Uniting with Industry Leaders to Educate, Equip, and Inspire More Hunting and Shooting Sports Participation
BOZEMAN, Mont., March 10, 2025 — Guidefitter, the enthusiast community and marketplace fueled by the opinions of thousands of pro guides and other outdoor professionals, and the International Hunter Education Association (IHEA-USA), the leading organization supporting hunter education across North America, today announced a strategic partnership to empower both hunter education instructors and new hunter education graduates.
The partnership introduces two key initiatives: exclusive benefits for IHEA Member Instructors and the launch of IHEA PathPerks, a first-of-its-kind program providing new hunter education graduates with special access to essential gear and industry-backed incentives to support their journey into hunting and shooting sports.
More than just a gear program, this partnership reflects Guidefitter’s and IHEA’s shared commitment to fostering lifelong participation in hunting and shooting sports—ensuring that new and aspiring hunters, whether young or adult, have the resources, education, and support they need to engage responsibly and confidently in the outdoors.
Through this partnership, IHEA member instructors and mentors will be seamlessly approved as Guidefitter Outdoor Educator Insiders, instantly unlocking VIP access to hundreds of top outdoor brands offering special pricing incentives on essential gear. Meanwhile, the IHEA PathPerks program, powered by Guidefitter, will offer newly certified hunters special access to essential gear at preferred industry pricing, ensuring they start their hunting journey with the right gear and support. IHEA Member Instructor benefits will launch this month, with PathPerks rolling out in select states starting this spring.
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.”
Guidefitter’s CEO, Bryan Koontz, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the company’s mission to support the industry’s future. “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 Leaders 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, emphasized the importance of equipping new hunters with the right tools:
“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 of Swarovski Optik, also underscored the significance of supporting new hunters:
“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, recognizing the critical role it plays in fostering new hunters. 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.
“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,” said Megan Wisecup, Education, Outreach, and Marketing Section Supervisor at the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. “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.”
More information about the Guidefitter and IHEA partnership, including benefits for IHEA members and the IHEA PathPerks program, will be available soon at https://www.ihea-usa.org. More information for outdoor brands interested in partnering with Guidefitter to join this initiative can be found at https://www.guidefitter.com/partners/become-a-brand-partner or by contacting [email protected].
About Guidefitter
Guidefitter is the leading online community and e-commerce marketplace for outdoor professionals and enthusiasts. We connect brands, verified pros, and consumers through a shared passion for the outdoors, providing a unique space for engagement, marketing, and commerce. Outdoor pros can access hundreds of pro purchase programs, promote brands they love, and connect with a like-minded community. Enthusiasts benefit from expert insights, access to thousands of guides and outfitters, and a trusted place to discover and buy great gear. Over 300 brands, including Swarovski Optik, Crispi Boots, Weatherby, Jetboil, and Garmin, partner with Guidefitter not only to reach and engage authentic outdoor professionals but to activate them as brand advocates—turning pro program members into a powerful, content-driven sales and marketing force. Headquartered in Bozeman, Montana. Learn more at www.guidefitter.com, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
About the International Hunter Education Association (IHEA-USA)
The International Hunter Education Association (IHEA-USA) is the leading organization supporting hunter education across North America. Dedicated to developing and implementing research-based standards and resources, IHEA-USA works to ensure safe, responsible, and ethical hunting practices while fostering communication among state wildlife agencies, educators, and industry partners. Through its commitment to hunter education, mentorship, and conservation, IHEA-USA plays a vital role in shaping the future of hunting and shooting sports. For more information, visit www.ihea-usa.org.
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