About AO
The Uniting Voice of the Outfitting Industry Since 1982
Who We Are
America Outdoors is the National Trade Association for outfitters. Since 1982, we’ve been the industry’s voice in Washington, advocating for fair policies, protecting your right to operate, and uniting outfitters nationwide.
We’re led by a board of directors made up of working outfitters and industry partners–people who know this industry because they live it every day. Our advocacy priorities are grounded in real-world challenges our members face.
Our resources are designed to help businesses navigate everything from permitting and risk management to staffing, marketing, and operations.
What Sets Us Apart
America Outdoors is built by and for outfitters. Everything we do—policy, advocacy, education, and member support—is designed to strengthen businesses on the ground.
Outfitter-led governance
Our board and committees are made up of active operator members who understand the realities of our work, permitting, risk, and staffing.
National advocacy leadership
We are the only organization dedicated to representing and advocating for outfitters at the federal level, year-round.
Proven results
From permitting reform to liability protection, our advocacy delivers tangible wins that protect access and support businesses.
Business-focused resources
Members gain access to tools, training, regulatory insights, and exclusive cost‑saving programs.
A true community
America Outdoors connects outfitters and industry partners year-round through the AO annual conference, member-driven task force leadership, interactive town hall meetings, regional collaboration, and peer learning.
Our Team
Behind America Outdoors is a dedicated team, Board of Directors, and network of volunteers made up of outfitters, industry professionals, and advocates from across the country, bringing deep experience in policy, risk management, business operations and a shared commitment to strengthening the outfitting community.
Our leadership reflects the diversity of the industry—from small family‑run operations to large, multi‑program outfitters—and ensures that decisions are informed by on‑the‑ground expertise.
We invite you to get to know the people leading our work.
Let’s Work Together
Partnership is central to our work. America Outdoors collaborates with state and regional associations, allied organizations, agencies, and industry partners to advance our shared goals.
Whether you are interested in policy collaboration, research, education, or strategic partnerships, we welcome opportunities to work together in support of a strong, forward-looking, and sustainable outfitting industry.
Our History
Our Impact
America Outdoors’ impact is measured not just in policy wins, but in operational stability that allows outfitters and guides to plan ahead, invest in their businesses, and operate with confidence.
For more than 30 years, we have delivered sustained—often behind-the-scenes—advocacy that shapes how federal agencies, Congress, and regulators treat facilitated recreation. Much of this work happens out of sight: monitoring the Federal Register, maintaining agency relationships, drafting comments, building coalitions, and responding in real time when member operations are at risk. While largely unseen, its effects are felt every season.
- 40+ years of sustained advocacy for outfitters and guides
- Policy wins spanning federal agencies, state capitals, and regulatory bodies
- Trusted representation for guided recreation nationwide
- Operational protection for public land permittees and private operators
Public Land Access and Stability Defended
Instrumental in sidelining public land disposal proposals and regulatory actions that presented meaningful threats to outfitter and other multiple-use authorizations and operating areas.
EXPLORE Act Enacted
The most significant permitting modernization in decades: standardized allocation formulas, non-use credits, fee flexibility, categorical exclusions, and statutory protection of liability waivers.
Liability Waivers Restored
Reversed long-standing prohibitions and eliminated restrictive insurance caps, restoring a core risk mitigation tool for outfitters.
Transportation Relief Delivered
Delivered critical exemption to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Act (FMCSA) requirements for 9-15 passenger vans and secured the 150 air mile short-haul exemption.
Pandemic Support
Advocated successfully for Payroll Protection Program (PPP) adjustments that recognize seasonal recreation businesses, dramatically increasing loan access and calculations.
Trail Stewardship Authority Expanded
Central in the passage of the National Trail Stewardship Act, authorizing outfitter participation in trail maintenance and associated activities with fee offsets.
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Cost and Delay Reduced
Work to expand categorical exclusion applicability for permit renewals, lowering administrative costs and timelines.
Long-term Permit Security
Secured preferential right of renewal and 10-year permit terms across NPS, BLM, and USFS for satisfactory operators.
Where We’re Going
America Outdoors is entering a new chapter—one focused not just on winning policy battles, but on ensuring those wins are implemented, durable, and beneficial on the ground.
In the coming years, our priorities include:
Making Laws Work in Practice
Ensuring agencies fully and uniformly implement the permitting and administrative provisions.
Modernizing Outdated Rules
Advancing reforms, notably wage‑hour reforms, that reflects how guiding and outfitting actually function.
Stabilizing Insurance & Risk
Developing long‑term solutions that reduce costs and reward strong safety cultures.
Strengthening State↔Federal Alignment
Building structured partnerships so local voices amplify national advocacy—and vice versa.
Defending Access
Staying vigilant against disruptive public‑lands disposals, permit instability, and regulatory overreach.
Our Goal is Long‑Term Resilience
An industry that can adapt, grow, thrive, and lead in a changing policy and economic landscape.
Get Involved
Support
Donate to AO
Invest in sustained advocacy that protects access, improves permitting, and supports the long-term success of outfitters and guides.
Learn More
JOIN OUR COMMUNITY
Explore Memberships
Membership connects you to national advocacy, practical tools, and a stronger voice for your business.
- Federal advocacy & permitting wins
- Toolkits, templates, and benchmarks
- Insurance partner discounts
- Member-only conference rates
Learn More
DEC 8-11, 2026 • Oklahoma City, OK
Conference & Expo
Where outfitters, guides, and industry leaders come together to learn, connect, and shape the future of the industry.