Linda Powell Talks Hunting Camp: A Woman Among Men
John E. Phillips 05.31.13
Author’s Note: Linda Powell is Director of Media Relations for Mossberg (www.mossberg.com) and handles the company’s advertising for print, TV and online.
The first question many people have about Linda Powell when they learn she’s been on more than 300 hunts is, “What’s it like being on so many hunts with outdoor journalists and being the only woman in camp?” According to Powell, “I learned many years ago that people will treat you the way you treat them. I’m always very professional but not a prude. A hunting camp isn’t like any other type of environment. First, I try to fit in with the group. I also retain my own level of respect. I’ve found that 99 percent of the camps I go into embrace me like any other person. I’ve been told, ‘We love having a woman in camp. It is very refreshing and very different.’”
Powell continued, saying: “I’ve never felt uncomfortable or unwelcomed in any hunting camp. Most of the time, outfitters will make accommodations for me. I love doing really remote wilderness hunts and have been to many tent camps where I’ve shared a tent with a guy, and the hunters have been very respectful. They usually give me a few minutes of privacy before the lantern is turned on and go outside the tent, so I can put on my hunting clothes. I’ve always felt respected and appreciated, and I feel that the men I’ve hunted with have admired my willingness to rough it just like they do. I’m willing to hunt in any weather and any terrain.”
“I’m often asked why I’ve stayed in the hunting and shooting industry so long. I realized early in my career that people in the outdoor industry have a unique quality to be good genuine people. They share common values and really appreciate each other. Too, I’ve become very passionate about hunting and the shooting sports. I love being in the outdoors and all the new experiences I’m able to experience. I’d be horrified at the idea of having a desk job and not being in this outdoor industry.”
Linda Powell truly has a servant spirit. Her first concern on a hunt isn’t about taking an animal but instead helping writers, TV producers and photographers get information, stories, videos and photography. She always brings extra equipment they may need and does everything she can to make each hunt a memorable event for the journalist she hosts and the company she represents.
In our final article about Powell, she explains how to find your dream job in the outdoor industry.
John, the 2008 Crossbow Communicator of the year and the 2007 Legendary Communicator chosen for induction into the National Fresh Water Hall of Fame, is a freelance writer (over 6,000 magazine articles for about 100 magazines and several thousand newspaper columns published), magazine editor, photographer for print media as well as industry catalogues (over 25,000 photos published), lecturer, outdoor consultant, marketing consultant, book author and daily internet content provider with an overview of the outdoors.
Phillips has been a contributor to many national magazines, has been affiliated with 27 radio stations across Alabama serving as their outdoor editor and wrote for a weekly syndicated column, "Alabama Outdoors," for 38-Alabama newspapers for more than 13 years. Phillips was Outdoor Editor for the "Birmingham Post-Herald" for 24 years. Phillips was also the executive editor for "Great Days Outdoors" magazine for 3 years.
The author of almost 30 books on the outdoors, Phillips is a founding member of the Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA) and an active member of the Southeastern Outdoors Press Association (SEOPA). Phillips also is the owner of Night Hawk Publications, a marketing and publishing firm, and president of Creative Concepts, an outdoor consulting group.
Phillips conducts seminars across the nation at colleges in freelance writing, photography and outdoor education besides teaching courses in how to sell what you write to writers' groups. Phillips received his photography training as a still-lab photo specialist for six years in the Air Force. He was the chief photographer for Mannequins, Inc., a Birmingham modeling agency, for 11 years.
While serving as 2nd Vice President of the Alabama Wildlife Federation, Phillips was in charge of all press releases for the organization as well as serving as Chairman of Alabama's Big Buck Contest, which he founded more than 30 years ago. He also was president of the Alabama Sportsman's Association for three years.
Phillips is the recipient of a Certificate of Merit from the Governor of Alabama and the Department of Conservation for his work in the outdoor field. Phillips is vitally interested in the outdoors and travels the nation collecting personalities, stories and how-to information for his articles and features.
EDUCATION: B.S. degree from the University of West Alabama with a physical education major and a history minor.
EXPERIENCE: 10 years parttime and fulltime physical director for YMCAs and 34 years as a freelance writer, photographer, editor, book author, lecturer and daily-content provider for websites. Currently, Phillips is a field editor for Game and Fish Publications; serves on the editorial board of Grandview Media; is a regular contributor to 12 internet magazines and a daily content provider for 8 websites.
WRITING AWARDS: Runnerup - Best Outdoor Magazine Feature - 1981 - SEOPA; Certificate of Merit - Awarded by Alabama's Governor for writings on conservation; Most Outstanding Sports Writer in Southeast - 1983 & 1984; Best Outdoor Feature in Alabama, 1987 - Alabama Sportswriters' Association 3rd Place; Best Book of the Year - 1989 - SEOPA; 2007 - inducted into the National Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame as a Legendary Communicator; 2008 - received award naming him 2008 Crossbow Communicator of the Year from the Crossbow Manufacturers' Association; 2009 - GAMMA Honorable Mention for Consumer/Paid Best Essay for July/August 2008 in "Southern Sporting Journal."
