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Sable hunting is a thrilling hunting adventure available in many countries across the African continent. While sable hunting anywhere in Africa produces good trophies, only one destination is renowned for its truly exceptional sable hunting trophies, and that destination is Zambia. Of the four subspecies of sable (Hippotragus Niger), Zambia is home to the Zambian Sable (Hippotragus niger kirkii), The best locations for sable hunting in Zambia include the lush Luangwa Valley and the Zambezi Valley. The best time for a sable hunt is early morning or late afternoon, as this is when these herbivores are more active. Sables prefer habitats of woodland savannas and miombo and mopane woodlands that are found in western Zambia. Hunting sable in Zambia is best undertaken during the dry season, from around May to October, when the vegetation is shorter, allowing the hunter to better stalk his prey. A wary, vigilant, and elusive antelope, the adult male sable weighs 550 pounds, with the female a lighter 490 pounds. Coat colors range from a rich brown to black with a white underbelly. Their faces are jet black with white markings. Both sexes have exquisite ringed horns that arch back, with a male’s horns measuring between 32-65 inches, and a female’s horns reaching 24-40 inches. Sables can and do defend themselves with their horns and are even known to impale their attackers. Members of the herd are always on the lookout for threats and danger, with alarm calls being issued when needed. This behavior is challenging for a hunter, with so many eyes and ears watching and listening as he tries to approach undetected. Sable hunts often take the form of an ambush scenario, where they are targeted from a blind set up close to a well-frequented water hole. Alternatively, sable hunts are completed through spot-and-stalk or tracking methods.
Zambia
Hunting Categories:African Plains Game , Exotic Plains Game , Speciality Animals
Species:Black-backed Jackal , Lichtenburg Hartebeest , Livingston Eland , Oribi , Sable , Spotted Hyena , Waterbuck (Defassa)
Hunt Preferences:Family Friendly , Gun Rental
Hunters and PH/Guides On Hunt:1 x Hunter 1 x Professional Hunter
Booking Season:2025
Destinations:Zambia
Languages Spoken:Afrikaans , English , German
Hunting Methods:Black Powder Hunting , Bow hunting , Rifle hunting , Walk & Stalk
Hunt Difficult:Moderate
Rufunsa, Rufunsa, Lusaka Province, Zambia
Hunting Categories:African Plains Game , Dangerous Game , Medium Antelope
Species:Black Lechwe , Cape buffalo , Kafue Lechwe , Roan , Sable , Waterbuck (Defassa)
Hunt Preferences:Family Friendly , Gun Rental
Hunters and PH/Guides On Hunt:1x Hunter 1 x PH/Guide
Booking Season:2025
Destinations:Zambia
Languages Spoken:English
Hunting Methods:Black Powder Hunting , Bow hunting , Crossbow hunting , Rifle hunting , Walk & Stalk
Hunt Difficult:Difficult
Shot Placement for a Sable Antelope Hunt
The sable is an elusive and wary antelope that is difficult to stalk or approach, and the hunter will need both patience and perseverance to see this hunting safari through. Avoid high-risk shots such as the head or neck, as they will also ruin the trophy. When considering shot placement on the sable hunt, the best shot option is when the animal is standing broadside. Aim for the bottom third of the animal, just over the shoulder where the front leg joins the body. This shot will target the vital organs of the heart and lungs, resulting in a quick and humane death for the animal.
What Caliber Rifle is used when Sable Hunting?
The sable is a big game antelope and nothing less than a .270 will suffice on this hunting safari. While some hunters may wish to consider thirty caliber options, including the 30.06 or the .308, other options such as a .338 or a .375 loaded with solids will work just as well. If the sable hunt is going to involve distance shooting, consider a 300-win mag or a .7mm to get the job done.
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