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
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
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

Rao Glassbedding Non Floated Barrel Photo By Hallowellco Website
Rao Glassbedding Non Floated Barrel Photo By Hallowellco Website

Firearm Terminology: Understanding Rifle Glass Bedding

Glass bedding and free-floating barrels can no doubt improve the accuracy of your firearm, but you still need to do your part and become proficient with your firearm.

New Guns 2026: EAA Balikli Blue Label Over-Under Shotgun

Included in the introduction is a youth model, offered in .410 bore with 18.5″ barrel and an adjustable length of pull.

Henry Repeating Arms' New Rifle Series Gives Back to our National Forests

The National Forest Foundation Edition Rifle Series honors America’s National Forests and Grasslands while contributing to conservation projects across nearly 200 million acres of public lands nationwide.

Women for Gun Rights Launches First National Membership Program

The new program reflects increasing demand from supporters who want to become more actively involved in advancing WGR's mission of education, safety, and constitutional advocacy.

NRA Women’s Wilderness Escapes: Vacation from the Ordinary

Women of all skill levels and walks of life experience adventure in a safe, judgement-free Southwestern paradise.

The Armed Citizen® Reload March 20, 2026

The defensive gunshots fired by these women were non-fatal—but they left a lasting impression with the perpetrators.

Women's Interests



Get the best of NRA Women delivered to your inbox.