Hunting in the African Plains: Jeff Bradley’s Experience

At Christensen Arms, our rifles are built for real-world hunts. That means they’re designed to perform when it truly matters—from steep Western mountains to the vast, open country of Africa.

Recently, Jeff Bradley, one of our own, took that philosophy to South Africa’s Limpopo Province. He traveled there for a plains game hunt with his son, Sean Bradley—testing himself in unfamiliar terrain, learning from local guides, and experiencing firsthand what it takes to plan and execute a hunt on another continent.

We asked Jeff to share the details of his trip, from planning and preparation to the lessons he brought home.

Hunting in Africa isn’t something you do on impulse. Jeff emphasized that research and planning were essential.

He spent time looking into different provinces, knowing certain regions are better suited for specific game. Limpopo Province stood out for its strong plains game populations and its reputation among hunters.

Choosing the right outfitter was just as important. Jeff wanted an outfitter with a good conservation ethic, proven experience, and a track record of safe, professional hunts. He also pointed out that you can’t ignore the political climate of the area; it’s important to make sure you’re hunting in a stable, safe region.

Importing rifles was a consideration too, but Jeff was clear that it was simpler than many expect. The paperwork wasn’t difficult if you prepared in advance. U.S. Customs permits covered both entry into South Africa and the return home.

Jeff and his son both took Ridgeline FFT rifles chambered in 7 PRC.

He described them as lightweight, accurate, and dependable; the kind of rifle you want when you’re hunting in rugged, unfamiliar terrain. The FFT stock design was especially well-suited to Limpopo’s tough conditions, making it easier to carry and handle over long days.

“It performed flawlessly,” he said.

Limpopo’s landscape is different from what many hunters expect. Jeff described it as flat, with only small vantage points. That meant long stalks in open terrain, limited cover, and most shots ranging from 200 to 500 yards.

Some hunters in his group were there for dangerous game such as Cape Buffalo, while Jeff focused on plains game species. His first successful kill on the trip was a Sable, a species he’d never hunted before and one he described simply as an incredible animal.

For Jeff, the experience was about more than filling tags. It was a chance to slow down and really take in a different part of the world. He noticed the stars, the birds, and the plants in a landscape completely unlike home.

Conversations with local people stood out as well; insightful and humbling moments that reminded him that travel is as much about listening and learning as it is about adventure.

One moment in particular made the entire trip worthwhile.

It was his son’s first time hunting in Africa. On Father’s Day, they each took down an Impala Ram. For Jeff, that was the memory that will last the longest; not the distance of the shot or the size of the trophy, but sharing that experience together.

Evenings in camp brought a different pace after the long days of hunting. Long days ended with stories around dinner, with local monkeys tossing things from the trees overhead and keeping everyone entertained.

Jeff also made a point to mention that the meat from their hunt wasn’t wasted. It was donated to disadvantaged youth in South African orphanages, which is an essential part of hunting responsibly in another country and supporting the local community.

At Christensen Arms, we design rifles for hunts like this. Not to make them easy, but to make them possible.

Jeff’s trip was a reminder that thoughtful preparation, ethical planning, and the right gear matter. Because when you’re far from home, on unfamiliar ground, you want to know your rifle will perform exactly as you need it to.

“It was a chance to really appreciate a different part of the world,” Jeff said. “Sharing that with my son was my favorite memory from the trip.”

If you’d like to learn more about Christensen Arms rifles and how they’re built for hunts that truly matter, visit our website or your local dealer.