More than four decades of leadership in conservation and public policy recognized
Washington, D.C.— Safari Club International (SCI) honored Jeff Crane with the Safari Club International Hunting Advocacy Award during the SCI President’s Dinner on Friday, recognizing a career spanning more than 40 years dedicated to advancing conservation policy, protecting hunting traditions, and strengthening the communities that rely on both.
Throughout his distinguished career, Crane played a defining role in shaping conservation policy at the state, federal, and international levels. From his early work in the U.S. Congress to leading one of the nation’s most well-known conservation organizations, he consistently championed science-based wildlife management and the essential role of hunters in conservation.
Crane was instrumental in establishing the Maryland Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus—an effort that became the model for a nationwide network of bipartisan legislative caucuses supporting hunters and anglers.
As President and CEO of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation for nearly two decades, Crane expanded a network that now includes thousands of current and former state and federal lawmakers and governors. Under his leadership, the organization became a cornerstone in bridging the gap between the sporting community and policymakers at all levels of government.
Jeff Crane has not only worked within the conservation policy landscape—he helped build it. His leadership and credibility have had a lasting impact on the future of hunting and conservation.
Beyond policy, Crane’s experience spanned wildlife habitat development in the United States and Africa, guiding hunts as a licensed professional hunter, and advancing sustainable-use initiatives that connected conservation to economic and community benefits. He also chaired federal advisory councils and worked alongside leading conservation organizations, maintaining a focus on ensuring conservation remained rooted in science, access, and responsible use.
The Hunting Advocacy Award recognizes individuals whose contributions have had a lasting and meaningful impact on the protection of hunting rights and the advancement of conservation policy. Crane’s decades of service, leadership, and commitment reflected the very best of that mission.
The award was presented during the President’s Dinner on Friday, where leaders from across the conservation and hunting community gathered to celebrate excellence in advocacy and stewardship.