Yard Hoppers Part Two
Contributors to this thread:Small Game
From: Paul@thefort
14-Dec-17
Well, here we go on the first annual goose hunt with bow in hand. Chase has recuperated from his two day pheasant hunt and I am sure he is eager as I am but he has no idea that we are going this morning, well until he sees me getting dressed for the field. A light snow last night, Calm right now but the forecast if for gusty winds in the after noon. It is now 6 am and sunrise is at 7:15. so I better get going. Hard to tell the outcome on the first hunt. It is going to depend on where the geese what to go. I will update this when we return after this morning's hunt.
From: Scar Finga
14-Dec-17
Go Gettem Paul!!! Good Luck and have fun!
From: njbuck
14-Dec-17
Good luck Paul.
From: scrapwood
14-Dec-17
Alright! Good luck Paul & Chase!
From: Brotsky
14-Dec-17
Best of luck Paul, hopefully chase had some action this morning!
From: Paul@thefort
14-Dec-17
added a few Predator goose decoys for some motion.
added a few Predator goose decoys for some motion.
sun is up, start of a new day
sun is up, start of a new day
a few geese flew at 7:30 until 8:45 and then all was quiet.
a few geese flew at 7:30 until 8:45 and then all was quiet.
Was in the blind and decoys out by 7am. There were 20 plus geese on the pond behind me but I can do nothing about that unless they decided to land in the decoys.
From: Paul@thefort
14-Dec-17
but they all headed south for better pickings
but they all headed south for better pickings
a pair of crows waiting for a free meal of goose scraps
a pair of crows waiting for a free meal of goose scraps
I forgot the Milk Bones so I had to treat Chase with an orange slice
I forgot the Milk Bones so I had to treat Chase with an orange slice
No shot opportunities but a close call. End of today's hunt.
No shot opportunities but a close call. End of today's hunt.
From: Bowboy
14-Dec-17
Good luck Paul. It's snowing in Cheyenne. Also very windy.
From: Z Barebow
14-Dec-17
Bowboy-Cheyenne windy? I am shocked! LOL!
Thanks for updating us Paul. Good luck and I will definitely be following you and Chase!
From: Habitat for Wildlife
14-Dec-17
Will be tuning in. Good luck!
From: drycreek
14-Dec-17
Better luck next time Paul. Good pics anyway......
From: Brotsky
14-Dec-17
A good start Paul even if no geese were harvested! Best of luck!
From: tobinsghost
14-Dec-17
What...no Milk Bones?!? He does luv u, I'd of just ran home!
From: t-roy
14-Dec-17
Tomorrow is another day. Good luck!
From: Paul@thefort
15-Dec-17
Troy, the 'another day' will be next Monday. We had a big influx of geese over a month ago when a large cold front came through. Not so much now. Driving down to Denver, I see many flock along the way. But, the migratory geese around Ft Collins as well as the local yard hoppers seem to be scattered this time of year and I believe it is because of the warmer weather compared with last year. I hear very few shot gun blast from those killing fields. A year ago there were a lot of Yard Hoppers on the adjacent properties but so far, that has not happened in numbers. I have noticed since I have been hunting this property for the past 6 years that where have been less and less geese actually " hopping" on this property. While I did kill 11 last year, I will just that to wait to see what the geese are up to this year. Like hunting deer and elk, geese also can change their locations from time to time as the food sources change. I am sure it will get better as we moved to the end of Dec and into January. Wait and see for sure. Paul
From: Franzen
15-Dec-17
Always great to see your photo journals Paul. Best of luck and enjoy!
From: Jaquomo
15-Dec-17
Paul, pick up some of those plastic fake corn cobs at Cabelas and scatter them around. Or pretend you're in Kansas and just put out a truck load of the real thing!
BTW, I'm not hearing much shooting on the fields east of my place either, not seeing the huge flicks congregating. Definitely a weather thing IMO. Jet stream just needs to shift a tiny bit and everything will change.
