John H. Chafee NWR
Washington County, RI · 12 mi W
440 huntable acres
National Wildlife Refuge · Rhode Island · FWS Region 5
Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge lies in Newport County, Rhode Island, with about 244 acres of land owned in fee by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. For the 2026–2027 season the refuge has 2 mapped hunt units: 1 open with special regulations and 1 closed, covering about 141 huntable acres.
Hunt units are colored by 2026–2027 status. Toggle layers for FWS-owned land, the approved refuge boundary and private easements. Use satellite imagery to scout marshes, timber edges and access points.
Permitted hunting categories are big game and small game, subject to state seasons and refuge-specific rules. Fishing is available — tidal / saltwater fishing and shellfishing & crabbing. A refuge permit is required for at least some activities, in addition to your state license.
Hosting more than 325,000 recreational visitors each year, Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge is a popular area for hiking, fishing and watching wildlife.
Categories are those listed by USFWS for this station; exact species, seasons and bag limits follow Rhode Island regulations plus refuge-specific rules.
| Unit | Status | Acres | Permit | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mentored Hunt | !Special regs | 141 | Required Other OMB-Approved Permit, Special Use Permit |
Night-time fishing. |
| Closed to Hunting | ✕Closed | 103 | Required Other OMB-Approved Permit, Special Use Permit |
Night-time fishing. |
Required
Night-time fishing.
Type: Other OMB-Approved Permit, Special Use Permit
How to get it:
Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge is renowned for its fishing opportunities –- among avid saltwater fly fishers and families enjoying an afternoon together alike.
State fishing licenses and regulations apply. Some waters close seasonally to protect wildlife.
Destination: Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge (FWS reference point)
41.48152, -71.2438841°28′53.5″N 71°14′38.0″WStraight-line distances. Driving routes are longer; many refuge roads are gravel and may close seasonally.
The navigation point is the station reference location published by USFWS — often the headquarters or main entrance. For a specific hunt unit, open its page or click it on the map for coordinates and parking planning.
*½ hour before sunrise — the standard federal shooting-hour start for migratory game birds. Times in New York local time.
Full season calculator →| Date | Shooting light | Sunrise | Sunset | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tue, Sep 1, 2026 | 5:40 AM | 6:10 AM | 7:20 PM | 13h 10m |
| Tue, Sep 15, 2026 | 5:54 AM | 6:24 AM | 6:56 PM | 12h 33m |
| Thu, Oct 1, 2026 | 6:10 AM | 6:40 AM | 6:28 PM | 11h 49m |
| Thu, Oct 15, 2026 | 6:25 AM | 6:55 AM | 6:05 PM | 11h 10m |
| Sun, Nov 1, 2026 | 5:45 AM | 6:15 AM | 4:41 PM | 10h 26m |
| Sun, Nov 15, 2026 | 6:02 AM | 6:32 AM | 4:26 PM | 9h 54m |
| Tue, Dec 1, 2026 | 6:21 AM | 6:51 AM | 4:16 PM | 9h 25m |
| Tue, Dec 15, 2026 | 6:34 AM | 7:04 AM | 4:16 PM | 9h 12m |
| Fri, Jan 1, 2027 | 6:41 AM | 7:11 AM | 4:24 PM | 9h 14m |
| Fri, Jan 15, 2027 | 6:39 AM | 7:09 AM | 4:38 PM | 9h 29m |
| Mon, Feb 1, 2027 | 6:27 AM | 6:57 AM | 4:58 PM | 10h 02m |
Computed for 41.482, -71.244 (EDT / DST-aware). Check state rules — big game hours vary.
Loading National Weather Service forecast…
Forecast from the National Weather Service. Wind direction matters — plan your approach downwind of where game beds.
Yes. Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge offers hunting in 1 unit (141 acres) during 2026–2027 for big game and small game. Seasons follow state regulations plus refuge-specific rules in 50 CFR Part 32.
Yes — Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge requires a refuge permit for some or all hunting. Permit type: Other OMB-Approved Permit and Special Use Permit. Permits can be obtained online through fws or online (e.g. recreation.gov). You also need the appropriate state hunting license and, for waterfowl, a Federal Duck Stamp.
Yes. Fishing is permitted (tidal / saltwater fishing and shellfishing & crabbing). State fishing licenses and regulations apply along with refuge rules.
Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge is in Newport County, Rhode Island, about 3 miles E of Newport, RI (straight-line). GPS: 41.48152, -71.24388.
Migratory game bird shooting hours are generally one-half hour before sunrise to sunset; big game and other seasons follow state rules. See the sunrise/sunset table on this page and confirm in the refuge hunt brochure.
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440 huntable acres
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Data: USFWS National Hunt Units 2026–2027, Hunting & Fishing Opportunities, Realty Boundaries & Tracts. Page updated September 29, 2026.