Image: ImageBy_Tom_Reichner_pintail_flight

Photo by Tom Reichner

Ah, Rhode Island. The little state offers much to the outdoor enthusiast, including a dose of sleeper waterfowling.

The Ocean State would never qualify as a waterfowling destination; not even close. However, with only about 1,100 licensed waterfowl hunters in 2023-'24, there's not much competition for the 7,900 ducks they put on the strap that season.

Saltwater waterfowlers will find plenty of action, thanks to good numbers of eiders and scoters off the coast, plus a handful of seasoned guides and outfitters to get hunters there and back safely.