From: Ambush
15-Dec-17
I watched the video from one of your other hunts. Pretty cool that you can do that! I'm always intrigued by "unorthodox" hunts or species and archery goose hunting is certainly out of the norm. Looking forward to seeing you getting it done,
Are those geese the Lesser Canada's?
From: Paul@thefort
15-Dec-17
Rod,No, not Lessers but there are a lot of them around as that population has grown a lot vs the large species.
From: The Kid
15-Dec-17
Good Luck Paul!! I always look forward to this thread!!
From: Crash
15-Dec-17
I thought about this thread this morning, was heading back into town from an early meeting and I bet there were 40 or 50 birds on a green field.
From: Paul@thefort
15-Dec-17
brush blind hunt with decoys only 15 yards away. Up close and personal
brush blind hunt with decoys only 15 yards away. Up close and personal
in your face
in your face
Hunt #2 Ok Can not wait until Monday so, going to try something else in the morning- Saturday. Instead of using the tent blind I am going to set up, on the hill, in a brush blind like pictured. Any goose that comes by will have a better view and maybe drop in. I like this set up as I can look NW in the direction the geese usually come from. Chase will have to wait in the truck as he will not hold stead or not stop whining when the geese approach. Wait and see. Paul
From: drycreek
15-Dec-17
Good luck Paul !
From: Inshart
15-Dec-17
Good luck Paul - as others have said, always fun post to watch.
From: stick n string
15-Dec-17
Good luck!!!
From: ELKMAN
16-Dec-17
Hell of a good looking Black Lab.
From: Paul@thefort
16-Dec-17
Hunt 2, Dec 16th, So I am up at 5 am, thinking about going goose hunting. It only take a minute to make up my mind. I check the local weather. Warm, calm winds and I have a game plan to hunt the brush blind on the top of the hill. Sunrise at 7:17 so I better be there at 6:30 and setting up. I grab a bowl of cereal with banana topping.
From: Paul@thefort
16-Dec-17
What is it about a sunrise? A new day for sure. Another fresh breath of air and more strong heart beats. LIFE for sure.
From: Paul@thefort
16-Dec-17
a few early morning goose flight but not interested in my area, heading farther south
a few early morning goose flight but not interested in my area, heading farther south
this flock might do. Lower this time
this flock might do. Lower this time
Yea, they are looking hard and wings are starting to lock some
Yea, they are looking hard and wings are starting to lock some
From: Paul@thefort
16-Dec-17
Mr. Squirrel sees them coming
Mr. Squirrel sees them coming
and this tree full of robins. They did not know what to do. Stay or fly south.
and this tree full of robins. They did not know what to do. Stay or fly south.
From: Ambush
16-Dec-17
Come on and land you buggers!!!
From: Paul@thefort
16-Dec-17
they fly right over low, and a few goose chuckles gets them turning.
they fly right over low, and a few goose chuckles gets them turning.
I grab the camera and take this shot as they are set to land.
I grab the camera and take this shot as they are set to land.
feet down, gliding in
feet down, gliding in
on the ground, the closest one in 33 yards away. there is another flock to the left and slightly closer. I guess 25 yard, shoot low and just graze its belly and leg but it lies down.
on the ground, the closest one in 33 yards away. there is another flock to the left and slightly closer. I guess 25 yard, shoot low and just graze its belly and leg but it lies down.
From: Paul@thefort
16-Dec-17
I adjust my sights single pin to 33 yards and let the arrow fly.
I adjust my sights single pin to 33 yards and let the arrow fly.
Good hit. First goose of the new season. I am sure glad I got up this morning and went goose hunting.
Good hit. First goose of the new season. I am sure glad I got up this morning and went goose hunting.
Hero shot. I like hunting out of the brush blind but on cold day , the tent blind is better. Later I will move the tent blind to this location on the top of the hill.
Hero shot. I like hunting out of the brush blind but on cold day , the tent blind is better. Later I will move the tent blind to this location on the top of the hill.
as I drove off the property, I looked for the wounded goose. Found him dead in the thin ice, 150 ft from shore on the big lake across the highway.
as I drove off the property, I looked for the wounded goose. Found him dead in the thin ice, 150 ft from shore on the big lake across the highway.
