NWTF New Hampshire Receives Governor’s Commendation
EDGEFIELD, S.C. — The NWTF Capital Region Strutters Chapter of New Hampshire held its 6th Annual Redneck Barbecue where a commendation from Gov. Kelly Ayotte was presented to volunteers for their outstanding commitment to conserving the wild turkey, protecting wildlife habitat and preserving New Hampshire’s proud hunting heritage.
John Wimsatt, retired New Hampshire Fish and Game Department major, presented and read the governor’s proclamation that commended the Capital Region Strutters for years of volunteering, fundraising, outdoor education and community outreach.
“It’s wonderful that our event got so much attention,” said Rich LaValley, Capital Region Strutters’ Chapter president. “We do it because we love the mission of the NWTF, and we like to give back more than we take. I am so proud of how the funds we raise in New Hampshire are spent, and when folks were signing in at our barbecue, we had a paragraph blurb to explain where all their money goes.”
The chapter has strengthened New Hampshire’s wild turkey and other wildlife populations by raising close to $30,000 at its annual barbecue event, using the funds to benefit the state’s natural resources. In 2025, funds were used to invest in wild turkey research and support the NWTF’s Forests and Flocks Initiative. The Capital Region Strutters also partnered with the NHFG to host learn-to-hunt programs for youth attendees.
“I am so pleased that the Capital Region Strutters were awarded this prestigious commendation from the Governor,” said Carter Heath, NWTF regional director for New England. “It truly reflects their hard work and dedication to the mission of the NWTF year-round.”
About the National Wild Turkey Federation
Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested over half a billion dollars into wildlife conservation and has positively impacted over 25 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. Since 2022, the NWTF has also invested over $2.3 million in critical wild turkey research that, when leveraged with partner contributions, has resulted in more than $22 million to guide the management of the wild turkey and to ensure sustainable populations. The organization continues to deliver its mission by working across boundaries on a landscape scale to create healthy forests and wildlife habitats, clean and abundant water, resilient communities and robust recreational opportunities. With the help of its dedicated members, partners and staff, the NWTF is committed to creating a nation united by the life-changing power of the outdoors.