Jeff
began his professional hunting career in 1977 after
completing a 3 year apprenticeship with Zambia Safaris.
In 1981 he moved to South Africa, primarily hunting Letaba Ranch for Limpopo Safaris. Two years later Jeff
joined Hunters Africa and hunted Tanzania until 1985. It
was during this time that he began hunting in Botswana
and in 1987 was named Botswana Professional Hunter of
the year. By 1989 he was hunting predominately the
Okavango Delta.
In
1995 the Botswana Government awarded Rann Safaris a 15
year renewable lease in concessions in the Okavango
Delta. During the 1995 and 1997 seasons he guided Steven
E. Chancellor to the CI #1 and #2 lion; and the #1
leopard.
In
1998 Jeff purchased Safari South, the longest operating
safari company in Africa. During that year he was also
named SCI International Professional Hunter of the Year.
In
2002 Jeff purchased the world-famous 777 Ranch in Hondo,
Texas. The 777 Ranch has been recognized for over 40
years as one of the greatest producers of record book
animals. 777 Ranch has more record book entries than any
other outfitter in the world to date. It has also been
the filming destination of choice for many Hollywood
producers with movies such as: Ace Ventura Pet Detective
- When Nature Calls and most recently, Syriana, staring:
George Clooney and Matt Damon.
Jeff has had the privilege of hunting with Kings,
Presidents, Generals, movie stars and world leading
businessmen; as well as producing The African Adventure
Video series and the first video with Peter Hathaway
Capstick.
Jeff is the co-founder of Rann-Force Botswana Lion
Project with John Jackson of Conservation Force, which
is dedicated to Jerry L. Rann, a conservationist and
humanitarian who dedicated his life through his work
with USAID for the betterment of African people and the
African wildlife. Botswana remains Jeff’s primary area
of operation although he continues to operate
professionally in Zambia, Tanzania and South Africa.
History and
Timeline
Jeff's professional hunting career started in Zambia in 1977 on completing a 3 year
apprenticeship with Zambia Safaris and senior professional hunter Franz Coupe.
Jeff moved to South Africa in 1981 hunting the primarily Letaba Ranch in the Transvaal bordering the Kruger National Park for Limpopo Safaris and John Coleman.
Jeff joined Hunters Africa in 1983 and hunted Tanzania until 1985. He began hunting in Botswana during the 1984 season.
1989
Jeff began to operate predominately in the Okavango Delta.
1994
Jeff was awarded the lease on the community area, CH 1 and 2, known as the Chobe Enclave, which is surrounded by the world famous Chobe Game Reserve.
1995
The Botswana Government awarded Rann Safaris a 15 year renewable lease on a multi-purpose concession in the Okavango Delta.
1998
Saw Jeff as the major shareholder and Managing Director of Okavango Developments which purchased Safari South, the oldest operating safari outfitter in Africa today, which included the lease rights to the largest Okavango concession area.
2002
Jeff purchased the 777 Ranch in Texas. The 777 Ranch has more SCI record book entries then any other outfitter in the world. The 777 Ranch is the marketing base and offices for Rann Safaris, Safari South and 777 Ranch.
Jeff's professional achievements include:
1998
SCI International Professional Hunter of the Year
1995
guided client to SCI number #1 lion
1987
Hunter of the Year award Botswana Professional Hunters Association
Botswana has been Jeff's home and primary area of operation, although Jeff continues to operate professionally in Zambia, Tanzania, South Africa, Cameroun and Zimbabwe.
Jeff is a dedicated and conservation minded hunter, his passions include his 2
children, Jared and Ashleigh, fly fishing, wing shooting, horse riding, jet boating, white water rafting, motor cycling and other outdoor
activities.
