Story By: Nathan Cavender
In the spring of 2024, while sitting in Turkey Camp, my dad and I received the call of a lifetime: we had both drawn coveted New Mexico oryx tags for a hunt on the White Sands Missile Range (WSMR). This wasn’t just another hunting trip, it was a rare opportunity to pursue exotic, African-transplanted oryx across the rugged desert terrain of an active military range. The news sent a surge of excitement through me, tempered by nerves. The stakes were high, and I didn’t want to mess it up. Fortunately, we had support. The team at Huntin’ Fool was instrumental, guiding us through the application process and outfitter selection. They answered every question patiently and provided a shortlist of guiding services. After careful consideration, we chose A3 Trophy Hunts NM, led by Ryan Nogosek, who proved invaluable in navigating paperwork and addressing our questions about the hunt.
Our guide, Ethan, was a game-changer once we arrived. Knowledgeable and well-connected, he made the operation seamless from the moment we set foot on the WSMR. Day one began with clear skies and high anticipation after completing the lengthy check-in process and safety briefing. We rolled out across the missile range in search of oryx, our eyes scanning the vast desert landscape. The animals weren’t hard to spot—herds dotted the terrain, their tall horns glinting in the New Mexico sun—but closing the distance was a challenge. We passed on younger bulls and struggled to get within range of others, the open country offering little cover. Ethan’s expertise kept us moving forward. After several failed setups, he positioned us ahead of a promising group. Dad was up first, watching as the herd paralleled our position. His shot rang out, and his oryx dropped cleanly. The herd scattered, but Ethan’s sharp eyes caught a second mature oryx quartering away, glancing back to investigate the commotion. I shouldered my rifle, took aim, and fired. In less than 30 seconds, we had two oryx down, a father-son double that left us grinning in disbelief, our hearts pounding with the thrill of it all.
The real work started once the dust settled. Quartering and caping two oryx under the blazing desert sun was grueling, taking hours of effort. Adrenaline and energy drinks fueled us through the task, the heat bearing down as we worked. With meat and hides packed, we made a mad dash to the main gate, barely checking out of the base before the deadline. Standing there, sweaty and triumphant, I felt an overwhelming sense of privilege, not just to hunt on the WSMR, but to share this moment with my dad. We’ve chased game together across the globe, from the rugged mountains of Alaska to the distant plains of Africa, but the stark, otherworldly beauty of White Sands held a magic all its own. The vast gypsum dunes, framed by distant mountains, created a backdrop that felt both humbling and exhilarating.
Back home, the rewards continued. The oryx meat, processed and delivered, surprised me with its rich, distinctive flavor—a standout at family and friend gatherings ever since. Sharing those meals, paired with stories of the hunt, has kept the memory vivid. For anyone with the means and a hunger for adventure, I can’t recommend this hunt enough. It’s a rare chance to pursue a free-range exotic on American soil, and with outfits like Huntin’ Fool and A3 Trophy Hunts NM in your corner, you’re set up for success. For us, it was more than a hunt—it was a story we’ll recount for years, a testament to luck, teamwork, and the unbreakable bond of chasing game together as father and son.