Oryx (Gemsbok) hunts

[Alabama]

Anybody ever do one of the hunts on WSMR? From very little research it looks like the Rhodes Canyon hunts offer a little better quality over the Stallion Range hunts. Looks like fun and I've heard the meat is outstanding.

Anybody putting in this year? If I don't apply I'll probably not draw elk or antelope. If I do put in I'll probably draw all 3 and have to choose 1 (because I can't make 3 trips west in 1 year) but be stuck with all 3 tags. That's my luck.

 

[88man]

I have been applying for over 12 years. I never drew! I have been fortunate that my Dad and two friends drew the hunt in 07, 11, 12. It is a great experience with alot of fun and pressure since the hunt is so short. We killed a 37.5 bull, 36.5 cow and a sub adult after passing way to many in the 34 to 35 in range. Pm me for more info. Its not the hunt it used to be. If you draw I'll share info. I used all the oryx hunts as NM scouting trips and that was pretty neat. Saw alot of bull elk scouting differnt areas of the state before and or after the oryx hunts.

 

[Tim McCoy]

Had my son on a Juvenile WSMR deer hunt, some years back, saw loads of Oryx, seemed like it would be similar to hunting big Antelope. My brother drew 7-8 years ago and had a blast.

 

[Sawfish]

A friend of mine killed an Oryx in Texas a few years back, and hosted a wild game barbecue. The meat is excellent.

 

[88man]

best wild game meat!

 

[boiler]

I wouldn't put in.....but only because I did! As far as having too many tags, we'll just cross that bridge when we get there. If I draw all my tags, I will be bankrupt and unemployed! When my wife asks what I'll do, I just yell "DREAM SEASON BABY!!!

 

[luckynv]

You can find these as landowner tags for the same price, most of the ranchers around White Sands have tags and hate the Oryx because they are destructive. If you are out that way some door knocking can really help. Good luck and God bless

 

[Montana]

Anybody ever do one of the hunts on WSMR? From very little research it looks like the Rhodes Canyon hunts offer a little better quality over the Stallion Range hunts. Looks like fun and I've heard the meat is outstanding.

Anybody putting in this year? If I don't apply I'll probably not draw elk or antelope. If I do put in I'll probably draw all 3 and have to choose 1 (because I can't make 3 trips west in 1 year) but be stuck with all 3 tags. That's my luck.

I've drawn the tag. Shot a great bull, but to be honest the whole thing was lame. It's not a hunt it's a run and gun shoot. Most get lucky and get one, some don't but the overall experience was less than memorable. Expensive tag, only get 2 days, no cameras. Just nothing memorable. Beautiful animal and the meat was great, too bad they don't make more it.
Mine was 5-6 years ago so it may be different now.

Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk

 

[Alabama]

Maybe this will be your year 88 man. Why do you say it's not the hunt it used to be? Overharvesting? If you don't mind sharing which hunt did your dad and friends draw? Or have you done both Rhodes and Stallion?

Tim McCoy it does sound like a blast. Thanks guys for confirming what I've already read about the meat being great.

Bolier: You win the post of the day award! "DREAM SEASON BABY" is my new motto when applying for tags LOL Your odds just went down by 1

Luckynv: I know you can purchase private land only tags but I didn't know they are considered nuisance animals. Can you get on private ground relatively cheap?

That stinks about your experience Montana. I know they now allow cameras but only of the animal/hunter in picture mode, no videos or scenery shots.

 

[88man]

All three times Rhodes Canyon. Yes they really reduced the oryx population. It is like the start of a nascar race when they turn you loose to hunt. However, you can make it any type of hunt you want. You can hike for a few hours at spots and or road hunt and cover ground. It is not the hunt it used to be.

 

[Fish]

I drew a tag the first time I applied. It was on the SMR. I was lucky and had a South African PH help me judge my animal. He was working his off season guiding for elk in NM . Shot a 38 1/2 in female on the First day. Its more like antelope hunting, find them and make a stalk. All I can say is glass very thoroughly before you move on. Two rigs passed us on the way up to a vantage point saying they saw nothing. Well after we parked, it was less than 15 min that we found them. He said they don't like the cold morning air and will sit on a sunny south slope and soak up some rays before they move. And yes if was kind of frantic with rigs hauling ass from the required hunt briefing to be first to drive up to a vantage point.

I shot two more of them in SA for less than the price in NM and had a much greater experience but the NM hunt was still fun but stressful