Hulburd began a practice in Hyde Park in 1928. A Republican, he was elected state's attorney of Lamoille County soon after becoming a lawyer, and he served until 1935. Hulburd also served in local offices including school board member and village trustee. In 1940, Hulburd was elected Lamoille County Probate Judge, and he served from 1941 to 1949. In 1948, Hulburd was a delegate to the Republican National Convention. He was elected to the Vermont House of Representatives later that year, and he served during the session of 1949.