CLAYTON, MO (June 22, 2026) — Winchester Ammunition received the Industry Partner of the Year Award from the International Hunter Education Association (IHEA) U.S.A at the 2026 IHEA-USA Annual Meeting in Glendale, Arizona.
The IHEA-USA awarded this honor based on Winchester’s commitment to supporting the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDFWP) during the Mississippi Scholastic Shooting Program (MSSP) competition season. Employees from Winchester in Oxford, Mississippi consistently support the MSSP by serving as volunteer scorekeepers and trappers during events.
“It is an honor to receive this award from the IHEA,” said Jason Gilbertson, Senior Director of Marketing for Winchester Ammunition. “For 160 years, Winchester has been an ardent supporter of hunter education as part of our commitment to advancing hunting and the shooting sports. Additionally, Winchester takes pride in our employees’ engagement with their communities. The support of the shooting sports from Winchester employees in Oxford is a great example of Winchester values.”
The IHEA-USA is the professional hunter education association affiliated with the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies and the 50 state fish and hunter education programs. The programs employ more than 32,000 instructors, many of whom are volunteers, that teach hunting and shooting safety and responsibilities throughout the United States.
About Winchester Ammunition
Winchester is the leading small caliber ammunition brand for hunting, recreational shooting, and law enforcement, and the largest supplier to the U.S. military. The legendary Winchester® brand, with its 160-year history, is founded on principles of integrity, hard work, and a strong commitment to its loyal customers. As a segment of Olin Corporation, Winchester shares Olin’s purpose to deliver materials and solutions that enhance and protect lives. Learn more about Winchester and the responsible use of its products by visiting Winchester.com or connecting with us on Facebook at Facebook.com/WinchesterOfficial.
Winchester: Committed to Safe, Legal and Responsible Firearm Use
As a global leader in the shooting sports and hunting industry, and a brand of 160 years, Winchester is committed to safe, legal and responsible firearm use. Winchester works with key groups like the National Shooting Sports Foundation on a variety of topics important to our industry, including training and education, and on specific programs such as Gun Owners Care® and Project ChildSafe®. Winchester will continue to support programs, organizations and individuals who promote hunting and shooting sports activities in a positive and responsible environment. Any use of firearms by youth participants should be done under the direct supervision of a parent, guardian or other responsible adult.
About Gun Owners Care®
Gun owners care. You care about safety. You care about preventing unauthorized access to firearms. You care about bettering your community, helping those in need, and conserving wildlife and wild places for generations to come. It’s time for gun owners to tell their stories and to show how they’re making a difference. NSSF®, the trade association for the firearms industry, has established the Gun Owners Care® campaign to unite gun owners and the firearms industry in this common cause. Visit gunownerscare.org for more information.
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