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Started By
Message
New Mexico Oryx
Posted on 6/22/20 at 1:53 pm
Posted on 6/22/20 at 1:53 pm
Homeward bound...
I’ve actually dreamed of hunting these since I was a teenager. Reading stories in Peterson’s and other rags. Since a trip to Africa isn’t in the cards this will do.
The African Oryx is native to the Kalahari Desert. Between 1969 and 1977, a total of 95 oryx were released on White Sands Missile Range and the surrounding areas of New Mexico. With no natural predators and a pretty fearsome set of headgear they thrived. Today they number in the thousands.
The NM Game & Fish now wants them removed as they are a non-native species.
To them I say good luck.
These things are tough as nails. This was not an easy hunt since we were targeting trophy bulls. As most travel in herds it’s nearly impossible to get close without them spotting you or smelling you first. And when they do, they are gone in a hurry.
Connected on this one yesterday. A 300 yard shot from the Weatherby 6.5-300 dropped him in his tracks. Although, I’ll admit I’d probably use a bigger bore if I did it again. 36” horns and tipped the scale at 450lbs.
I’ve actually dreamed of hunting these since I was a teenager. Reading stories in Peterson’s and other rags. Since a trip to Africa isn’t in the cards this will do.
The African Oryx is native to the Kalahari Desert. Between 1969 and 1977, a total of 95 oryx were released on White Sands Missile Range and the surrounding areas of New Mexico. With no natural predators and a pretty fearsome set of headgear they thrived. Today they number in the thousands.
The NM Game & Fish now wants them removed as they are a non-native species.
To them I say good luck.
These things are tough as nails. This was not an easy hunt since we were targeting trophy bulls. As most travel in herds it’s nearly impossible to get close without them spotting you or smelling you first. And when they do, they are gone in a hurry.
Connected on this one yesterday. A 300 yard shot from the Weatherby 6.5-300 dropped him in his tracks. Although, I’ll admit I’d probably use a bigger bore if I did it again. 36” horns and tipped the scale at 450lbs.
7
Posted on 6/22/20 at 1:59 pm to wiltznucs
thats awesome
its so weird driving through NM and seeing the herds along the highway
is the tag lottery? or over the counter?
its so weird driving through NM and seeing the herds along the highway
is the tag lottery? or over the counter?
This post was edited on 6/22/20 at 2:01 pm
Posted on 6/22/20 at 2:00 pm to Salmon
I wanna go help exterminate
Posted on 6/22/20 at 2:07 pm to Salmon
quote:
is the tag lottery? or over the counter?
I’ve been trying to draw a WSMR tag for 8 years. At a 3% success rate I finally broke down and bought an over the counter license and hunted with an outfitter who’s 355,000 acre ranch sits next door to the Missile Range. They have an estimated 1,000 head on the ranch.
Hunts cost as little as $1,500 plus a tag. If you are okay with a broken horn (easily repaired by a taxidermist) it’s fairly inexpensive. World class stuff gets more expensive. I did see some in the 40” range.
Posted on 6/22/20 at 2:11 pm to Salmon
(thanks)
This post was edited on 6/22/20 at 2:45 pm
Posted on 6/22/20 at 2:19 pm to wiltznucs
Could you email me the outfitters name? You've peaked my interest.
This post was edited on 6/22/20 at 2:39 pm
Posted on 6/22/20 at 2:26 pm to jgthunt
Tierra Encantada Outfitters, they have a website. The Outfitter Roger and crew do a good job. Family operation, his son Pete worked with me for five days.
I’d try to go in the Fall/Winter/Spring. I’d avoid the Summer months. The regrowth of the mesquites from Spring makes them tougher to spot and gives them more places to hide. This week was fricking hot. Made things really rough by noon or so.
I’d try to go in the Fall/Winter/Spring. I’d avoid the Summer months. The regrowth of the mesquites from Spring makes them tougher to spot and gives them more places to hide. This week was fricking hot. Made things really rough by noon or so.
This post was edited on 6/22/20 at 2:29 pm
Posted on 6/22/20 at 2:40 pm to wiltznucs
Thanks.
Posted on 6/22/20 at 3:33 pm to wiltznucs
Nice trophy but if they want them removed just close the season and tell the coonasses they’re good to eat.
Posted on 6/22/20 at 4:17 pm to KemoSabe65
quote:
Nice trophy but if they want them removed just close the season and tell the coonasses they’re good to eat.
Since nobody else asked, How do they taste? That thing'll make a lot of sausage.
Posted on 6/22/20 at 4:32 pm to auggie
i believe Oryx might be as good as it gets...as far as tasting.
(a oryx burger is on my bucket list)
that terrain does not too difficult..with high spots for glassing....and those big easy to spot animals..
are those private ranchws guided hunts only? are DIY or tresspass fee hunts possible?
(a oryx burger is on my bucket list)
that terrain does not too difficult..with high spots for glassing....and those big easy to spot animals..
are those private ranchws guided hunts only? are DIY or tresspass fee hunts possible?
Posted on 6/22/20 at 5:23 pm to auggie
quote:
Since nobody else asked, How do they taste? That thing'll make a lot of sausage.
Not gamey at all. Very lean as you’d expect. I’d compare it to beef.
Posted on 6/22/20 at 5:46 pm to mrgreenpants
quote:
are those private ranchws guided hunts only? are DIY or tresspass fee hunts possible
I couldn’t find any DIY’s. I’m guessing by time the outfitters pay their per animal fee to the landowners they aren’t making much. Plus having extra hands to gut, drag and quarter the animal was real helpful.
Posted on 6/22/20 at 6:24 pm to wiltznucs
Congrats, very cool.
Was it a landowner tag or did you draw?
Was it a landowner tag or did you draw?
Posted on 6/22/20 at 6:31 pm to wiltznucs
Congrats from one WBY nut to another!
Could never get mine to shoot the Berger 140 grain VLD. Was lights out with the 127 grain Barnes factory load.
quote:
Weatherby 6.5-300
Could never get mine to shoot the Berger 140 grain VLD. Was lights out with the 127 grain Barnes factory load.
Posted on 6/22/20 at 6:39 pm to Judge Smails
quote:
Was lights out with the 127 grain Barnes factory load.
That’s what I’m using. Harvested three animals with it now. No exit wound on any of them. The bullet just shatters. I’m afraid I’d be up a creek if I had to blood trail one.
Posted on 6/22/20 at 8:26 pm to wiltznucs
quote:
No exit wound on any of them.
Interesting. That was the last factory rifle I bought new. I wanted it to shoot a heavier bullet than the 127 grain. Was disappointing, but then I started tinkering with my 300 WBY. Congrats again on an incredible trophy.
Posted on 6/22/20 at 8:27 pm to wiltznucs
Nice gemsbok
Posted on 6/22/20 at 8:29 pm to KingRanch
quote:
KingRanch
You fat bastard. What the hell you been doing?
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