to follow to keep both people and wildlife safe. Join DFW’s outreach team for an intro to state lands, wildlife conservation in RI, and ways to access your state’s natural resources! This program is FREE, but registration is required so that staff can prepare materials. 

• Date: Wednesday, March 12 
• Time: 6:30 – 7:30 PM 
• Location: Cross’ Mills Library  
• Age: Adults 
• Register here: https://forms.office.com/g/sncsjctkpm 

Coexisting with Coyotes 

Coyotes are greatly misunderstood, but most of their fear-instilling actions are simply a part of their life history and strategy for survival. Still, these critters can become a nuisance, especially if they begin to den under decks and dine out of chicken coops. Learning why these creatures behave the way they do is the key to finding resolution. Join DFW to learn about coyote natural history, discoveries made by the Narragansett Bay Coyote Study, and ways to coexist with them. 

• Date: Thursday, March 13
• Time: 6 – 7:30 PM
• Location: Jesse M. Smith Memorial Library 
• Age: Adults 
• Register here: https://forms.office.com/g/VEqucJvmJS 

Vernal Pool Night 

Spring has sprung and amphibians are on the move! Join us for an evening walk listening and looking for wood frogs, spring peepers, toads, and salamanders! As we search for these slimy creatures, you’ll learn about various DFW conservation projects aimed at helping our state’s amphibians, as well as ways you can get involved to help right in your own backyard. Please note, participants will not be entering any wetlands and will be staying on the trail together as a group. This program is FREE , but registration is required. Please note that the date and time are subject to change based on temperature and amphibian activity. 

• Date: Friday, March 28 
• Time: 6:30 – 8:30 PM  
• Location: Great Swamp Management Area, West Kingston 
• Age: Adults and Families with youth ages 8 and up. 
• Register here: https://forms.office.com/g/fUMJym884k 

Sky Dance Night 

Kick back, relax, and join DFW to witness one of spring’s most exciting events, the sunset “sky dance” of the American woodcock! While waiting for these quirky birds to begin their theatrical performance, you’ll learn about our collaborative research efforts with URI graduate students and young forest habitat conservation work. This event is FREE, but registration is required. 

• Date: Thursday, April 10 
• Time: 6:30 – 8:30 PM 
• Location: Arcadia Management Area  
• Age: Adults 
• Register here: https://forms.office.com/g/6KTspPKk0R 

Bear Necessities 

Black bears have returned to Rhode Island and have been spotted ambling around the state! While these large mammals can be intimidating, 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 with bears. This event is FREE , but registration is required so staff can prepare enough materials. 

• Date: Tuesday, May 20 
• Time: 6:30 – 7:30 PM 
• Location: Peacedale Library  
• Age: Adults 
• Register here: https://forms.office.com/g/eQQeMbzdZC 

Hunter Education Programs:
 
Bowhunter Education Certification Classes 
The course is ideal for beginners, and anyone seeking to refresh or expand their knowledge of safe and responsible bowhunting practices. Participants under the age of 16 or those who cannot transport themselves, must have an adult or legal guardian with them for the class duration. To legally bow hunt in RI, you must be at least 12 years old. 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.
Date: Saturday, March 1 (Option 1)
Location: Tiverton Rod and Gun Club
Details: https://dem.ri.gov/events/bowhunter-education-14 
Date: Saturday, March 29 (Option 2)
Location: Manville Rod and Gun Club, Manville 
Details: https://dem.ri.gov/events/bowhunter-education-16 
 
Hunter Education Certification Classes
The course is ideal for beginners and anyone seeking to refresh or expand their knowledge of safe and responsible hunting practices. Participants under the age of 16 or those who cannot transport themselves, must have an adult or legal guardian with them for the class duration. To legally hunt in RI, you must be at least 12 years old. Upon sufficient course completion and passing a final exam,  participants will receive a Hunter Safety Education certification, which is required to purchase a firearm hunting license in RI.
Date: Saturday, March 29 and Sunday, March 30
Location: Wallum Lake Rod and Gun Club, Harrisville  
Details: https://dem.ri.gov/events/hunter-education-2-day-29 
 
Intro to Turkey Hunting Workshop 
Spring is just around the corner! Curious about turkey hunting but don’t know where to start? Whether you are a beginner or looking to enhance your skills, this class is perfect for anyone eager to explore the thrilling world of turkey hunting. Connect with those who share your interests and learn from seasoned experts. Space is limited, register today.  
Date: Saturday, March 15
Time: 9 AM – 3 PM 
Location: Wallum Lake Rod and Gun Club, Harrisville 
Age: Adults and youth ages 8 and up. 
Register here: https://forms.gle/JdHyCPMBcQLKDJNt8 
 
