A member of the Cabela family has been recognized for her contributions to the hunting, outdoor and conservation communities. 

Mary Cabela was awarded the National Rifle Association's  (NRA) Lifetime Achievement Award earlier this month at the NRA Women's Leadership Forum in Houston. 

In a news release, NRA Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre said, "Mary is tireless in her devotion to advancing and defending the values we all hold dear. She is the foremost ambassador of great American hunting and outdoor traditions; she's a true role model for conservation leadership; and a passionate defender of our Second Amendment freedoms."

The NRA noted the Cabela Family Foundation supports conservation multiple projects around, including the NRA Foundation. 

Mary and her husband Dick Cabela are the namesake behind the multi-billion dollar outdoor retail brand Cabela's, which the two founded in 1961 in their home in Chappell, Neb. 

The company was then headquartered in Sidney, Neb. from 1963 until being acquired by Bass Pro in 2017. 

Mary used part of her speech to honor her husband, who passed away in 2014. 

"Our foundation could not support the projects we have been involved in without [Dick's] leadership and wisdom," she said. 

She also encouraged other women to stay or become involved in the outdoor community.

"As women, we are part of the fastest-growing segment in the outdoor lifestyle community. If we are to pass our God-given rights on to our children, it is up to us to provide the kind of guidance, leadership and example that will inspire them to carry the torch into the future."