R.I. Gen. Laws § 20-18-2

It is unlawful for any person at any time to hunt, trap, pursue, take, or kill, or attempt so to do, or in any manner molest or destroy, any wild bird, or the nest or eggs of wild birds, or any wild animal, on land leased or controlled by the department under the authority of § 20-18-1, except that the director may, in his or her discretion, and with any limitations the director may deem advisable, authorize, in writing, any deputy and/or the owner or occupant of the land, to hunt, pursue, take, or kill any wild bird or animal detrimental to its species or other species, to agriculture or other plant life, or to humans. This authority is revocable at the pleasure of the director.