The University of Rhode Island (URI) has started a five-year research project to study the health and population of the North American Eastern Wild Turkey in Rhode Island. Professor Scott McWilliams from the Department of Natural Resources Science leads the project. The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is a partner in the study. The research will look at disease, stress, reproduction, and other factors that affect wild turkeys in the state.
Wild turkeys disappeared from Rhode Island in the 1800s due to overhunting and loss of habitat. In 1980, the state began reintroducing turkeys by moving 29 birds from Vermont to Exeter. The effort continued through the 1990s. Now, wild turkeys live in every city and town in Rhode Island except Block Island. DEM officials note that the population has grown steadily since reintroduction.
Turkey hunting returned to Rhode Island in 1985. The population has increased since then. In spring 2025, hunters harvested 368 wild turkeys, the highest number on record. Turkeys were taken in 27 of the state’s 39 towns. Burrillville had the most with 41, and South Kingstown, where URI is located, had 32. Most harvested birds were adult males, called Toms or Gobblers. Hunters from other states, including Kansas, Texas, Florida, and Ohio, also come to Rhode Island to hunt turkeys…