Iowa Launches First-of-Its-Kind Hunter Education Rewards Program

New IHEA PathPerks program gives graduates access to pro-level gear pricing during critical first year

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has become the first state agency in the nation to launch IHEA PathPerks, a program that rewards newly certified hunter education graduates with access to pro-level gear pricing from over 200 leading outdoor brands during their first year as a hunter. Co-developed by the International Hunter Education Association (IHEA-USA) and Guidefitter, PathPerks aims to keep new hunters engaged and active after certification by providing immediate recognition and practical support at no cost to the state or the graduate.

Why it matters

Keeping new hunters engaged after certification is a persistent challenge for state wildlife agencies nationwide. PathPerks is designed to address this issue by meeting graduates with immediate recognition, practical support, and a direct connection to the industry during the critical first year when they are most likely to become active, lifelong hunters and conservationists.

The details

When Iowa hunter education graduates complete their course, they receive an invitation to opt in to PathPerks. Those who enroll gain a full year of access to exclusive pricing from over 200 participating brands, delivered through a state-branded, IHEA-endorsed experience. The program is administered through Guidefitter's secure technology platform, with no additional burden on agency staff or systems.

  • Iowa's implementation of PathPerks was announced on February 12, 2026.

The players

Iowa Department of Natural Resources

The state agency that has become the first to launch the IHEA PathPerks program for hunter education graduates.

International Hunter Education Association (IHEA-USA)

The leading organization supporting hunter education across North America, which co-developed the PathPerks program with Guidefitter.

Guidefitter

An emerging leader in outdoor recreation technology, powering the industry's most comprehensive pro network and providing the secure technology platform for the PathPerks program.

Jamie Cook

The Hunter Education Coordinator for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

Alex Baer

The Executive Director of IHEA-USA.

Bryan Koontz

The CEO of Guidefitter.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Iowa has always been a state that leads on conservation and outdoor participation, and PathPerks is a natural extension of that commitment.”

— Jamie Cook, Hunter Education Coordinator, Iowa Department of Natural Resources (PRNewswire)

“This isn't just a gear program—it's a strategy for recruiting new hunters, keeping them active, and building a lifelong connection to the outdoors.”

— Alex Baer, Executive Director of IHEA-USA (PRNewswire)

“The brands that have committed to PathPerks are making a statement about what they value—they're investing in the pipeline, not just the point of sale.”

— Bryan Koontz, CEO of Guidefitter (PRNewswire)

What’s next

IHEA-USA and Guidefitter are actively engaged with additional state agencies to expand the PathPerks program nationally, with the platform designed to extend beyond hunter education to support boater education graduates, archery education graduates, first-time license buyers, and continuing education initiatives.

The takeaway

Iowa's implementation of the PathPerks program establishes a replicable model for other states to engage and retain new hunters, demonstrating how a state agency, a national association, and the outdoor industry can align around a shared goal of supporting the next generation of outdoor participants.