Restoration Of Wild Turkeys Celebrated In Pawlet Saturday
Gary Moore
April 16, 2026
The restoration of wild turkeys in Vermont is one of the Fish and Wildlife Department’s most notable wildlife restoration efforts. It began on February 28, 1969, when wild turkeys were live-trapped by the department’s former turkey biologist William Drake in southwestern New York and stocked in Pawlet, Vermont.
One of those involved in the release who is pictured in the photo is West Burke’s Roger Whitcomb who retired as Chief Warden after a long career at Fish and Wildlife.
At 2 p.m. this Saturday representatives from the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Wild Turkey Federation, National Shooting Sports Foundation, and the Town of Pawlet will meet at the West Pawlet Fire House and present a Wildlife Restoration Marker plaque to commemorate that 1969 turkey stocking that set the stage for the return of wild turkeys, statewide.
Loss of habitat through extensive forest clearing and unregulated subsistence harvest of wild turkeys led to their demise by the late 1800’s.
“The restoration of native wild turkeys to our state is important biologically, ecologically and for the heritage value of their return for all Vermonters to enjoy,” said Vermont Fish and Wildlife Commissioner Jason Batchelder. “It was accomplished after a thorough scientific assessment to ensure we again had suitable habitat that would support a population of wild turkeys.
Vermont’s wild turkey restoration was funded by federal excise taxes on firearms and ammunition through the Pittman-Robertson Act of 1937 and state hunting license dollars. Wildlife biologist William Drake was sent to Steuben and Allegany Counties in New York to trap and transport wild turkeys back to Vermont. This resulted in 17 wild turkeys, 5 toms and 12 hens, being released in Pawlet between February 28 and March 31, 1969. Drake released an additional 14 turkeys in Hubbardton in 1970. These were the ancestors of wild turkeys that came to inhabit the entire state today.
By 1973, the first regulated turkey hunt occurred in southern Vermont where 579 hunting permits were issued for a 12-day season resulting in 23 gobblers being harvested.
One of the first, if not the first, successful hunters according to John Hall was the late Fay, Sonny, Southworth of Bradford.
From 1973 to 1986 Vermont Fish and Game, now Fish and Wildlife trapped and transferred our wild turkeys to Windsor, Windham, Bennington, Chittenden, Addison, Grand Isle, and Orange Counties. Vermont’s turkeys were also sent to Ontario, Germany, New Hampshire, Maine, New Jersey, Michigan, North Carolina, and Rhode Island.
Vermont’s wild turkeys are now found throughout the state, and their population is estimated at more than 45,000. Hunters harvested 5,799 wild turkeys during the Vermont turkey hunting seasons in 2025, providing hunters with more than 132,000 servings of locally sourced, nutritious protein, according to the Fish and Wildlife Department.
The West Pawlet Fire House is located at 2806 Vermont Route 153, West Pawlet, VT 05775.
Bits and Pieces
It’s almost time for spring turkey hunting in Vermont with youth and novice weekend April 25 and 26 and the regular season from May 1 to May 31.
The Granite State’s spring turkey season opens on May 1 and runs through May 31. The annual youth turkey hunt takes place the preceding weekend, Saturday, April 25, and Sunday, April 26.
***
Did you submit a tooth from your Vermont deer last season? If so, you can now find out how old your deer was by visiting the Fish and Wildlife , https://vtfishandwildlife.com/, and following a link from the home page.
A total of 1,817 usable deer teeth were received from successful hunters in 2025. When added to the 1,367 deer examined by biologists during the youth and regular November seasons, the department was able to get accurate ages for 3,184 deer.
“We are thankful to the thousands of hunters who supported our deer management efforts by providing us with a tooth from their deer,” said Deer Project Leader Nick Fortin. “This age information helps us estimate deer population size and assess the health of deer. It is also critically important for understanding the effects of hunting regulations on the deer population and buck age structure.”
The oldest deer harvested were 15-year-old does taken in Bradford and Pittsford. The oldest buck was 13 years old and was taken in Lincoln. This was the oldest buck ever documented in Vermont.
***
Discover WILD New Hampshire Day is set for next Saturday, April 18, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the grounds of the Fish and Game Department at 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH. Admission is free, and Discover WILD New Hampshire Day is held rain or shine.
It is a fun way for the whole family to explore New Hampshire’s natural resources.
***
New Hampshire Fish and Game reminds us that while spring provides the biggest movement of amphibians to breeding sites, spring peepers, American toads, Fowler’s toads, pickerel frogs, and gray tree frogs will still be calling into May and June, while mink frogs, green frogs, and bullfrogs can still be heard into July.
Migration to vernal pools can be dangerous for amphibians because one of the greatest dangers they face is being struck by vehicles. Breeding migration movements largely occur in the evening, primarily on rainy nights, making them extremely difficult for motorists to see.
***
Tune in to WYKR 101.3 FM or 1100 AM on Thursday at 6 p.m. for The Outdoor Edge. Thoughts on the Out-of-Doors airs as a segment of the program. The show airs on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month.
