I hunted Oryx on the White Sands Missle Range (WSMR) last February. I was using a 7mm Remington 160gr Hornady SST (handloads). I have always been told that it is an easy hunt/kill, but my hunt was anything but. First of all, it rained for four days prior to the hunt and continued during the weekend hunt. All of the rain & wind made seeing the Oryx nearly imposible. They spent 100% of their time lying down in the large sage which made spotting difficult. My only option was to try jump one. The stalk was difficult as the mud clay flung from my boots with each step. I finally jumped a small heard of four. All had broken horns except for one female (36" symetrical horns). Once they saw me (100+ yds.), they began to beat it. I took a running shot and hit her right in the boiler room. She fell on one knee and before I knew it, she was back up and began a full run. The other Oryx began crossing all around her in an attempt to confuse me. The second shot hit her in the neck. She fell to the ground, but continued to walk/run. The third shot hit her in the front shoulder blade and penetrated deep into the bone. Basically, Oryx are tough, fast animals. Their anatomy is NOT like an elk or deer and you will find that most of their internal organs are pushed up in the front cavity. The front breast area is much like armor plating with huge shoulder bones that cover the primary organs. I was told their anatomy design helps protect them from lions where they come from (Africa). I commend you on attempting to take one of these great animals with a bow. Be prepared for several quick shots and don't leave your rifle behind. If you wound this animal and it begins to run, you will never get close to it again. I retrieved two of my Hornady bullets from the Oryx. Both mushroomed beautifuly and retained better than 85% of the bullet weight. I don't think the problem was with my shooting or type of ammo, but the resilence these great animals. Good luck and send us pictures.
BadBry
