Federal Ammunition has been awarded the 2025 National 4-H Shooting Sports Pioneer Award, recognizing the company’s decades-long commitment to supporting youth education and development through shooting sports. The honor is given to individuals or organizations that have demonstrated national-level leadership, dedication and vision in advancing the 4-H Shooting Sports program.
Scott Stuhr, National 4-H Shooting Sports program coordinator, reflected on the historic relationship between the two organizations.
“It is my honor to recognize Federal Ammunition, a truly remarkable legacy of support,” Stuhr said.
He went on to explain that Federal’s involvement dates back to the late 1970s when the national program was still in its conceptual stages. Since the official launch in 1980, the Minnesota-based company has remained the program's longest continuous donor.
“Over four decades of unwavering support has impacted millions of young people nationwide,” Stuhr added. “This award is a tribute to that lasting commitment and vision.”
The 4-H Shooting Sports program aims to teach young participants important life skills—such as responsibility, safety and sportsmanship—through hands-on experiences with firearms and archery. Federal’s consistent backing has helped grow these opportunities across the country.
Jon Zinnel, director of Community Relations at Federal Ammunition, accepted the award on behalf of the company.
“We, at Federal, are extremely honored to be recognized with the National 4-H Shooting Sports Pioneer Award,” Zinnel said.
He emphasized that the partnership reflects shared values between the company and the 4-H organization, particularly encouraging youth development and responsible firearm use.
“This award celebrates our long-term involvement and commitment, especially in helping to develop new initiatives, expanding opportunities for youth participation or securing resources to support the program. The core values of 4-H Shooting Sports match what our company also holds in high regard, such as safety, responsibility, sportsmanship and positive youth development within shooting sports. We are extremely proud of this award,” Zinnel continued.
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