Sable hunting in Zimbabwe

Sable are one of Africa’s most majestic antelope, referred to by some as the “Prince of Africa”. These jet black animals with a white belly, black and white face masks and have long regal curved horns. These sharp horns combined with lightning-fast reflexes make a formidable defence weapon against attacking predators. Sable is found throughout the country with the Matetsi area producing some of the country’s best trophies. Numerous privately owned breeding herds were lost during the ranch invasions and hunting is now limited to those few remaining properties, large privately owned game reserves and hunting concessions. Sable prefer long grass areas and dambos (seasonally waterlogged wetlands). They are often difficult to see in the long grass and are difficult to bring down if your first shot is not true. With those fearsome horns, hunters should be careful when approaching a shot animal. A wounded Sable is likely to cause some great damage, so treat these animals with respect. Classified as a species of least concern by the IUCN, no special hunting permits are required.