How to take recoil pad off of new Stocky’s VG

[EastHumboldt]

Just got a new VG stock for my Tikka T3, and I want to remove the thinner recoil pad that comes with it, and install the thicker air soft limbsaver that I had on the factory stock. I’ve already shot the rifle with the new stock and I love it except the LOP feels a little short. Looking for both longer LOP and a little more recoil mitigation.

I took the screws out, but the Stocky’s pad is really stuck on there. I tried tapping it with a screwdriver blade on one end, but no luck. Are they glued on there? Does anyone have tips for getting it off cleanly without damaging my brand new stock?