NRA's Karen Mehall Phillips Honored with POMA Writing Award

The NRA HLF Communications Director's award-winning article highlighted a sneaky slip-in to a seemingly positive USFWS Hunt Fish Rule.

by posted on July 24, 2023
Karen Mehall Phillips Poma Award 2023

NRA Women congratulates one of its own, Karen Mehall Phillips, Director of Communications for NRA Hunters’ Leadership Forum (NRAHLF), on her Honorable Mention in the Professional Outdoor Media Association’s Pinnacle Awards. Karen’s article, “U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Expands Hunter Access While Restricting Use of Traditional Lead Ammo,” highlighted a sneaky slip-in to an otherwise seemingly positive USFWS final Hunt Fish Rule for 2022-2023, which increases access opportunities by providing 38,000 additional acres for public recreation within the federally managed National Wildlife Refuge System (NWRS). However, sportsmen called it the way they saw it: a backdoor phaseout of traditional lead products.

In giving credit where it is due, Karen is quick to say that regardless of our professions, every American hunter should be celebrated for playing a vital role in protecting wildlife species, their habitats and the freedom to enjoy our American hunting traditions.  

"It is an honor to be recognized among my peers, who all foster excellence in promoting our mainstream outdoor traditions," she said. "It is especially rewarding for the NRA HLF website to be highlighted, as it was launched in 2016 specifically to monitor the issues impacting the future of hunting and wildlife conservation on the state, national and global levels. Our content tells the hunter's story and communicates with the public about why we hunt and where our dollars go to foster hunting's cultural acceptance so it endures into the future."

You can read more about the award-winning article and the author—and the issue she brought to light—in this synopsis posted on NRAHLF.org by acclaimed outdoor writer Jim Zumbo, a legend in his own right.

Congratulations again to Karen Mehall Phillips, a longtime NRA editor and worldwide huntress who continues to promote all that NRA does for America's hunters.

Latest

Deering Sub Gauge Shells
Deering Sub Gauge Shells

Sub-Gauge Shotguns Are Here to Stay

Sub-gauge shotguns have gotten trendy again, but this is one trend that’s here to stay. Why should you consider one?

New for 2025: Smith & Wesson Expands Model 1854 Stealth Hunter Series

In addition to the all-black Armornite aesthetic, Stealth Hunter rifles come equipped with new upgrades that enhance performance right out of the box.

Women for Gun Rights Announces “turnSHOTteal” Initiative

Wearing teal represents solidarity among women Second Amendment supporters while creating a visual reminder of the importance of responsible firearm ownership.

Why Everyone Loves the 1911

The 1911 design is well over 100 years old and offers shooters a much lower capacity than modern guns. So what’s to love about it?

Henry's Single-Shot .410 Bore Turkey Gun

Henry successfully blends favored features, ease of use and class into this handy specialty shotgun.

New Hunting Cartridge: Federal Ammunition 7 mm Backcountry

Federal says the new cartridge provides magnum performance in a standard bolt-face rifle.

Women's Interests



Get the best of NRA Women delivered to your inbox.