Annual Report — July 2026
The unified voice of Idaho's licensed outfitters and guides—stewarding wild places, driving the economy, and advocating for the future of outdoor adventure.
Guide Renew
From the Executive Director
Just under a year ago, I stepped into this role after 20+ years as a guide/outfitter, 15-plus years as a member and nearly a decade on the board. I came in with the lens of an outfitter and the perspective of someone who had watched these issues from the board. Even so, the complexity of what this association carries on behalf of its members every day has been genuinely eye-opening.
What I can tell you is this: it has been a year of showing up and getting things done—together.
My first day on the job was a full-day meeting on hunt allocation. Since then, through countless hours at the table, we are on the edge of monumental wins that will shore up the system for decades to come. We facilitated a reset of relationships on the SNRA, securing management commitments outfitters have wanted for years. We stood up the Lower Salmon Outfitters group to improve communication with the BLM. We were active at the statehouse—advancing legislation that makes Idaho a better place to operate and fighting back what could have hurt us. At the federal level, we are engaged to keep Idaho's public lands public, ensure the EXPLORE Act is implemented correctly and timely, and built the relationships needed to move fast when the next issue hits.
We are also investing in the future of the industry, working with Visit Idaho and the Idaho Travel Council to make sure the world knows what you have to offer. We have the best trips in America. We intend to make sure people know it.
None of this happens without you. Your membership makes the advocacy, the relationships, and the programs possible. Thank you for trusting me with something I love deeply—Idaho's outfitters, guides, and the wild places you steward so well. This was a year of real wins. There are plenty more on the horizon, and I am looking forward to building them with you.
Erik Weiseth
Executive Director, Idaho Outfitters and Guides Association
[email protected] | 208-917-2140
Board of Directors
Officers:
Jeff Bitton — President
Travis Bullock — Vice President
Anne Long — Treasurer
Abby Hudson — Guide Vice President
Jake Baker — River Section Vice President
Ammon Moslee — Hunt Vice President
Directors:
Roy Akins | Matthew LeCheminant
Amy Taylor | Bridget Guthrie
Steven Zettel | Bekah Cain
Lonnie Allen | Gia Randono
Colby Blair
Staff:
Erik Weiseth — Executive Director
Jack Hurty — Policy Director
Hardy Bender — Member Development
Who We Are
The Nation's Oldest & Largest State Outfitter Association
Founded 1954
Founded in 1954, the Idaho Outfitters and Guides Association is the nation's oldest and largest association of licensed outfitters and guides. For more than six decades, IOGA has served as the unified voice of an industry that defines Idaho's outdoor identity, connecting visitors to wild rivers, remote mountains, and world-class hunting and fishing on the public lands that make this state extraordinary.
Our Mission
Uniting Idaho's Outfitters and Guides, advocating for the preservation, growth, and integrity of the outfitting industry while promoting quality outdoor experiences for the outfitted public.
Outfitters and Guides Code of Ethics
IOGA members are bound by a professional Code of Ethics that has guided this industry since the association's founding. Members commit to:
  • The outfitter and guide will utilize his knowledge and skill for the benefit of the public and the profession he services. He will cooperatively strive to extend the public knowledge and appreciation of his profession.
  1. He shall advertise only in a dignified manner, setting forth a factual presentation of the services he is prepared to render for his prospective clients or the public and the cost of such services.
  1. If he has the responsibility to furnish boats, stock or other equipment, the equipment furnished shall be safely maintained, operated and handled; the stock in such a situation conditioned to the job at hand. He shall maintain adequate sanitary service facilities and serve clean, wholesome food; both services to be conditioned only by the primitiveness of the surroundings.
  1. He shall be licensed and bonded as an outfitter and guide by the State of Idaho and shall adhere to the laws and regulations, Federal and State, which govern the profession.
  1. He will support the fish and game laws and will be fully able to use approved methods in the care of wildlife meat and trophies. He shall protect the fields and forests from the ravages of wild fire and support the conservation of natural resources.
  1. The outfitter and guide will be loyal to his client or employer and perform his job to the best of his ability at all times.
  1. He shall respect the rights of other outfitters and guides and shall not, without just cause, directly or indirectly, injure their reputation or business. He will refrain from expressing publicly opinions in regard to his associates or on allied technical subjects, unless he is informed as o facts relating thereto.
  1. He will guard his profession against the admission to its ranks of persons unqualified because of their lack of good moral character or who are, because of inadequate training, unable to perform as a professional.
  1. He will cooperate in extending training opportunities to others through an interchange of ideas and experiences and by seeking other means to assure the longevity of the profession.
  1. The outfitter and guide shall direct his best efforts towards the fulfillment of his contractual obligations, but he shall do nothing that will infringe on the rights of his guest or the cause of good sportsmanship.
  1. He shall practice appropriate minimum-impact camping techniques, and he shall cooperate with other outfitters and guides and agency personnel to continue to develop better methods of caring for the lands and waters upon which he outfits and guides
The complete Code of Ethics is available at www.ioga.org.
