July 23, 2026

IHEA-USA Signs On as Partner for NSSF’s First Shots

WASHINGTON, D.C. — NSSF^®, The Firearm Industry Trade Association, is pleased to announce the International Hunter Education Association – United States of America (IHEA-USA) has become an official partner of NSSF’s First Shots^® program.

First Shots is an introductory and refresher target-shooting program offering participants a safe, engaging entry into the shooting sports. IHEA-USA is the professional hunter education association affiliated with the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, as well as fish and hunter education programs in all 50 states. Each year, Hunter Education courses train and certify more than 550,000 students — thanks to the dedication of 32,000-plus instructors, most of whom are volunteers.

Through this partnership between First Shots and IHEA-USA, state agencies will now be able to use First Shots educational materials to support and integrate into their hunter education courses. In addition, these materials can be used in other outreach events to introduce new people and further activate/reactivate lapsed participants.

“Hunter education and firearm safety go hand in hand. Thanks to this partnership between First Shots and IHEA-USA, state agencies will be joining more than 200 current hosts that already leverage the First Shots program to help recruit, retain and reactivate hunters and recreational shooters nationwide,” said Zach Snow, NSSF Director, Member Development.

“It’s not every day that we’re able to build partnerships like this that provide immediate national impact,” said Alex Baer, IHEA-USA Executive Director. “Both the materials and the new funds from this program make it easier for state agency educators to deliver important hands-on firearm training to the public. We are very happy to be part of the First Shots program’s expansion and appreciate NSSF’s passion for safety, education and partnership.”

States that sign on will gain access to First Shots program support materials — which include eye/ear protection, targets, handbooks and other safety literature — and generate incentive funds delivered through the new IHEA-USA Opportunity Bank based on participation numbers reported at the end of each month.

Presently, 11 states are utilizing the program: Ala., Ariz., Iowa, Kan., Maine, Mont., Neb., S.D., Tenn., Texas and Wash.

“Our Hunter Education Instructors are the lifeblood of the South Dakota HuntSAFE Program, known for their dedication and the work they do in their communities. Partnering with the NSSF First Shots program allows us to expand their impact to a broader industry level, providing resources that strengthen our program and support our goal of growing hunter education and shooting sports participation across South Dakota,” said Brandon Maahs, South Dakota HuntSAFE Coordinator.

“Maine has introduced over 400 new shooters to the world of the shooting sports in just the past three months through the First Shots program,” said Ronald Fournier, Recreational Safety Supervisor for the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife. “First Shots meshes perfectly with our existing offerings and has increased the effectiveness of our program and the enjoyment for our participants. It’s exciting to see a participant light up after their experience with a great big smile and sense of accomplishment and increased self-confidence. Many bring their targets home to display or show to their parents, friends or peers, which will only help us to grow this program.”

NSSF invites other organizations associated with the shooting sports to consider becoming First Shots partners. The benefits to the organization and to the future of the shooting sports are considerable. Learn how to become a First Shots partner by contacting Zach Snow at 203-426-1320, ext. 224.

About NSSF

NSSF is the trade association for the firearm industry. Its mission is to promote, protect and preserve hunting and the shooting sports. Formed in 1961, NSSF has a membership of thousands of manufacturers, distributors, firearm retailers, shooting ranges, sportsmen’s organizations and publishers nationwide. For more information, visit nssf.org.

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