The International Hunter Education Association-USA (IHEA-USA) is proud to announce the passage of a groundbreaking resolution by the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies (AFWA) at the recent annual meeting in Wisconsin. This resolution, agreed upon by all State Wildlife Agency Directors nationwide, solidifies IHEA-USA’s standards as the cornerstone for hunter education reciprocity between states, creating a streamlined process for hunters and agencies alike.

The new AFWA Resolution marks a significant milestone for the hunting community, as it formalizes the long-standing assumption that an accredited hunter education course in one state is recognized by all others. By establishing a clear, unified standard for reciprocity, this resolution simplifies the process for hunters looking to obtain non-resident licenses, ensuring they do not have to retake hunter education courses when crossing state lines.

“This resolution is a big win for IHEA-USA and our partners in hunter education,” said Alex Baer, Executive Director of IHEA-USA. “For over 100 years, state agencies have demonstrated solidarity to support hunters and conservation initiatives through AFWA Resolutions. With this new AFWA Resolution, we’re continuing this tradition bringing hunter education cooperation to a new level, making it easier for hunters to enjoy their passion, and for agencies to serve them more efficiently.”

IHEA-USA is excited to see how this resolution will enhance the experience of hunters and strengthen the partnerships between state agencies and hunter education course providers. To learn more about the AFWA Resolution, view the full document here and read more about the annual meeting here.

About IHEA-USA

The International Hunter Education Association-USA is a professional association for hunter education instructors and administrators. IHEA-USA works to support and promote safe, responsible hunting through education and certification. For more information, visit IHEA-USA.