Economic Impact
Idaho Outfitting Drives the Economy
From the 2022 Economic Impact study commissioned by IOGA and released in late 2025. Idaho's outfitting and guiding industry is not a luxury — it is an economic engine. It employs thousands of Idahoans, supports rural communities across the state, and generates tens of millions in tax revenue — all from the sustainable, professional use of Idaho's world-class public lands and waters. The Salmon-to-Orofino corridor alone accounts for 60% of that impact, a direct reflection of the economy stemming from Idaho's wildest places — places that IOGA members have stewarded for generations.
$891M
Economic Impact
Total Statewide Contribution
7,682
Jobs Supported
Direct & Indirect Employment
$51.7M
Tax Revenue
Generated for Idaho Communities
60%
Central Idaho Rural
Salmon-Orofino Impact Share
A year in review - Federal Issues
What follows is a summary of IOGA's major advocacy, legislative, programmatic, and organizational work during Fiscal Year 2026 (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026).
ORG Act — Camp Washington
IOGA participated in the America Outdoors "Camp Washington" D.C. fly-in, advancing the Outfitter, Recreation & Guides Act at the federal level. The Salmon Chapter funded the Executive Director's attendance. Meaningful progress was made in keeping Idaho's outfitting industry on Congress's radar and in building relationships at the Forest Service Chief's office while also working to promote the ORG Act, which would enact common sense guidance for managing wage laws in this industry.
Legacy Restoration Fund
IOGA produced Idaho-specific advocacy materials documenting $82.9 million in Legacy Restoration Fund investments across 16 Idaho projects, branded for a legislative audience and used in outreach to Idaho's congressional delegation. Both of Idaho's Senators have since signed on in support and quoted IOGA in their reasoning. As we have conversations around trails clearing, road maintance, and facilities, this has the opportunity to make significant impacts in the right direction.
Other Federal Issues
Throughout the year here are few of the many things IOGA engaged on:
  • USFS restructuring
  • NEPA changes
  • the Hells Canyon Complex relicensing
  • advocating against land sales provisions in The One Big Beautiful Bill
  • advocating for the Public Lands Integrity Act to amend the Byrd rule
  • fighting for appropriate and timely EXPLORE Act implementation
  • Advocating for opportunities to open access to Idaho's wildest trails
  • Advocating for Salmon/Steelhead health through comments on the NWPCC Fish and Wildlife Plan
Congressional Review Act and Resource Management Plans
We were one of the first groups to raise concerns over this issue. We hope this issues goes away but we will continue to engage.
A Year in Review - Idaho Issues
Hunt Allocation
Hunt tag allocation remains one of the most consequential ongoing issues for IOGA's hunting outfitter members. During FY2026, IOGA worked on two simultaneous fronts:
  • Allocation simplification and capped hunt recalculation: Working to align the formal allocation process with on-the-ground reality, then simplify it to ensure its long-term sustainability.
  • Non-resident tag reduction: Coordinating with IDFG and legislators to protect outfitter allocations within any future non-resident tag reduction.
IOGLB / DOPL
IOGA engaged closely with the Idaho Outfitters and Guides Licensing Board (IOGLB) following changes in board leadership and through the rules change process. IOGA monitored DOPL's budget situation and its potential impacts on licensing operations and responsiveness for members.
A Year in Review - Idaho State Legislature
Here are just a few of the bills and activities IOGA engaged on during the legislative session.
Lobby Day 2026
IOGA's 2026 Lobby Day drew more than 200 attendees to dinner and 35-plus members to the Capitol to meet directly with legislators. Governor Little attended for an extended period. The event reinforced IOGA's position as the trusted voice for outfitters and guides in Idaho's legislative process.
SB 1238 — 30-Day Comment Period
SB 1238 would have created a mandatory 30-day public comment period on all season-setting proclamations. The bill was held in committee after IOGA engaged directly with the sponsor to explain how it could disrupt allocated tag distributions and outfitter planning.
SJM 111 — Joint Memorial on Public Lands
IOGA supported SJM 111, an Idaho legislative Joint Memorial thanking Idaho's congressional delegation for their support of public lands. The memorial passed the Senate on a voice vote.
HB 861 — Tourism Funding
IOGA engaged with HB 861, introduced by House Majority Leader Jason Monks, which would have allowed state universities to compete for up to 50% of Visit Idaho marketing funds. IOGA testified that this bill threatened tourism promotion dollars that directly drive visitor spending and outfitter client traffic. The bill died in committee.
Raybould Amendment / Adams Amendment
IOGA engaged strategically on both the Raybould Amendment and the Adams Amendment, supporting provisions that protect outfitter interests and build relationships with legislative allies across the aisle. Both bills died, but conversations about future legislation are ongoing and IOGA remains at the table.
Public Lands — Land Transfer Opposition
IOGA partnered with Backcountry Hunters & Anglers to quantify the real cost of transferring federal lands to state ownership. The analysis found that state management of Idaho's federal lands would require $837 million in new state spending — a 15% increase in the total state budget. Idaho's public lands must stay public.
Idaho Conference on Outdoor Recreation
IOGA's Executive Director was asked to be a speaker at Idaho's first conference on outdoor recreation. We spoke on the need to come together and come up with real solutions and for the state to create a comprehensive and holistic plan to manage and grow outdoor recreation as a key economic driver in the state.
