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

SPD Ptototype
SPD Ptototype

#SundayGunday: Henry Special Products Division HUSH

This week on #SundayGunday, we’re checking out the HUSH Series, from Henry’s new Special Products Division, SPD for short.

New for 2025: Federal’s Personal Defense HST .44 Rem. Mag.

Federal Ammunition has recently added a new HST .44 Remington Magnum “Light Magnum” load featuring a specially designed hollow-point bullet, ideal for those seeking HST performance for self-defense with magnum revolvers.

Utah Wildlife Board Updates

The Utah Wildlife Board approved a few new and updated rules, some of which are necessary after recent legislative changes—including the wildlife management area license requirement for certain counties and the new process for regulating hunting guides and outfitters—along with a few other proposals during a public meeting Thursday.

Member's Hunt: A Tale of Two Moose

This month's Member's Hunt comes from John R. Bean of Tucson, Ariz.

Breeding Duck Numbers Decline Again in ND

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s 78th-annual spring breeding duck survey conducted in May showed an index of about 2.66-million birds, down from 2.9 million in 2024 and 3.4 million in 2023.

2025-26 Pennsylvania Migratory Game Bird Seasons Set

Pennsylvania’s 2025-26 migratory game bird seasons have been set. There are two significant changes to waterfowl seasons. The regular season daily bag limit for Canada geese in the Atlantic Population Zone has decreased from three to one, and for northern pintail, there will be a flat daily bag limit of three.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.