Lolo, MT — The International Hunter Education Association-USA (IHEA-USA) is pleased to announce continued expansion of IHEA PathPerks, with Alabama becoming the second state in the nation to launch the program for newly certified hunter education graduates.
Developed by IHEA-USA and Guidefitter and powered by Guidefitter's technology platform, IHEA PathPerks helps bridge the gap between completing hunter education and taking the next step into the field. Newly certified hunters who opt into the program receive one year of access to pro-level pricing from more than 200 participating outdoor brands. The program is provided at no cost to the state agency, its license revenue, or participating students.
Alabama joins Iowa, which became the first state to launch IHEA PathPerks in February 2026. While the two states operate different hunter education programs, both identified a common challenge: helping newly certified students continue their journey after completing hunter education.
"The greater challenge is helping students take the next step after they graduate from the hunter education course," said Katie Burks, Hunter Education Coordinator, Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. "PathPerks provides meaningful support from the outdoor industry by giving new hunters access to discounts on the gear they need during their first season."
For participating agencies, PathPerks is designed to be simple to implement. Graduates receive an invitation to opt in after completing their course, while the program operates through Guidefitter's platform without requiring an additional agency budget, procurement process, or new staff systems.
"PathPerks is a bit different," said Megan Fedrick, Director of Operations at IHEA-USA. "Alabama implemented it smoothly, without a complex procurement process or additional logins for staff. When two diverse agencies achieve similar results in just six months, it is definitely a valuable option for other states to consider."
More than 200 outdoor brands currently participate in IHEA PathPerks, giving new hunters access to equipment and resources as they prepare for their first year in the field. IHEA-USA and Guidefitter are currently in discussions with more than a dozen additional state agencies about bringing the program to their hunter education graduates.
"PathPerks gives new hunters useful resources as they take their next steps, while allowing each state to build a program that fits its hunters and priorities," said Cheyenne Wallace, Business Development Manager at Guidefitter.
The expansion into Alabama represents another step toward IHEA-USA's goal of supporting hunters beyond certification by connecting education with practical resources that can help them confidently take their next steps into the field.
State agencies interested in bringing IHEA PathPerks to their hunter education graduates can learn more about IHEA PathPerks.
About IHEA-USA: The International Hunter Education Association-USA works with state and provincial agencies, volunteer instructors, industry partners, and other stakeholders to support safe, responsible, and ethical hunting through hunter education. IHEA-USA provides standards, resources, research, and educational programs that strengthen hunter education and support the people who deliver it nationwide.
