Rhode Island General Laws Title 20. Fish and Wildlife § 20-13-4. Certificate of competency required for initial license

(a) No license to hunt shall be issued to any person unless that person has held a hunting license in a prior year or unless he or she presents to the licensing agent a certificate of competency issued under § 20-13-2, or under an equivalent hunter safety program adopted by any other state; provided, that in the case of those qualifying only for use of archery equipment, the licensing agent shall mark across the face of the license “archery only.” A hunting license designated “archery only” is limited to the use of bows and arrows while hunting or pursuing game in this state. Each agent shall transmit all competency certificates presented to the agent to the department of environmental management, along with the reports required to be filed pursuant to § 20-2-3.

(b) Any person who is serving in, or who has been honorably discharged from, the army, navy, air force, marine corps, or coast guard, or any women's auxiliary branch, is not required to obtain a certificate of competency under this section or § 20-13-2.