I went after one before I understood what that meant.
That changed fast. By mid-day, boot-deep in West Texas caliche, watching a watchful herd, my uncertainty turned to determination. The answer got simple.
You can admire an oryx from a distance. But admiration costs nothing.
Respect, on the other hand …
Respect is earned. It emerges when the wind shifts and the herd turns as one, when you realize you’re not just stalking them; they’re measuring you. Each step forward feels earned.
So do you have to hunt an oryx to appreciate it?
No.
But if you do, you’ll understand it differently.
Because somewhere between the first sighting and the final shot, admiration gives way to something heavier. The animal you thought you understood becomes deliberate. Uncompromising. That’s when respect takes hold.
That’s what hunting an oryx does to you.
And by the end, the question isn’t with the oryx, it’s with you.
Have you earned the honor of taking an oryx?
I’m not sure you ever feel like you’ve earned it until you’re in the middle of it.
Some people will tell you that hunting oryx outside of Africa misses the point.
I used to think that too.
I don’t anymore. That perspective changed once I experienced it here.
Texas isn’t a backup plan. It’s not easier or forgiving. If anything, it exposes you quicker.
You show up out of place, and Texas lets you know.
These animals may not have started here. But they belong here now.
And they demand the same thing from you as they would anywhere else: respect.
I showed up excited, ready for anything. I left humbled, changed by the experience and the animal.
The bull was quartering at a bad angle when I got behind the rifle. My setup, a Shaw Excursion custom build in 6.5-284 Norma, had already proven it could reach when needed. The rangefinder read 290 yards.
Now for the optics: the Leupold VX-6HD Gen 2 3-18x44 was flawless. I’ve never had a Leupold fail, no matter how tough the hunt.
I sent a 156-grain Norma Oryx bullet; the name felt fitting, in that instant, as it flew fast and sure. It’s a damned shame that Norma doesn't import its 6.5-284 in factory loads anymore.
Good hit. He dropped hard. We all thought it was over.
It wasn’t.
He got back up and took off as if nothing had happened.
Jake and Mason didn’t react, which at the time was reassuring. They’ve seen this sort of thing before, and with far worse shot placement. Oryx don’t quit easily.
When we walked up to where he fell, the ground told the truth. There was blood. A lot of it. And lung. Well, one lung, as we would soon find out.
Rain turned parts of the ranch into a mess, caliche and clay grabbing boots. Each step got heavier. Someone joked that maybe that made it fair: the oryx had one lung, we had ten pounds of mud on each foot.
But that same ground worked in our favor because the tracks were textbook clear. The blood showed bright red and glistened on the wet Texas terra. You could read the oryx's whole story in the dirt. We saw where he slowed, where he pushed, where he decided he wasn’t done yet.
Eventually, the trail dropped into a shallow draw.
We glassed ahead, and then we saw the herd, and our oryx was with them. He made it back to them - cue the theme from Rocky.
That stuck with me. It still does.
This oryx, tough as nails, had only one lung yet still outpaced us. I hit him hard; he still rejoined his herd. They closed ranks around him. When we moved in, the lead bull stepped forward, horns back, eyes warning us. I don’t speak oryx, but the message "FAFO" came through clear.
Wouldn't all of our lives be better if we had as loyal and protective friends as that oryx?
Then, the herd took off, and as he slipped to the back, we finally got our opportunity.
Sort of …
There are the shots you want to take, and then there are the shots you have to take. This was the second kind; all I had was what the locals call a Texas heart shot.
You sure, Jake? I asked. “Take it,” he whispered.
I pulled the trigger - pughhhhhhhhhhh (thank God for SilencerCo's Scythe Ti). The 156-grain Norma Oryx bullet went from butt to brisket; the oryx dropped like a stone.
Standing by him, I kept looking at that broken horn. A scar from winter. Just one more thing he’d already survived before we ever showed up. Then, I thought about the trail. How far he went. How did he get back to his herd? How another bull stepped in front of him.
When the hunt started, I liked this animal.
By the end, I loved it.
It doesn’t matter where the hunt happens: Africa or Texas.
An oryx always stands its ground.
I just hope I earned the right to stand beside it.
American Holoptics, a privately held U.S. company based in Clawson, MI, has acquired Armasight from Ecentria Group. Armasight, a Tempe, AZ-based manufacturer of night vision and thermal optics, expands American Holoptics' portfolio with products targeting both consumer and professional markets.
