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

Grizzly Bear In The Water
Grizzly Bear In The Water

Will Grizzly Bear Management be Returned to the States?

When the grizzly bear in the Lower 48 was given Endangered Species Act (ESA) protection as a threatened species in 1975, it was supposed to be a temporary protection that would be lifted once populations met or exceeded specific goals. Now more than a half century later and with grizzly populations that have spread and met or far surpassed the goals set in 1975.

New for 2026: Leupold LCO Pro F2 Red-Dot

Leupold & Stevens, Inc. has launched its LCO Pro F2 red-dot sight, combining optical clarity, reliability and purpose-built features in a full-sized red dot.

Member's Best 2026

I am heartened by this year’s entries. In addition to fabulous photographs, almost all of you delivered exceptional narratives of your hunts. We used your very words wherever possible because it’s an honor to see you all rise to such an occasion as sharing a special moment with your fellow hunters. You now know a little bit about what drives an outdoor writer. —J. Scott Olmsted, Editor in Chief

New for 2026: Vortex Crossfire II

Available with either a red or green dot, the Vortex Crossfire II Red Dot lineup brings added function to the Crossfire series.

USFWS Proposes New Grizzly Bear Management Rule

On July 17 the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) published a proposed rulemaking change on the Federal Register that, if approved, would allow western states to better manage their grizzly bear population. Despite their burgeoning population the big bruins remain on the “endangered” list under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), a fact that has paralyzed regional conservation efforts, impacted other wildlife populations and dramatically increased human/bear conflicts.

Gear Roundup: Summer Shooting Fun

Looking to up your marksmanship skills this summer, or just plink around for fun? Check out this roundup of gear tailor-made for summer shooting fun.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.