Boerne resident Shauna Kohleffel and her husband, Nick, have both been supporters of the Lone Star Outdoor News Foundation since the beginning.
That’s why it brought a smile to everyone’s face when Nick was randomly picked and won the scimitar-horned oryx hunt raffle at the 2025 LSON Foundation Wild Game Supper held in October at the Beretta Gallery in Dallas.
Once the family arrived at the ranch north of Abilene, it didn’t take long to find the oryx the morning of Jan. 1.
“It happened fast,” Shauna said. “We came out Wednesday and arrived New Years Eve. We decided ahead of time to delay the first morning hunt to a little later so we could all celebrate that evening.”
After the evening’s lingering effects had worn off, it was time to head afield and hunt mid-morning on the first. The group rode around checking wheat fields.
“Our guide strategically placed us in the perfect spot,” Shauna said. “The herd was there and there was a lone bull that stood off to the side like he was presenting himself to us.”
Shauna got into position behind shooting sticks and her Christianson Arms Ridgeline 7mm Backcountry rifle, before squeezing off the 140-yard shot and sending a Federal bullet to its mark.
“I had not shot this rifle before, but when we cranked the scope up, (the oryx) looked huge. The wind was blowing steadily into our faces, making me tear up. My eyes were watering. I got settled, took a deep breath and shot into the shoulder.”
The bull took off, obviously well hit, when he ran a big semi-circle, falling behind a big cedar.
“We walked toward it and it was Liam who found it,” Shauna said. “He did great. He yelled, ‘Mom! It’s over there.’ It was really shocking to see the height of the horns and the body size. Walking up to an animal with your kids is more exciting. I had the shakes for a few minutes.”
Kohleffel said the animals was gorgeous, and she hasn’t had a chance to hunt many exotics, so this ranks high on her all-time trophy list. After caping and cleaning her animal, the group set out to knock back some of the ranch’s doe population, something Liam was more than happy to accomplish.
The family spent a great weekend together afield, which is what the LSON Foundation is all about — providing opportunities for families to hunt together.
Shauna said it was a wonderful memory with the group, but one small issue remains.
“Now, we are going to need more wall space.”
