Markets evolve, regulations change. As a professional outfitter, you need to stay current on big trends and tiny details. Our annual conference happens every December offering the ideal opportunity to learn from the expertise of industry professionals, see the latest gear and get up-to-date on governance affairs.

Year round, 24-7, members can access updated advice and answers on all aspects of your business, from safety and staff training to risk management and effective promotion. America Outdoors membership opens the door to updates on regulations, marketing and business developments, on relevant outdoor industry news, and learning from the experiences of fellow outfitters.

 

America Outdoors keeps you in the know. Browse outdoor industry news here.

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Results: 202 Articles found.

  • Outdoor Recreation Coalition: Preserve Predictable Land Use Planning Under FLPMA/NFMA

    America Outdoors joined a national coalition of recreation organizations urging Congress to address the use of the Congressional Review Act to rescind federal land-use plans. Sudden reversals create uncertainty for permits, access, and long-term business planning for outfitters, guides, and gateway communities. Stable, predictable management is essential to protect public-land access, outdoor recreation economies, and responsible stewardship.

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  • BLM RAPTOR & Title III: What Outfitters Need to Know

    On February 2, the Bureau of Land Management launched RAPTOR, its updated online system for Special Recreation Permits, to implement Title III of the EXPLORE Act. While existing permits remain valid, outfitters seeking updated Title III benefits—including new fee options and allocation flexibility—must coordinate with their local BLM office and convert through RAPTOR. This overview explains what changed, how fee elections work, and what operators should do next.

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  • EXPLORE Act Implementation - One Year After Enactment Comments

    America Outdoors submitted the following comments to the U.S. House Subcommittee on Federal Lands regarding implementation of the EXPLORE Act one year after enactment. This letter outlines our members’ priorities, key implementation requests, and our commitment to partnering with federal agencies to ensure the law delivers meaningful, on-the-ground improvements for outfitters and guides nationwide.​

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  • EXPLORE Act Implementation Clarifications

    This document provides implementation clarifications for the EXPLORE Act. Disclaimer: This document is not formal guidance from the USFS or AO. It is a summary of agency comments and interpretations shared during an America Outdoors conference panel discussion and has not been reviewed or approved by agency Offices of General Counsel. For specific questions, operators should consult their permitting authority and/or seek independent legal guidance.

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    IOGA Annual Meeting

    Why Strong State and River Associations Matter Alongside a National Voice

    Jan 08, 2026 03:24 PM

    As outfitters we tend to measure the value of outfitter associations by what directly improves our operations: safer trips, better-trained guides, clearer regulations, and long-term access to the places we work. Over the years I’ve come to believe that no single organization no matter how effective can deliver all of that alone. America Outdoors is our national organization and plays a critical role.

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  • America Outdoors 2025 Industry Trends Report

    The America Outdoors 2025 Industry Trends Report offers a comprehensive, operator-informed look at the current state of the guided outdoor recreation industry. Drawing on insights from outfitters across regions and activity types, the report explores market conditions, cost pressures, pricing and volume dynamics, activity mix shifts, workforce challenges, and policy priorities—providing valuable context to help operators understand trends shaping the industry and plan for the year ahead.

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  • America Outdoors 2024 Commerical River Use Report

    The America Outdoors 2024 Commercial River Use Report analyzes commercial rafting use from 1990–2024 across rivers we have consistently tracked, totaling more than 1.36 million visits in 2024. While not nationally comprehensive, it provides critical insight into long-term trends, regional patterns, and capacity pressures on key rivers. Future reports will expand coverage. To support data collection in your area, please contact us to connect on details.

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  • Policy & Practice November 2025

    From the Colorado River Outfitters Association convention to on-the-ground implementation of the EXPLORE Act, this month’s Policy & Practice covers how federal policy is shaping real-world outfitting operations. Catch up on key updates—including wilderness legislation, the federal shutdown’s recreation impacts, NEPA implementation changes, and what’s ahead for agency staffing and public lands planning.​

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  • My Employees and My Insurance

    Think you know who counts as an employee? When it comes to insurance, the answer isn’t always so clear. From W2s to 1099s and volunteers, how your team is classified can impact your coverage in surprising ways. This article breaks down what every outfitter should know before an accident—or audit—happens.​

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  • America Outdoors Statement on Government Shutdown and Impacts to Outfitting & Guiding Industry

    The federal shutdown shouldn’t close the outdoors. AO urges agencies to keep permits valid, limit suspensions, communicate clearly, and ensure fair relief so outfitters, guides, and communities can continue operating safely.

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Results: 202 Articles found.