Oryx & Rocks

[fishing4sanity]

Two years ago I drew my once-in-a-lifetime oryx tag for WSMR (White Sands Missile Range) in New Mexico. This year I drew another tag for WSMR, a broken-horn oryx tag. I've hunted New Mexico three times, prior to this trip it has never worked out to stop at Arches National Park. This time I was able to spend some time in the park and saw some very interesting geology.

Taking pics on WSMR isn't allowed except for your oryx after it's killed. This isn't WSMR, but it's looking north instead of south into the range, so very similar terrain. Also, a couple of my broken-horn oryx.

Not being able to take pics on WSMR makes this more of a rock report than a hunt report but it was an interesting trip all around.

That last pic is of Shiprock New Mexico. Aside from 3,100 miles of driving it was a trip I'd love to do again.

 

[CPAjeff]

Looks like a great trip - congrats on the oryx!

 

[Sask hunter]

Congrats!

 

[Kaitum]

Congrats! I've always wondered, what is it about oryx that they break their horns? Is this just a common trait for the species? A mineral deficiency for the area? Genetics? Either way, I'd be thrilled to draw the same tag someday.

 

[Brittany Chukarman]

Very interesting country. Beautiful pictures and congrats on your oryx.

 

[OntarioHunter]

Look at the compression rings on that old timer! Did it even have any teeth left! It's a cow, right? Kinda hard to tell with ends broken off.

Here's my cow from 2019.
And this year's bull.
I wish I only had to go 3,000 miles for them!
Best red meat I've ever eaten.

 

[prhunter]

Congrats on your harvest. Hope to be doing the same soon. TFS

 

[Movi]

Well done! Congrats!

 

[Mica Man]

Your story rocks! Definitely a trip worth taking.

 

[EastTNHunter]

Very cool trip. Congrats

 

[Wild Bill]

Congrats, looks like a bunch of fun! I've been dreaming of drawing a WSMR Oryx tag for a while now!

 

[OriginalOscar]

Looks like amazing hunt and Arches is incredible. 3100 miles; that's a Roadie!!

 

[D705]

Congratulations

 

[Brentc]

Congrats! I've always wondered, what is it about oryx that they break their horns? Is this just a common trait for the species? A mineral deficiency for the area? Genetics? Either way, I'd be thrilled to draw the same tag someday.

It's because their horns get brittle in freezing winter temps, which causes the horns to break when the animals fight or spar. They can be very aggressive animals. The bulls more so than the cows.