Oryx are Awesome!

[Zen Archery]

Absolutely delicious!!!

 

[brentc]

Congrats! Do you have to be a resident to have an opportunity on them?

No. You have a lot better odds as a resident though.

 

[sierracharlie338]

That's so dang cool! Congrats on a freezer full of meat and a fun trip with your daughter!

 

[Gone Ballistic]

About a month ago I got a call from New Mexico Game and Fish notifying me that they selected my name for a one day oryx population management opportunity on the Dona Ana range complex near WSMR. Without hesitation, I said I'll take it. I've been fortunate to hunt this area on this same tag in previous years and there are few things better than having a freezer full of oryx meat.

With my 12 yo daughter alongside, the morning hunt started slowly. I went to a location I've seen several large groups in the past, but aside from a few stragglers, the numbers weren't there this time. I did, however, spot a large herd approximately 2 miles away from my elevated position. We climbed back down to the truck and headed towards the oryx. We passed on a few animals on the way to the large herd that either weren't easily stalkable or didn't make the cut for size. Knowing that this is a one day hunt, you have to be a bit more aware about potentially wasting time on a fruitless stalk.

The oryx sightings increased drastically as we approached the location we previously spotted them in. My goal was to find either a 40+" cow or a 37+" bull. I knew the quality of animals in the area was there, I just had to demonstrate a little patience. After looking over a few dozen oryx, one caught my eye, but it had me totally fooled. It completely dwarfed the mid 30" cow it was standing next to. After looking it over for a few seconds, noticing the larger size, distinct horn rings, and heavy bases, I thought it was a long horned bull. With with the animal broadside at 385 yards, I built a rest, dialed my scope, and sent a 200 grain Accubond through its shoulder dropping the oryx in its tracks. As we approached the animal I was absolutely elated that I had met my goal, but I was surprised to see a cow on the ground after seeing the way it dwarfed its sidekick.

The old cow measures 41" with a 6.75" base on the left and 40.5" with a 7" base on the right side.

These are such cool critters and I'm grateful to have the opportunity to hunt them free range here in the USA.

View attachment 415582View attachment 415581

I've never seen a young lady who looks so much like her dad. You can't deny her one bit,for sure. Does she like to hunt?

 

[Stk]

Incredible! I'll be putting in for one of the military tags next year.

 

[westexhunt]

Great hunt to share with a kid. Awesome.

 

[74sharps]

Great quality outing! Didn't get to see any on a recent trip to New Mexico.
Bummer. Congratulations! One question, how much meat will you acquire?

 

[Bob Wright]

In one day! Amazing. Great animal!

 

[brentc]

Great quality outing! Didn't get to see any on a recent trip to New Mexico.
Bummer. Congratulations! One question, how much meat will you acquire?

I think I'll probably end up with around 130lbs or so all trimmed and deboned

 

[brentc]

I've never seen a young lady who looks so much like her dad. You can't deny her one bit,for sure. Does she like to hunt?

I'm taking her to Utah this weekend for her first big game opportunity for a cow elk. Should be fun playing in the snow.

 

[mnoland30]

When my wife tasted my first on range "once in a lifetime" oryx, my wife said she didn't want me to hunt for anything else. It tastes like quality lean beef. I've been fortunate to get an off range hunt and a depredation hunt. I've participated in around 10 hunts with others. All were sucessful except my dad's. He couldn't distinguish the broken horn oryx at 75 yards with his old eyes and his 50 year old 4x Weaver scope. If any of you get drawn for this hunt and want company, please send me a PM. I love these hunts. I happened across one off range while I was dove hunting this year.

 

[PatriotHenry]

No. You have a lot better odds as a resident though.

Thank you brentc. Hunting them is on my bucket list!

 

[Boman]

Awesome story and so cool you got to bring your daughter. Great parenting there. Id love to do this hunt one day

 

[Gone Ballistic]

They seem like such an amazing animal and I am surprised that they have gotten loose from somewhere, where they were brought in to the country and escaped, to eventually grow large enough in numbers to be hunted. I am amazed that the Fish and Game people allowed it to happen, as well. Normally, most Fish and Game agencies would have slaughtered them before they could get to a huntable number. Kudos to your states Fish and Game Agency!