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Offline dep869

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A Handi Oryx Hunt!!
« on: March 13, 2009, 04:29:10 PM »
Hi, everyone.
I am really stoked!!  I just found out that I drew a once in a lifetime tag to hunt Oryx on White Sands Missile Range in August!!  I'm gonna buy some lottery tickets tonight, as my karma must be really good.  Now, I just need to decide which Handi is going to make the trip!  I gotta start saving for taxidermy fees!

Manion
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Offline handipardner

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Re: A Handi Oryx Hunt!!
« Reply #1 on: March 13, 2009, 04:51:57 PM »
Obviously only a 50 BMG handi will do.
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Offline moosemoose

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Re: A Handi Oryx Hunt!!
« Reply #2 on: March 13, 2009, 05:22:44 PM »
Are these Scimitar-horned Oryx?  Or Gemsbok Oryx?

I've guided for both, the scimitar bull can weigh close to 400 on the hoof and can be brought down with a well placed 150 grain .270.

Gemsbok bulls can weigh 75 to 100 pounds more and can be taken with a 30 caliber 180 gr.  I believe the most impressed I've been with a bullet is one made by Norma called Oryx.

A trophy Scimitar will have horns that have scraped his back at the flank, bulls have more mass cows generally have more length, the bulls sometime have more red on their rump and more color on their face.
The best way to sex the animal is to look for the pecker sheath at the base of the belly or the nut sack.
The greater the arc the longer the horns will be.

A trophy Gemsbok will have horns 3 times as long as his face, and same horn type, and be just as difficult to sex.

You will need to develop a mind set like they have in Africa...  In the US we only want to shoot once.  In Africa keep shooting until it is dead.  For the most part one shot is all that is needed, but I have seen some almost well placed shots lead to a wounded animal and sometime unrecovered animal.

Good Luck if you have any more questions I'll be happy to tell you my experiences.
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Offline Sourdough

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Re: A Handi Oryx Hunt!!
« Reply #3 on: March 13, 2009, 07:20:24 PM »
The Oryx in White Sands is the African Gemsbok,  they are big animals.  I usually saw them every time I drove from Alamogordo to Las Cruses or back.  They would be on the east side of the highway, near the fence.  The general consensuses around Alamogordo is that they are real hard to put down.  Most people there were using .338 WM.  Personally I would use nothing less than a 30-06, with a 180gr bullet.  Sometimes the shot can be short due to terrain being friendly to the stalker and having a wash you can use to get close.  Other times you will be lucky to get within 250 yards without being spotted.  After a few have been taken each year the remaining ones get real spooky.  I never saw a single animal by itself, they were always in herds.  When I was out riding horseback in the area they always saw me first.  I was never able to ride close, but then again I wanted to avoid them anyway, they were not what I was looking for.   
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Offline trotterlg

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Re: A Handi Oryx Hunt!!
« Reply #4 on: March 13, 2009, 07:39:29 PM »
I worked for a few months there a couple of time through the years on the north end by the Trintiy test site.  I saw them all the time out there just outside of Socorro NM.  All the bars in town had lots of horns mounted.  They are the only large animal that can live in a place with no open water, they can get all they need from what they eat.  Very cool, the locals poach them frequently, kind of a game getting on and off the range without getting caught or blown up.  Larry
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Offline dep869

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Re: A Handi Oryx Hunt!!
« Reply #5 on: March 14, 2009, 05:55:02 AM »
I drew the Stallion Range hunt, which is on the north end of the range.  Sourdough, you're right, the consensus around here, southern NM, is that they're tough to put down.  One of my buddies used to be a game warden on WSMR, he seems to think that their anatomy is a little different from our native critters and that shot placement is crucial.  Having said that, one friend's young son took an oryx with a .243 and a co-workers daughter that drew a tag will be using her 7mm-08 with 120 gr. bullets.  I've got handi's in .223, .243, 7mm-08, and .308.  The .308 and 7mm-08 are my favorites by far.  I'm really tempted to use one of those, but I also have .270 and 7mm Rem Mag. in bolt guns that would do the trick, but I'd really prefer to use a Handi.
Moosemoose, what is your opinion on caliber and is their anatomy that different to necessitate changing point of aim from our native deer and elK?

Manion
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Offline Hammerspur

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Re: A Handi Oryx Hunt!!
« Reply #6 on: March 14, 2009, 06:14:48 AM »
Been reading this thread GREEN with envy!