Vortex® has launched new Spring/Summer 2026 apparel including caps, tees, and accessories designed for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts. The collection features Banshee Sunglasses in charcoal camo and insulated tumblers in waterfowl camo, with special options for younger hunters and turkey hunters.
Whitewater Fishing introduces three UPF-protective hoodie options—Spindrift Merino, Slipstream Bamboo, and Lightweight Tech—designed to keep anglers protected from UV exposure during extended on-water sessions while maintaining breathability and performance.
The 60th Vegas Shoot showcased record-setting performances with widespread adoption of Easton X27 arrow shafts among top compound archers. Mike Schloesser won his third title, Ella Gibson claimed her first championship, and Brady Ellison earned his record 12th Vegas Shoot title in recurve competition.
The DSC Foundation announced Steve Hornady as the 2026 DSC Foundation Legacy Award recipient, recognizing his decades of leadership at Hornady Manufacturing and contributions to conservation, wildlife stewardship, and hunter education. Hornady will be honored at the 2026 DSC Foundation Gala on July 25 at the Gaylord Texan Resort in Grapevine, TX.
Brownells announced the expansion of its VALOR Program, a law enforcement initiative led by Bill Hampstead that provides agencies and officers access to quality replacement parts, armorer-grade tools, and technical support at reduced pricing below standard retail, drawing on Brownells' 85+ years of experience supporting law enforcement.
Team Ruger members delivered impressive performances across competitive shooting events, with David Olhasso winning the Arctic Blast Match FSI division and James McGinty securing second place. Notable achievements include Annie Berger's First Lady finish at US Steel Nationals, Steve Foster's podium finishes at Georgia State Steel Challenge, and Lauryl Akenhead's High Lady finish at the Woodsviking NRL Hunter Challenge.
Desirae Edmunds of Team Beretta won Lady High Overall honors in the Main Event and Super Sporting at the 2026 Gator Cup Sporting Clays Tournament held March 24-29 at Back Woods Quail Club. Edmunds competed with Beretta's A400 L Sporting shotgun, with Beretta USA and Gray Rose serving as Main Event sponsors.
NWTF Super Fund projects across Iowa are improving wild turkey habitat through forest management at Three Mile Lake, prescribed fire investments at Red Rock Wildlife Unit, prairie restoration at Clanton Creek Natural Resource Area, and equipment purchases in Benton County to enhance public hunting access.
The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies has released 12 professionally produced videos to help agencies and conservation partners communicate modern regulated trapping. Developed through a Multistate Conservation Grant in collaboration with the Council to Advance Hunting and Shooting Sports, the series emphasizes science-based messaging, animal welfare advancements, and trapping's role in wildlife management.
USA Archery received a USFWS Multi-State Conservation Grant to lead a nationwide initiative increasing target archery participation before the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The project, partnering with state fish and wildlife agencies, will develop recruitment and retention strategies supported by research from Responsive Management, delivering a digital toolkit with marketing strategies and engagement assets.
Whitetails Unlimited distributed $841,768 in grants during Q1 2026 across its four pillar programs: Outdoor Education, Hunting Preservation, Habitat Enhancement, and Shooting Sports Advancement. The DEER Program and Preserving the Hunting Tradition Program received the largest allocations, supporting youth education and hunter safety initiatives.
HeadHunters NW has been exclusively retained by a Salt Lake City-based firearms and suppressors manufacturer to conduct a confidential national search for a Director of Distribution & Fulfillment Operations. The role involves designing and operating a state-of-the-art distribution center, with Shaylene Keiner, President of HeadHunters NW, leading the search.
Eddie Salter, known as "The Turkey Man," appears on The Michael Waddell Podcast presented by Spandau Arms in partnership with Folds of Honor and Cigars International. Salter shares stories about early turkey calling innovations, his friendship with Ben Lee, and his World Turkey Calling Championship wins in 1985 and 1989, while discussing the evolution of turkey hunting techniques and the importance of mentoring young hunters.
Springfield Armory launched the SAINT Gear Pac, featuring a Viridian VENTA green dot optic, four Magpul PMAG Gen M3 magazines, and a premium rifle bag with over $200 in added retail value. Available with select SAINT models at participating gun stores with no redemption process required.
