Summary
Sable Antelope (Hippotragus niger) hunting is readily available in South Africa, with both sexes having long, sweeping, scimitar-like horns. The sable antelope is one of Africa’s flagship African antelope species, known for its striking black coats and impressive horns.
Sable bulls are known for their territorial behavior and are highly prized by hunters. Africa’s vast range supports extensive sable populations, making the species significant across Africa’s regions, from the bushveld of South Africa to the open plains of Botswana and Namibia. Sable antelope hunting is available only in Africa, making it a unique and sought-after experience for hunters worldwide.
A large game antelope with mature males, predominantly black, with a white underside. Sable antelopes are typically found in open woodlands and grasslands, often seen in the early morning sun, moving through the African bush. They can often be found near water sources, especially in the morning, as they depend on water for survival.
Most Sable hunts can be conducted year-round without seasonal restrictions, but winter is considered a prime season for sable antelope hunting due to favorable conditions.
Nick Bowker Hunting conducts safaris from Hopewell Lodge year-round. The ranch is a managed property dedicated to sable antelope hunting, with breeding programs in place to maintain healthy herds and ensure trophy quality. In South Africa, sable antelope are primarily found in the Eastern Cape, making it a prime location for hunters.
Except for the kudu, the horns are exceptional and the longest of any antelope in Africa. The rare giant sable, with its massive horns, is a highly prized trophy, and a sable bull with exceptionally long horns is considered the holy grail of sable antelope hunting. Sable bulls can weigh around 500 pounds and have long, curved horns, adding to their majestic appearance.
A pitch-black mature bull is one of the finest trophies. Big sable and mature bull specimens, with long, sweeping horns that can grow up to 60 inches long, are highly sought after by hunters. Only mature animals are harvested to ensure trophy quality and sustainability. The average price of a Sable trophy fee is around $5,000, reflecting the value placed on these magnificent animals.
All safari travelers should have a majestic Sable bull in their trophy room. Photos of sable antelope trophies and hunting experiences help showcase the quality of the hunt and the unforgettable moments in Africa’s wild landscapes.
The hunter visiting Nick Bowker Hunt Lodge will have no problems finding a trophy sable.
African hunting trips are relatively inexpensive compared to the USA.
Africa’s diverse and iconic wildlife habitats make it a premier destination for hunters seeking unique and memorable experiences. All traditional safari destinations in Africa offer Sable hunting opportunities, where hunters can encounter some of the most iconic African species on a hunting safari. Botswana and Namibia, along with South Africa, are key locations for sable antelope hunting, offering free-range and managed hunting experiences. Sable antelope populations were greatly reduced from the 1950s through the 1970s due to tsetse fly outbreaks, but conservation efforts have since helped them recover.
There are exclusive hunting opportunities for sable antelope and other sought-after species across Africa’s renowned regions. Sable antelope hunting packages are often combined with hunts for other species such as eland, kudu, impala, red lechwe, and buffalo, making for an unforgettable adventure. Hunters often prefer to combine Sable hunts with dangerous game like leopard or buffalo, raising costs significantly but offering a thrilling experience.
Nick Bowker Hunting can offer hunts tailored to different preferences and skill levels, ensuring a personalized and rewarding adventure. Both rifle hunting and bow hunters can pursue sable antelope, though bow hunting presents a more challenging hunt due to the need for close-range shots. Hunting from a blind is also an option for those seeking a strategic advantage. The 300 Winchester Magnum is recommended for sable hunting due to its flat shooting characteristics, making it a reliable choice for hunters.
Proper shot placement is crucial to ensure a clean harvest. Hunters are advised to shoot with accuracy and care for an ethical and successful hunt. Most sable antelope hunts are carried out using the spot-and-stalk method, which requires patience and skill to track and approach the animal.
