Legendary Conservationist Jack Crockford Dies at 88

Jack Crockford in 1986 with a north Georgia grouse and Sis, one of his favorite bird dogs.

If you are a Georgia deer hunter, take a moment to thank conservationist Jack Crockford, who died June 16 at the age of 88. He had a lot to do with the excellent hunting you enjoy today.

Jack, a decorated World War II pilot, is known as the father of Georgia’s deer restocking program. He is largely responsible for the statewide restocking program that brought Georgia’s deer herd back from an estimated 33,000 animals in 1950 to today’s numbers which hover around a million.

Jack was hired to the state’s Game and Fish Division in 1947 by another legend in conservation, then Game and Fish Director, the late Charlie Elliott.

“There’s no question. My greatest contribution to the state was hiring Jack Crockford,” Charlie was famously quoted.

Jack went right to work surveying Georgia’s deer herds and then began restocking the state with deer either trapped on Georgia’s coastal barrier islands or brought in from other states. During his trapping efforts, Jack developed the Cap-Chur gun, a tranquilizer dart gun he first fashioned from a Crossman air rifle. Jack’s invention is now in use around the world to live-capture animals.

In 1972, Jack was promoted to director of the Game and Fish Division. Crockford-Pigeon Mountain Wildlife Management Area was named in his honor. After retiring from the state in 1978, Jack spent much of his time crafting fine hand-made knives and muzzleloaders, which have become valuable collector’s items.