Rhode Island § 20-13-16 - Hunting and Hunting Safety
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 20-13-16 — Hunting and Hunting Safety, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 20-13-16. Hunting and Hunting Safety
R.I. Gen. Laws § 20-13-16
§ 20-13-16. Harassment of hunters, trappers, and fishers prohibited.
(a) No person shall obstruct or interfere with the lawful taking of wildlife by another person at the location where the activity is taking place with intent to prevent the lawful taking.
(b) A person violates this section when he or she intentionally or knowingly:
(1) Drives or disturbs wildlife for the purpose of disrupting the lawful taking of wildlife where another person is engaged in the process of lawfully taking wildlife;
(2) Blocks, impedes, or otherwise harasses another person who is engaged in the process of lawfully taking wildlife;
(3) Uses natural or artificial visual, aural, olfactory, or physical stimuli to affect wildlife behavior in order to hinder or prevent the lawful taking of wildlife;
(4) Erects barriers with the intent to deny ingress or egress to areas where the lawful taking of wildlife may occur;
(5) Interjects himself or herself into the line of fire;
(6) Affects the condition or placement of personal or public property intended for use in the lawful taking of wildlife in order to impair its usefulness or prevent its use; or
(7) Enters or remains upon private lands without the permission of the owner, or the owner’s agent, with intent to violate this section.
(c) A violation of this section is a civil violation for which a fine of not less than one hundred dollars ($100) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500) may be adjudged. The traffic tribunal shall have jurisdiction to hear and determine all violations specified in this section.
History of Section.
P.L. 1994, ch. 312, § 2; P.L. 1998, ch. 441, § 17; P.L. 2021, ch. 98, § 2, effective
July 1, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 99, § 2, effective July 1, 2021.
Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 20-13-16
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 20-13-16 cover?
Section 20-13-16 ("Hunting and Hunting Safety") is part of the Rhode Island General Laws, the codified statutory law of Rhode Island. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Rhode Island § 20-13-16?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 20-13-16" (Rhode Island). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Rhode Island law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Rhode Island official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Rhode Island attorney.
How does Rhode Island § 20-13-16 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Rhode Island can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Rhode Island.