The Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation (CSF) is proud to announce that its President and CEO, Jeff Crane, has been named the 2026 recipient of the Distinguished Hunter Advocacy Award by the Mule Deer Foundation (MDF).
The award was presented during the Conservation Night Banquet at the Western Hunting and Conservation Expo in Clearfield, Utah, recognizing Crane's decades-long leadership in advancing hunting heritage and science-based wildlife conservation policy nationwide.
Since joining CSF in 2002, Crane has helped shape and defend America's outdoor traditions at the highest levels of government. Under his leadership, the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus has grown into the largest bipartisan, bicameral caucus on Capitol Hill. He has been instrumental in securing landmark conservation victories and remains a trusted expert to Congress on hunting, fishing, trapping, and recreational shooting policy.
In addition, Crane is the only individual to have served on every iteration of the federal Hunting Advisory Council, advising leaders at the U.S. Department of the Interior and U.S. Department of Agriculture on issues impacting sportsmen and women across the country.
"It is truly an honor to receive this recognition from the Mule Deer Foundation," said Crane. "Effective conservation depends on strong partnerships and a shared commitment to protecting wildlife habitat and defending our time-honored outdoor traditions. I'm grateful to work alongside dedicated conservation leaders and policymakers who understand that our sporting heritage is worth fighting for."
The Distinguished Hunter Advocacy Award honors individuals who demonstrate exceptional commitment to protecting hunting traditions, strengthening wildlife policy, and ensuring that future generations can continue to experience the freedoms and responsibilities of America's outdoors.
CSF congratulates President Crane on this well-deserved recognition and remains steadfast in its mission to protect and advance the rights of hunters, anglers, recreational shooters, and trappers across the nation.