Table of Contents
Introduction to Sable Antelope
The sable antelope stands out as one of Africa’s most magnificent species, captivating hunters with its regal presence and striking features. Renowned for its jet-black coat contrasted by a crisp white underbelly, the sable antelope is instantly recognizable and highly prized among trophy hunters. Its impressive, sweeping horns and muscular build make it a true icon of the African grasslands.
Found across various regions, including the open grasslands and woodlands of South Africa, the sable antelope offers a unique and challenging hunting experience. Many hunters dream of pursuing this elusive antelope, drawn by the promise of a world-class trophy and the thrill of tracking such a majestic animal in its natural habitat. Sable antelope are often found in small herds in the wild, but they can also live in herds of up to 30 individuals, with larger groups not being uncommon. For those seeking a memorable hunting adventure in Africa, the sable antelope represents the pinnacle of plains game hunting, combining beauty, challenge, and the allure of the wild.
Many hunters dream of pursuing this elusive antelope, drawn by the promise of a world-class trophy and the thrill of tracking such a majestic animal in its natural habitat. For those seeking a memorable hunting adventure in Africa, the sable antelope represents the pinnacle of plains game hunting, combining beauty, challenge, and the allure of the wild.
Harvesting a trophy bull is a rewarding aspect of sable antelope hunting, representing the culmination of skill, patience, and ethical hunting practices. Funds from Sable hunting contribute to local conservation efforts, including anti-poaching initiatives. Private landowners and parks have also played a significant role in the restoration of sable antelope populations, ensuring their continued survival and availability for future generations.
Hunting Locations for Sable Antelope
Sable antelope hunting is available in some of Africa’s most renowned hunting locations, with South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Mozambique leading the way. These countries offer vast open grasslands and woodlands where sable antelopes thrive, providing hunters with excellent opportunities to pursue this sought-after trophy. National parks and private game reserves are popular choices, as they often maintain healthy sable populations and offer a range of trophy quality animals.
The best hunting locations for sable antelope are typically characterized by open plains interspersed with wooded areas and reliable water sources, creating ideal conditions for spot-and-stalk antelope hunting. Sable antelopes are typically found in open plains, woodlands, and areas with reliable water sources, which makes these habitats prime spots for hunters. Experienced guides and outfitters play a crucial role in helping hunters navigate these diverse landscapes, increasing the chances of a successful hunt. Whether you’re tracking sable through the open grasslands or stalking them along the edges of woodlands, Africa’s premier hunting locations promise an unforgettable sable hunting adventure.
The common sable antelope is widespread in Southern and East Africa, known for its striking appearance and adaptability to open woodlands and grasslands, while the Roosevelt sable is found in dense forests and remote areas of Tanzania and Mozambique, distinguished by its elusive nature and unique characteristics. Sable antelopes are often found in matriarchal groups or bachelor herds and can exhibit territorial behaviors.
Sable Hunt Planning: What Every Hunter Should Know
Planning a sable antelope hunt is an exciting process that requires attention to detail and a clear understanding of what makes a successful hunt. The dry season, from May to October, is widely regarded as the best time for hunting sable, as the animals are more likely to gather around water sources and the vegetation is less dense, making tracking easier.
Sable antelopes inhabit open woodlands as a primary habitat, as well as open and sparse woodland areas near grasslands with some cover. This species depends on water, and hunters often set up near water holes to observe sable antelopes coming to drink.
Sable antelopes are most active and easier to approach during the early morning and late afternoon, making these times optimal for hunting.
Choosing the right hunting location is essential, with South Africa being a top destination for sable antelope hunts due to its well-managed populations and high trophy quality. When selecting a trophy, hunters should focus on mature bulls with dark brown or black coats and long, sweeping horns—hallmarks of a truly impressive sable.
Working with experienced guides and outfitters ensures a fair chase and increases the likelihood of a memorable and ethical hunting experience. It’s also important to be aware of any seasonal restrictions or local regulations to promote sustainable hunting practices. By carefully planning your sable hunt and relying on expert guidance, you can look forward to a rewarding adventure and the chance to secure a world-class trophy.
