Hunting a trophy sable
Hunting Sable (Hippotragus niger)
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Best recommended caliber to hunt |
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Sable |
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30-06, 7mm (all), 300 (all), 308, 338, 375 |
Hunting notes when hunting sable:
When hunting sable in South Africa or Zimbabwe, the hunter must bear in mind that both the bulls and the cows have horns and the one should not be mistaken for the other.
The sable is the third largest antelope and sports a shiny black coat with a striking white belly. The bulls have more mass on their horns than the cows.
Hunting pressure is not that much on sable, but they do react to other animals and can be uncommonly difficult to hunt under any conditions. Same rule applies when hunting the sable in that they must be approached with caution and the hunter must take the shot when presented. Other members of the herd are all sentries and will call the alarm and run away when threatened.
The best recommended caliber the use when hunting sable is the 300 cal and up.
The average shooting distance when hunting sable is 100 – 150 yards.
Description:
This is one of the larger antelope species of Southern Africa. A fully mature bull has a shiny black coat with a contrasting pure white belly and inner thighs. Cows and juveniles usually have a rusty brown coloration on top of the body.
The black and white facial markings are striking. It has an upright mane on top of the neck that reaches down to the shoulders. The ears are long and narrow.
The Afrikaans name (Afrikaans is a South African language spoken by about 10% of South Africans) for the sable (swartwitpens) directly translates to: “black white belly”. When hunting this majestic animal, the sable is notorious for being vigilant and can contribute to an exciting hunt. Territorial lone bulls are fantastic adversaries.
Habitat:
Usually associated with dry open savanna bushveld and prefers medium to tall grass.
Reproduction:
A single calf is born mostly from January – March, but can differ from region to region.
General:
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Gestation period |
About 270 days |
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Average shoulder height |
54”
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Average weight |
Bulls |
530 lbs – 600 lbs |
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Cows |
470 lbs – 510 lbs |
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Horns |
Both the bulls and the cows have horns |
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