Sable antelope is a wonderful and beautiful animal. A Sable antelope can use its long curving horns to reach an attacking predator where most other horned and antlered animals can’t – in the back next to its flanks. These horns are deadly against hyenas, bush dogs, and, as many a hunter in the old days learned the hard way, against hounds too. A Sable antelope bull, with its pitch-black skin, white marks on the head, and graceful, horse-like body, is simply irresistible. No wonder it is one of the most desirable hunting trophies in Africa!
SABLE HUNTING METHODS
Most Sable antelope hunts are carried out in the classic African form of spot-and-stalk. Typically, the hunter and the PH cruise the area in a vehicle, stopping to glass around in likely places. When the animals are located, they stalk them on foot. Bowhunters may prefer waiting for the animals in ground blinds or tree stands positioned over salt licks or water holes. In the end of the day, within the borders of law and ethics, the hunter is free to choose whatever way works best for him or her.
WHEN TO HUNT SABLE IN TEXAS
As with many African species, opportunities to hunt the Sable antelope exist a year round. However, in many areas the peak of summer (December – February) is too hot for hunting. Most PHs seem to think that the dry season, when the cover is easier to see through and the animals congregate around sources of water, is to be preferred.
WHAT IS THE COST TO HUNT SABLE IN TEXAS?
The Sable may claim the title of the least affordable African antelope. A trophy fee for a Sable antelopes seldom goes below $3,500, and the total hunt will cost you at least $5,000. With a few other trophies (few hunters will travel all the way to Africa to hunt just one animal) the price of a plains game package that includes a good Sable trophy might cost around $8,000-$10,000. Sable antelope hunts are often sold in combination with dangerous game like leopard or buffalo, and the cost of such hunts may reach mid-five figures.
