Idaho Outfitters and Guides Association

What Idaho Outfitters and Guides Association does

The Idaho Outfitters and Guides Association (IOGA) is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit trade association founded in 1954 in Salmon, Idaho, and now headquartered in Boise. It serves as the representative body for licensed outfitters, guides, and associated businesses operating in Idaho's outdoor recreation industry, with a stated mission of protecting, promoting, and enhancing the outfitting and guiding profession. Core functions include advocacy and lobbying on legislative and regulatory matters, engagement with state and federal land-management agencies, member education and training, and public-lands access management.

IOGA's product surface centers on collective advocacy, an Adventure Finder consumer directory aggregating 250+ member outfitters and guides, grant and fundraising programs (Dollars for Outdoors Program; THAW fundraiser), and partnerships such as the collaboration with Visit Idaho for destination marketing. The organization transitioned in 2019 from a largely volunteer-operated model to a staffed operation with a full-time Executive Director and a dedicated Boise office on Fairview Avenue.

The business model is membership-fee driven, with tiered dues disclosed across three categories: Outfitter ($300-$2,100 depending on size), Guide ($25-$50), and Business Associate ($125-$650). Revenue is supplemented by fundraising events and grant funding, and the organization has pursued legislative wins (notably the 2019-2021 tag allocation legislation) and governance professionalization (2022 bylaws amendment) to expand its capacity and influence on behalf of members.

Name

Idaho Outfitters and Guides Association

Legal name

Idaho Outfitters and Guides Association, Inc.

Website

https://ioga.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1954

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Idaho Outfitters and Guides Association (IOGA) is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit trade association founded in 1954 that represents licensed outfitters, guides, and business associates in Idaho through advocacy, member services, and the Adventure Finder directory.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Outdoor Recreation Trade Association Services

NAICS

Tour Operators (561520)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Equipment Rental & Outfitter Services (Camping Gear, Boats, Bikes, Mobility Aids) (THAAAGAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Technical Outdoor Guiding Services (Hiking, Trekking, Mountaineering) (THAAALAA), Adventure Equipment Rental Shops (Outdoor Gear, Camping, Climbing, Water Sports) (THAAALAI), Winter & Mountain Guides (Ski, Snowshoe, Avalanche, Ice Climbing) (THAAALAF), Whitewater Rafting, Kayaking & Canoeing Outfitters (THAAADAB)

Keywords

• Outfitter trade association
• Guided outdoor recreation
• Nonprofit membership association
• Outdoor adventure directory
• Outdoor industry advocacy

Headquarters

HQ city

Boise

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: IOGA generates primary revenue through annual membership dues from three categories: Outfitter members (fees based on gross revenue tiers ranging from $300 to $2,100 annually), Guide members ($25-$50 annually), and Business Associate members ($125-$650 annually).
2. The THAW Fundraiser: Annual premier fundraising gala featuring live and silent auctions of outdoor trips, live music, and raffles. This is IOGA's primary annual fundraiser supporting advocacy work throughout the year.
3. Dollars for Outdoors Program: Voluntary contribution program where participating outfitters add a voluntary fee on client invoices, with 25% of funds received credited toward their dues. Raised over $69,000 in 2024.
4. Donated Trips Program: IOGA solicits donated trips from members and places them with outside organizations, with at least 50% of net proceeds returning to IOGA. Up to 50 trips were placed annually at the program's height.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

IOGA operates a tiered membership program (Outfitter, Guide, and Business Associate categories) along with the public-facing Adventure Finder directory that lists 250+ licensed Idaho outfitters offering guided hunting, fishing, rafting, jet boating, guest ranch, trail riding, hiking, biking, climbing, and winter activities. It also provides monthly newsletter and podcast content, a legislative tracker, and signature annual events including Lobby Days at the Idaho Statehouse, the Annual Outfitter and Guide Meeting, and the THAW fundraising gala.