Sable Trophy Fees in South Africa
The average price of a Sable Antelope is $5000. Hunting packages often include a Sable.
Our Sables trophy fee in 2025 is $5000. The body weight of male Sable antelopes can range from 440 to 595 pounds.
All-inclusive $8500 sable hunting package for seven trophies and eight hunting days. (Inclusive of your Sable Trophy Fee)
- Sable
- Nyala
- Impala
- Springbok
- Blesbok
- Warthog
- Red Hartebeest
The sable package includes a licensed hunting guide, a hunting license, and all permits.
Join us at our hunt lodge in the Eastern Cape area to hunt sable. The Bedford area offers some of Africa’s finest antelope hunting areas.
Sable Antelope Hunting in South Africa and Shot Placement
Shot placement must be in the bottom third of the animal, directly above the front shoulder, where the front leg joins the body. This will pierce a heart or lung. Avoid head and neck shots, which are high-risk while hunting.
Your Africa sable antelope should have an average shoulder height of around 50 inches, weigh about 550 pounds, and have a Horn Length of approximately 38- 42 inches.
The Safari Club International minimum score for a sable antelope is 96. This is measured by adding the length of each horn as well as the circumference of the bases.
Nick Bowker has a sable herd. They are not indigenous to the Eastern Cape but have been introduced for hunting.
Now widely spread across the Eastern Cape, and hunting prices are much more reasonable.
Hunting sable should be on every hunter’s wish list.
A sizeable magnificent antelope trophy with shoulders higher than hindquarters.
Facial markings and underparts are white, with both sexes having long sweeping scimitar-like horns.
Except for the kudu, the horns are exceptional, and the longest antelope on the continent.
This species depends on water and prefers open and sparse woodland areas near grasslands with some cover.
Sable, like roan, can be territorial, and the herd male will engage the challenger in a ferocious battle, often to the death.
It would be best if you were always mindful when hunting. He can be aggressive when wounded or cornered and will not hesitate to charge.
When trophy hunting sable, look for the male somewhere on the sideline and not amongst the cows.
Trophy Judgement and Rifle Caliber for Hunting Sable
The side-on presentation calls for the high heart/lung entry point straight up the foreleg, about one-third into the body.
We recommend the 300 magnums as a caliber for sable hunts. Rifle hunting is the most common and effective method for pursuing sable antelope, allowing for accurate shots at varying distances.
For those who wish to avoid going through the red tape of bringing a gun, Nick Bowker has 300 Winchester Magnums fitted with suppressors for hunting.
The rifles are mounted with high-end Swarovski optics. We have hand-loaded Hornady ELD-X 200-grain ammunition.
The guns, including ammunition, are free of charge as part of all hunting packages.
The most dominant male will be the first to join a new group of females when the position is open.
When judging a bull when hunting, look at the bases for size and a thick neck. The horns should have a whitish tinge around two-thirds of the way up.
If a predator threatens, they will confront it using their scimitar-shaped horns. Many of these big cats, for example, lions, have died while hunting this animal.
Hunts will be conducted by spot and stalk and can be successful most of the day. Hunting the sable should be on every hunter’s bucket list.
This is an iconic African game animal.
The Difference Between a Male and Female for Sable Hunting
A male sable is jet black with a white underbelly, and the female is dark brown. The local Dutch dialect name can be translated as “the black antelope with white underpants.” Males have longer and heavier horns.
Interesting facts for Hunts
- They congregate in herds of 15 to 20 individuals with a matriarchal social structure.
- The group will have a dominant female who will be the leader.
- The herd has only one bull and jealously guards his harem against intruders. The juvenile bulls are exiled from the herd at about three years old.
- All the female calves remain. When the herd gets too large, it divides into smaller groups of cows and young.
- These groups will form new herds and again with only one adult male.
- The young males, separated from the herd, form bachelor groups.
- The most dominant bachelor will be the first to join a new group of females when the position is open.