Federal Ammunition is shipping two new 12-gauge Upland Steel shotshell loads featuring No. 4 and No. 5 shot sizes designed for upland bird hunting with non-lead shot. The loads deliver consistent patterns and hard-hitting performance for pheasants, doves, quail, and grouse at $15.99 per 25-count box.
SK Guns, the nation's only series-driven limited-edition custom firearms manufacturer, has recreated Al Capone's iconic "Sweetheart" Colt 1911 in a limited run of 200 firearms. The .45 ACP pistol features detailed floral engraving, vintage red deer stag grips, and custom sights matching the original, blending historical craftsmanship with Prohibition-era symbolism.
Sightron announces the new "Snap Focus" S6 10-60x56 ED MOA Field Target riflescopes with innovative parallax adjustment technology reducing parallax from 320° to 270°. Featuring 15 Japanese optical-grade glass lenses and Zact-7 Revcoat Plus multi-coating, these premium scopes are designed for airgun, small caliber field target, and benchrest shooters.
Henry Repeating Arms unveiled the Bear's Leg Pistol, a modern lever action platform available in .357 Magnum, .44 Magnum, .30-30 Winchester, and .45-70 Government. The compact pistol features a factory-threaded barrel, M-LOK slots, fiber optic sights, and is designed for customization and SBR conversion where legally permitted, with an MSRP of $1,129.
Primary Arms Optics has released the SLx 1x MicroPrismT, a new prism scope with H1/T1-compatible mounting footprint compatible with popular red dot mounts. The optic features ACSS Cyclops and Gemini reticles plus a new red-illuminated T-Dot reticle, available now for $299.99.
TrueTimber announces its Shadowbark camo pattern is now available on turkey hunting apparel and gear at Bass Pro Shops, Cabela's, and Mack's Prairie Wings, with select products from Banded also featuring the pattern. Designed to replicate mature oak bark with deep browns and grays, Shadowbark provides hunters with superior concealment in timber and heavy cover.
Magpul introduces Modified Coyote Brown (MCB) PMAGs and AR accessories, including stocks, grips, and M-LOK attachments. All MCB products meet US Army TOP-3-2-045A requirements and are available at Magpul.com and retail locations.
ZEISS launches the Conquest Apia 20-50x65 Compact Angled Spotting Scope, featuring a 65mm objective lens with 87% light transmission, weighing just 47.6 oz. The backpack-ready spotter delivers exceptional optical quality with ED glass and aspheric lenses, designed for hunters and shooters demanding portability without sacrificing performance.
ALPS OutdoorZ announced a partnership with Michael Waddell and the Bone Collector brand, combining their shared values and expertise in hunting gear. The collaboration will produce content starting this spring during turkey season and expand through fall big game seasons, leveraging Waddell's reputation and ALPS OutdoorZ's development capabilities.
Chiappa introduces the 92 Core lever-action rifle in its Wildlands series, chambered in .44 MAG with a 16.5-inch barrel and angle eject action. The rifle features M-LOK slots, 5/8×24 muzzle threading, and 8+1 capacity, designed for practical field use with modern refinements while maintaining traditional lever-action aesthetics.
Zanders, a premier national distributor based in Sparta, Illinois, announced a collaborative release with CMMG featuring an exclusive suppressed .22LR rifle with multi-bronze anodized finish. The rifle includes the CMMG Zeroed 22LR suppressor and is built on a standard AR15 lower receiver, allowing flexibility for caliber conversions.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission approved Federal Premium's FireStick muzzleloading system for the 2026-2027 hunting season, compatible with Traditions NitroFire, CVA Crossfire, and Thompson/Center Encore rifles. The approval expands muzzleloader definitions to include safer, encased powder technology. Over 30 states now allow FireStick systems.
Firearms News releases its April 2026 issue featuring Darwin Nercesian's cover story on the Auto-Ordnance Thompson TAO50 .50 BMG Rifle, with performance testing out to one mile. The issue includes SHOT Show 2026 coverage, reviews of Beretta's 1301 LTT Custom Shotgun and Smith & Wesson's M&P Shield X Pistol, plus articles on suppressors and reloading.
