This is a description of a Oryx depredation hunt I took this week at White Sands Missle Range, New Mexico. Hopefully it will give anyone who draws one of these tags the opportunity to know what to expect. September 2002, I drew a "once in a lifetime" trophy hunt for an Oryx (Gemsbock) on the Stallion Range (North end of White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico). It was one day and we were not allowed in until after 10:00 due to a range exercise. While I had a chance to shoot a smaller one, I held out for a trophy and went home empty handed. As did 8 others out of the 30 hunters that day. I was not upset, because I had an excellent hunt, just disappointed. Now to fast forward to this year. I drew a depredation hunt tag (#179 on the list). These are not limited to once a lifetime. I got the call from Game & Fish on the 1st of Dec. that my time had arrived. White Sands called me on the 9th for a hunt on the 14th. Now as I describe this, please keep in mind that this is a depredation hunt (reduce the nuisance population) vice a trophy hunt so no flames please . The rules and ethics may offend some, but this was an edible varmint hunt!

We (Skip, a friend went with me) met our escort at the small missile range gate at 0600 (heck I don't usually get up by then). He asked "are you my killer?" Get the drift? Instructions were that when we saw an animal, it was shoot it and put it on the ground. Just don't shoot the small ones. In the conversation, I let him know about my trophy hunt and that I hadn't gotten one. He asked who my escort was and said I had a bad one. I stated I would just like one with 2 horns. Many have a broken horn from fighting and he said we would see.

He led us into the range area south of Hwy 70 and we drove down a paved road about 15 miles. He pulled off onto the shoulder and we stopped to glass an area the he knew Oryx were normally in. Sure enough there was a herd of about 8 in an area about 1000 yds away. He called the other escort and told him to bring his hunter (there were 2 of us hunting) over since there was a herd. They showed up and a hunt strategy was developed. Since we found them, I was to be the lead vehicle and we and the other hunter, following in his truck were to cut across the edge of the field along a dirt power line road until we were in range of the animals. We were to proceed slowly so as not to spook the animals until we were close enough to get out and take a shot. Since it was now legal shooting time we proceeded. Skip was driving my truck and I was set to bail out on the passenger side. As we drove along, the animals got nervous and then started to run. Each of the escorts had gone along the area perimeter to turn them if necessary to keep them from leaving the area. Our instructions were to speed up if they started running and keep them from crossing the power line road. Now the fun began. From my in-depth knowledge of Oryx behavior (all 3/4 day) I knew they would run at an angle to us until they were ahead and then cut across. I hollered at Skip to speed up and cut them off. So at 50 mph +, we caught up and paralleled the Oryx. Now here is the neat part. I then screamed at Skip "STOP". He did a slick job with no sliding, etc. I hit the ground, picked up the Oryx I had selected as a target in my scope and started tracking her. She was on the left side of the road and turned sharply to cross it about 75 yds in front of us. I tracked her, pulling the gun up as she crossed the road (one escort was driving toward us on it) and picked her up again on my side of the road. The rest was simple, swing through and squeeze the trigger. She spun 180 degrees and hit the ground facing the direction she had come from. I was worried since I called the shot as being too far back, however Murphy was on a coffee break and I had hit her in the spine (up and down as she ran). She was anchored on the spot. The 375 H&H 270 gr. Federal Classic soft point from my Ruger #1 did its job (wears a 1 3/4 x 5 Redfield).

The rest was anticlimactic, back the truck up to her, gut and load her and get off the base so the escorts could get back to the coffee pot. We cleared the gate just shy of 0730. She was hanging in the processors walk in 40 minutes later. The other hunter got a 34 inch bull with 3 shots and left when we did.

Mine? 36" and 35 1/2" with 6 1/2" girth. 235 lb carcass on the meat processors hook. Here is the link to a picture.
Photos

I am happy, since I view this as the 2nd day of a 2 day hunt (2 yr. 3 mo. gap). If I had to look at it as my first experience hunting Oryx, it would be lacking. As a population reduction hunt it was fast, efficient and went like clockwork. Two hunters and 3 animals out of the herd (my cow was pregnant).

For those that know I can take better pictures, NO cameras are allowed on WSMR and these are with a Kodak disposable and Walgreen's processing (forgive me Mom)

Every one have a Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Years. I'm going to be busy checking my stocking to see if Santa leaves me a gift certificate for the head mount ;-)

Cool story & Nice Oryx

Sounds like a good "antelope" hunt. Congratas!