John Olin was recognized for his incredible lifetime of accomplishments through his recent induction into the Arkansas Waterfowler Hall of Fame. In a ceremony on Thursday, May 19, in Little Rock, Arkansas, members of Winchester accepted this posthumous award on his behalf.
John Merrill Olin (born 1892) was an engineer and successful industrialist throughout the early and mid-1900s who held more than 20 patents and built an ammunition and manufacturing empire including Winchester-Western Ammunition, Olin Brass, Olin Corporation, and much more. Olin personally improved many early ammunition manufacturing processes and developed progressive burning powders and harder shot for increased velocity, pattern density, and improved lethality on game animals, dramatically outperforming available ammunition at the time.
“We are very honored to accept this award that recognizes John Olin for his forward-thinking and significant contributions to the hunting and shooting sports industry,” said Matt Campbell, vice president of sales and marketing for Winchester Ammunition. “John Olin created a culture of innovation that still lives today through the Winchester brand.”
About John Olin
Olin not only produced guns and ammunition, but he also loved to use them in the field- hunting ducks in Stuttgart, Arkansas or near St. Louis, Missouri, and quail at his plantation in Georgia. A true visionary of his time, Olin recognized in the 1930s that in order for future generations to enjoy hunting as he did, something had to be done. With the help of his vast influence and personal wealth, he focused his attention on the problem of dwindling wildlife populations and degraded habitats and became one of America’s greatest unsung conservation heroes.
As Chairman of the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers Institute (SAAMI) Committee on Restoration and Protection of Game, Olin hired an aspiring young ecologist named Aldo Leopold to complete a game survey of the North Central States. This monumental study was the first of its kind and led to a book titled Game Management and propelled Leopold, now recognized as “The Father of Wildlife Ecology”, into active work in the field of game management. Olin also formed the Winchester Conservation department, which was tasked with researching early conservation concepts and promoting them to newly formed state game agencies and conservation groups through published manuals and videos. Thanks in part to John Olin’s endorsement and financial support, a young conservation group named The Game Conservation Society grew in influence and eventually became Ducks Unlimited.
Despite his many contributions, John Olin never sought recognition or credit for his efforts. Skies full of mallard ducks and hedgerows full of quail for hunters and dogs to pursue were the only motivation he needed.
If John Olin were here today, he would be honored by this award and quite happy to see the positive result of that early conservation work that he and others spearheaded almost 100 years ago.
About Winchester Ammunition
Winchester is the largest small caliber ammunition enterprise in the world and the leader in delivering innovative ammunition products to hunters, sport shooters, law enforcement and the U.S. Warfighter. The 156-year-old Winchester brand is built on integrity, hard work and a deep focus on its loyal customers. Learn more about Winchester by visiting Winchester.com or connecting with us on Facebook at Facebook.com/WinchesterOfficial.
About the Arkansas Waterfowler Hall of Fame
The purpose of the Arkansas Waterfowler Hall of Fame is to help preserve the traditions and history of Arkansas duck hunting. Promoting the art of the hunt and the science of waterfowl management to future generations by honoring those individuals from the past and present who have contributed to Arkansas’ duck hunting heritage and habitat. For more information, visit waterfowlerhof.com.
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.