April 2025 Youth Turkey Hunt – Partnered with The Light Foundation 
DEM is excited to team up with The Light Foundation for the fifth consecutive year to present the 2025 Mentored Youth Turkey Hunt. Youth ages 12-15 who hold a valid RI Hunter Safety Certification are invited to apply for this amazing opportunity. Applications are due by March 10, so don’t wait!
Date: Friday, April 18 and Saturday, April 19
Location: Addieville East Farm, 200 Pheasant Dr, Mapleville, RI
Age: Youth ages 12-15. 
More details and registration here: https://dem.ri.gov/natural-resources-bureau/fish-wildlife/outreach-education/hunter-education/rhode-island-youth

Aquatic Resource Education Programs:

Kids Day at Addieville: Intro to Fly Fishing 

This introductory class is designed for youth ages 10-15. Students will learn about the equipment needed to fly fish, how to tie flies, how to cast a fly rod, safe and responsible fishing techniques.. Lunch is provided. A parent or guardian must be present for the duration of the class. 

Registration is required; registration opens Feb. 17. 

• Date: Saturday, April 19 
• Time: 9 AM – 3 PM 
• Location: Addieville East Farm, Harrisville  
• Age: Youth ages 10-15 
• Register here: Email [email protected] 

Intro to Freshwater Fly Fishing 

This introductory workshop is designed for both the beginner and the intermediate fly-fishing angler. Students will learn about the equipment needed to fly fish, how to tie flies, how to cast a fly rod, safe and responsible fishing techniques. Lunch is provided. Families with children 12 and older are welcome to join. Registration is required and opens Feb. 17. 

• Date: Saturday, May 17 
• Time: 9 AM – 2 PM 
• Location: Addieville East Farm, Harrisville 
• Age: Families and youth 12 and older. 
• Register here: Email [email protected] 

Volunteer Program: 

Help Monitor Herring This Spring! 

Looking for a peaceful outdoor activity this spring? Help us count herring during their annual spring migration! Volunteers are needed to conduct quick, 10-minute fish counts at designated DEM fish ladders across the state. The counting season runs from April through May, and you can participate at your convenience. 

• Register here: https://forms.office.com/g/CHbdTiftp8  

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The Range RI big weekend!

Rhode Island’s newest shooting experience. In 2016, The Range Inc became an idea through the dedication and vision of owners Andre Mendes and Will Worthy, who had previously established themselves in the outdoor industry with Big Bear Hunting and Fishing in Glocester, RI. From the outset, they envisioned expanding their offerings to include a range—a dream that was integral to their business plan from day one.

Navigating the challenges inherent in the retail sector, compounded by unforeseen obstacles like a national health crisis, Andre and Will persevered with unwavering determination. Through strategic planning and a commitment to excellence, Big Bear Hunting and Fishing evolved into one of Rhode Island’s premier outfitters, earning a reputation for quality products and exceptional customer service.

Central to their journey were core values that shaped every decision: Faith, Education, and Community. These values weren’t just words on paper but guiding principles that influenced their interactions with customers, suppliers, and the community at large.

Faith anchored their business ethics, fostering trust and integrity in every transaction. Education was paramount, as they empowered customers with knowledge about their products and outdoor activities, ensuring everyone could make informed choices. Community engagement was at the heart of their operation, supporting local initiatives and fostering a sense of belonging among their patrons.
As they expanded into The Range Inc, Andre and Will carried forward these core values. The new venture not only fulfilled their long-held ambition of providing a dedicated shooting range but also extended their commitment to serving their community with excellence and integrity.

Today, The Range Inc stands as a testament to their perseverance, vision, and dedication to creating a business that not only thrives commercially but also enriches the lives of those it serves. With each customer served, each community initiative supported, Andre Mendes and Will Worthy continue to write a story of success rooted in values that resonate far beyond the walls of their establishment.

For more information, options, etc., go to: https://www.therangeri.com

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Appalachian Trail

The US Forestry Service has reopened more than 100 MILES of the Appalachian Trail in Western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene. Volunteers dedicated 10,000 hours to wilderness zones where chainsaws were prohibited, relying solely on handsaws. Here is a story written by the U.S. Forest Service:

Reflections from receding waters and storms

Forest Service employees band together in herculean effort to support communities, forests & each other in storm-ravaged North Carolina – by Scott Raymond, Southern Area Incident Management Blue Team, December 4, 2024

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When Hurricane Helene hit the southeastern United States in late September 2024, its destruction spared neither national forests nor members of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service workforce living in its path. The national forests in North Carolina were among the worst impacted. And like so many in western North Carolina, Forest Service employees found themselves without power, water or connectivity; and some even suffered damaged homes.

Forest Supervisor James Melonas said it took three days to get 100% accountability of all employees, which included going door to door to make sure they were safe. Even as the water was still receding, these resilient employees found ways to help.

“I could not be prouder of how employees showed up following this storm,” said Melonas. “They have demonstrated incredible strength, compassion and diligence in response to a situation none of us ever imagined.”

The Appalachian and Grandfather Ranger Districts received more damage than other districts due to their numerous watersheds and elevation. Neighboring towns and cities — such as Barnardsville, Pensacola, Hot Springs and others — were devastated, as were their residents. Just as affected communities came together to support each other following the shocking damage they suffered, so too did staff from the Forest Service.