Have absolutely zero experience to speak with, but I'd be tempted to ask Tim to borrow his .338 A-Square if it were my hunt.  (Yuh, Right!  ::) )

Seriously dep, Good Luck and post some pics for the rest of us to savor.  ;)
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Offline Sourdough

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Re: A Handi Oryx Hunt!!
« Reply #7 on: March 14, 2009, 06:46:51 AM »
I lived there back in the late 70s and early 80s.  Oryx had not spread much out of McGreager, and Lower Whitesands area at that time.  There is no natural preditors, and great habitate for them.  Habitate and hunting is the only thing to keep them in check.  I used to hunt dove on Stallion.  If memory serves me correctly the northern portion of Stallion extends up into the Malpi, stay out of there, that's a nasty area.  Lost two saddle horses in there.  That stuff can't decide if its rock or black glass. 

Worked with a rancher up near Carazzozo, he and I used to pack into the San Andreas Mountains.   I spent four years rounding up wild cattle and horses off those ranges.  I was the only active duty person on Holloman AFB to report to work every morning wearing jeans, cowboy boots with spurs, and a Stetson.  Rounded up almost as many illegals as I did horses.  I loved that job, hated to leave Holloman. 
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Offline quickdtoo

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Re: A Handi Oryx Hunt!!
« Reply #8 on: March 14, 2009, 06:55:48 AM »
Congrats Manion, sounds like a dream hunt to me!! A Handi works fine for big plains game!  ;)

30-06 Handi in Africa

Quote from: Hammerspur on March 14, 2009, 06:14:48 AM
Have absolutely zero experience to speak with, but I'd be tempted to ask Tim to borrow his .338 A-Square if it were my hunt.  (Yuh, Right!  ::) )

For the right compensation I'd consider it!! ;D But I don't have a 338 A-Square, it's a 338-06 A-Square, quite a difference, but it would work well, I'm sure.

Tim
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Offline cowboyup453

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Re: A Handi Oryx Hunt!!
« Reply #9 on: March 14, 2009, 10:52:28 AM »
Congrats on drawing a tag. I have yet to put in for one due to money concerns.
My uncle's landlords son got a off range tag for the April hunt. He might be using my RMEF 280. This is his first big game hunt. Im gona try to go out with them if I can.
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Offline Hammerspur

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Re: A Handi Oryx Hunt!!
« Reply #10 on: March 14, 2009, 11:08:35 AM »
Quote from: quickdtoo on March 14, 2009, 06:55:48 AM
For the right compensation I'd consider it!! ;D But I don't have a 338 A-Square, it's a 338-06 A-Square, quite a difference, but it would work well, I'm sure.

OK, I mis-spoke, 'er mis-fingered... mistyped..
Oh, you know what I mean.  :-\
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Offline quickdtoo

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Re: A Handi Oryx Hunt!!
« Reply #11 on: March 14, 2009, 12:51:28 PM »
Quote from: Hammerspur on March 14, 2009, 11:08:35 AM
Quote from: quickdtoo on March 14, 2009, 06:55:48 AM
For the right compensation I'd consider it!! ;D But I don't have a 338 A-Square, it's a 338-06 A-Square, quite a difference, but it would work well, I'm sure.

OK, I mis-spoke, 'er mis-fingered... mistyped..
Oh, you know what I mean.  :-\


I kinda figured that's whatcha meant, but I didn't want to give anyone the ideas about a 338 A-Square being doable on a Handi frame cuz it's basically a necked down 378 Wby!!  :o

Tim
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Offline GeorgiaDave

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Kinda looks like a "spike" to me...How do they eat ?
« Reply #12 on: March 15, 2009, 01:49:54 AM »
Greetings from Rainy Georgia,

   We have no Oryx in the woods I hunt but after doing a quick search about them, I feel that they are about the same as a big deer and less than a moose. I am sure that a well placed lung shot with a "deer rifle" will be sufficient. My second preference would be a .308, or maybe a 30/06 but my first choice would be my 45/70. If you can get a shot within the accuracy limits of your rifle, there should not be any problems in taking one of these "spikes". Here in Georgia we usually let spikes pass by, but with the limited potential for more points, I would not wait for an 8 point oryx. I do have a good question. How do they eat ? I surely know at least a few recipes that could make them edible, but have never heard of anyone around here making "oryx stew". Just curious of the meat color, density, texture and taste. Also how is the hide ? Seems like a shame to pay a bunch of money for the hunt and not get everything you can from the animal, maybe even a cool oryx tanned hide. Good Luck on your hunt and make sure you keep us informed. God Bless You All !!!

