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Robert Atkerson
Robert Atkerson Guide • Rio Rancho, New Mexico
Robert Atkerson
Robert Atkerson Guide • Rio Rancho, New Mexico

Summer Oryx - New Mexico

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Hunting Oryx in New Mexico during the hot summer months can be a grueling experience that requires the right gear. With temperatures often soaring above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, it's important to bring clothing that is lightweight, breathable, and provides sun protection. A long-sleeved, moisture-wicking shirt, pants, and a hat are essential to stay comfortable and avoid heat exhaustion. In order to be successful, you have to be prepared to take long shots, glass for hours and take your time stalking these exotics. Here, you will find my favorite pieces of hot weather gear when chasing these beautiful and great tasting animals all the way from field to table.

Location: New Mexico Southern Desert | Pursuit: Oryx | Season: Summer On-Range and Off-Range

May contain sponsored links*

Optics

When you are Oryx hunting, glassing is going to be your best option for finding them. They often bed in thick cover but then again always seem to be moving. 90% of your hunt will consist of being on the glass trying to locate and it plays a big difference in the gear you choose as I'll briefly explain below.

Binos

B.2 Binoculars 11x45
B.2 Binoculars 11x45
MAVEN
I have been running these for 3 years now and the animals I glass up just seem to "pop" making it easy to scan a valley quick and then pick it apart afterwards.

Bino Harness

Marsupial Enclosed Pack and Harness with Range Finder Pouch.
Marsupial Enclosed Pack and Harness with Range Finder Pouch.
This is by far the most comfortable and durable binocular harness out there. The enclosed model keeps sand and debris out of your lenses if while you stalk or crawl to get in close for a shot or while shooting prone.

Spotting Scope

S.1A Angled Scope 25-50x80
S.1A Angled Scope 25-50x80
MAVEN
I like this spotter because it is smooth and has great image quality. The aberrations though during this time of year can make it difficult to rely only on a spotting scope. This goes for any spotter.

Tripod

RIDGEVIEW™ CARBON TRIPOD + PAN HEAD
RIDGEVIEW™ CARBON TRIPOD + PAN HEAD
Vortex Optics
There are not many products that just blow me away, but this Tripod is one of them. The height you are able to achieve while maintaining a lightweight setup is perfect. This is a must have if you are over 5'9". The tripod legs extend fast and adjust however you want them.
SIRUI VA-5 Fluid Head
SIRUI VA-5 Fluid Head
A fluid head is a must on top of a tripod. Makes smooth easy on the eye adjustments and micro adjustments for judging and digiscoping game.

Range Finder

RF.1 Rangefinder 7x25 | 5-4500 YD
RF.1 Rangefinder 7x25 | 5-4500 YD
MAVEN
The two key features for this rangefinder are image quality and ability to adjust the brightness with a twist of the dial. There is plenty of brightness for those bright summer days on the desert.

Backpacks & Gear

Backpacks & Gear cover

Although a hunting pack is not necessary for this hunt, a frame and the equipment that you carry on other hunts will be essential and will play an important role in harvesting and field dressing the animal as quick as possible to avoid the meat going bad with the heat.

Backpacks & Pack Frames

I like both the Exo Mountain Gear K3 and K4 Frame - I would recommend both, but it is smart to have one with you. This hunt will allow you to recover game with a vehicle, but you may be unable to traverse the sandy desert all the way to your kill. Having a frame handy to carry meat out will save this sought after meat. Lifetime Warranty.

EXO MTN Gear K3
EXO MTN Gear K3
EXO MTN Gear K4
EXO MTN Gear K4

Knives

3.5" RazorLite™ EDC
3.5" RazorLite™ EDC
Outdoor Edge
The multiple interchanging blades will help you be efficient in caping, gutting, skinning, deboning, and later processing meat. It is super important to not waste time sharpening other knives when tools like this exist. Lifetime Warranty.
RazorSafe™ System Blade Combo Set
RazorSafe™ System Blade Combo Set
Outdoor Edge
This include a blade carrying case to protect from punctures, a gutting blade, a boning knife, and drop-point blades. A set perfect to start the season with.

Hydration

Osprey 100oz/3 Liter Hydraulics Reservoir
Osprey 100oz/3 Liter Hydraulics Reservoir
Easy to fill, easy to detach. Has a magnetic attachment so your hose does not swing or dangle. Lifetime Warranty.

Headlamp

XPH30R 1200 Lumen Rechargeable Dual Power LEDHeadlamp
XPH30R 1200 Lumen Rechargeable Dual Power LEDHeadlamp
Coast Products
Very bright light, turbo mode, has a magnetic side to mount on truck, long long battery life, rechargeable with USB-C, Waterproof and Lifetime Warranty.

