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 salt, corn, wheat, or other grains have been scattered to lure the birds. It also prohibits the use of live birds as decoys, electronically amplified recordings of bird calls or sounds (except for crows), and various methods such as traps, snares, nets, and other devices for taking wild birds. Notably, the bill includes 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 crossbows due to an insertion in the legal text. 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).