Dave
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Offline dep869

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Re: A Handi Oryx Hunt!!
« Reply #13 on: March 15, 2009, 04:44:35 AM »
I agree with you GeorgiaDave on the spike issue, I too, normally let those pass by, but these will be the first spikes I've hunted with thirty four to fourty inchers on their heads!  As for the meat, it has a reputation around here of being delicious.  I've had it on a few occasions and can say preparation is key, and like most wild game is very lean.  As for color, most recently when I ate some...it was bar-b-q colored!

Manion
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Offline dpe.ahoy

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Re: A Handi Oryx Hunt!!
« Reply #14 on: March 15, 2009, 06:53:53 AM »
Yep, I gotta agree with being green with envy.  Keep us all posted on this hunt, and congradulations man.  That sounds like a great hunt!  DP
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Handi's:22Shot, 22LR, 2-22Mag, 22Hornet, 5-223, 2-357Max, 44 mag, 2-45LC, 7-30 Waters, 7mm-08, 280, 25-06, 30-30, 30-30AI, 444Marlin, 45-70, AND 2-38-55s, 158 Topper 22 Hornet/20ga. combo;  Levers-Marlins:Two 357's, 44 mag, 4-30-30s, RC-Glenfields 36G-30A & XLR, 3-35 Rem, M-375, 2-444P's, 444SS, 308 MX, 338Marlin MXLR, 38-55 CB, 45-70 GS, XS7 22-250 and 7mm08;  BLR's:7mm08, 358Win;  Rossi: 3-357mag, 44mag, 2-454 Casull; Winchesters: 7-30 Waters, 45Colt Trapper; Bolt actions, too many;  22's, way too many.  Who says it's an addiction?

Offline Default

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Re: A Handi Oryx Hunt!!
« Reply #15 on: March 15, 2009, 08:52:22 AM »
Dep ,

 Like alot of the guys , I too havent taken an oryx or gemsbok-oryx ... But i can help you a bit on that rifle choice .

 Took my first buffalo with the 308 using hornady's 150gr Inter-bond bullet out of thier "Custom" line up..
 This wasnt a meat bull hunt either ( 1400-1500 lbs.) .. Both shots fired were complete pass throughs with quarter sized exits ... The inter-bonds are ballistic tipped for quick expansion and a jacket bonding to the core that hold the round together ( think its 90% retention they say) ... I wasnt able to recover an example since the first broadside passed through and the finishing shot was further down in the ground then i was willing to dig (more then 5 or 6 inches)

 Figured i would lend you some experience with bigger game and the 308 ... Would hate to hear a tale of the one that got away or anything ;)

 If you roll your own , then i would look into some nosler partitions or a barnes copper bullet .. Either one have earned reputations for a good reason ..

  So congrats on the draw and good luck/shooting on that hunt.. Be sure to line us up with some pics and a story ;)


   Default
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Offline dep869

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Re: A Handi Oryx Hunt!!
« Reply #16 on: March 15, 2009, 09:31:03 AM »
Default,

Yeah, I'm leaning heavily toward my .308 Ultra-hunter.  That 150 gr Inter-bond bullet has a pretty impressive track record.  I don't think it will have much problem putting an oryx down as long as I do my part.  I wonder how a 140 gr 7mm-08 inter-bond would fair?

Manion
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Offline Jimbo47

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Re: A Handi Oryx Hunt!!
« Reply #17 on: March 15, 2009, 11:13:17 AM »
Congrats on a great hunt!

I've got a rule that worked well for me over the years.

When in doubt about what gun to use, always go with more gun than you think you'll need.

Hasn't failed me yet!

In your case that would be the 308 with the heavier bullet choices.
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Offline trotterlg

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Re: A Handi Oryx Hunt!!
« Reply #18 on: March 15, 2009, 04:08:54 PM »
I think you should show some class and go with a traditional muzzel loader.  Larry
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Offline dep869

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Re: A Handi Oryx Hunt!!
« Reply #19 on: March 15, 2009, 04:56:45 PM »
Well, I could do that.  I have one.  I could even pull out a recurve bow and sling a few arrows down-range.  Heck, David put Goliath down with a slingshot, that's more than classy!!  But....I really have my heart set on using one of my handi's, plus I've never been accused of having much class... ;D :D
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Offline trotterlg

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Re: A Handi Oryx Hunt!!
« Reply #20 on: March 15, 2009, 07:20:43 PM »
No, David put Golith down with a Sling, not a sling shot, there is quite a difference.  I have a nice .58 Cal Handi that would do the job for you.  Larry
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Offline GatCat

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Re: A Handi Oryx Hunt!!
« Reply #21 on: March 15, 2009, 08:23:25 PM »
A question was asked about how Oryx are for table fare.....I have no direct experience, but, my youngest son got married last Dec., in Texas. His father-in-law is an old-time rancher in N.M., and guides for Oryx and Elk. At the wedding, he did the Bar-B-Q, and I asked him about eating Oryx....he said they are real good.
Mark
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Offline Hammerspur

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Re: A Handi Oryx Hunt!!
« Reply #22 on: March 16, 2009, 01:53:49 AM »
Quote from: trotterlg on March 15, 2009, 04:08:54 PM
I think you should show some class and go with a traditional muzzel loader.  Larry

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Offline dep869

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Re: A Handi Oryx Hunt!!
« Reply #23 on: March 16, 2009, 09:41:56 AM »
Hammerspur,  I thought we were talking about muzzle loaders....not mortars!