A Year in Review - IOGA Organization Milestones
Annual Meeting in Wallace
The meeting in Wallace was one for the record books. We had great attendance, incredible sessions on growing the industry, and spent valuable time with vendors who support the industry. The small town of Wallace proved to be possibly the ideal destination — outfitters and guides basically took over the town for a few days. Things were learned, meals were shared, drinks were had, and memories with friends were made.
Professional Guide Institute (PGI)
IOGA received a $75,000 grant to rebuild the Professional Guide Institute — a landmark workforce development program that will create professional training, credentials, and career pathways for Idaho's guides. An advisory group was assembled and held its first meeting in spring 2026. Content development is underway, with a target launch date of May 2027.
Strategic Planning
IOGA completed a full strategic planning cycle in April 2026, establishing a multi-year work plan across five priority areas: Membership, Organization, Financial, Advocacy, and Communications. The plan sets the agenda for IOGA's growth and operations through FY2028.
Idaho Travel Council Grant
In 2026, IOGA received $173,000 from the State of Idaho to promote Idaho's outfitted activities. These funds have been used to drive hundreds of thousands of visitors to IOGA's platforms and on to member websites. IOGA strategically placed ads in publications with a proven record of leading toward conversion, attended the IPW travel show to promote Idaho to international tour providers, and is working with partners to host FAM trips featuring popular social media influencers.
The IOGA Podcast
IOGA launched The IOGA Podcast in FY2026, co-hosted by Executive Director Erik Weiseth and Policy Director Jack Hurty. The podcast has covered topics including BLM leadership, CWD funding, Forest Service trail maintenance, the Frank Church chainsaw authorization, and salmon and steelhead conservation, and featured a joint episode with America Outdoors Association and Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz.
IOGA THAW
IOGA's annual THAW fundraiser was a highlight of FY2026 — a full room of outfitters, guides, partners, and supporters coming together to celebrate Idaho's outfitting and guiding industry. The evening was more than a fundraiser; it was a demonstration of the community and shared purpose that makes this industry special.
The centerpiece of the evening was a celebration of The 3100, a film project that IOGA was instrumental in shaping from the very beginning. When the project's producers came to IOGA with a vision to tell the story of Idaho's whitewater, IOGA was immediately committed to being at the table
Looking Ahead
FY2027 Priorities
With a new strategic plan in place and critical campaigns underway, IOGA enters FY2027 with clear priorities and momentum. Here is what we are building toward:
Advocacy Priorities
Hunt Allocation — Complete capped hunt recalculation and finalize outfitter protections within the non-resident reduction framework.
ORG Act & Wage Advocacy — Continue congressional engagement on the Outfitter, Recreation & Guides Act and advocate for workable wage and overtime regulations for seasonal outfitter operations.
State Legislature — Prepare for the 2027 session with an early legislative agenda, proactive bill monitoring, strengthened legislative relationships, and likely collaboration with IDFG on allocation legislation.
Federal Public Lands — Advocate to keep public lands in public hands, limit opportunities for sale or transfer, especially through pushing for the Public Lands Integrity Act. We will track USFS restructuring, NEPA rule changes, EXPLORE Act implementation, and executive actions affecting public lands access.
Trail Clearing Solutions — Continuing to advocate for outfitters who have not been able to reach their operating areas for, in many cases, over a decade, with targeted and limited solutions that solve the immediate problem and inspire productive conversations on long-term trail management.
Program & Organizational Priorities
Professional Guide Institute — Launch PGI in May 2027 following summer and fall content development and platform loading.
Chapter Development — Build, grow, and maintain active IOGA chapters in Salmon, North Idaho, East Idaho, SNRA/Stanley, and Riggins/McCall.
Partners Afloat — Host a September river trip connecting Idaho outfitters with policymakers and federal partners.
Communications — Grow the organization's reach through more podcast episodes, expanded social media, regular e-newsletters, and more time traveling the state to meet with outfitters and guides. Do more to keep the industry updated.
Public Membership Category — Develop a proposal for a non-voting public membership tier to build a broader stakeholder base. Pending bylaws amendment.
Organization financial review
Diversify revenue stream from just primarily being membership dues, annual meeting, and the thaw. Look into grants, growing DFO, growing sponsorships, and others.
IOGA Brand Review
Go through a full brand review to determine if our existing mission statement, logo, coloring etc. still matches who we are and where we are going. Also work to create more consistent brand presence across the board.
FY 2027 Key Events
1
IOGA Annual Meeting — Tamarack Resort, Donnelly, Idaho — November 30–December 4, 2026
2
Lobby Day 2027 — February 4, 2027, Basque Center, Boise
3
THAW 2027 — February 5, 2027 — Integrated with Lobby Day weekend so you can attend both
WE ARE THE PEOPLE WHO SHARE IDAHO
Idaho Outfitters and Guides Association
Now is the time to renew your membership and register to join us at the IOGA Annual Meeting at Tamarack Resort.
Idaho Outfitters and Guides Association | PO Box 95, Boise, ID 83701 | 208-342-1438 | www.ioga.org | [email protected]