Off-Range Oryx success in New Mexico

[Chef]

In April 2024, I was fortunate to draw an off-range oryx tag for March 2025.

I’ve had a whirlwind year since drawing and timing couldn’t have been better for the hunt.  With that said, we encountered severe winds with no sign of letting up, which made things challenging.  With the wind gusts, everything was bedded.  Due to the flat terrain, glassing for extended periods was unproductive. We would glass and go, glass and go, constantly moving. 

The wind gusts were so brutal that any tracks on the ground were erased, making it easier to gauge a fresh track. So we changed plans and drove roads looking to cut tracks which we eventually did.  We found a group of three at about 400 yards and they had us pegged.  This happened twice more with the ranges increasing each time.  They eventually had enough of us and bolted.

Fast-forward to the late evening, and we were able to find the same group again at 1000 yards. They had picked up another oryx, and they were now four, with only one being unbroken. 

A long stalk later and I had my oryx.  Five minutes later, it was pitch dark.

Good luck to everyone on the upcoming NM draw!

[stanley]

OUTSTANDING, Hector!!!    Great pic! (Better on the laptop screen, than on my phone!  LOL)

 

[Chef]

I constantly had people tell me how amazing oryx was as table fare.

I enjoyed the tenderloins and backstrap trim for lunch the other day.  This is the best wild game meat I've ever had.

Fresh rosemary, garlic, Dijon, sea salt and black pepper then grilled over pecan.

[Big or Bust]

Great job all around and great field photo.  One day I'll draw that tag, maybe...

[AzDiamondHeat]

awesome congrats.  i will concur that it's the best game i have ever eaten. someday i hope to have one of my own.  

[CatfishKev]

That's a beautiful animal, congrats 

How long did it take you to draw?

[Chef]

Thank you.

I drew it after three years as a non-resident.

I have some NM friends who haven't drawn even after 15 years of applying.

Luck isn't always on my side, but I'm forever grateful when it is.

 

[Flatlander]

Awesome dude! You are such a beast at figuring these adventures out!

Man, this is a dream hunt right here! I need to talk with you about this, definitely a bucket list.

[Roofer Billy]

8 hours ago, Chef said:

In April 2024, I was fortunate to draw an off-range oryx tag for March 2025.

I’ve had a whirlwind year since drawing and timing couldn’t have been better for the hunt.  With that said, we encountered severe winds with no sign of letting up, which made things challenging.  With the wind gusts, everything was bedded.  Due to the flat terrain, glassing for extended periods was unproductive. We would glass and go, glass and go, constantly moving. 

The wind gusts were so brutal that any tracks on the ground were erased, making it easier to gauge a fresh track. So we changed plans and drove roads looking to cut tracks which we eventually did.  We found a group of three at about 400 yards and they had us pegged.  This happened twice more with the ranges increasing each time.  They eventually had enough of us and bolted.

Fast-forward to the late evening, and we were able to find the same group again at 1000 yards. They had picked up another oryx, and they were now four, with only one being unbroken. 

A long stalk later and I had my oryx.  Five minutes later, it was pitch dark.

Good luck to everyone on the upcoming NM draw!

That's awesome. That thing is almost the size of a elk or bigger. Congratulations 

[AZbowhntr]

Congrats again. We have been overdue for any kind of hunt. You definitely deserved it.  I am looking forward to seeing the mount when it is done.

[Coach]

Nice job man, congrats! Definitely a bucket list hunt right there.