My guests this week are Tessa McGann and Kate Forrer, steering committee members for Women & Our Woods.
***
Mark Breen reports in the Fairbanks Museum's Skywatch Almanac that on April 19, 1976: “50 years ago, a heat wave pushed temperatures into the 80s, reaching 90 degrees in many locations. Burlington set its all time April high of 91 degrees, while Vernon soared to 97.”
Parting Shots
Linda and I spent Thursday night at the White Mountain Hotel & Resort in Hales Location, NH to celebrate Linda’s 78th birthday.
We always enjoy our time there, especially the views from the dining room.
Linda is unable to swallow anything due to her cancer so all food and meds have to be pumped through a G-tube in her stomach. That means she had to watch me eat the delicious meals and could only imagine what they tasted like.
Both dinner and breakfast we had window seats looking out over North Conway and Mt. Cranmore to Maine. It was nice watching darkness arrive during dinner and the lights come on in North Conway. Morning brought bright sun that warmed us as we enjoyed breakfast.
Our stay was short as we had to be back home in Bradford in time for Linda's 1 p.m. appointment at DHMC.
We were only gone from home 20 hours but getting away for a night was just what we needed. Unfortunately, all did not go as planned. We hurriedly packed and left home at 2:15 p.m. with the plan to have three hours to relax and explore the grounds before dinner at 7. As I drove into Twin Mountain on Route 302, I suddenly realized I had not packed Linda’s food which she is fed via a pump ten hours during the night. I had brought the pump, the IV pole, the bag for the food, and her meds, but no food.
I said a few choice words and turned around to go back home for the three containers of food, then back to Twin Mountain, a wasted trip of 99.5 miles. It was then on to the hotel 33 miles further, arriving at 6:30 leaving barely enough time to unpack before dinner.
The hotel is backed up by the stunning White Horse Ledge rising high above is one of your favorite of the many hotels we frequent in the Mount Washington Valley. Check it out at: https://www.whitemountainhotel.com/.
As usual we never go and come the same way so it was Route 302 over, normally 84 miles and back via the Kancamagus, a 79 mile route. Either way it is about 2-1/4 hours.
Syndicated columnist Gary W. Moore may be reached by e-mail at gwmoore1946@icloud.com or at Box 454, Bradford, VT 05033.
copyright 2026 Gary W. Moore
One of those involved in the release who is pictured in the photo is West Burke’s Roger Whitcomb who retired as Chief Warden after a long career at Fish and Wildlife.
At 2 p.m. this Saturday representatives from the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Wild Turkey Federation, National Shooting Sports Foundation, and the Town of Pawlet will meet at the West Pawlet Fire House and present a Wildlife Restoration Marker plaque to commemorate that 1969 turkey stocking that set the stage for the return of wild turkeys, statewide.
Loss of habitat through extensive forest clearing and unregulated subsistence harvest of wild turkeys led to their demise by the late 1800’s.
“The restoration of native wild turkeys to our state is important biologically, ecologically and for the heritage value of their return for all Vermonters to enjoy,” said Vermont Fish and Wildlife Commissioner Jason Batchelder. “It was accomplished after a thorough scientific assessment to ensure we again had suitable habitat that would support a population of wild turkeys.
Vermont’s wild turkey restoration was funded by federal excise taxes on firearms and ammunition through the Pittman-Robertson Act of 1937 and state hunting license dollars. Wildlife biologist William Drake was sent to Steuben and Allegany Counties in New York to trap and transport wild turkeys back to Vermont. This resulted in 17 wild turkeys, 5 toms and 12 hens, being released in Pawlet between February 28 and March 31, 1969. Drake released an additional 14 turkeys in Hubbardton in 1970. These were the ancestors of wild turkeys that came to inhabit the entire state today.
By 1973, the first regulated turkey hunt occurred in southern Vermont where 579 hunting permits were issued for a 12-day season resulting in 23 gobblers being harvested.
One of the first, if not the first, successful hunters according to John Hall was the late Fay, Sonny, Southworth of Bradford.
From 1973 to 1986 Vermont Fish and Game, now Fish and Wildlife trapped and transferred our wild turkeys to Windsor, Windham, Bennington, Chittenden, Addison, Grand Isle, and Orange Counties. Vermont’s turkeys were also sent to Ontario, Germany, New Hampshire, Maine, New Jersey, Michigan, North Carolina, and Rhode Island.
Vermont’s wild turkeys are now found throughout the state, and their population is estimated at more than 45,000. Hunters harvested 5,799 wild turkeys during the Vermont turkey hunting seasons in 2025, providing hunters with more than 132,000 servings of locally sourced, nutritious protein, according to the Fish and Wildlife Department.
The West Pawlet Fire House is located at 2806 Vermont Route 153, West Pawlet, VT 05775.
Bits and Pieces
It’s almost time for spring turkey hunting in Vermont with youth and novice weekend April 25 and 26 and the regular season from May 1 to May 31.