Stepping up for their communities

In the days following Helene, Forest Service law enforcement officers stood shoulder-to-shoulder with local police and sheriff departments, military personnel, federal employees and private organizations across affected areas. Together, they conducted search and rescue in communities neighboring and within the national forest.

Jody Bandy, patrol captain for the national forests in North Carolina said once he ensured the safety of his officers, they all went to work.

“I was humbled by the laser focus they had in the task at hand, stepping up to help their communities,” Bandy said. “From day one we had officers on the ground conducting dozens of search and rescues and recoveries, along with welfare checks too numerous to count.”

Bandy said his officers assisted by providing security at distribution sites, cleanups at residential homes, and, in one particularly memorable moment, they located and rescued a group of survivors nine days after the storm hit. Forest Service law enforcement officers led the survivors who had been swept away by flood waters to safety and provided food, water and medical treatment.

Just east of Asheville, the town of Black Mountain, North Carolina with a population of 8,400 was devastated by the storm. With no electricity, no water, no internet and blocked roadways, Lisa Jennings sprang into action. She conducted daily community meetings for 1,000-person crowds to help coordinate the flow of information to assist residents and relief efforts. Jennings, the recreation and trails manager for the Grandfather Ranger District of the Pisgah National Forest, is also a trained public information officer and immediately saw the need and opportunity to help.

“We are truly at a loss for words when it comes to expressing the immense gratitude we owe [National Forests in North Carolina] for allowing Lisa Jennings to step in during the historic crisis we faced,” Steve Parker, police chief of the Black Mountain Police Department, wrote to Forest Supervisor Melonas. “Her guidance and steadfast direction throughout this unprecedented time were critical in helping us communicate effectively with the town of Black Mountain.

“We were overwhelmed, understaffed and facing circumstances unlike anything we had ever experienced — no power, no water, no radio communication, and no internet,” he continued. “From the very beginning, Lisa’s leadership moved us toward successful communication efforts. The calm and focus she brought to the situation gave us the confidence and structure we desperately needed in those crucial moments.”

From the first raindrop

Jennings wasn’t alone in giving an early helping hand.

Barry Jones, the forest’s public services staff officer, served as the emergency manager for Yancy County, north of Asheville. He’s a third generation Forest Service employee and has worked for the national forests in North Carolina for 24 years. Jones said his Forest Service and incident command training prepared him and his team to set up an effective framework to serve impacted communities.

“We were able to have a coordinated and strategic response from the first raindrop,” said Jones. “This wasn’t just a fire or police response; it was a community response. If they were an electrician, an engineer, a logger, a doctor, a general contractor, we had a job for them to make a difference in the community.”

Jones’ team set up a command post in a local school, kept two gas stations open with generators, conducted numerous swift water rescues and began to clear a hundred miles of roads in an area completely cut off from outside assistance.

In hard-hit Swannanoa, North Carolina, Allyson Conner, land management planner, felt she had to help her town. After the Swannanoa River swelled to unimaginable levels, wreaking havoc in its path, Conner immediately went to work at her local church sorting and distributing relief supplies for her neighbors.

She saw a community unite around a mission to reach out, show up and provide during in a chaotic time. Conner and her neighbors distributed food and water, filled medical prescriptions from open pharmacies, delivered generators and even graded driveways to help the best they could.

“I knew my community was in need and I could help, so I did. We gave out so many hugs and smiles,” Conner said. “We made so many new friends and our community is so much stronger and bonded. There are silver linings amongst all the sadness. I keep looking for them. And I do find them.”

Silver linings amongst the sadness

Forest Service crews with chainsaws, heavy machinery and drones assisted local counties with accessing water supplies and communication towers, assessing damage to infrastructure, and clearing roads for emergency travel. With water a critical issue after the storm, crews prioritized clearing roads to access reservoirs and assess watersheds to help restore water to communities.

As crews labored to clear roads, there were special requests to open access for residents trapped off remote Forest Service roads. In Mitchell County, North Carolina near the Tennessee border, a family contacted Jen Barnhart, district ranger for the Appalachian Ranger District.

“Many of us made a quick transition from taking care of our own, to taking care of our neighbors,” Barnhart said. “I was glad we had crews nearby to cut through that road, clearing the path for them to get out. That was a key part of our initial life and safety mission.”

Bandy, Jones, Conner and Melonas all agreed that there are so many stories of employees that showed up to work for their communities in a time of need. Regardless of the uniform or position, the human nature to help and care for others took over in western North Carolina.

“Our employees, partners and communities have shown such resilience in Helene’s aftermath, working together to serve the people and lands most impacted,” said Melonas. “But the work doesn’t stop here, the Pisgah National Forest and our communities have a long road of recovery ahead of us. And I’m proud to be working alongside such dedicated public servants as we venture into the months to come.”