Here goes…
My Father and I started this hunt out the gate with three days to test the waters before returning to work. Neither of us having any experience chasing these beautiful creatures but a ton of motivation. My cousin had hunted them last year, having a few shot opportunities with one hit, but unfortunately was unable to recover the animal. He was kind enough to share the info about the area he had hunted so this was a start.
We spent these three days getting high and glassing for many hours each day. We spotted one lone oryx but could not locate the animal once we attempted to put in a stalk. Left those initial few days pretty miffed and wondering if the area or numbers were of substance (hence this post).
Returned home to hear about my cousins buddy having had success in the same area shortly after us leaving. Combined with all of your insights and encouraging words I had renewed vigor and couldn’t wait to get back on it! Muzey in particular reached out and shared some good information regarding hunting these amazing creatures and how to approach the landscape.
Upon returning not much changed and it looked like more of the same the first day; lots of old sign and no visual sign of oryx. The next morning a storm front moved in and some heavy rains sanitized the range generously. Still no sign or sight of oryx. It was the same old story “If I had a deer or antelope tag boy I’d have slayed em”. The only thing having success was the damned mosquitoes.
We got going the next morning to find some fresh tracks but the earlier sign showed the oryx crossing into the BDA. Now, at this point I had not visited the BDA website and let me just share this for those who do not know; YOU CAN HUNT THE EAST SIDE OF THE BDA (end soapbox?)! We dropped lower south and as I was glassing I caught what was a light unnatural tan/grey to the west. Now many domestic cow had a similar color and was expecting to see as much. However, what got me excitement was seeing the black stripe and tail running downs it’s hind! We were approximately 2.5 miles out and began our stalk in. After closing half the distance and crossing a fence line we came across a large amount of recent track (talk about uplifting the spirits). Marked the location on On X and continued our stalk. After getting within half a mile and locating the oryx grazing further up the slope I had my father hang back and began to work my way in; low crawling the last several hundred yards. I closed in to 478yds as they were about to break over the ridge and had 30 minutes left of shooting light. Didn’t feel comfortable with the shot and decided it was best to return the next morning with renewed hope.
Next morning we came in from the north thinking we could use the ridge to our advantage and hopefully glass them crossing into the area and working in to shooting position. This however proved futile as by noon no oryx were in sight. Decided to work down to where we saw the tracks the evening before and saw no fresh sign there or south several miles. It was a long somber walk back which also produced no sight or sign of oryx. Down trodden and beginning to feel that anxious self doubt we did what we shouldn’t have; left the location to hunt another area for the evening. This proved no better and closed the day knowing the best plan would have been to hold where we’d seen them the evening prior.
Friday morning we got out and worked the ridge we’d seen them with a few tracks crossing into private but no visual of animals and no tracks coming across into public (where’d the hell had they come across from I wondered). As much as I’d have liked to go back track the sign my father had to return home for some work.
By this time I was in a fever to find these animals! Got the clear from work so it was just a matter of getting my home boss to give the thumbs up. After failed smooth waxing poetic and then downright pleading I got the go ahead to get back at it. I spent Friday night home, washed up my gear, cleaned the barking stick, and got a solid 2.5 hours of shut eye before heading back in country.
Saturday morning I decided to revisits the area to the north we’d seen track going into the BDA. Wasn’t seeing fresh sign other than what I’d already locate, nor visual on any animals. Decided to head back to the truck and run the fence line. As I was glassing I saw that a vehicle was stopped a mile up ahead. As I approached I saw gear laying about and discovered no one in the side by (which was parked smacked dab in the middle of the two track; I know, I know, when you gotta boogie you boogie). As I was walking back to the truck I saw a jacket and spotting scope on the BDA side of the fence laying in the ground. Imagine my surprise ?. Looked at my phone and had cell service, so some quick google and a phone call discovered the eastern side of the BDA was open to the off range oryx; I’ll be damned! As I performed a little monster truck rally (drama added for effect) to pass the side by and several more miles I discovered some dog piles (if you know you know). Parked the truck (OFF THE TRACKS ?). I headed into the BDA and after a mile or so I discovered what could only be described as the “Cedar **** Monument”; more oryx scat that can be imagined but nothing fresh go figure. Worked my way west to the rim over looking the river valley and spent several hours glassing to no avail. 2.5 mile out and decide to work south to an area I hadn’t quite been able to make my way on foot to. Another dozen antelope and four deer later I was at my destination.
Now, I have to say; in time past I’ve almost had an epiphany prior to when I’m about to work into a kill. This time? I’ll tell you all I felt is that I was about to have a pleasant HIKE into beautiful country; that’s how confident I was by this point. I was 2 miles in when I felt my phone buzz. It was my father asking how it was going and if I’d had any luck. As I was typing my short response I slowly stepped out from a finger to see movement out of my left periphery. As I looked up I saw an oryx raising its head from what must’ve been the most succulent bite of its life; and it’s last…
It must’ve caught my movement because he quickly turned and took in my full glory ? and then broke into a full sprint for the rim. Without time to range I dropped to my knee (don’t ask me when I dropped my phone; I remember thinking I don’t have time for the shooting sticks but don’t remember dropping them either). I raised up and quickly guessed 200yds. I put my second drop reticle on its lower shoulder and watch a dirt plum burst over its back (*%#+ too high and LEAD you idiot). I quickly chambered another round and as he was about to ascend the rim I led his stride and let fly. He made two more strides with momentum and then dropped mid way up the rim. I chambered another round and he was flailing so that I couldn’t get sights on the left shoulder… screw it, head shot time (I ain’t losing this meat ?). I shot and his head dropped. I rechambered and kept on him for what felt like an eternity. After 2 days and 6 hours (all which took place in an estimated ten minutes) I found my phone and text my father I’d hit pay dirt! I approach the oryx and after confirming he’d expired I sent my prayers up high and thanked this beautiful creature for his part in the dance and nourishing of my family.
After looking him over this is where blessed intervention was understood and I thanked the Good Lord for my luck/blessing. My shot was far too foward and high. I caught him In the lower neck and severed his left carotid artery. This did however come at a price; as the ballistic traveled downward it continued on its course through much of the upper left back strap. Ask me if I was upset? Not at all, disappointed, yes, but I had achieved what I set out for (only by the Lords grace and kindness of many of you especially one in particular).
I’m not proud of my dressing. It was one of the sloppiest and rushed jobs I’ve done but as the Sun fell with haste and hoards and army and fire ants amassed for the feast I moved with urgency. My father came up on me literally as I had finished putting the first quarters in my pack for the hike out. Was only 2 miles from the truck but it was one of the most grueling pack outs yet. What a hunt I will always cherish and beyond elated my father was there to close it out and celebrate with me.
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Stay after it and report back.
