We’re thrilled to share that The Conklin Foundation’s 2026 Award Winner is DSC Life Member, Jeff Demaske! Jeff’s passion for the mountains and dedication to the pursuit of conservation have earned him this prestigious recognition, with 13 Grand Slams and countless other mountain trophies to his name.
Congratulations, Jeff!
Jeff Demaske was born in Mauston, Wisconsin, in 1968. He started hunting at an early age on his family farm in central Wisconsin, primarily hunting grouse and squirrels with a .410/.22 over/under shotgun. Eventually, he moved on to hunting white-tailed deer. After graduating from Tomah High School, where he excelled in wrestling and football, Jeff attended the University of Illinois to play football. After college, Jeff moved to Greeley, Colorado, and started multiple construction, land development, and infrastructure companies.
Jeff met his wife, Jann, in Greeley and married in 1993. Not long after, they were blessed with two daughters: Madeline and Elizabeth. While raising his daughters and building his businesses, Jeff continued hunting deer and elk in Colorado and neighboring states. Jeff feels very fortunate for his extremely supportive wife, who has always encouraged him to pursue his passion. He is also grateful for his daughter Madeline, who has become his hunting partner, traveling the world with him to hunt sheep and goats in Asia, Canada, and Europe. Madeline is an accomplished hunter in her own right and works as an attorney for SCI. Jeff is equally thankful for Elizabeth, who, after graduating from Colorado State University, has become an integral part of his businesses and works alongside him on a daily basis.
Jeff’s primary passion is mountain hunting. He has hunted 36 Ovis species, harvesting more than 91 rams, including multiples and completing 13 Grand Slams of North American Sheep. He’s successfully harvested 38 Capra species, with over 50 total billies. In total, he has harvested more than 300 species around the world. In addition to his passion for mountain game, Jeff always looks forward to his yearly trips with friends and family to hunt white-tailed deer and mule deer on his ranch in Kansas.
Not only is Jeff a dedicated hunter, but he is a staunch conservationist. He is a life member of the Wild Sheep Foundation, Grand Slam Club/Ovis, Safari Club International, Dallas Safari Club, and countless smaller chapters and affiliates. He is a dual member of the WSF Marco Polo Society (#29 and #100) and gives back by 100% donating hunts to the <1 Club, as well as a dall sheep hunt to a United States Marine Corps and Purple Heart recipient.