Product overview

The Idaho Outfitters and Guides Association (IOGA) operates as a nonprofit business trade association offering a portfolio of membership services, advocacy programs, and public-facing platforms. The core offering is the Adventure Finder directory connecting visitors with 250+ licensed outfitters across Idaho. Supporting services include the monthly IOGA Newsletter, IOGA Podcasts for industry news, the Member Directory for finding qualified outfitters, and signature annual events (Lobby Days legislative advocacy, Annual Meeting industry conference, and the THAW fundraising gala). The association also provides political affairs tracking, legislative resources, and member benefits including Dues Incentive Programs.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Adventure Finder Directory Online directory and search tool connecting visitors with over 250 licensed Idaho outfitters offering guided outdoor recreation activities including hunting, fishing, rafting, jet boating, guest ranch stays, trail rides, hiking, biking, climbing, and winter activities. Functions as Idaho's official adventure travel site for consumer-facing discovery of member outfitters.
• Outfitter Membership Annual membership tier for licensed Idaho outfitters with dues scaled by gross revenue from $300 (under $50,000), $625 ($50,001-$100,000), $800 ($100,001-$300,000), $1,500 ($300,001-$600,000), up to $2,100 ($600,001+). Provides advocacy, representation, and association benefits; renews annually on July 1st.
• Guide Membership Annual membership tier for individual licensed guides at $25 (Basic) or $50 (Voting) per year. Provides certification support, professional development, and industry representation.
• Business Associate Membership Annual membership tier for businesses serving the outfitting industry at three levels: Supporter ($125), Advocate ($375), and Partner ($650). Provides recognition in IOGA newsletters and printed materials, directory listing, and priority vendor space at the Annual Meeting Exhibitor Fair.
• Lobby Days Annual legislative advocacy event where IOGA members meet with Idaho elected officials at the Idaho Statehouse and host the 'Taste of Idaho Outfitting' reception featuring wild game cuisine. Used to advance IOGA's policy agenda including tag allocation and public lands access.
• Annual Outfitter and Guide Meeting Annual multi-day industry conference featuring section meetings (Rivers, Hunt, Recreation, Guide), educational presentations, land management agency coordination, awards recognition, and networking for industry members.
• The THAW Fundraiser IOGA's premier annual fundraising gala featuring live and silent auctions of outdoor trips, live music, and raffles. Primary annual fundraiser supporting IOGA's advocacy work throughout the year.

Quantifiable outcome

• $891.9M total economic output generated by guided recreation industry in 2022
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers11 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Owyhee InitiativecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2009Collaboration launched in 2001 involving ranching interests, elected officials, sportsmen, recreationists, outfitters, and conservationists seeking to preserve Owyhee County. Led to the Owyhee Public Lands Management Act signed into law in 2009, designating 517,000 acres of wilderness and 300 miles of Wild and Scenic rivers.
• Visit IdahocoreGTM or Marketing PartnerVisit Idaho is Idaho's official adventure travel site. IOGA partners with Visit Idaho to promote the state's outdoor recreation industry and outfitter services. The partnership features IOGA member listings and promotes Idaho as the premier destination for guided outdoor recreation vacations.
• Idaho Travel CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIOGA has competed for and received Idaho Travel Council grants annually since the program's establishment to promote awareness of Idaho's outfitting and guiding industry. Grant funds have been used for travel shows, advertising, directory printing, research projects, website development, and sector branding with promotional videos.
• U.S. Forest Service (USFS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIOGA has a Memorandum of Understanding with USFS for coordination on administration and operation of outfitters and guides on National Forest System lands. Partnership Afloat and Partners Astride programs build relationships between outfitters and federal land managers.
• Bureau of Land Management (BLM)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIOGA has a Memorandum of Understanding with BLM for coordination on administration and operation of outfitters and guides on BLM public lands.
• Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIOGA works with IDFG on wildlife management, tag allocation for hunt outfitters, and conservation efforts. A Memorandum of Understanding exists between IOGLB and IDFG for coordination on fish and wildlife resource management.
• Idaho Outfitters and Guides Licensing Board (IOGLB)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIOGA nominates qualified outfitter/guide candidates to the Governor for board positions. The licensing board is responsible for licensing and regulating Idaho outfitters and guides, with IOGA monitoring rulemaking and advocating for the industry.
• Middle Fork Outfitters AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSister organization meeting at IOGA annual conferences. Represents outfitters operating on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River.
• Salmon River Outfitters AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSister organization meeting at IOGA annual conferences. Represents outfitters operating on the Salmon River.
• America OutdoorscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational outfitter organization. IOGA annual meetings are scheduled around America Outdoors December meetings. IOGA works with this organization on national issues affecting the industry.
• CBIZ Sattler Adventure SportminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBusiness Associate member advertising on IOGA website as a sponsor.
• Arctic ReservationsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBusiness Associate member advertising on IOGA website as a sponsor.
• CCI AmmunitionminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBusiness Associate member advertising on IOGA website as a sponsor.
• AIREminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBusiness Associate member advertising on IOGA website as a sponsor. Manufacturer of inflatable boats.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves11 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Outdoor Recreation Roundtable: National coalition of outdoor recreation trade associations, manufacturers, and retailers. Engages on federal recreation policy and serves as an industry-wide advocacy umbrella, overlapping IOGA's national-level advocacy role but operating at a much broader category scope.