Flashlight

XP11R 2100L Rechargeable Flashlight
XP11R 2100L Rechargeable Flashlight
Coast Products
Crazy bright, rechargeable, weighs only 6oz. Lifetime Warranty.

GPS

Elite Hunt Membership
Elite Hunt Membership
onX Hunt & onX Fish
On X provides detailed maps, quick and simple. Only carrying one device.. your phone which you will always have with you.

Satellite Messengers

Garmin InReach Mini
Garmin InReach Mini
Small, simple, keeps your family knowing you are safe. There is very little service down south when Oryx hunting.

Safety/ First Aid

MyFAK Mini
MyFAK Mini
MY MEDIC
Has the essentials, tough bags, and qualifying purchases with HSA card or FSA through insurance. MOLLE attachment panel.

Game Bags

Kuiu Quarter Game Bags
Kuiu Quarter Game Bags
Made out of tough but thin material that keeps flies away from capes and meat.

Accessories

Scent Eliminators

Super Slam Premium Kit
Super Slam Premium Kit
Dead Down Wind
Everything you need for a hard season of hunting. Important to stay clean and scent free with the sweltering summer heat.

Trail Cameras

Recon Force 4K Edge
Recon Force 4K Edge
Browning Trail Cameras
Great for Off-Range hunts. Consider placing near fence crossings.

Sunscreen

BLUE LIZARD Mineral Sunscreen
BLUE LIZARD Mineral Sunscreen
Great protection, scentless.

Lantern

COAST CREW EAL25 Dual Power Lantern
COAST CREW EAL25 Dual Power Lantern
Great to have at camp when enjoying the cooler nights on the desert.

Food & Nutrition

Supplements

ENDURO TRAIL PACKS
ENDURO TRAIL PACKS
MTN OPS
Pink lemonade flavor is the best. Keeps you focused while spending hours glassing and keeps you ready to go for a stalk when you find Oryx.

Snacks

Honey Mini Waffles
Honey Mini Waffles
Honey Stinger
A quick source of energy before a long stalk.

Clothing

Clothing cover

It is important to know your gear and your comfortability when wearing it. You would be surprised by the New Mexico desert and how cold it can get when the sun is rising or when the sun starts to sink down. This list will include the essentials I would recommend for a hunt in extreme temperatures.

Baselayer Top

Sitka Core Lightweight Hoody
Sitka Core Lightweight Hoody
Everything you need in a shirt- hoody, face mask, thumb loops for layering, quick-drying, lightweight. The hood especially comes in handy to eliminate your sun exposure.

Insulation/ Midlayer

Sitka Heavyweight Hoody
Sitka Heavyweight Hoody
Another great hoody. Great for packing into small spaces and pulling out when the sun starts to go down and the temperatures start dropping.

Pants

Sitka Ascent Pants
Sitka Ascent Pants
Lightweight, ability to throw knee pads in, perfect fit, great taper. My go to pant from summer to early winter here.

Rain Gear

Sitka Dew Point Jacket
Sitka Dew Point Jacket
GORE-TEX! Very lightweight.
Sitka Gear Dew Point Pant
Sitka Gear Dew Point Pant

Footwear

Crispi Guide Non-Insulated GTX
Crispi Guide Non-Insulated GTX
Short break-in period, very comfortable. Expect to replace the insole/footbed.
Men's Coolmax® Boot Sock Full Cushion
Men's Coolmax® Boot Sock Full Cushion
Darn Tough Vermont
When the heat picks up, these help your feet stay cool and dry.
Standard Full Length Custom Orthotic
Standard Full Length Custom Orthotic
Sheep Feet
Replacement Insoles

Firearms

Firearms cover

Rifle Equipment

Oryx are known to be tough so your rifle choice and caliber choice is essential on this hunt. Ability for a solid first shot, a quick follow up shot, and ability to use at distance will be crucial.

Rifle

Tikka T3x .308 Win
Tikka T3x .308 Win
Great all around caliber on a accurate, lighter weight and affordable setup.

Ammunition

Terminal Ascent Component Bullet .308 - 175gr
Terminal Ascent Component Bullet .308 - 175gr
Federal Premium

Rifle Scope

RS.5 Riflescope 4-24x50 SFP
RS.5 Riflescope 4-24x50 SFP
MAVEN

Bipods/ Shooting Sticks

Harris S-25C Bipod
Harris S-25C Bipod

Gun Sling

Allen BakTrak Vapor Rifle Sling
Allen BakTrak Vapor Rifle Sling
Tons of grip to keep it on your shoulder when stalking.
Robert Atkerson
Robert Atkerson Guide • Rio Rancho, New Mexico
Registered New Mexico Hunting Guide. Owner of @uneven_terrain_outdoors
*NOTE: The links to purchase certain products I recommend in this gear list may result in me being paid a small commission. I appreciate your support!