The Wild Sheep Foundation (WSF) saluted its President and CEO, Gray N. Thornton, as the recipient of the 2027 Peter H. Capstick Hunting Heritage Award. The Award is presented annually by the Dallas Safari Club.

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 wildlife and habitat conservation 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.

“On behalf of the Wild Sheep Foundation’s Board of Directors and our entire wild sheep family, I want to extend my sincere congratulations to Gray on receiving the prestigious 2027 Peter H. Capstick Hunting Heritage Award, said WSF Chairman Kyle Stelter. As Chairman, I have had the privilege of witnessing Gray’s passion, integrity, and dedication to our mission firsthand. This recognition is richly deserved and a fitting tribute to an exceptional leader whose contributions to conservation will endure for generations.”

Thornton’s career spans more than three decades of leadership in wildlife conservation, sustainable use, hunting advocacy, and outdoor education, including influential roles with Safari Club International (SCI), Dallas Safari Club, and the Wild Sheep Foundation.

Thornton took over as president and CEO during the transition from the Foundation for North American Wild Sheep (FNAWS) to the Wild Sheep Foundation in 2008. Since then, the Foundation has grown exponentially in every area: membership, the Sheep Show Convention, fundraising, endowment, and funds dedicated to its purpose, “to put and keep wild sheep on the mountain.” In the past ten years alone, under Thornton’s leadership, the Foundation has distributed over $77 million to mission programs. WSF is now a significant force in wild sheep conservation in North America and internationally.

“I also want to recognize and thank Dallas Safari Club, a valued and trusted conservation partner of the Wild Sheep Foundation,” Stelter added. “DSC has a remarkable history of championing wildlife conservation, sustainable use, and our shared hunting heritage. We deeply value our partnership, our common purpose, and the important role DSC continues to play in advancing conservation around the world. It is particularly meaningful that an organization Gray helped lead and shape is now honoring him with one of its most distinguished awards.”

2027 marks the Wild Sheep Foundation’s 50th Anniversary. Thorton has led the Foundation for eighteen of these years. The Award will be presented during the 2027 Dallas Safari Club Convention in Atlanta, Georgia, January 7-10.

Read the full DSC release on the Peter H. Capstick Hunting Heritage Award.
 

Tags: Awards, Conservation, Press Release