Idaho Outfitters and Guides Association (IOGA)

The Idaho Outfitters and Guides Association (IOGA) is the statewide trade organization representing licensed outfitters and guides across Idaho. Based in Boise with offices at 9450 W. Fairview Ave., IOGA serves as the central voice for the outfitting industry, connecting hundreds of professional guides and outfitters who operate on Idaho's public lands, rivers, and wilderness areas.

IOGA isn't a retail outfitter—it's the industry association that sets standards, advocates for outfitters' interests, and promotes Idaho as a guided outdoor recreation destination. The organization represents the full spectrum of guided activities:

• •Fishing guides and outfitters (fly fishing, river trips, backcountry angling)
• •Hunting outfitters (big game hunts, upland game, waterfowl)
• •Rafting and river outfitters (whitewater trips, scenic floats)
• •Backcountry and wilderness guides (pack trips, elk camps, mountain hunting)

IOGA's membership generates measurable economic activity across rural Idaho:

In 2022, guided and outfitted recreation in Idaho produced $593.6M in direct visitor spending and supported 7,682 jobs across the state.

Breakdown by activity type: - Rafting: $285.8M (48% of spending, 49.8% of participant days) - Fishing: $130.4M (22% of spending, 17.7% of participant days) - Other guided activities: $114.8M (19% of spending, 27.1% of participant days) - Hunting: $62.5M (10.5% of spending, 5.4% of participant days)

Outfitting and guiding services alone generated $321.7M in direct revenue, with additional economic ripples through lodging, food service, equipment suppliers, and transportation.

IOGA membership requires adherence to a formal Code of Ethics that governs:

• •Proper equipment maintenance and animal care
• •Licensed and bonded status with the State of Idaho
• •Compliance with all federal and state fish and game laws
• •Minimum impact camping and land stewardship practices
• •Fair treatment of clients and professional conduct
• •Cooperation with agency personnel and other outfitters

IOGA provides its members with:

• •Legislative advocacy at state and federal levels
• •Political tracker monitoring issues affecting outfitters
• •Member directory connecting outfitters and guides
• •Business associate directory for equipment and service vendors
• •Monthly newsletter with industry news and action alerts
• •Annual meetings and networking events (The THAW gala in Boise each February)
• •Lobby days coordinating industry response to regulatory changes
• •Help desk for members facing operational or regulatory issues

Outfitter Members: Anyone holding a current Idaho outfitter license. Membership applications require Board approval (two-thirds vote).

Guide Members: Licensed guides without an outfitter license. Includes voting and non-voting membership options.

Business Associate Members: Equipment suppliers, lodging providers, gear manufacturers, and other commercial businesses supporting the outfitting industry.

Honorary Lifetime Members: Industry veterans recognized for distinctive service.

Alumni Members: Retired outfitters and guides with 10+ years in the industry.

Main Office: 9450 W. Fairview Ave., Suite 110, Boise, ID 83704 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 95, Boise, ID 83701 Phone: (208) 342-1438

IOGA advocates for outfitter access to Idaho's national forests, BLM lands, and rivers. The association coordinates with state agencies (Idaho Department of Fish & Game, Idaho Department of Lands, Idaho Outfitter and Guide Licensing Board) and federal partners (USFS, BLM) on permitting, regulations, and conservation issues.