Uniting to Equip, Educate, and Inspire the Next Generation of Hunters

The International Hunter Education Association (IHEA-USA) is proud to announce a strategic partnership with Guidefitter, the leading community and marketplace for outdoor professionals and enthusiasts. This collaboration is designed to empower hunter education instructors and newly certified hunters by providing access to high-quality gear, industry discounts, and a strong support network as they begin their journey into hunting and shooting sports.

Introducing IHEA PathPerks: A First-of-Its-Kind Initiative

The partnership features two key programs aimed at enhancing the hunting experience for both instructors and new hunters:

Exclusive Benefits for IHEA Member Instructors – Certified hunter education instructors and mentors will now gain VIP status as Guidefitter Outdoor Educator Insiders, unlocking special access to hundreds of top outdoor brands offering pricing incentives on essential gear.

IHEA PathPerks Program – A groundbreaking initiative providing hunter education graduates with exclusive access to high-quality gear at preferred industry pricing, ensuring they step into the field with the right equipment and support. The IHEA PathPerks program, powered by Guidefitter, will roll out this spring in select states, with additional expansion planned.

Strengthening the Future of Hunting Through Collaboration

“We are thrilled to bring this new innovative partnership forward with Guidefitter,” said Alex Baer, Executive Director of IHEA-USA. “To inspire growth in our industry, we must continue to reimagine relationships between our industry’s nonprofits, private industry, and state wildlife agencies. When new hunters and shooting sports participants complete hunter education, we all benefit from a safer and more responsible community. The PathPerks program is our way of appreciating those graduates and the volunteer educators that inspire them to find their way into our community.”

Bryan Koontz, CEO of Guidefitter, emphasized the significance of the collaboration, stating: “This partnership is about more than just special pricing on gear—it’s about strengthening the foundation of the hunting community. By connecting new hunters with brands that support hunter education, we’re creating a pathway to lifelong participation in hunting and conservation. PathPerks is a game-changer for hunter ed graduates, and we’re proud to power this initiative alongside IHEA and our brand partners.”

Industry and State Agencies Backing the Future of Hunting

Multiple leading Guidefitter brand partners have already pledged their support for IHEA PathPerks, further demonstrating their commitment to hunter education and the next generation of hunters.

Luke Thorkildsen, COO of Weatherby: “At Weatherby, we believe that investing in hunter education is critical for the future of our sport. The PathPerks program gives us a direct way to support new hunters by ensuring they have access to quality firearms and gear as they embark on their journey. We’re proud to be part of this initiative and to stand behind the next generation of responsible hunters.”

Jason Gebhart, Regional Sales Director at Swarovski Optik: “Every new hunter deserves the best possible start, and that includes having access to reliable optics and gear. We’re excited to support PathPerks and help new hunters experience the outdoors with confidence. Investing in hunter education is an investment in the future of hunting, and Swarovski Optik is committed to making that future bright.”

Alongside industry brands, state wildlife agencies are also stepping up to support this initiative. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is among the first agencies to collaborate with IHEA and Guidefitter to implement the PathPerks program, ensuring hunter education graduates can seamlessly access the tools they need to continue their journey in the field.

Megan Wisecup, Education, Outreach, and Marketing Section Supervisor at the Iowa DNR: “Hunter education is the foundation of responsible hunting, and our priority is to ensure new hunters have the knowledge and resources they need to be successful. The IHEA PathPerks program represents an important step forward, providing graduates with practical support as they transition from the classroom to the field. We are excited to work with IHEA and Guidefitter to introduce this program in Iowa and believe it has the potential to positively impact hunter participation nationwide.”

Learn More & Get Involved

More details about the IHEA-USA and Guidefitter partnership will be available soon at www.ihea-usa.org. Outdoor brands interested in joining this initiative can visit Guidefitter’s partner page or contact partners@guidefitter.com.

About IHEA-USA

The International Hunter Education Association (IHEA-USA) is the leading organization supporting hunter education across North America. Dedicated to ensuring safe, responsible, and ethical hunting practices, IHEA-USA works closely with state wildlife agencies, educators, and industry partners to strengthen the future of hunting. Through mentorship, education, and innovative programs like PathPerks, IHEA-USA continues to shape the next generation of responsible hunters. For more information, visit www.ihea-usa.org.