From: BigOk
16-Dec-17
Congrats
From: Paul@thefort
16-Dec-17
Chase was left in the truck but he had a chance to retrieve the goose I killed, later.
Chase was left in the truck but he had a chance to retrieve the goose I killed, later.
new goose arrows with different color raps. White raps for when there is only grass in the field. Yellow raps when snow is on the ground. THE END
new goose arrows with different color raps. White raps for when there is only grass in the field. Yellow raps when snow is on the ground. THE END
From: Ambush
16-Dec-17
You made quick work of that! Congratulations. Love the pic through the sight.
From: stick n string
16-Dec-17
Way to go!!!
From: Owl
16-Dec-17
I love that twist on goose hunting. We have some decent resident flocks but I just do not find them palatable. Too much like liver.
Great photos. Post, on Paul!
From: Swampy
16-Dec-17
Paul always fun to watch you do your thing .
From: Bowboy
16-Dec-17
I was wondering if you were going to hunt today. Congrats!
From: Paul@thefort
16-Dec-17
Thanks guys. Craig, I was going to hold off until Monday but Chase made me go today! LOL
I left home an hour ago and went passed the dead goose on the ice. I thought maybe an eagle might have grabbed it up by now but it is still there. I sure it will not last long with critters around.
From: keepemsharp
16-Dec-17
Paul: that is really something, know people that have tried for a long time for bow goose kills, good job.
From: Ucsdryder
16-Dec-17
Paul that’s awesome!!! Do you ever get any jewelry? Might be able to spot them coming in with their bands!
From: Heat
16-Dec-17
Way to go Paul! Good stuff!
From: Paul@thefort
16-Dec-17
Dave, bow shooting geese and some ducks, seems to be catching on, per Google, YouTube search.
John, no jewelry after hunting geese and ducks in Colorado for the past 10-20 years. When I lived in Ohio and hunted them, yes, once in a while.
From: elkster
16-Dec-17
From: elkster
16-Dec-17
I'm motivated by your desire to get up and hunt, Paul. Grateful that you took the time to bring us along.
From: Paul@thefort
16-Dec-17
Don, I have always been an early morning person so getting up is not an issue especially during any hunting season. Hard to stay home when there is still a hunting season going on somewhere. I do not bowl or golf so what else is there to do???? Hunt until the sun goes down. I enjoy telling the stories with word and pictures. Bowsite is a good venue to accomplish that. thanks for the note. Paul
From: Paul@thefort
18-Dec-17
Hunt 3 Dec. 18. 5:52 am. Cool this morning and 14 degrees colder than the last hunt. Will head out to the killing field by 6:30. Will not know if I will hunt the tent blind or the brush blind on the hill until I get there. The adjacent pond will be frozen over as well as parts of the big lake across the highway but geese have a way of keeping some water open until a really deep freeze on the big lake. Lack of snow fall in Colorado along the Front Range as well as in the Mountains is causing concern about moisture. The ski resorts are lacking natural snow and are only offering a few lifts and runs.
From: Brotsky
18-Dec-17
Good luck this morning Paul! Big snow on the way later this week hopefully for us. I'm hopeful you guys get some of that moisture as well. This past fire season has been terrible. We'll take all we can get!
From: Paul@thefort
18-Dec-17
The sun was up right on time and in a few minutes I could feel its warm rays.
The sun was up right on time and in a few minutes I could feel its warm rays.
From: Paul@thefort
18-Dec-17
I elected to hunt the brush blind again because after setting out the decoys, the 20 degree did not seem to bad and I know it was going to get warmer. Chase was by my side with his camo jacket on.
I elected to hunt the brush blind again because after setting out the decoys, the 20 degree did not seem to bad and I know it was going to get warmer. Chase was by my side with his camo jacket on.
sort of a slow morning with not too many geese flying and the ones I saw were heading out to greener pastures. Just might be one of those days with a big zero in the bag.
sort of a slow morning with not too many geese flying and the ones I saw were heading out to greener pastures. Just might be one of those days with a big zero in the bag.
golden sun off of their bodies. If you are a goose hunting, you have to love that.
golden sun off of their bodies. If you are a goose hunting, you have to love that.
