I'm one of the locals that works out on the Range (for 32 years) and have the security badge, so I can apply. There are areas on the Range where they really can't just let anyone from the public in (for safety reasons as well as security reasons) but they still have oryx populations there that need to be reduced, so that's the purpose of the hunts. I've put in twice and didn't get drawn either time. From looking at the odds, it looks like last year there were about 400 people that applied for each of the 40 licenses for each hunt. Since I see a lot of oryx every day out where I work, it is easy to take it for granted and not get around to applying (but next year will be different, probably, except I think I would now have to pay up-front). I have killed oryx on other hunts and they are fun to hunt. They are like antelope, easy to get one, but hard to get real close. So, the advantage of the Security Badge hunt for me is that you can hunt areas where they are not hunted otherwise. Areas where you can easily get within bow range. I would really like to kill an oryx with my bow, so I hope to apply and to get serious this year.
-- Bob
