African Safari in New Mexico?

I recently took what some would consider the hunt of a lifetime. I could not argue though I hope to have several "hunts of a lifetime" but this one will no doubt make the list. For those of you that didn't know, in the 1960's New Mexico transplanted some exotic species to the southern part of the state including Gemmsbuck (oryx), Ibex, and Barbary Sheep (Aoudad). All of these animals can now be hunted and are free ranging. That's right, exotic hunts that are not high fence hunts! The tags are hard to come by, but sure worth looking at applying for. I was fortunate enough to draw a February Oryx tag on the Stallion section of the White Sands Missile Range. What a blast!! 55 degree weather in mid winter, plenty of animals and something different than anything I've ever done. If you have never looked at these hunts you need too. The unfortunate thing is that until this year, you only had to submit a $12 application fee to apply. Starting this year all tag fees in New Mexico must be fronted. The upside is the odds should get a lot better, but the downside, obviously, is having to front some serious coin. For those of you thinking about checking out these oryx hunts, don't forget the application period is sooner than the rest of the critters in New Mexico. In fact, the application deadline has already come and gone for this year, Feb 3rd. These hunts are a little different than your conventional hunt in that there is 70 tags given out and they are two day, once in a lifetime hunts, but sure is worth a look if you are interested in experiencing a little bit of Africa just a few miles down the road. Don't let the tag numbers or short season detere you. Most hunts run 70%-80% success rates. Based on my hunt, use your optics and you will see plenty of animals. Get out of your truck and you will lose 80% of the crowd. If you have any questions or would like me to fill out applications for you, check out our website www.weekendwarrioroutdoors.com . Good luck and happy hunting!