RE: oryx hunting in NM
 

I heard the males have shorter fatter horns, which I think may make them score higher, females are longer....thinner I believe, thats either the case, or females just are bigger horned in general.

Something to consider......may look for shorter massive horns.

RE: oryx hunting in NM
 

Thanks,I know we will be shooting at one that we like and not trying to score him,My 12 yr old daughter has harvested quite a few deer and turkeys but no matter how big of one she gets it will be great.

RE: oryx hunting in NM
 

habitat------They run funny. After you shoot, they run like they have been hit----even if it's a clean miss. Don't admire the shot----keep shooting. CB

RE: oryx hunting in NM
 

habitat-----check out this thread. It will answer alot of your question on oryx hunting on the White Sands. CB


http://www.monstermuleys.info/dcforum/DCForumID34/409.html

RE: oryx hunting in NM
 

Thanks,that is some good info,I am going back and forth on what gun my daughter will shoot either the 308 or 7mag

RE: oryx hunting in NM
 

my brother got one he said they are getting over populated he got a off range tag and just talked to the locals where he went and just drove the back roads and got lucky. hope i can post the pic.

RE: oryx hunting in NM
 

if you don't mind me asking, how long did it take to get drawed

RE: oryx hunting in NM
 

This was the first time we applied and my daughter and I drew.but from what I have seen it can take awhile without some luck

RE: oryx hunting in NM
 

Habitat,
Congrats on getting drawn. I drew several yrs ago for the Small Missile Range. Listen to what Col. Bob says. It's open country out there with lots of little brush for them to hide in. And once the shooting starts they get moving! My friend shot his with a .375 and it left no blood trail. The bullet never exited. Did I mention they were big?? We followed the best tracks we could find and got lucky and found it 500 yds from where he shot it. They are big and heavy! Like Col. Bob said, bring something to help carry it out with. You may have to 1/4 it out in the field. Also bring a come-along and a sled. Your back willbe thankful.
As far as trophy quality, I saw very little. The biggest for our group was 38" female. Then several 36's and it dropped from there. Lots of broken horned ones. I suspect most folks were meat hunting or shooting the first thing they saw. Each unit is a little different.
Google up everything you can think of to find out about the best areas to hunt and what to expect. Col. Bob was right about the Indy race. Guys are in a race to get to the best spots. So have an area planned to hunt and stick with it. The animals will be moving around. Also, wear good tennis shoes. Not boots so much. You could be doing a lot of walking esp if you have to track one.
There was a taxidermist by the gate so if you're wanting to have it mounted then I'd suggest you leave it with him. From what I saw the taxidermist by ours must have had 20 heads. I figured he's probably a specialist if he does that many each year.
Bring lots of water and munchies. Noon time is dull and hot. Try not to stay in your truck too much. Stake out a hidden brushy area and see if they won't come to you. The shooting will keep them moving.
And lastly, (this sort of surprised me), the game wardens and military base guys were all extremely helpful. They will do everything they can to put you on the game. It's in their best interest to thin the herd out. You will see them driving around and telling the hunters where they saw them and trying to putyou on the game.
I hope I didn't bore you too much with all this. I went and had no idea what to expect. It was a lot of fun and you and your daughter will have a blast.
Oh, call ahead of time and see who the taxidermist will be at the gate. You might want to leave a camera with him so if you do get an oryx, you will have access to a camera without breaking the rules.

Also, the kill rates were no where near 100% as suggested by someone who's never been but might go to Africa one day.... The kill rates were around 80% and most I saw were around 34". The one Col Bob took was indeed a trophy. I'm just trying to temper your expectations a little.

RE: oryx hunting in NM
 

here is a picture of a oryx my brother got last year it was 350lbs he said that's a small one it has 24" horns