One of the iconic signs of spring in our region is the sight of wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo), scratching through stubbled corn fields—usually with one or two strutting toms showing off their blushing red, white, and blue heads in an attempt to entice a flock of hens. Wild turkeys are native to eastern forestlands, but were extinct in Vermont by the late 1800s due to habitat loss and overhunting. In the 1950s and 60s, thanks to conservation and relocation efforts, largely fueled by hunters, populations began to rebound, and this iconic bird is now considered a conservation success story and a common sight throughout the northeast.
Each spring, NorthWoods serves as the location for a popular VT Fish & Wildlife Hunter Education course, taught by accomplished instructors Blair Moulton and Dan Whipple. We asked Dan about how hunting has impacted his relationship to wildlife conservation and to education:
“I started hunting when I was in 5th grade, just tagging around the woods with my dad. We were not allowed to carry any guns, just to learn. Through the years, the activity of hunting has taught me the skills and confidence to navigate the woods successfully and also to really pay attention to the various wildlife habitat and how that plays into wildlife populations.”
“I have to say my favorite thing about turkey season is just getting out in the woods in the spring. It’s a feeling of exhilaration just to see the woods come alive in the first light of dawn. Listening to the hundreds of song birds, catching some warm rays of sunshine. It’s just a great time to be in the woods, and whether or not I actually harvest a turkey, I have to say, is not really a priority.”