From: LC Archer
18-Dec-17
Good times Paul. Great shot on the bird at 33 yards too.
My lab was my motivator when I used to train and hunt waterfowl. He was always ready to go Best Dave
From: Paul@thefort
18-Dec-17
they swing wide around the property and are heading back, a few goose sounds on the call, convinces them even more.
they swing wide around the property and are heading back, a few goose sounds on the call, convinces them even more.
heading in. Chase is being a good boy for once and staying still.
heading in. Chase is being a good boy for once and staying still.
Closer they come, wings locked to land. Shotgun range but not in bow range.
Closer they come, wings locked to land. Shotgun range but not in bow range.
A half hour later and when you think the hunt is all over for the day, these guys show up from the lake side and are heading right in. I mean they are coming fast. I quickly grab Chase and hunker down with camera in hand and the bow, in reach.
From: Paul@thefort
18-Dec-17
Yep, almost on the ground and within bowrange
Yep, almost on the ground and within bowrange
I range the closest one at 34 yards. It is lying down and facing me. Hard shot but I take it. Arrow on its way. I thought I hit it but none of the other geese flew
I range the closest one at 34 yards. It is lying down and facing me. Hard shot but I take it. Arrow on its way. I thought I hit it but none of the other geese flew
From: Paul@thefort
18-Dec-17
dead goose on the very thin ice. How was I going to retrieve it?
dead goose on the very thin ice. How was I going to retrieve it?
went to retrieve the arrow and found this blood trail. If I had waited a few more minutes, the goose would have died right there.
went to retrieve the arrow and found this blood trail. If I had waited a few more minutes, the goose would have died right there.
I found the goose 150 ft from shore on the thin ice. Too thin to support the dog and maybe too deep to wade. But then I had an idea!!!!!
I found the goose 150 ft from shore on the thin ice. Too thin to support the dog and maybe too deep to wade. But then I had an idea!!!!!
I picked out another target and let fly. Miss!. That got them up and flying but the one I thought I had hit jumped up, flew heading for the pond, the others flew the other direction. I watched the single goose sail over the thin ice to the opposite side of the pond where it crashed, flapping its wings and then was still.
From: Butternut40
18-Dec-17
Great thread and good job. I heard a musky pole along with a big jerk bait and 3 treble hooks works great for retrieving downed birds on thin ice. :)
From: Z Barebow
18-Dec-17
Butternut- I like the way you think! In my misspent youth, I had a fishing pole rigged with a floating bait to retrieve ducks that I shot. (I didn't have Chase though!)
From: Paul@thefort
18-Dec-17
Interesting day for sure but we got our second goose of the season.
Interesting day for sure but we got our second goose of the season.
Chase get awarded for being a good boy
Chase get awarded for being a good boy
and the goose that died on the big lake across the road the other day, provided another predator a good meal.
and the goose that died on the big lake across the road the other day, provided another predator a good meal.
So, I head home for my waders, spinning rod and a treble hook jerk bait. Back at the pond, I break ice out to the grass line and then start to cast. I took me a few tries to hook the goose and I was lucky the 10# test did not break. Closer and closer the dead goose slid across the ice until I was able to grab it. (butternut40, we heard the same advice)
From: Ambush
18-Dec-17
Great stuff! Dedicated to the hunt right to the end!
From: Heat
18-Dec-17
Nice work Paul and Chase!
From: Destroyer350
18-Dec-17
That looks like so much fun!
From: buckfevered
18-Dec-17
Congrats Paul! Another awesome hunt and recap for us to enjoy almost as much as your enjoying the hunt itself.
From: BOWNBIRDHNTR
18-Dec-17
Great job Paul, always a terrific thread I look forward to following. Jeff
From: Ambush
18-Dec-17
Do you think lure choice is critical when ice fishing for geese?
From: stick n string
18-Dec-17
Ambush, I would think you would want a solid one piece lure. Anything with a joint would be more mechanical, and much more likely to fail
From: Habitat for Wildlife
18-Dec-17
This is so cool. I might try it!
