IHEA is affiliated with the Association of Fish and Wildlife agencies, and its goals are many. Since its inception, IHEA has endeavored to:
- Serve as the primary resource for information on hunter education;
- Promote hunter education by providing opportunities for the exchange of ideas, knowledge, and experiences;
- Promote hunter education by fostering cooperative efforts between government agencies, organized groups, and industry;
- Uphold the image of hunting as a legitimate tool of wildlife management, and as a recreational activity throughout North America;
- Promote programs which prevent hunting accidents;
- Cultivate honesty, self-discipline, self-reliance, responsible behavior, and good citizenship among hunters;
- Strive for constant improvement in hunter education programs;
- Fully involve volunteers and other associate members in all affairs of the International Hunter Education Association.