Unit 19WSMR (White Sands Missile Range)

New Mexico Hunting Guide — Oryx

The White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) oryx hunt is one of the most unique big game experiences in the United States. Gemsbok (African oryx) were introduced to the Tularosa Basin in 1969 for sport hunting, and the herd now numbers approximately 3,000 animals on the missile range. Tags are allocated through the NMDGF draw and are highly coveted — this is the only place in North America where free-ranging gemsbok can be legally hunted. All access is controlled by the US Army.

View Draw Odds New Mexico Hunting Guide

Oryx Hunting in Unit 19WSMR

Where to Find Oryx on the White Sands Missile Range

WSMR oryx roam freely across the gypsum desert and lava flow terrain of the Tularosa Basin within the missile range. Hunt zones are assigned based on your drawn hunt code — each hunt zone covers a specific section of the range.

Open Gypsum Desert (Tularosa Basin Floor)

Oryx frequently use the open white sand and gypsum flat terrain of the basin floor — their African desert heritage makes them well-adapted to this environment. They are visible at great distance from any elevated position on the range perimeter or interior roads.

Lava Flow (Malpais) Edges

The Valley of Fires lava flow edges in the northern part of the range concentrate oryx that use the rocky malpais terrain for shade and bedding during midday. Glass from lava flow ridges into adjacent desert flats.

Orogrande and Red Canyon Areas

Specific hunt zones include Red Canyon, Rhodes Canyon, Small Missile Range, and Stallion Range areas. Your assigned hunt zone will be communicated by NMDGF upon drawing — each zone requires separate military escort coordination.

How to Hunt Oryx on the White Sands Missile Range

The WSMR oryx hunt is unlike any other big game hunt in the US. All hunters must operate under military escort — access to the range, daily check-in, and escort protocol are non-negotiable requirements.

Military Escort Requirement

Upon drawing a WSMR oryx tag, NMDGF will contact you with coordination instructions and Army Range Control contact information. You will be assigned an escort party and a specific reporting location and time. Failure to comply with escort protocols can result in tag forfeiture.

Open Desert Spot-and-Stalk

Once on the range, oryx hunting is a glassing and stalking game on open desert terrain. Oryx are large (300–450 lbs) with exceptional eyesight. Approach routes across open gypsum flats require patience and use of every terrain feature — even small dunes and plant clumps break your silhouette meaningfully at close range.

Long-Range Shooting Preparation

Open WSMR terrain frequently requires shots at 300–500+ yards. Ensure your rifle is zeroed and tested at these distances before your hunt. Oryx are tough animals — shot placement matters. A clean heart/lung shot is critical; marginal hits can result in long tracking jobs in unrestricted terrain.

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Oryx Success Rates

See the Draw Odds chart for WSMR oryx tag quota and harvest data. Success rates on the WSMR oryx hunt are very high — typically 85–95%+ — as oryx herds of 20–50 animals are regularly encountered. The challenge is the draw, not the hunt itself.

Oryx Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Rifle— Draw	272	7,899	3.4%	0

Data from 2022 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

The WSMR oryx hunt allocates several hundred tags annually across multiple hunt zones — making this a much more attainable draw than NM sheep. Draw odds vary by zone and weapon type, but residents often draw within 1–4 years with moderate preference points. Nonresidents may take 3–7 years. Check the live Draw Odds chart for the most current statistics by zone code.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need any special military clearance to hunt on the White Sands Missile Range?

You do not need personal military clearance, but all hunters must pass a basic background check coordinated by Army Range Control when you check in. All access is with an official military escort — you will not be permitted on the range independently. NMDGF provides detailed coordination instructions to successful tag holders.

What is the origin of oryx in New Mexico?

Gemsbok (Oryx gazella) were introduced to the Tularosa Basin in 1969 by the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish and the US Army as a sport hunting resource. The original 93 animals have grown to a free-ranging herd of approximately 3,000 animals — the only wild gemsbok population in North America.

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Sources & Verification

Every fact on this page is tied to a primary source below. Last fact-checked 2026-04-18.

NMDGF Big Game Hunting — New Mexico Department of Game and Fish · supports: Unit boundaries, Season dates, License quotas · accessed 2026-04-18
NMDGF Big Game Draw — New Mexico Department of Game and Fish · supports: Draw odds, Application process · accessed 2026-04-18