From: Paul@thefort
18-Dec-17
this was my ice fishing goose lure options this morning. The jerk bait won out. Casted well, hooked well. Using 12 # test would have been better for the geese. Actually of all of he ducks and geese I have killed in my lifetime, this was the very first time I used this retrieving rig but always had it in the back of my mind as an option. I guess, this was the time.
Going to take a break from the geese and head out east along the So Platte River to hunt ducks for a few days. Chase is making me do this as he has not hunted ducks this year. Thanks for following along as the goose hunt will continue in the near future. my best, Paul
From: Brotsky
18-Dec-17
Congrats on getting your Christmas goose Paul! I hope you and Chase have good luck chasing the ducks. Should be some good hunting later this week with the cold front coming in. Still a lot of ducks in the Dakota's with our nicer than normal winter!
From: tobywon
18-Dec-17
Nice Paul, congrats and great thread. We used to have to snag them in the water while hunting along the shore since we didn't have a dog. We never had thin ice with the salt water and waves, but the tides made it necessary for some quick and accurate casting :)
From: Spyder 34
18-Dec-17
Have you ever worked with Chase on thin ice. Here in Md it can be a common thing, my Chesapeake doesn't think twice about breaking ice. Congrats on your hunts, nothing like duck and goose Huntin.
From: Paul@thefort
18-Dec-17
Chase on the same pond last yard but on thicker ice.
Chase on the same pond last yard but on thicker ice.
and right to hand
and right to hand
Joey. I am sure some ice can be broken by a dog swimming and the Chesapeake is strong and fearless. I have walked on ice, ice skated on ice, fallen through ice that did not support me, I have had dogs fall through thin ice, i have ice fished on all sorts of ice but, when it comes to allowing my dog to go out on very marginal ice, like today, especially when I can not get to him, that is were I draw the line. It took all I could do to break through this pond's ice this morning. I agree. duck and goose hunting is a blast.
From: Butternut40
18-Dec-17
Great recovery Paul. Is it hard to draw back on a goose? Are they wired or do they just start walking away when/if they see you draw?
From: Jaquomo
18-Dec-17
Just got back on here after a few days. Great job! Funny but I saw that goose on the lake and immediately wondered if it was one of yours...
I used to raise and train Chessies. Out ice here right now is at that marginal thickness where I wouldn't send them out on it.
From: Charlie Rehor
18-Dec-17
Perhaps the most prolific archery goose hunter in the US!
From: Dirty D
18-Dec-17
Congrats Paul looks like a blast!!
From: Jaquomo
18-Dec-17
Butternut, where Paul's hunting they might waddle over to see if he has any spare bread!
;-)
From: Butternut40
18-Dec-17
LOL :)
From: Paul@thefort
18-Dec-17
Dale, not wired at all like a mallard duck, a pheasant, turkey, or a White tailed deer. I give them a 3 on a 10 pt scale. If they suspect something, they start to walk away. When they land, they usually just stand there for a few second or just lie down if the ground is cold or with snow. I usually give them a minute to settle down after they fly in, that is if Chase is not whining too much.
From: Duke
18-Dec-17
I didn't know that it was legal to fowl hook?!! :) Great story and photos as well, Paul!!!
From: Paul@thefort
18-Dec-17
Luke, for a Cheese Head, that was pretty good. I see you have "fowl hooked" a few turkeys over the years.
From: Paul@thefort
18-Dec-17
Lou, interesting. After 6 years of shooting geese on this property, that was the first goose I lost as he died on private property, ie, the big lake. I do believe it the lake had been ice free, I would have sent Chase to retrieve it.
From: Beav
19-Dec-17
Well done Paul!
From: mountainman
19-Dec-17
Great thread! You always know whitetail season is close to wrapping up when you see Pauls goose thread.
