New Mexico ORYX!

[Ready]

Hello folks, I thought I would see what you all thought about hunting oryx in NM. I drew a OIL White Sands Missile Range tag for the Stallion Range for next year (Jan. '09). I'm excited about it, but it is so far into the future! Does anyone have any advice for me or any other input?

Good luck to all in the upcoming draws!

Dustin

[killerbee]

wow ready this is really a lucky draw year for you! [didn't you draw the henries deer tag too?] i've not hunted it myself but i have a buddy who did 8-10 yrs ago and said it was a blast and they seen lots of oryx. i believe his was a management hunt so he couldn't kill the biggest ones he seen . i'm sure you'll have a blast.

[Ready]

Killerbee, you have a good memory. However, it is my wife that has the tag. She drew the sportsman's tag for deer in UT. I have been trying to still apply like I usually do (pretty much every western state), but I have changed my strategy due to her tag. That's why I drew the oryx in Jan of '09. I'm still really excited to go on the oryx hunt, but everything seems to pale in contrast to her deer tag. I hope we aren't confusing too many people on the forum here as we post on the same computer under the username "Ready". Sorry if this confused anyone.

Dustin

[silvertip-co]

Cool. COngrats. Please post pics when you score one. Oryx in NM is something I'd liek to do as its not that far to go.

[nmelk]

I have harvested 2 Oryx. The OIL tag is a blast not sure what part of the range you drew but you should see plenty of animals. It isnt the same kind of hunt as it used to be but as long as you are willing to get out of your truck and walk a little you will do real good.

[svmoose]

I have tagged along on a hunt with my old man and a friend, they both got decent animals. It is a hoot. That is one of the funnest hunts I've ever been on. It took us a day to figure them out, then we only had one day left. We were up north in the Stallion Range. There were a few big dirt mounds around, we found if you climb up on them with your spotting scope, you start seeing animals. Find any type of elevation or vantage point, then find your bull, and stalk him. They've got eyes like antelope and it's amazing to see them run. And when they tell you to shoot them quartering away...you better do that they have a very conical chest cavity and it is hard to punch through. Good luck.

[Ready]

Thanks for your replies!

[Ready]

Well, now that Steph has finally got her deer, I'm starting to look to the next hunt. Hopefully I'll be able to find a nice Oryx come the 17th of January. I've never even been to that area of New Mexico (White Sands MR -Stallion Range), but I'm really looking forward to the hunt. I guess I can only take a couple of people on the hunt with me, so it will be my boys, Dakota (13), and Jayden (10). They are getting big enough to help with the packout and I can't think of anyone I'd rather hunt with.

Our plan is to just get up as high as possible and glass and wait to see where they all run or bed. Then, we'll go from there. If anyone has been down that way recently and has any advice, feel free to reply. Planning for a hunt is a big part of the fun for me.

Dustin

[ABert]

I was out that way a couple of years ago, though not hunting. We would see oryx where ever but never really noticed any up high. Didn't have the chance to do anything, as far as observing them and what not, as I was there for training. LOTS of Army land there so make sure you know where you are. The biggest group I saw was probably around a dozen or so, saw a few 2-3's and a few singles here and there.

Wish I could be of more help and good luck on your upcoming hunt!

[cwp]

One of the guys that I hunt elk with drew the same tag. From what I understand there are parts of the unit where you have to be escorted and you aren't allowed to take any pictures or anything. I personally think it is a great oportunity to hunt an african animal without the expense of traveling across the world. Good Luck!
Cory