- They are very aggressive and territorial and can fight to the death. A recent clash at Hopewell in 2023 resulted in the death of a bull.
- If threatened by a predator, including lions, they will confront it using their scimitar-shaped horns. Many of these big cats, for example, lions, have died while trying to hunt these antelope.
- In Ernest Hemingway’s book, The Green Hills of Africa, he describes the habits of sables he used to hunt.
- This hunt should be on every hunter’s bucket list, like gemsbok and wildebeest, a unique, beautiful African plains animal.
About the Sable Antelope in Africa for Hunting
Description for the hunter
The sable is sexually dimorphic, with the male heavier and about one-fifth taller than the female.
The length of the sable is typically between 75 and 100 inches.
Males reach about 46 – 55 inches at the shoulder, while females are slightly shorter. Males will weigh around 550 pounds and females approximately 490 pounds.
A thick neck and tough skin, and a compact and robust build characterize the sable,
It has an upright mane on its neck and a short “beard” on the throat. The coloration is rich chestnut to black.
Females and young are chestnut to dark brown, while males begin darkening and turn black after three years.
However, in southern populations, Eastern Cape females have brown to black coats.
This results from the vegetation they eat, which causes skin pigmentation to be much darker.
The common sable species should be differentiated from the rare giant species, which is endemic to Angola.
General Information for a Sable Game Hunt
Calves under two months old are a light tan and show faint markings. The sable’s underparts, cheek, and chin are all white, contrasting with the dark back and flanks.
It has long, white hairs below the eyes and a wide, black stripe over the nose.
Both sexes have ringed horns that arch backward. In females, these can reach 24 – 34 inches, while they are 32 – 48 inches long in males.
The average lifespan is about 17 years in the wild and longer in captivity.
They live in savanna, woodlands, and grasslands during the dry season, eating mid-length grasses and leaves.
Hunting will involve a careful stalk through the savanna and woodlands.
They visit salt licks and chew bones to collect minerals and drink water in the mornings, an ideal hunting opportunity.
They are diurnal but are less active during the heat of the day.
We offer a dedicated sable hunt package.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sable Hunting
How much does it cost to hunt Sable?
The trophy price as a standalone Sable hunt is between $ 3,000 – $ 5,000. Daily rates vary from $250 to $500 a day.
Included in the trophy fee is a licensed guide. As well as a hunting license and all permits.
How to hunt a Sable Antelope?
Sable hunting is in the early mornings and late evenings and spotted from an elevated vantage point in the thick brush and then stalked on foot. Bow hunters can also pursue sable antelope, but must get much closer to the animal and often face a more challenging hunt due to the dense terrain.
Where do you shoot a Sable Antelope?
Shot placement for hunting must be in the bottom third of the animal, directly above the front shoulder. This will ensure a heart or lung shot. Avoid head and neck shots, which are high-risk when hunting sable.
What is a trophy Sable Antelope?
Sable Antelope trophies have a Horn Length of approximately 38 – 42 inches. The minimum qualification score under Safari Club International for a Sable is 96. Add the length of each horn and the circumference of the bases to get your SCI score.
How do you judge a Sable Antelope trophy?
As with all African animals, a thick heavy, darkened neck is the first sign of maturity and often the most visible maturity characteristic when observing at a distance.
The skin color indicates trophy quality; always ensure the bull is of jet black color and not a tanned chocolate color, thus showing immaturity.
Look for the climb from the base, the hook backward, and lastly, the length of the tips while hunting.
Seasonal Restrictions on Sable Hunting
When can you hunt Sable in South Africa?
There are no seasonal restrictions on hunting Sable Antelopes in the Eastern Cape of South Africa for hunters
What Caliber is Recommended for Sable Antelope Hunts?
We recommend hunters use the flat shooting 300 Winchester or 7mm magnums with high-quality tactical scopes and a suppressor for Sable hunting.
In Pictures for Your Sable Hunt