The Granite State’s spring turkey season opens on May 1 and runs through May 31. The annual youth turkey hunt takes place the preceding weekend, Saturday, April 25, and Sunday, April 26.
***
Did you submit a tooth from your Vermont deer last season? If so, you can now find out how old your deer was by visiting the Fish and Wildlife , https://vtfishandwildlife.com/, and following a link from the home page.
A total of 1,817 usable deer teeth were received from successful hunters in 2025. When added to the 1,367 deer examined by biologists during the youth and regular November seasons, the department was able to get accurate ages for 3,184 deer.
“We are thankful to the thousands of hunters who supported our deer management efforts by providing us with a tooth from their deer,” said Deer Project Leader Nick Fortin. “This age information helps us estimate deer population size and assess the health of deer. It is also critically important for understanding the effects of hunting regulations on the deer population and buck age structure.”
The oldest deer harvested were 15-year-old does taken in Bradford and Pittsford. The oldest buck was 13 years old and was taken in Lincoln. This was the oldest buck ever documented in Vermont.
***
Discover WILD New Hampshire Day is set for next Saturday, April 18, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the grounds of the Fish and Game Department at 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH. Admission is free, and Discover WILD New Hampshire Day is held rain or shine.
It is a fun way for the whole family to explore New Hampshire’s natural resources.
***
New Hampshire Fish and Game reminds us that while spring provides the biggest movement of amphibians to breeding sites, spring peepers, American toads, Fowler’s toads, pickerel frogs, and gray tree frogs will still be calling into May and June, while mink frogs, green frogs, and bullfrogs can still be heard into July.
Migration to vernal pools can be dangerous for amphibians because one of the greatest dangers they face is being struck by vehicles. Breeding migration movements largely occur in the evening, primarily on rainy nights, making them extremely difficult for motorists to see.
***
Tune in to WYKR 101.3 FM or 1100 AM on Thursday at 6 p.m. for The Outdoor Edge. Thoughts on the Out-of-Doors airs as a segment of the program. The show airs on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month.
My guests this week are Tessa McGann and Kate Forrer, steering committee members for Women & Our Woods.
***
Mark Breen reports in the Fairbanks Museum's Skywatch Almanac that on April 19, 1976: “50 years ago, a heat wave pushed temperatures into the 80s, reaching 90 degrees in many locations. Burlington set its all time April high of 91 degrees, while Vernon soared to 97.”
Parting Shots
Linda and I spent Thursday night at the White Mountain Hotel & Resort in Hales Location, NH to celebrate Linda’s 78th birthday.
We always enjoy our time there, especially the views from the dining room.
Linda is unable to swallow anything due to her cancer so all food and meds have to be pumped through a G-tube in her stomach. That means she had to watch me eat the delicious meals and could only imagine what they tasted like.
Both dinner and breakfast we had window seats looking out over North Conway and Mt. Cranmore to Maine. It was nice watching darkness arrive during dinner and the lights come on in North Conway. Morning brought bright sun that warmed us as we enjoyed breakfast.
Our stay was short as we had to be back home in Bradford in time for Linda's 1 p.m. appointment at DHMC.
We were only gone from home 20 hours but getting away for a night was just what we needed. Unfortunately, all did not go as planned. We hurriedly packed and left home at 2:15 p.m. with the plan to have three hours to relax and explore the grounds before dinner at 7. As I drove into Twin Mountain on Route 302, I suddenly realized I had not packed Linda’s food which she is fed via a pump ten hours during the night. I had brought the pump, the IV pole, the bag for the food, and her meds, but no food.
I said a few choice words and turned around to go back home for the three containers of food, then back to Twin Mountain, a wasted trip of 99.5 miles. It was then on to the hotel 33 miles further, arriving at 6:30 leaving barely enough time to unpack before dinner.
The hotel is backed up by the stunning White Horse Ledge rising high above is one of your favorite of the many hotels we frequent in the Mount Washington Valley. Check it out at: https://www.whitemountainhotel.com/.
As usual we never go and come the same way so it was Route 302 over, normally 84 miles and back via the Kancamagus, a 79 mile route. Either way it is about 2-1/4 hours.
Syndicated columnist Gary W. Moore may be reached by e-mail at gwmoore1946@icloud.com or at Box 454, Bradford, VT 05033.
copyright 2026 Gary W. Moore
Fish and Game staff tagging a turkey before its release on February 28, 1969 in West Pawlet at the start of one of Vermont Fish & Wildlife’s most successful wildlife restoration projects.
Left to right: Warden Roger Whitcomb, Biologist Bill Drake, Wildlife Director Ben Day
VTF&W Photo by John Hall
Left to right: Warden Roger Whitcomb, Biologist Bill Drake, Wildlife Director Ben Day
VTF&W Photo by John Hall
Have a story?
Let's hear it!
(802) 757-2773
(603) 787-2444
news@thebridgeweekly.com
