The bill amends Section 20-14-7 of the General Laws in Chapter 20-14 entitled "Birds" to update the prohibited methods of taking upland or migratory game birds. The bill specifies that no person shall hunt these birds over a baited area, defined as an area where substances like salt, corn, wheat, or other grains have been scattered to lure the birds. This does not include areas where such substances are present due to normal agricultural operations. The use of live birds as decoys, electronically amplified recordings of bird calls, and various prohibited devices such as traps, snares, nets, and others are also addressed. Notably, the bill introduces an insertion that allows the use of a crossbow for harvesting wild turkeys, provided it is in accordance with regulations established by the department of environmental management.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that migratory game birds may only be shot with a shotgun of size ten gauge or smaller, capable of holding three or fewer shells, or with a long bow, which now includes a crossbow due to another insertion. The act would take effect immediately upon passage. The explanation provided by the legislative council clarifies that the act's purpose is to permit the taking of wild turkeys using a crossbow in compliance with rules set by the Department of Environmental Management (DEM).