2012 Marion P. Hammer Women Of Distinction Award Winner

NRA honors Michele Hunter of Bonnerdale, Arkansas.

The National Rifle Association has selected Michele Hunter of Bonnerdale, Arkansas, to receive the 2012 Marion P. Hammer Woman of Distinction Award. The award recognizes exceptional contributions to the preservation of the Second Amendment and the shooting sports through education, advocacy, volunteerism, and legislative activism in support of the goals of the NRA.

As an active NRA Life Member, Hunter is a certified instructor for Certified Pistol, Home Firearm Safety, Personal Protection In the Home, Refuse To Be A Victim and Women On Target courses. She is also an NRA Range Safety Officer and Class III range officer, and is involved in a number of local 2nd Amendment-supporting organizations in her home state of Arkansas.

“I have met no one man or woman as devoted and passionate about the sport she loves and the country she believes in,” said Jessica McDaniel, a friend and fellow shooter. “This shows in her accomplishments, her time and money volunteering, and her advocating our right to bear arms in the 2nd Amendment of our Constitution.”

Hunter works to introduce more women to the shooting sports by teaching proper firearm handling, security, awareness and instilling confidence in their shooting abilities. She even created a line of tactical vests and custom holsters just for women so they can feel more comfortable while shooting.

In addition to teaching, Hunter has achieved international notoriety in the Cowboy Shooting world for her shooting and costumes. Winning numerous accolades, she was named Gunfighter in the Arkansas State Championships, World Championships, Southwest Regional Championships and more. Hunter's dresses received several recognitions as well including the Best Dressed Lady Shooter award at the 2007 World Championships.