IHEA-USA Launches Scout: The Future of Hunting Information and Regulation Guidance

by
posted on August 5, 2024
IHEA USA Lede

The International Hunters Education Association (IHEA-USA) has launched Scout, a free, cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) platform designed to revolutionize how hunters access vital information and remain compliant with hunting regulations. Each state has its own guidelines on what is legal in the field, including species harvest limits, hunting units, districts, zones and other requirements. Scout provides details on those rules and regulations across the nation.

With Scout, hunters get answers to their questions about regulations quickly and easily. Simply visit the website, select the applicable state, type in an inquiry and the response reflects the current regulation. Additionally, users can download a digital version of the most recent rules for any state, making it easier than ever to stay informed and prepared.

“Scout is not only beneficial for hunters, but also aids the agencies we serve,” said IHEA-USA executive director Alex Baer. “One of our goals with Scout is to assist agencies in creating future versions of regulations that better match modern search methods. It’s amazing what AI is capable of, and it’s time our industry understands that power.”

By providing unique monthly reports to each state regulations team, Scout helps agencies understand how hunters interact with regulations and identifies common questions and concerns. “Our goal is to assist agencies in creating future versions of regulations that better match modern search methods, ensuring that the rules are accessible and clear for everyone,” Baer said.

Some Agencies are already helping to test the new program’s effectiveness. The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, for example, helped test Scout in their call center where it helped handle questions on regulations. Its performance there clearly demonstrated the practical applications, effectiveness and customer-service potential.

The webpage has already received thousands of submissions since its recent launch. It is a closed AI system, assembling only the most current information each state provides, then making it available for sportsmen to search. The approach means hunters can have full confidence in the responses.

Latest

2025 Must Have Turkey Gear Lead
2025 Must Have Turkey Gear Lead

Must-Have Turkey Gear for 2025

Check out some of the best turkey hunting gear we could put our hands on during the 2025 season.

Pigs in Darkness: Sightmark and Pulsar Field Test

A night hunt for pigs on a Texas ranch is the perfect opportunity to shine light on thermal riflescopes from Sightmark and Pulsar.

New for 2025: Mossberg 990 Aftershock

Following on the success of the Mossberg 590 Shockwave pump action, Mossberg has announced the all-new 990 Aftershock, a 12-gauge, 3-inch semi-auto version.

Hardware Review: Benelli Lupo HPR

The Benelli Lupo HPR was designed to bridge the gap between extreme long-range shooting and hunting.

Texas Joins ‘Fill A Bag While Filling Your Tag’ Program

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is the latest partner to join the Outdoor Stewards of Conservation Foundation’s (OSCF) “Fill A Bag While Filling Your Tag” program.

#SundayGunday: Savage Revel Classic

This week on #SundayGunday we test-fire the Revel Classic, a new-for-2025 lever-action rimfire rifle available from Savage Arms. It’s offered in .22 Long Rifle now, and models in .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire and .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire will be available this summer.



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.