From: Paul@thefort
21-Dec-17
Brian, as much as I enjoy goose hunting with the bow, if I had a deer tag this time of year, I would surely be in a tree stand some where. We know there are a few guys out there still doing that. My Arizona Coues WT deer hunt in January will have to wait until the following year and in 2020. But, I just returned from a two day duck hunt and was successful. The joy of seeing Chase retrieve 9 mallards made the trip a great success. He will be 9 years old next Feb 16, and he still has the drive and willingness to go hunting. Fun dog for sure. my best, Paul
From: Jaquomo
21-Dec-17
Paul, change that to "He will be 79 next xxx and still has the drive and willingness to go hunting", and it describes you. An inspiration, for sure!
From: GotBowAz
21-Dec-17
X2 Jaquomo
From: Paul@thefort
22-Dec-17
Dec 22, 5:16 am. I just checked the temperature. 5 degrees outside, calm and clear.
Decided to return to the warm bed. Another day for sure. my best, Paul
From: cnelk
22-Dec-17
Good choice Paul. Over here it’s -1 degrees this morning.
From: Paul@thefort
23-Dec-17
Hunt 4 Dec. 23 Saturday, 6:05 am. Temp. 16 Degrees. warmer than the other day when it was 5 degrees. Saw a few geese in the local area yesterday after the cold wave came through with a little snow. The big lake as well as the pond is frozen over. Some snow on the ground. Will give it a go this morning. Geese will not fly until after the sun is up around 7:30. Will head out in an hour so check out the goose field.
From: stick n string
23-Dec-17
Good luck Paul!!
From: Paul@thefort
23-Dec-17
one thing we can count on is the sun coming up
one thing we can count on is the sun coming up
I was ready
I was ready
and after a treat, Chase was ready
and after a treat, Chase was ready
From: Paul@thefort
23-Dec-17
at 7:35, the geese started to fly. The cold front forced a bunch south but they all were flying
at 7:35, the geese started to fly. The cold front forced a bunch south but they all were flying
still they came but heading south into the south wind.
still they came but heading south into the south wind.
but no Yard Hoppers
but no Yard Hoppers
From: Paul@thefort
23-Dec-17
only these three WT deer were decoyed in
only these three WT deer were decoyed in
and the closest bird was this Flicker
and the closest bird was this Flicker
I left at 10 am and found this geese on the property but near the highway. Oh Well-----Another day in the field.
I left at 10 am and found this geese on the property but near the highway. Oh Well-----Another day in the field.
From: Paul@thefort
24-Dec-17
Dec, 24, Christmas Eve. Minus 1 degree this morning. All lakes and ponds frozen over. Geese in town on vacant fields. Very few Yard Hoppers around. Cold temps for the next week or so. I will just have to wait until see what the geese will do when it warms up some. Merry Christmas from Paul, Tricia and Chase.
From: spike78
24-Dec-17
Gonna be in the minus next week here in MA. Ready for spring. Merry Christmas Paul.
From: drycreek
24-Dec-17
Great thread Paul ! Thanks !
From: fubar racin
24-Dec-17
i used to keep a hoola hoop on a cat rod with 50 pound braded line for recovering birds on deep water not sure it would work on ice though.
From: Spyder 34
24-Dec-17
Paul have you ever tried the evening hunt when the birds are returning?
From: Paul@thefort
25-Dec-17
Joey, the geese seem to return to the lake across the highway, local canals, or other lakes where they might be able to keep some water open. This property I hunt is morning hunting only and the afternoon is a good time to let them rest without hunting them if they are still around. Lots of geese head farther south towards Denver but will return later as it warms up some. January can be good time to hunt them also. Paul
From: Paul@thefort
27-Dec-17
Wed. Dec 27, temp 48 degrees, wind from the west 10 plus. Just might be the time tomorrow morning to kill a goose as the early morning temperature will be in the mid 20s and there are a few Yard Hoppers around. Not a lot but a few so all I need in ONE. I will post again when I get up and head out around 7am on Thursday.
The picture above, of the pond up the road is from last year with lots of geese on and near the open water. This year hardly any at all and less local geese than I have seen in the past. When I was coming back from the gym this morning there were about 100 geese on a city field a mile south of my house but they looked content staying and feed there.
