Rhodes Canyon Oryx!!! (new pic p3)

[Bookworm]

I've heard thru the grapevine that your permit is invalid cuz your dad drew his sheep tag last year.

[280ackley]

Oh no its still valid.   I even double checked this morning to make sure I saw it right the other night.

[littlebuf]

i just did some research on these things in new mexico. how foolish the government was ! lets just release a non native antelope in new mexico that should be fine    my question about the fence wasn't a jab at you guys (if some one wants to hunt i fence i don't care) it was because i couldn't imagine some one letting a non native species run rampant. i hope you guys kill one sounds like they all need to be killed   

[hornhunter]

Bear Hunter,

Are you going to use the old stick and string?

You need a spotter for your trip?

[Bearhunter]

I really would like to, I think what I will do is give it a go the first day, and have the rifle close by in case that 41" shows him self Ive got 2-3 interested in going, Ive got to find out how many are allowed in, and fiqure on who can really go, ill keep you posted.  James

[hornhunter]

COOL

[boneaddict]

wouldn't quite consider this a high fenced hunt littlebuf.  If you have ever been to whitesands or the missle range down there.  You could spend a better part of your life trying to hike across it.  I actually don't remeber it being fenced but I could be wrong. 

[Bearhunter]

Bones right, not a high fence hunt, its a barbwire fence, they can leave the base, there is oryx off the base also. I believe there may be a draw for them as well, could be wrong.

[280ackley]

Yes, there are off base hunts also.  Not sure if they are land owner tags or draw hunts though.

[arees]

I also got the Rhodes Canyon tag for the end of January.  It must have been a good year for Washington hunters.

[Rob]

Here is an Oryx.  (also known as a Gemsbok).

[Rob]

Congratulations for getting the draw!  I use to live in Las Cruces and we would see the Gemsbok along the road on the way to the White Sands National Monument or to the Lincoln National forest for Turkey season.  They are beautiful animals and make a stunning mount.

If you are looking for a taxidermist, make sure you get one who knows how to do African game.  There are differences between African animals and North American ones so just because someone can do great whitetails, does not mean that they will be able to get an African animal right.  Don't go cheap on a mount when you get a once in a lifetime draw.

I am having mine done by Jerry Huffaker in Abilene Texas.  He does great work.  I'll have my mounts in the next 6-8 weeks and I'll post some photos when they arrive.
http://www.huffakertaxidermy.com/

Another taxidermist who does great work is Artistry of Wildlife.
http://www.artistryofwildlife.com/

Make your taxidermy decision before you go so you know what to do with the hide when you shoot it.  Most of the taxidermist will provide you with shipping directions as well as care instructions.

Best to know how you want it mounted prior to caping it out too.  Gemsbok make a fantastic pedestal mount.  If you go that route you will want to cape out mid body rather than at the shoulders to allow for the extra skin needed for the form.

[BobW]

I've hunted gemsbok in Africa, and I can tell you it's a great hunt. Watch the shot placement, the thickness of the neck tends to make you want to shoot low. PM me and I can tell you who did my African mounts, close by real good work at a reasonable cost.

[Bearhunter]

Thanks for the great info guys, it gonna be a long 10 month wait.  This pose would be sweet!!
http://www.artistryofwildlife.com/800_07_DSCN1165.jpg

[Rob]

No kidding on shot placement.  Once you screw up that first shot, you very likely will be in for several follow up shots.  African animals are tough, thick skinned, big, and have amazing endurance.

I placed a really lousy shot on my Gemsbok and had to follow it up with 7 more shots.  Granted, two were misses, but 3 were center of mass at 30 yards.  From a .338!  That bull took 6 bullets total before he was down and out.  Raised my average shots per animal up to 2.11 too.  It would have been at 1.333 had I dropped him with that first shot.  Grrr

A couple of you could go in together and go with a mount like the one below.  you could rotate it like a bowling trophy...