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African Hunts Targeting The Fringe-Eared Oryx

Native to East Africa, the Fringe-Eared Oryx is an elegant medium-sized antelope

The fringe-eared oryx (Oryx beisa callotis) is a medium-sized antelope native to East Africa. It is found in both arid and semi-arid regions where it has adapted to thrive in the harsh conditions of the area. When game hunting in Africa, your destination will be Tanzania or Kenya. The IUCN has listed the fringe-eared oryx’s status as “vulnerable” with a decrease in numbers and habitat being a concern.

The fringe-eared oryx lives in smallish mixed herds of up to 40 animals. This herbivore prefers dry open bush, with short, grassed savannas, where its diet enables it to go long periods without drinking. Consuming a range of grasses, plants, herbs, and wild melons, as well as digging for tubers, roots, and stems, the antelope gains its fluid intake mainly from its diet.

The beautiful fringe-eared oryx is more active during the early morning and late afternoon, resting in the heat of the day. However, should they be close to a waterhole, they will visit it in the company of other wildlife and antelopes, lessening their chance of becoming a meal for local predators.

Man is not the only hunter targeting this elegant antelope on his game hunting safaris. Other predators of the fringe-eared oryx include lions, cheetahs, and leopards. Sick and young members of the herd are often targeted by smaller predators.

When faced with a predator attack, the fringe-eared oryx will usually run, unless cornered or protecting its young, when it will then do battle and gorge predators with its long, straight horns. These tough antelopes have been known to successfully defend themselves against lions!

Breeding takes place throughout the year, with a gestation period of 8-9 months after which a single calf is born. The calf remains hidden for the first few weeks of its life, after which is joins the herd.

AT A GLANCE

Name:
Oryx beisa callotis

Male Weight:
360-460 pounds

Male Shoulder Height:
43-47 inches

Range:
East Africa

Gestation Period:
8-9 months

Life span:
10-12 years

Hunting The Fringe-Eared Oryx

The Fringe-Eared Oryx is an elegant medium-sized antelope that challenges hunters to bring their A-game while hunting in Africa.

Size and Appearance

African hunts targeting the fringe-eared oryx should look for a medium-sized antelope with a pale gray to white coat. The white coat is broken with a black stripe down the flanks and a black mark down the front of its face. Most noticeable about this antelope is the long tufts of hair on each ear. These tufts of black hair not only make them distinguishable for hunters but also play a role in temperature control for the animal. Males weigh up to 460 pounds, standing between 43-47 inches at the shoulder, while females are quite a bit smaller, weighing 250-410 pounds. Both males and females have long, slender, straight horns that can reach up to 32 inches, easily visible on your game hunting safari.

Hunting Methods

When hunting in Africa, the best method to target this graceful antelope is using the spot–and–stalk method. It’s common to glass the area using a vehicle and once sighted, to stalk on foot.

Challenges and Rewards

Oryxes are renowned for being alert with keen eyesight, ensuring that stalking them is very difficult. The reward in harvesting this exquisite-looking antelope is worth the effort it takes on the hunt!

Rifles and Requirements

These antelopes are often hunted at a further distance during a game hunting safari. Headshots are to be avoided. A .308 with a 22-inch barrel loaded with 168 grain is a favorite. Any rifle in the 30-caliber series will create a platform for success when hunting the elegant fringe-eared oryx. A smaller caliber, such as a well-placed shot from a .270 or .243 will also work for these African hunts.