The following news release from the US Fish and Wildlife Service was shared to The Block Island Times on Wednesday, Oct. 7:
The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service will expand hunting opportunities at Block Island National Wildlife Refuge (refuge) in 2020. Currently there are white-tailed deer hunting opportunities at Beane Point, Sandy Point, Grove Point, and Wash Pond hunting units, with some season and weapon restrictions. Saltwater fishing opportunities will remain unchanged, anglers may saltwater fish from refuge shorelines in accordance with State fishing regulations.
The refuge Hunting and Fishing Plan was approved in July 2020 creating additional white-tailed deer hunting opportunities with some season and weapon restrictions. In addition, Wash Pond Unit is open to migratory bird hunting (ducks, coot, and merganser). Federal and State safety regulations apply.
Details of the finalized hunting and fishing plan:
Beane Point and Sandy Point Units match State regulations for hunting deer (October – February), which reflects seasons established by the Town of New Shoreham, and prohibits hunting on weekends. Archery proficiency certification is required.
Grove Point, Wash Pond, and Skippers Island Units are open for archery only deer hunting, matching the State archery season (October – February), which reflects
