Sable: thoughts on these guys

[eatmore-pbj]

Thoughts on this picture I came across. Do sable this big stay together free range or do you think it's fenced?

 

[kpoynter]

With no context it’s impossible to opine…
I can say I’ve certainly seen Bulls (large Mature ones) together in the “wild”
Saw many like this last year in bachelor groups (also time of year plays a role)
What is the context and where was the picture taken and are you asking because your considering a hunt “here” and want it to be free range (thus the question)?

 

[375Fox]

I couldn’t guess from that photo. I’ve seen bulls together in wild areas but more often lone bulls if not with a herd. However, when I see 10 bulls together that are all same age class and similar trophy quality that is a different situation.

 

[Green Chile]

It's not unusual to see small bachelor groups of bulls. More common in my experience are lone bulls that come and go and sometimes mix in with other species. However, you learn quickly why they are called the Prince of Africa. They carry themselves differently than other species and often push the others around. They think they are special...and they are right about that.

 

[ActionBob]

When I was in Mozambique and Tanzania... way out in the wild. The sable seemed to either be in herds with cows and calves, or alone. I'm not sure if they form bachelor groups but if they do, I didn't see it.

I'm sure I'll catch some flack over this, but if that picture is in South Africa, they are likely fenced. While hunting I've never seen a sable in South Africa that wasn't fenced and even when I was in a 75,000 acre fenced property, the one sable I saw was in a small fenced in corner of the property near the gate. They are valuable and owners want to know where they are.

Perhaps @spike.t can answer better. I believe he has a lot of sable in a fairly large fenced reserve.

 

[kpoynter]

When I was in Mozambique and Tanzania... way out in the wild. The sable seemed to either be in herds with cows and calves, or alone. I'm not sure if they form bachelor groups but if they do, I didn't see it.

I'm sure I'll catch some flack over this, but if that picture is in South Africa, they are likely fenced. While hunting I've never seen a sable in South Africa that wasn't fenced and even when I was in a 75,000 acre fenced property, the one sable I saw was in a small fenced in corner of the property near the gate. They are valuable and owners want to know where they are.

Perhaps @spike.t can answer better. I believe he has a lot of sable in a fairly large fenced reserve.

You are correct which is why I asked for context too…
If South Africa it’s high fence…period (unless one got out somewhere and lived to tell the tale lol)
Maybe a big area but high fenced. You are also 100% correct that they are usually confined to smaller sections (and there’s usually a much much smaller paddock and breeding section)..

I assume he is asking because he is considering hunting wherever this is and likely is concerned or would prefer free range strongly.
The Sable on the Left is a Beauty…

 

[ThinusS]

We have ±200 sable in a 50 000-acre area that have a perimeter fence but no cross fencing. So, fenced in but in a rather large area. I often see two or three bulls together.

 

[spike.t]

You see bachelor herds of young bulls that can also have old mature bulls in there....and also single solitary bulls which are mature or still slightly brown....no real set pattern.....but if things kick off maybe for females or just because.... they are vicious fighters and not much mercy. In a herd only the one dominant bull...young bulls born in the herd stay till it's time to leave or be made to leave

 

[Puddle]

I've only seen one like that while on the dirt track headed to meet the plane.
I was ready to pull out the gear, load up, and track him as far as needed, but cooler minds prevailed.

Been looking for him ever since...

 

[Green Chile]

Sable are unbelievable fighters. I love how they go onto their knees and do that sideswipe movement with their horns. The videos of them running their horns through a lioness or facing down rhino are incredible. One of my favorite PG for sure!

My best sable and lucky to have him! He was a lone bull, not mixing with others.

 

[Nyati]

I shot this one in a very large fenced property in the Northern Cape Province, you cannot see any fences.

I got a 50% discount if I shot this specific animal, as he was extremely agressive, and fighting all the other males, the Outfitter did not want a dead Sable on his hands.

You can see the scars from the fighting on his rump. Took me all day to shoot him, a female was keeping him company.

 

[Hunt anything]

Seen plenty of sable in South Africa, they were on farms above 15,000 acres and in small herds with 1 bull or bulls numbering from 1 to 3. In the Zambezi delta I saw herds of up to 100 or so always with a herd bull, cows, calves and a few adolescent bulls. The mature bulls I saw were almost always alone except for the 39 1/2” bull I shot was with another bull of greater length but only had 1 horn.

 

[BnC 04]

Sable bull hunted with Mike on
Takeri.

 

[rnovi]

Love me some Sable!

 

[Russ16]

Sable are unbelievable fighters. I love how they go onto their knees and do that sideswipe movement with their horns. The videos of them running their horns through a lioness or facing down rhino are incredible. One of my favorite PG for sure!

My best sable and lucky to have him! He was a lone bull, not mixing with others.

View attachment 658682

Wow! Where did you take that?

 

[Green Chile]

He was taken in the Waterberg mountains of SA. That was June of last year on a hunt with Craig Boddington. I wrote the report here...
https://www.africahunting.com/threads/south-africa-buffalo-with-craig-boddington.84213/.

Besides that 48" sable (11" bases), I took an old buff that weighed 2400 lbs (broke the trailer) and a 48" buff along with some nice PG. It was a great trip.

 

[BGGMKLR]

Sable are unbelievable fighters. I love how they go onto their knees and do that sideswipe movement with their horns. The videos of them running their horns through a lioness or facing down rhino are incredible. One of my favorite PG for sure!

My best sable and lucky to have him! He was a lone bull, not mixing with others.

View attachment 658682

Stunner.

 

[BGGMKLR]

In 1990, on a 21 day adventure in Zim... with Buff & Sable on the main menu...I saw exactly....one...in total...on my very first day.
I have patted myself on the back for several decades now for not pulling off the old:

"Ahhhh, it's the first day, let's hold off and see what happens".

Best
Spike

 

[BGGMKLR]

Sable are unbelievable fighters. I love how they go onto their knees and do that sideswipe movement with their horns. The videos of them running their horns through a lioness or facing down rhino are incredible. One of my favorite PG for sure!

My best sable and lucky to have him! He was a lone bull, not mixing with others.

View attachment 658682

Indeed.
Sable and Gemsbuck seem to have perfected that defensive strategy.
Back your bottom end up tight into the thorn bush... and take on all front-comers...like you're scything wheat chaff.
Best
Spike

 

[ThinusS]

Sable are unbelievable fighters. I love how they go onto their knees and do that sideswipe movement with their horns. The videos of them running their horns through a lioness or facing down rhino are incredible. One of my favorite PG for sure!

My best sable and lucky to have him! He was a lone bull, not mixing with others.

I photograped these two fighting three years ago.