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The International Hunter Education Association-USA (IHEA-USA) successfully hosted the 2nd Annual Hunting Incident Investigation Academy (HIIA) Train the Trainer (TTT) on September 9–11, 2025, at the Andy Dalton Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center in Ash Grove, Missouri. The Missouri Department of Conservation served as host for this three-day advanced training program, which brought together 21 officers representing nine states from all four IHEA regions.
The HIIA has been a cornerstone of wildlife officer training since 1993, equipping officers with the specialized skills needed to investigate hunting-related incidents. Delivered by veteran investigators with decades of collective experience, the course recently evolved into a blended format—allowing officers to complete coursework online at their own pace before participating in hands-on, on-site instruction.
Launched in 2024, the HIIA Train the Trainer Academy was developed to expand the reach of the Basic Academy by preparing new instructors to lead future trainings in their own states and regions.
During this year’s TTT Academy, participants engaged in intensive training that covered:
“This program ensures consistency in how hunting incident investigations are taught and conducted nationwide,” said Megan Fedrick, Director of Operations for IHEA-USA. “By training trainers, we multiply our capacity to prepare officers across the country to handle these sensitive and often complex investigations with professionalism and accuracy.”
The Academy’s hands-on approach, paired with rigorous classroom instruction, provided officers with the skills and confidence to return to their home states ready to both conduct and teach effective investigations.
For more information about the Hunting Incident Investigation Academy and upcoming training opportunities, visit www.ihea-usa.org.