Due to the numbers of visitors Block Island continues to see during the 2020 shoulder season, as well as a rise in Covid-19 cases not only in Rhode Island, but in states where hunters may travel from, the Block Island Town Council and the Town Manager wants to put the brakes on the firearms hunting season until Dec. 1. Shotgun and muzzle-loading season officially began on Monday, Nov. 2.
The council and Dr. Warcup of the Medical Center were also concerned that day trippers and new residents on the island may not be aware that hunting season has started while they are out walking on the trails and lands. The council, Warcup and Town Manager Maryanne Crawford shared their concerns at the meeting held on Monday, Nov. 2.
With hunting delayed at the Block Island Wildlife Refuge, and hunting not taking place at Rodman’s Hollow and Black Rock until January, the only route to hunt on Block Island is to get permission from a landowner and a double sign-off from Police Chief Vin Carlone.
While the Town Council has not taken any action on the matter, Crawford said on Tuesday, Nov. 3 that she, in concert with