Superintendent Hedalen and onX Announce Youth Outdoor Recreation Partnership

Superintendent Hedalen, onX Announce Partnership to Promote Youth Outdoor Recreation

Montana Office of Public Instruction sent this bulletin at 04/08/2026 08:01 AM MDT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 8th, 2026

Contact: McKenna Gregg, Montana Office of Public Instruction

Superintendent Hedalen, onX Announce Partnership to Promote Youth Outdoor Recreation

Helena, Mont. — The Montana Office of Public Instruction (OPI) is proud to announce a new partnership with Montana-based company onX aimed at encouraging students to safely explore the outdoors and embrace healthy, active lifestyles rooted in Montana’s outdoor heritage.

Through this partnership, Montana students ages 12–17 who have successfully completed a certified hunter safety course will be eligible to receive a free one-year subscription to onX Hunt  Premium. Students can participate by clicking the designated link, completing the form, and uploading proof of their hunter safety certification from Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks.

This effort highlights the importance of hunter education, which includes firearm safety, responsible outdoor practices, conservation principles. It also includes the importance of understanding private property, block management, and public land access, all of which onX helps support. By incentivizing participation in hunter safety courses, OPI and onX are working together to promote responsible recreation and healthy outdoor activity among the next generation of outdoorsmen and women.

Superintendent Hedalen hunting

“Montana’s outdoor heritage is one of our greatest traditions, passed down from generation to generation,” said Superintendent Susie Hedalen. “As an avid outdoorswoman and hunter, myself, I know firsthand how time spent outdoors promotes both physical and mental health. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to raising healthy, confident young Montanans who understand safety, responsibility, and stewardship. I want to sincerely thank onX for being such a strong proponent of this effort. Their dedication to conservation and public land access helps us inspire students to get outside, be active, and develop a lifelong love for our great outdoors.”

“Knowing where you stand isn’t just onX Hunt’s tagline, it’s essential for every hunter,” said Kevin Vine, Business Development Manager at onX. “onX is proud to partner with the Montana Office of Public Instruction to promote ethical and responsible hunting for Montana’s next generation of hunters.”

“These kinds of partnerships give an extra boost to our education program, which is critical for kids to learn how to be safe and ethical hunters, while also understanding the important role private landowners play in Montana’s hunting heritage,” said FWP Director Christy Clark.

Together, the Montana Office of Public Instruction and onX are investing in the next generation of healthy, informed outdoor leaders, fostering appreciation for conservation, strengthening communities, and celebrating the natural beauty that defines Montana.The OPI will continue working to expand access to hunter education opportunities across the state by encouraging more students to enroll in Hunter’s Education courses and supporting stronger partnerships between schools and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) to offer these programs. By increasing availability and awareness of these courses, OPI aims to ensure that more students gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to participate in Montana’s outdoor traditions safely and responsibly.

For more information and to access the student submission link, please visit the Montana Office of Public Instruction’s website Welcome to the Hunter Education Incentive Partnership page .

McKenna Gregg

Communications Director

Montana Office of Public Instruction

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