brentc
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Apr 3, 2009
- Messages
- 2,635
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.
![Oryx pic.jpg Oryx pic.jpg](https://r2d2.www.longrangehunting.com/attachments/406/406784-70d5f2736426de6d346674768cbfc8aa.jpg)
![Mc and Me.jpg Mc and Me.jpg](https://r2d2.www.longrangehunting.com/attachments/406/406783-3f28049a0f4f1dffffe3aa2f81e33e0b.jpg)
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.
![Oryx pic.jpg Oryx pic.jpg](https://r2d2.www.longrangehunting.com/attachments/406/406784-70d5f2736426de6d346674768cbfc8aa.jpg)
![Mc and Me.jpg Mc and Me.jpg](https://r2d2.www.longrangehunting.com/attachments/406/406783-3f28049a0f4f1dffffe3aa2f81e33e0b.jpg)
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