Massachusetts undoubtedly has a distinct connection with wild turkeys! This presentation will document the unique history of wild turkeys in Massachusetts; from the very first Thanksgiving, followed by complete annihilation, to present day where turkeys are very abundant across the state through reintroduction. In addition, David Scarpetti will describe and document the extraordinary life history, biology, and unique behavior of wild turkeys that enables them to thrive in virtually every community across the Commonwealth.
David is a wildlife biologist with the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife, or (MassWildlife), the state agency charged with the conservation and management of all wildlife and their habitat across the Commonwealth. For the past 10 years, David has worked as the Wild Turkey and Upland Game biologist with MassWildlife and is involved in all aspects of management of game bird and small game management.