Announcing the 2026 Peter H. Capstick Hunting Heritage Award

Dallas Safari Club Announces Jeff Crane as the 2026 Recipient of the Peter H. Capstick Hunting Heritage Award

Dallas Safari Club (DSC) is proud to announce Jeff Crane as the recipient of the 2026 Peter H. Capstick Hunting Heritage Award, one of the organization’s most distinguished honors recognizing exceptional dedication to wildlife conservation and the preservation of hunting heritage.

Named in honor of legendary author, hunter, and conservation advocate Peter Hathaway Capstick, the award celebrates individuals, organizations, or groups whose sustained contributions have significantly advanced the conservation of wildlife and its habitat, while demonstrating a long-term commitment to protecting hunting traditions for future generations. Capstick’s writings and outspoken defense of ethical, science-based hunting elevated global awareness of the vital role hunters play in conservation, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire sportsmen and women worldwide.

“Peter Capstick was a powerful voice for hunters and conservationists around the world, and this award reflects the very best of that legacy,” said DSC President Ray Mulholland. “Jeff Crane exemplifies what this honor represents – unwavering commitment to conservation, thoughtful leadership, and a lifelong dedication to protecting our hunting heritage.”

Jeff Crane’s career spans decades of leadership at the intersection of conservation and public policy, where he has worked tirelessly to ensure hunters, anglers, and conservationists have a meaningful voice in legislative and regulatory decisions impacting wildlife and habitat.

“Being selected for the Peter Hathaway Capstick Hunting Heritage Award is an extraordinary honor,” Crane said. “It connects me to the legacy of a man whose writings, passion for big-game hunting, and respect for wildlife and wild lands embody the spirit of conservation and hunting heritage. This recognition represents not just individual achievement, but the dedication of the entire team at the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, our partners like Dallas Safari Club, and sportsmen and women who work tirelessly to protect our traditions. I am humbled and even more committed to advancing this shared mission.”

Crane’s conservation journey began early and evolved into a lifelong pursuit shaped by both hands-on experience and policy leadership. After earning his degree in political science and beginning his career in the U.S. Congress, he expanded his commitment to conservation while living in South Africa, where he developed wildlife habitat management plans, earned his professional hunter’s license, and guided hunts for iconic African big game. These experiences deepened his understanding of the global importance of wildlife management and conservation.

Upon returning to the United States, Crane joined a firm specializing in wildlife and property management and soon recognized the importance of giving sportsmen and women a strong voice in the political process. He helped establish the Maryland Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus, an effort that grew into the National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses which is now active in all 50 states.

“Jeff’s ability to bridge conservation policy with real-world experience in the field is exceptional,” said DSC Interim Executive Director Russell Stacy. “His leadership has strengthened collaboration across administrations, ensuring science-based conservation remains at the forefront.”

Crane joined the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) in 2002, where he has worked alongside multiple administrations and bipartisan leaders in Congress and state legislatures to advance policies that protect fish and wildlife conservation while preserving America’s sporting traditions. He has also served as Chairman of the Hunting and Shooting Sports Conservation Council, Chairman of the American Wildlife Conservation Partners, and Co-Chairman of Legislative Policy for the Alliance for America’s Fish & Wildlife.

Introduced to hunting and fishing at an early age by his father, an avid international hunter, Crane credits those early experiences with instilling a deep respect for wildlife and wild places. “Hunting has shaped who I am and grounded my values,” Crane said. “Whether in the American West, the marshes of the Eastern Shore, or the thornveld of Africa, the essence of the experience remains unchanged. It’s about camaraderie, connection to the natural world, and responsibility. It continues to remind me of my purpose: to give back to the resource that has given me so much.”

Among his many hunting experiences, Crane notes his first bull elk as especially meaningful after more than two decades of attempts. “Though it wasn’t anything special in terms of size,” he said, “taking my first bull elk at age 51 was incredibly rewarding and remains one of my most memorable hunts.”
The Peter H. Capstick Hunting Heritage Award will be presented during the Saturday evening banquet at the DSC Convention and Sporting Expo in February 2026.