I'll be putting the stalk on a scimitar horned oryx in a bit over a week and would like to hear from those of you who have actually hunted oryx.

I've been doing some research on shot placement and, as usual, opinions are mixed on the subject. Some say use a standard behind-the-shoulder placement, but most of the diagrams I've seen show the lungs riding above the heart, which is positioned somewhat forward and low, protected by bone. This leads some to say "No, no, don't shoot behind the shoulder or you've screwed the pooch." These folks advocate shooting at the shoulder, but some decry that placement on the basis of excessive meat damage, which I'd like to avoid. This leads to a third school of thought, which holds that you should shoot just behind the shoulder -- not 3 or 4 inches behind, but JUST behind the shoulder, inline with the rear line of the front leg.

What say you, experienced oryx slayers?

I'll probably use a .300 WSM, but I don't want to launch another cartridge selection debate. This is all about placement.

In the v right behind the shoulder thier heart lies very low compared to a white tail so shoot lower than normal. You will have plenty of gun. have fun

Hey I guide for oryx and seen enough shots botched. Best place depends on caliber. For example a 243 or 220 swift neck shot with a ballistic tip will drop it like a sack of bricks. Using a large bore DONT shoot back like a whitetail shoot up towards the brisket. I say this to the hunters shoot in the orange area at a 45 degree angle from where the neck meets back down about 6"-8" I'll be lights out. Have fun good luck.

Very low shoulder. Drops them every time.
Had about 15 oryx hit there with all calibers over the summer and each one didnt go more than 10 yards.

Mulie Mike is right.

Shoot low in the shoulder where the vitals are and you will not waste much meat. The vitals are very low and far forward on the scimitar oryx. When you look at one from broadside they have a rust color on the bottom of their shoulder just at the bottom of the rib cage and brisket. Put your vertical crosshair lined up with the leg and the horizontal on top of that rust color on the leg. That is where you need to put your bullet. If you can get a shot in that location when the facing shoulder goes forward, you should be able to do even less damage to meat.

So where are you going to hunt this? I have been watching you post and wondered where you finanlly landed to hunt one?

Thanks, Guys.

Jake - My taxidermist came through with a hunt. Friend of a friend kind of deal at a very good discount. Supposed to be 35-36 in. bulls. Not tremendous mass, but respectable animals. Works for me!

Good luck, looking forward to pics.

Depending on the type of hunt or herd you may be prepared to take a 200-300 yard shot... When i hunted with Roy, the herd never gave us closer than a 250 yard shot....

http://www.africahunting.com/content/18-oryx-hunting-168/

There you go bud

Won't be an issue on this hunt. Biggest challenge will be getting clean shots through the cover.