Mehall Phillips Named Zeiss Outdoor Writer of the Year

by
posted on February 11, 2016
** 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_zeiss_f.jpg

Carl Zeiss Sports Optics, an international leader in optics and optoelectronics, named American Hunter Senior Editor Karen Mehall Phillips its 2015 Outdoor Writer of the Year at the 2016 SHOT Show in Las Vegas, Jan. 18.

"Karen is one of the most progressive writers and optic users in the industry," said Joel Harris, head of global public relations for Carl Zeiss SBE, LLC. "She is full of dedication and confidence in every aspect of her work. She masterfully communicates with a deep insight, along with accurate and in-depth information that greatly benefits her readers."

An avid hunter for 27 years, Mehall Phillips has pursued big game, upland birds and turkeys in 25 states and in Canada, Africa, Europe, New Zealand and Greenland. Five years ago she took up bowhunting, and since then has taken her best whitetail buck and bull elk to date.

In 1998, after seven years promoting NRA programs as a public relations representative, Mehall Phillips joined NRA Publications. She was the founding editor in chief of two NRA Official Journals (Woman’s Outlook and America’s 1st Freedom); she served as co-host of “American Hunter Television”; currently, she serves as Senior Editor of American Hunter. As an NRA Endowment member, Mehall Phillips actively promotes the involvement of women and youth in the outdoors.

Since 2003, 13 writers have been named Carl Zeiss Outdoor Writer of the Year. Previous winners include NRA Publications Editorial Director John Zent and AH Field Editor Ron Spomer.

Latest

Ledenorth Carolina 1
Ledenorth Carolina 1

North Carolina to Hold First Elk Hunt in Decades

On July 7, North Carolina’s governor signed legislation authorizing two elk hunting permits to be issued in 2027—the first since the animal was reintroduced 25 years ago. Elk vanished from The Tarheel State nearly 200 years ago, but today biologists estimate the state is home to roughly 250.

4 Tasks All Hunters Should Complete Now for the Upcoming Season

Each year, hunters know when opening day is, but few of us are truly ready for it. This year that changes. Here is your guide!

New for 2026: Federal Fit Firearms Covers

Federal Ammunition is shipping two series of firearm covers, the Federal Fit Coil Rifle Cover and Federal Fit Quick Strike Muzzle/Scope Cover. Each is available in medium, large, and extra-large.

Anti-Hunting Oregon Voter Petition Fails To Make Ballot

The proposed petition in Oregon that would ban all hunting and fishing, as well as ranching and more, failed both its signature checks to get on the November ballot, according to the Oregon Secretary of State’s Office.

Hardware Review: Hornady 338 ARC

Looking for a cartridge that's easy to suppress, but still hits hard? Check out the 338 ARC, from Hornady. Jeff Johnston gives a thorough review of the cartridge here.

New for 2026: Steelhead Outdoors Stackable Vertical Door Handgun Locker

Steelhead Outdoors engineered a stackable Vertical Door Handgun Locker similar to storage systems used by law-enforcement agencies.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.