All,

I am wanting to get a big Sable over 44" (who doesn't) and am looking into possibilities...As always will want to get a Buff or two. A big Kudu will also get my attention....But the major focus here is on Sable.

Where, when, with whom?

Thanks,

Jeff

about 10 years ago I shot a nice 46" sable in matetsi, but I think that area is pretty well poached off now. My bet would be to go into zambia. Not so much for kudu, but very good buff and sable (among others) and not nearly so pricey as tanz. The guys I went with in zambia was stewart finley cooper, but I don't think he is in the business anymore. Sad cause he was the best I've ever been with.

Hi Jeff, Here's a recent thread: https://forums.accuratereloading.com/eve/forums/a/tp.../422108813#422108813

I think the general consensus is that areas of Zambia (such as along the Kafue National Park or Johnny's du Plooy's Tondwa) offer the best opportunity and experience for a sable of this size in a "big game" area, however, the minimum number of days and the day rates make it an expensive hunt. But what a grand hunt it would be!

If you lower your expectations a bit (maybe 37-40"?), good sable hunting is still available in Zimbabwe in the Zambezi Valley (although in tight supply, outfitters like HHK, Big5 & Chifuti), Save Conservancy (such as Roger Whittall) or Cawston's Ranch (ranched hunt but well referenced by guys like Ganyana). There are other areas here and there, like Doma and maybe Matetsi, just make sure the land is unoccupied/legit (and any references are very recent).

Mozambique is another option for sable and buffalo, although some say the sable here are closer to the Roosevelt sable found in Tanzania with smaller horns. I spoke to an outfitter some time ago who said yea, but as they are also smaller in body size they are just as impressive of a trophy when mounted full or as a pedestal, which makes sense. Moz interests me personally, as I want to track them.

Tanzania has sable of course as part of a 21-day bag.

The West Caprivi strip used to have 1-2 sable permits a year, and I thought it would be great to do a tracking hunt for one like I did for my roan. But unfortunately the gov't is not awarding these concessions yet, so even if one could get a license, this is not an option. I don't know about the conservancies in the East Caprivi.

Lastly, you could combine a game ranch hunt in SA or Namibia for sable plus a trip to someplace like the Luangwa or Zambezi Valley for the buffalo.

Disclaimer: These are just my opinions based on asking the same question of others... Regards, Bill