WSMR Oryx Disabled Vet

[Jmort1754]

Has anyone hunted WSMR with the disabled vet program?

 

[Gila]

What is the disabled vet program?

 

[Jmort1754]

Basically its access to WSMR under a d/v initiative. Trying to figure that out.

 

[justinspicher]

I was looking at that last night in the regs. I’ll probably call this week to get information.

 

[Gila]

There was a separate veteran hunt with a draw in June. However, they changed that a season or so ago to put the veteran draw in March. They also added a senior hunt 70 or older. Some of the hunt dates coincide with elk hunts. There is an active duty military hunt on Mcgregor range around Fort Bliss. There is a walking disabilities hunt but no disabled vet hunts. There is a cold chance in hell that any resident would be drawn in a lifetime. But I guess somebody always wins the super lotto.

 

[madtinker]

My buddy at work drew oryx last year on the missile range. He tagged out but said it was kind of a strange hunt because of the access rules. So you never know; people get lucky every year.

 

[yfarm]

Depending on your disability could be a tough hunt. Biologist told me the animals stay at least 600 yds away from any road. We spotted animals from the road and did stalks on foot which were all quite long given the low flat terrain with low brush. Shot was at 428 yds after a 200 yd belly crawl thru 12” high cover. Fortunately it was cool so the snakes were not out. When we left, I drove over a large rattlesnake on the highway 380 going east, son driving behind me saw it strike at my tire.

 

[Jmort1754]

I was looking at that last night in the regs. I’ll probably call this week to get information.

I called them, the lady actually made me slightly more confused at first.

It has been communicated to me that you need to have your 214 and your va benefits letter in first, but she said to apply to the unit and then when it comes time for the DV draw you can send your stuff in. She couldn't tell me any more about the DV draw and how to be a part of it.

 

[justinspicher]

I live close enough to New Mexico I could probably just go talk to someone.

 

[Gila]

I called them, the lady actually made me slightly more confused at first.

It has been communicated to me that you need to have your 214 and your va benefits letter in first, but she said to apply to the unit and then when it comes time for the DV draw you can send your stuff in. She couldn't tell me any more about the DV draw and how to be a part of it

I had put in for it for years in June and then about two years ago the emails stopped and the hunt code was not listed in my account. So I called and here it is. She said you need to look at their website to see when the hunt is available around June and then put in for it then. So yes you will need a VA benefit letter and DD-214. If you haven’t put in the paper work, I recommend to get it in well in advance and call to follow-up:

Special oryx draw for injured service members
Towards the bottom of pg 18 Hunting rules and info

 

[RS_Non-Res]

Special Oryx Draw for Injured Service Members
...
For eligibility and application information, please call 888-248-6866 after June 1, 2025.

 

[Jmort1754]

so do we need to put in for the regular draw ?

 

[Gila]

It is a separate draw for DAVs. Just that one hunt for a random draw that occurs in June. The last time I applied they gave out 10 tags. Don’t remember which unit but all of the military hunts usually occur on WSMR. The application for the regular draw with your three choices for Oryx needs to be in by March 19 like the other big game applications. There is a mobility impaired hunt for everyone in the regular draw. If you are a DAV with a qualifying impairment, you can take the MI certification form to your VA doctor and ask he/she to fill out the form. Requirements for the mobility impaired hunt are described on the bottom of pg 15 and top of pg 16.

 

[Jmort1754]

So I just wait until June if all I want is the DV hunt.

 

[Gila]

Yes! But just know that the odds could be low. I have not known anyone who has won a tag yet. If you really want to hunt Oryx in NM then you will definitely want to apply in the regular draw as well.

 

[Jmort1754]

oh I plan on it.

 

[Gila]

Received an email today that all account info should be verified now. Don’t know why:

____________________________________________________________________________________________

White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) and Fort Bliss: ​

WSMR and Fort Bliss use the contact information you provide in your account to communicate specific hunt information necessary if you are successful, including payment of the mandatory access fee.

​

Don't miss out on a potential once-in-a-lifetime hunting opportunity because we can't contact you!!! The Department strongly recommends that you DO NOT wait until the last minute to provide your documents. Due to the influx of draw applications at the end of the application period, the Department cannot guarantee that your documents will be entered into the system if they are submitted after March 14, 2025. The Department further strongly recommends that hunters who plan to apply for 2025-2026 draw hunts requiring mobility-impaired (MI) certification or proof of military/veteran status submit their documentation ASAP to ensure they qualify for special hunt opportunities. ​ Mobility Impaired Certification (form online)​ This form must be signed by the applicant’s physician and attest that one or more of the mobility-impaired conditions apply. ​ Military-Only or Resident Veteran​ Current proof of service/eligibility must be provided to the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish prior to applying for any military-only hunts, resident veteran hunts or Fort Bliss resident status hunts. You will not be able to see or apply for these hunts until you have provided documentation of service to the Department, and verification has been entered into the system. Please email questions, completed mobility-impaired certification form or military documentation to [email protected].