Spartan Precision Equipment will exhibit at the 157th NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Houston, Texas, April 16–19, 2026, at Booth #3412. The company will showcase its award-winning Springbok Tripod, winner of the 2026 Golden Bullseye Award, along with the Valhalla Gen 2, Vidarr, and Javelin bipod series.
Brigade Tactical will exhibit at the 155th NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Houston, Texas from April 16-19 at booth 4526. The Manchester, New Hampshire-based suppressor manufacturer will showcase its Monocore suppressor lineup and offer exclusive event pricing.
Savage Arms will exhibit at the 155th NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Houston, April 16-19, 2026, showcasing its reimagined Model 110 series including the new Model 110 RF Series rimfire rifles. The company will feature the AccuFit™ V2 system and partnerships with LimbSaver at Booth #1922.
Charter Arms, a manufacturer of American-made revolvers based in Shelton, CT, will exhibit at the 2026 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Houston, TX from April 16-19. The company will showcase its full revolver line, including the new Boomer compact revolver and Pathfinder II double-action/single-action revolver.
TriStar Arms will exhibit at the NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Houston, TX, April 17–19, 2026, at Booth #3103. The company will showcase new products including the Upland Hunter Thumbhole Stock, new KR22 Series color options, and the APOC Pro pistol.
Kimber Mfg., Inc. will exhibit at the 2026 NRA Show in Houston, Texas, April 17-19 at booth 2803. The company will unveil two new product launches and showcase its full firearms lineup, including the 2K11 platform, CDS9 series, Next Generation 1911, and 1911 DS Warrior.
Maxim Defense, a premier manufacturer of precision firearms, suppressors, and accessories based in St. Cloud, Minnesota, will exhibit at the 2026 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Houston, Texas from April 16-19, 2026. The company will showcase the SDX RFLX, PDX-SD, MD15 Duty line, and other products at booth #3237.
Taylor's & Company will exhibit at the 2026 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Houston, Texas, April 16-19, showcasing their 9mm revolver line, TC73 Blued 9mm Lever-Action rifle, and Take Down Series II created with Ranger Point Precision at booth #3637.
Silent Steel USA will showcase its Streamer suppressor family at Booth #1055 during the 2026 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits, featuring hands-on demonstrations of its proprietary FLOW-IQ gas management technology. The company offers three modular suppressor models supporting multiple calibers, with show pricing available at the booth.
XS Sights will showcase new products including Glock Gen 6 ACRO Optic Plates, HK VP9 Optic Plates, and magazine extensions for Walther PDP and S&W M&P pistols at the 2026 NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits in Houston, Texas, April 17-19 at booth #1716.
WOOX, an Italian-American manufacturer of gunstocks, axes, and knives, will exhibit at the 2026 NRA Meetings & Exhibits in Houston, TX from April 16-19. CEO Ben Fleming announced the company will showcase innovative products including the new "High Grade" line, 1913 Compatible Stocks, and Bravado Laminate lever-action furniture at booth #4211.
DSG Outerwear, a Wisconsin-based company created for female hunters and adventurers, continues its partnership with Whitetails Unlimited as a national sponsor. The company offers functional hunting apparel including layering, jackets, boots, and accessories in blaze pink, orange, and camo options.
Domain Outdoor, a food plot seed manufacturer, has renewed its national sponsorship with Whitetails Unlimited, announced by WTU President Jeff Schinkten. The company specializes in high-quality food plot seed and premium ingredients with seasonal blends, offering a helpful food plot selector on their website.
Burris Optics will sponsor the NRL Hunter's Buffalo Bill's Revenge match scheduled for April 10–12, 2026 near Laramie, Wyoming at Logan Ranch. The high-difficulty, field-style competition features challenging terrain and targets ranging from 500 to 900 yards, designed to test shooter and equipment capabilities.
World Fishing Network offers a free month-long preview throughout April on providers including Dish, Sling, Cox, Armstrong, TDS, Service Electric, and Blue Ridge, reaching approximately 7.65M incremental subscribers. The preview features programming from legendary anglers like Bill Dance, Roland Martin, and Jimmy Houston, plus Major League Fishing Team Series content and culinary shows.
MyOutdoorTV announces new MeatEater programming launching Fridays, including seasons of MeatEater Hunts, Cal in the Field, and two new series produced by Steven Rinella: Rinella's Field Notes and MeatEater's 12 in '26, expanding MOTV's outdoor content library.
