Distribution: Kirk’s Sable – From western Zambia to south-eastern Angola.

Southern Sable – Northern South Africa, northern and eastern Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi, and Tanzania.

Size: SH: 1.3m. W: 260kg

Description: Large antelope with backwards curved horns, black coat with white markings.

Kirk’s Sable – This sable is an intermediate between the Southern Sable and the Giant Sable, it does not have the prominent white stripe under the eyes that run towards the muzzle, it also has a lot less white on the rump and the horns tend to be longer than the other species except for the Giant Sable. The females are much more reddish brown in comparison with the Southern Sable where the females turn chocolate brown.

Southern Sable – This sable has much more white on the rump and a prominent white stripe running from below the eyes to the muzzle. The females also tend to be chocolate brown when mature. 

Sex Determination: Both sexes carry horns. Males are longer and heavier; males are also pitch black when they reach maturity. Females stay red brown to dark brown throughout their lives. Males are also heavier than females.

Trophy Assessment: Mature male bulls with horns around the 40”+ mark is a good representative.

Shot Placement: Broadside – in the middle of the body straight-up with the front legs.

Frontal – Centre line in the chest