Manion
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Offline Hammerspur

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Re: A Handi Oryx Hunt!!
« Reply #24 on: March 16, 2009, 11:01:20 AM »
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Offline quickdtoo

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Re: A Handi Oryx Hunt!!
« Reply #25 on: March 16, 2009, 11:16:21 AM »
Quote from: Hammerspur on March 16, 2009, 11:01:20 AM
I'm home sick with bronchitis... nothing else to do but stuff like this! ^ ::)
                                                                                           

Sorry to hear that, hope you get well soon, in the mean time you're doing a fine job of spending your time well!! ;D

Tim
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Offline ceandra

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Re: A Handi Oryx Hunt!!
« Reply #26 on: March 24, 2009, 03:47:51 PM »
Dep:

Congrats! You will LOVE the hunt. Which range?

I just got back from my hunt on Stallion. Ended up with broken horn, but it was a nice one. Still cutting up meat tonight. Very tasty.

I have only just begun hunting, mostly whitetail by bow in MD. However, I got drawn, so got a Handi 30-06. My son had same hunt last year, with a borrowed gun.

The animal is tough to bring down. The vitals are moved up a bit from deer, so your best shot is THROUGH the shoulder bone, fairly low. They recommend nothing less than a .30 cal, but some use less. Your shot, unless you really work, will be 150-300 yards. Unless the shot is perfect, you will be tracking for awhile. One tough critter. They will give you info in the mail on shot placement. Perfect your long shot. They can see you 2 miles off easy. We stalked about a mile up the side of a mountain on foot, then got a fairly close shot. It was a great hunt. It was after noon on Sunday, and I was no longer too picky about horns. Got great meat in the freezer now, and some in my belly.

Only downer is no cameras. One violation this year. Lose the camera, base access, and the animal. So, I got a photo in the garage.

Chuck
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Offline dep869

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Re: A Handi Oryx Hunt!!
« Reply #27 on: March 24, 2009, 04:13:57 PM »
Chuck,

Congrat's on oryx!!  I drew for Stallion range, as well.  I think I'll be taking my 308 handi.  I went to the range this past weekend and will hopefully be able to go every other weekend or so until my hunt in August.  I'll be pm'ing you from time to time to pick your brain on the specifics of the stallion experience. 

Manion
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Offline Hammerspur

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Re: A Handi Oryx Hunt!!
« Reply #28 on: March 24, 2009, 11:50:55 PM »
Chuck, congrats is right, Second here!

I was pretty sure these would be tough to put down compared to native species, and your statements bear that out.
Personal experence with such matters is diddly but I've done extensive reading of formal accounts by many authors ranging from classic era stuff by Selous up to Capstick.
Their conclusions were everything is tougher in Africa. Tougher to put down and far more likely to fight back if wounded and cornered.

Just imagine having one of these chasing you around a tree!  :o

Good Hunt Chuck and Best Wishes to you Manion.
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Offline ceandra

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Re: A Handi Oryx Hunt!!
« Reply #29 on: March 25, 2009, 03:25:54 PM »
Manion:

Good luck, and prepare well.

I'll pm my email address, likely to get a quicker response that way.

Since I have now hunted Stallion twice, might be able to give reasonable hints/suggestions.

The .308 should put one down. I would look at 180 grain or so, and practice some long range shots. Our range went to 220 yards down low, but had some metal targets at 550 yards up top. Fun to throw a few that way, but I would not try a shot that far. Bullet dropping too much. We could actually see the bullet (or more probably the air disturbance) as it went to the target. Too many ranges are just 100 yards for sight-in.

Carry several extra shots with you whenever you leave the vehicle.

And enjoy the experience.

BTW, if you need an extra set of eyes, I would be glad to help. You can have up to 3 guests plus the hunter, but only 1 vehicle. The "guests" should all expect to work, scouting, scoping, driving, etc., and possibly packing out quarters. I suspect you already have a long list of potential "guests".

Chuck
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