I met Russ and Perry in Alamagordo NM in a a breakfast room in motel filled with hunters who were trying to get one of the many Oryx in the 3-day hunting period allowed in that area. Both of these men who live in the the Four Corners area had not known one another previously until they met that morning. Ironically, they live only about 10 miles from one another in their hometown. They told me about the history of the introduction in the 1960's of 9 African Oryx into this area around Alamagordo that has exploded into a population of thousands. These animals are well-adapted to New Mexican terrain, and because the herds were not getting enough grazing food and had suffered starvation, hunters are now allowed to hunt them during a short time period of 3 days. Since Perry's wife holds the same negative opinion of hunting as I, we, nonetheless, had an interesting conversation about this hunting activity of theirs.
Here is some more information I learned about the beautiful Oryx animals:
The Oryx is a large African antelope that now lives in southern New Mexico. In 1969 the New Mexico State Department of Game and Fish decided to introduce Oryx to the Tularosa Basin in New Mexico. The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish wanted to establish a huntable animal population in an area where there were not currently huntable numbers of big game. Oryx are specially adapted to desert life. They can go an indefinite period without drinking water. They feed on desert grasses, yucca, buffalo gourds, mesquite bean pods, and tumbleweeds.
To read a fascinating article, "A Graceful Gazelle Becomes a Pest," go here!
And to see more ABC WEDNESDAY POSTS, GO HERE!
l'Oryx est une superbe gazelle, je trouve cela bete de la chasser
ReplyDeleteOh to live where the antelope roam! So nice for them to pose for your picture. They appear to be experienced hunters.
ReplyDeleteYou learn something everyday. I had no clue about the Oryx.
ReplyDeleteLook like friendly guys!
ReplyDeletei have no problem with hunting if it is managed well, done safely and professionally w/o trespassing, etc., and used for food. if these antelope are prospering, then good for all...
ReplyDeleteJust that sentence 'wanted to establish a huntable animal population' makes my mind boggle..WHY!!! I'm sure they're nice enough chaps Kate, in their NORMAL life.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea!
ReplyDeleteLook like two nice guys. When I was younger I did some hunting with an uncle...but no more. The Oryx must be good to eat?
ReplyDeleteWell, at least it's only three days, but I wonder how sane the hunters are when they feel the clock ticking. . .
ReplyDeleteMy son in law and grandsons are big hunters. Blessings, Debbie
ReplyDeleteAlthough I am not fond of hunting, the solution they introduced for this population was a good one-most that hunt them do it for the meat. Which, is very nice meat like bison is. Lean. Here I thought the hunting season was in the fall! I know it's a lottery ticket system.
ReplyDeleteAnd they are wearing camouflage hats to suit your hat fetish! Personally, I have no interest in hunting (except with a camera), but I do appreciate the need to thin herds that will starve without thinning. I will be glad to let these two guys handle it for me.
ReplyDeleteGreat portrait...
ReplyDeleteThere was a story about hunting African game in Texas on CBS News 60 Minutes a couple weeks ago. Otherwise, your story would have totally surprised me.
ReplyDeleteROG, ABC Wednesday team
Never understand people who hunt but they do make a nice photo.
ReplyDeleteJoy, ABC Team
Kate, I honestly don't think killing for pleasure can be faced like a normal behaviour these days. It's just sick and disgusting and it makes me very angry.
ReplyDeleteCoincidently, I posted on the beautiful Oryx last week: http://oeirasdailyphoto.blogspot.com/2012/03/extinct-in-wild.html