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.
Jeff has retained is concessions in Botswana, with leases extended out for an additional 30 years. Jeff also offers, Ivory Safaris in Zambia, and Palahala Safaris in Tanzania.
History & Timeline
Jeff’s Professional Achievements Includes
Staff at The 777 Ranch
Marcelino Covarrubias
Ranch Foreman / Guide
Marcelino has been with the 777 Ranch since 1998. His main duties are the general Maintenance of the ranch and he is also the head skinner. He also is bilingual and guides our Spanish speaking clients. With Marcelino his clients have taken many great trophies including many that would make the top Ten in the SCI record book. He has skinned and caped more animals over the last years than most people do in a lifetime.
You can trust that your animal is in the best of hands for processing with Marcelino.
Les Zimmerman
Guide
Les started guiding for the 777 Ranch in 2003. Les is an avid bow hunter, who has hunted across North America and as far away as Zimbabwe, Africa. He also loves to fish for the largemouth bass on the 777 Ranch. He is a patient, knowledgeable guide and his clients come back year after year requesting to hunt and fish with Les.
Michelle & Gloria
Housekeeping
Michelle started with the 777 Ranch in 2015. Gloria started in 1997. Their main duties are keeping the lodge and the cabins spotless. They enjoy working on the ranch and meeting new people from all over the globe here at the 777 Ranch. Michelle and Gloria take care of the lodge and Cabins so well that it rivals any 5 star resort.
Jeff Rann
Owner & Professional Hunter
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