Federal Increases Conservation and Youth Education Program Support

by
posted on September 4, 2019
** 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. **
federal-jonzinnel_lead.jpg

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.

Latest

S&W Academy
S&W Academy

Smith & Wesson Announces Grand Opening of Training Academy

Smith & Wesson has announced the grand opening of the new Smith & Wesson Academy.

Preseason Report: Benelli Nova 3

As the 2025 fall season gets underway, check out this clip of Senior Executive Editor Jon Draper putting the Benelli Nova 3 through its paces, and chatting with Benelli USA VP of Marketing Tim Joseph about the gun's design and capabilities.

New for 2025: Cole Exclusive Rizzini BR220 Limited

Cole Fine Guns and Gunsmithing has introduced the Cole Exclusive Rizzini BR220 Limited 28-gauge/29-inch just in time for hunting season.

#SundayGunday: Bergara BMR-X Steel

This week on #SundayGunday, we’re taking a look at a precision rimfire rifle from Bergara, the BMR-X Steel. Available in . 22 LR, .22 Win. Mag., and .17 HMR, this handy little bolt-action is sure to pile up the small-game, and with the cost of rimfire ammo being a fraction of centerfire ammo, it’ll provide plenty of fun plinking practice in the off-season.

IHEA-USA Announces New Hunter Rewards Program and Investigation Instructor Academy

The International Hunter Education Association–USA (IHEA-USA), in partnership with Guidefitter, has launched PathPerks, a reward and recognition program designed for new hunter education graduates.

Remington Announces 4th Annual Shoot to Cure Fundraiser

Remington Ammunition will be hosting its 4th Annual Shoot to Cure sporting clays fundraiser on September 19, 2025.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.