The sable (Hippotragus Niger) is an African plains game antelope found scattered throughout Africa in numerous countries, including Botswana. These antelopes are known to be tough and provide hunters with a challenging but rewarding game hunting safari. There are four subspecies of sable found in Africa, with the Southern sable (Hippotragus niger niger) or common sable found in various southern African countries, including Botswana. Prime hunting grounds for sable hunting in the region are the fringes of the Okavango Delta, with the dry period from May to October being the best time to target these graceful creatures. This exquisite 550-pound antelope is surely one of the most impressive African plains game hunting trophies available! With its deep brown to black coat, black and white face, and white underbelly, together with large ringed horns that gracefully arch backward, the sable is a striking vision on any African hunt! Both sexes have horns, the males reaching 32-65 inches, while the females’ horns are shorter at 24-40 inches. These horns are not only accessories but are also used in defence. The sable prefers habitats including woodlands and grasslands with high grasses and tends to avoid areas with short grasses or many trees. These antelopes are water-dependent and are usually found within a mile or two of a water source. When hunting sable, the best time to target them is early in the morning or late in the afternoon when they are more active, either foraging for food or heading to a water hole to drink. A sable hunt will generally take the form of a walk and stalk or tracking expedition, while ambushing this graceful antelope from a blind as they come to drink water, is also an option that has proven successful. Hunting sable and tracking these antelope can be a challenging affair, as they are extremely alert and wary antelope, with members issuing alarm calls when threats are spotted. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed the sable antelope as “least concern.”