Federal Increases Conservation and Youth Education Program Support

For nearly a century, Federal Ammunition has been dedicated to conservation and has supported programs that help develop the next generation of American sportsmen and women. To further this heritage, the company has announced the addition of Jon Zinnel as Conservation and Youth Shooting Program Manager; a full-time, in-house position at the factory.

For some background, Federal has sponsored and supported the National 4-H Shooting Sports Program—one of the largest and longest-running gateways to a variety of shooting disciplines—for more than 80 years. It offers boys and girls ages 8 to 18 instruction and competitive opportunities in disciplines including archery, muzzleloading, pistol, rifle and shotgun. Currently more than 450,000 youths and 20,000 state- and national-certified volunteer instructors are active in 4-H programs directed through the Cooperative Extension Service of the Land Grant Universities in 47 states nationwide. Additionally, the company is the biggest proponent of conservation through on box royalty programs and a legacy of partnerships that started in 1935.

Federal’s support of a variety of conservation groups is has been beneficial to hunters in ways some may not be aware of. For example, it’s partnership with the National Wild Turkey Federation was critical in getting states to modernize their shot size restrictions to allow turkey hunters to use the smaller pellets in the company’s new, more powerful Heavyweight TSS payloads. 

Zinnel most recently served as Conservation and Youth Shooting Program Manager for Vista Outdoor, supporting multiple consumer brands from Federal and CCI to CamelBak and Champion Traps & Targets. He was part of growing partnerships with Scouting BSA, 4-H, IHEA and conservation programs from Pheasants Forever to National Wild Turkey Federation and more.

“Conservation is a critical part of our heritage and key to the future of our sport,” said Jason Vanderbrink, president of Federal. “Having a dedicated position at the factory will build on a legacy that started here more than 80 years ago and was solidified for 42 years under the late Bill Stevens. Our employees take great pride in giving back to wildlife, habitat and youth shooting programs and that will continue.”

For more information on Federal’s commitment to wildlife conservation and the future of hunting and shooting sports, click here.