Fishing, Hunting Proposal For Sachuest Point In Middletown

MIDDLETOWN, RI — A proposal to expand hunting and fishing opportunities a the Rhode Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex in Middletown has is available for public comment until June 1. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service said hunting and fishing are traditional uses of the National Wildlife Refuge System, with this proposal allowing an increase of deer, wild turkey, fox, coyote and migratory bird hunting.

Because all open meetings have been canceled due to the coronavirus health emergency, public comment is being sought in writing at rhodeislandcomplex@fws.gov or via mail at Rhode Island NWR Complex 50 Bend Road, Charlestown, RI 02813.

The public is invited to review the draft documents, including the Draft Hunting andFishing Plan, Compatibility Determinations, and Environmental Assessment.

Rhode Island NWR Complex is proposing to:

• Expand opportunities for deer hunting and open migratory game bird hunting at Block Island NWR.
• Expand deer hunting opportunities, and open wild turkey hunting opportunities on Ninigret NWR lands.
• Open opportunities for deer, wild turkey, and migratory game bird hunting at John H. Chafee NWR. Additionally, open fishing opportunities in designated areas of John H. Chafee NWR.
• Open limited deer hunting opportunities at Sachuest Point NWR to special user groups including: youth, veterans, hunters with disabilities, and women.
• Expand migratory game bird hunting opportunities at Trustom Pond NWR, and open archery deer and wild turkey hunting opportunities by refuge permit beginning in 2021.
• Fox and coyote hunting opportunities will be available during the deer hunting season at Ninigret NWR, John H. Chafee NWR, Sachuest Point NWR, and Trustom Pond NWR.

A "Hunt Application/Permit" will be required for hunting on Trustom Pond NWR only. No more than $20 permit fee for each type of hunt (deer and wild turkey) would be established to defray the costs of operation. A maximum of 35 deer permits and 35 wild turkey permits will be issued annually. For Trustom Pond NWR, permit applications would most likely be administered by a contracted company that will feature online, mail, and telephone services to collect hunter information, required fees, and issue permits.

These services would provide hunters with the ability to apply, pay for, and receive hunting permits in advance of the hunting dates.