MOSCOW, Idaho — Nov. 16, 2023 — Contributing nearly $600 million to Idaho’s economy in 2022 alone, the outfitters and guides industry creates over 4,900 jobs annually and brings in over $50 million in state and local taxes. These findings are part of an economic contribution study by University of Idaho and the Hayden Lake-based company GuideTime.
The first of its kind in over 30 years, “The 2022 Contributions of the Outfitters and Guides Industry on Idaho” study shows the outdoor industry’s contributions to the state’s economy. U of I economics Professor Steve Peterson led the research process. Jimmy Bulger, an economics major, led a team of undergraduate students who contributed to the study.
Steve Peterson, U of I professor of economics. Credit: University of Idaho
Excursions such as guided fishing and rafting trips are a boost to Idaho’s economy, according to a new study. Credit: GuideTime
Excursions such as guided fishing and rafting trips are a boost to Idaho’s economy, according to a new study. Credit: GuideTime
GuideTime was co-founded by father and son Sam and Danilo Jankovich. Sam attended U of I from 1979-80. They developed an app that provides a real-time database for future outdoor research projects. After meeting with Idaho Department of Commerce representatives and U of I Entrepreneur Director George Tanner, they realized that the data obtained from the app development could be included in a contribution study for the entire industry.
The Idaho Outfitters and Guides Association (IOGA) is completing a broader, more in-depth and comprehensive study, which is slated to be released next year.