Missouri Volunteer Receives National NWTF Award

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News from the region
Statewide
Published Date
02/18/2014
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From the National Wild Turkey Federation:

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Kyle Lairmore is dedicated to every NWTF event he coordinates, and this devotion earned the Owensville, Mo., native the NWTF Wheelin' Sportsmen Volunteer of the Year Award.

Lairmore accepted his award during the 38th annual NWTF Convention and Sport Show in Nashville, Tenn. MidwayUSA was the official show sponsor.

"Volunteering is the most rewarding experience of my life," Lairmore said. "I volunteer so I won't lose the opportunity to contribute to someone's life experience. It's a chance to pass on what I've learned and help them create memories they can cherish for life."

The NWTF determined this year's award winners based on how their work strengthens the organization's new Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt. initiative. Lairmore's work to introduce people with disabilities to hunting, coupled with his service to many outdoor organizations, made him a fitting choice for the top honor a Wheelin' Sportsmen volunteer can receive.

Through local chapter events across North America, the Wheelin' Sportsmen program offers opportunities to people with disabilities eager to be outdoors and engage in an active lifestyle.

Lairmore grew up on a farm, earned a bachelors degree in wildlife management from the University of Missouri - Columbia, and began working at the Missouri Department of Conservation. To further youth education for shooting sports and conservation in Missouri, Lairmore received various grants. Through his hard work, more than $200,000 in grants have been awarded to schools, colleges, wildlife chapters, clubs and organizations.

In 2008, Lairmore coordinated the first Mid-Missouri Dream Hunters Special Needs Youth Hunt to provide youth with special needs opportunities to adopt a lifestyle that includes hunting and the outdoors. That year, the event won the NWTF Wheelin' Sportsmen Hunting Event of the Year. The hunt continues annually.

The NWTF's Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt. initiative is a charge that mobilizes science, fundraising and devoted volunteers to give the NWTF more energy and purpose than ever. Through this national initiative, NWTF has committed to raising $1.2 billion to conserve and enhance more than 4 million acres of essential upland wildlife habitat, create at least 1.5 million new hunters and open access to 500,000 new acres for hunting, shooting and outdoor enjoyment. Without hunters, there will be no wildlife or habitat. The NWTF is determined to Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt.

For more information about the Wheelin' Sportsmen Volunteer of the Year Award or other convention highlights, contact Melanie Swearingen at mswearingen@nwtf.net or (803) 637-7634.