From May 12–15, 2025, the International Hunter Education Association (IHEA-USA) hosted its annual conference, welcoming 314 hunter education professionals from across North America. Held at the scenic Jekyll Island Convention Center in Georgia, the event featured 45 expert speakers, 62 sessions, and representation from 173 organizations—including state agencies, nonprofits, and industry leaders.

This year’s conference emphasized safety, mentorship, and innovation in hunter education, with sessions ranging from instructor training and conservation efforts to program development and emerging tools like the SCOUT platform. Highlights included keynotes by Justin McGuire (Missouri Department of Conservation), Rob Southwick (Southwick Associates), and Pete Eisentrager (MidwayUSA Foundation).

“The energy and collaboration at this year’s conference were exceptional,” said IHEA-USA Executive Director, Alex Baer. “We saw record engagement and left with a renewed sense of purpose.”

Sponsors like Kalkomey, Bass Pro Shops, and Recademics supported the event, which garnered over 85,000 impressions. The conference also received high marks for accessibility and interactivity, with 88% of attendees rating the Whova app experience as positive.

Looking Ahead: 2026 Annual Conference in Glendale, Arizona

IHEA-USA is proud to announce that the 2026 Annual Conference will take place in Glendale, Arizona from June 1–4, 2026. The event will continue to serve as the leading gathering for professionals committed to advancing hunter education, safety, and conservation.

As always, IHEA-USA members will have free virtual access to attend the conference remotely. Not a member yet? Join now to be eligible for free virtual access next year and stay connected with the latest in training, technology, and education in the field.

About IHEA-USA

IHEA-USA is the leading voice for hunter education and safety, providing resources and training for new hunters, instructors, and outdoor enthusiasts nationwide. Through innovation, education, and collaboration, IHEA-USA is shaping the future of safe, ethical hunting and wildlife conservation.

International Hunter Education Association-USA

For more information, please contact: helpdesk@ihea-usa.org