Direct peers

• Oregon Outdoor Recreation Council: Statewide outdoor recreation industry association in Oregon that performs a similar umbrella advocacy and promotion role across outfitters and guides. Comparable breadth of activity categories (rafting, fishing, hunting, hiking) and similar engagement with state and federal agencies.
• Washington Outfitters and Guides Association: State trade association for Washington outfitters and guides. Closely comparable membership structure and member activity mix (salmon/steelhead fishing, river running, hunting), with similar policy engagement on ESA-listed salmonids and federal land access.
• Montana Outfitters and Guides Association: Statewide nonprofit trade association representing Montana's licensed outfitters and guides. Structurally and functionally the closest peer to IOGA — same membership model (outfitter/guide/business associate tiers), same advocacy mandate, same government and land-management liaison role.
• America Outdoors Association: National trade association for outfitters and guides, with which IOGA explicitly coordinates (annual meetings scheduled around America Outdoors December meetings). Functions as IOGA's national-level counterpart on federal issues, making it a vertical peer rather than a competitor.
• New Mexico Outfitters and Guides Association: Trade association for New Mexico's licensed outfitters and guides. Comparable membership tiers and advocacy structure, with similar dependence on public-lands access and wildlife-tag policy.
• Utah Outfitters and Guides Association: Statewide association for Utah's licensed outfitters and guides. Mirrors IOGA's role with respect to licensing-board interface, federal land access (USFS/BLM dominant in Utah), and big-game tag allocation advocacy.
• Wyoming Outfitters and Guides Association: Statewide trade association representing Wyoming's licensed outfitters and guides with a comparable advocacy, marketing, and licensing-board interface role. Highly comparable member profile (hunting, fishing, rafting) and similar regulatory dependence on federal land and wildlife agencies.
• Colorado Outfitters Association: State trade association representing Colorado outfitters and guides. Comparable structure and constituency (hunting, fishing, rafting, wilderness guiding) and comparable advocacy role with state and federal agencies; provides a useful benchmark for dues, services, and governance.

Regional players

• Visit Idaho: Idaho's official state tourism organization and IOGA's explicit marketing partner. Not a peer in the trade-association sense, but a closely adjacent organization that channels consumer demand to IOGA members and is co-branded on IOGA's Adventure Finder.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/in/erikweiseth
• Instagraminstagram.com/eweiseth
• Facebookfacebook.com/IDOutfittersandGuides

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Idaho Outfitters and Guides Association