From: GF
27-Dec-17
Well, I’m sure there are at least two that have been permanently grounded!
Thanks, Paul!
From: Habitat for Wildlife
28-Dec-17
Fun thread. Late season is tough all the way around!
From: Paul@thefort
28-Dec-17
Tropical heat wave
Tropical heat wave
geese in the field a mile south and in town
geese in the field a mile south and in town
yard hoppers but in someone's elses' yard
yard hoppers but in someone's elses' yard
open water in the pond down the road but very few geese this year.
open water in the pond down the road but very few geese this year.
Here we go. Hunt 5. Dec. 28, 6:05 am, Temp 43 degrees. Sun rise is at 7:23 am. will be set up by 7:15 in the brush blind on top of the hill.
WHAT! Temperature is 43 degrees and just a few days ago it was minus 1. Crazy weather and temperatures along the Front Range of the Rockies.
From: Ambush
28-Dec-17
I’m sitting with a coffee, here in northern Alberta with temps about 30F below zero. The geese have long gone!!
Good luck this morning!
From: Paul@thefort
28-Dec-17
goose decoys set up before sunrise
goose decoys set up before sunrise
three WT does were curious about the goose call sounds and came in behind me
three WT does were curious about the goose call sounds and came in behind me
off they go
off they go
From: Paul@thefort
28-Dec-17
ready as can be, bring them on!
ready as can be, bring them on!
Chase was ready. Always ready for a treat!
Chase was ready. Always ready for a treat!
a few geese flying but then about an hour in, these geese came but passed by
a few geese flying but then about an hour in, these geese came but passed by
a little later this lone goose tried to catch up with the flock and with a few calls on the goose call..it head my way.......................
a little later this lone goose tried to catch up with the flock and with a few calls on the goose call..it head my way.......................
From: Paul@thefort
28-Dec-17
wings locked and heading in solo
wings locked and heading in solo
and landed just outside of the decoys at 18 yards.
and landed just outside of the decoys at 18 yards.
I readied for the shot but the goose saw some movement and started to walk away. Arrow on its way
I readied for the shot but the goose saw some movement and started to walk away. Arrow on its way
but all I got was one feather. Oh well, we have all been there. A miss is a MISS!
but all I got was one feather. Oh well, we have all been there. A miss is a MISS!
From: Paul@thefort
28-Dec-17
Driving off the property, these Yard Hoppers were next door
Driving off the property, these Yard Hoppers were next door
and then these mule deer across the road from the house. I even had a squirrel on the bird feeder. Lots of critters around. Another day for sure. my best, Paul
and then these mule deer across the road from the house. I even had a squirrel on the bird feeder. Lots of critters around. Another day for sure. my best, Paul
From: Sage Buffalo
28-Dec-17
I love this thread! Always look forward to it.
Paul I have seen some nice bucks you have posted before. Is there a reason you won't shoot a nice buck as part of the Yard Hopper thread? Just curious. I have no issues with someone who doesn't like that type of hunting (it may just be a tag issue).
Thanks for taking us along for the ride!
From: Paul@thefort
28-Dec-17
Pat, it is a tag issue as all deer tags are limited draw here in Colorado plus these deer are very use to humans and it might not be a hunt I want to participate in. Yea, when you see bucks like this walking through the neighborhood, one might have think twice about it.
From: Ambush
28-Dec-17
No goose but just being out there is “a feather in your cap”!
That’s some awesome muley’s!!!
From: Sage Buffalo
28-Dec-17
Holy cow Paul!!!
I know mulies are much different than WT to hunt but they are just as dumb in the "wild" so you might as well save your feet the walking. Haha.
Forget about hunting for a minute to have bucks like that to look at and enjoy is awesome. We just moved from a house where we could watch the deer grow up from babies to bucks. It was awesome!!!
From: Paul@thefort
29-Dec-17
the sun will be up in an hour and maybe I will shoot well this morning if a goose comes visiting
the sun will be up in an hour and maybe I will shoot well this morning if a goose comes visiting
Hunt 6, Dec 29th, Friday, Temp 52 degrees, Yea, 52 degrees. This will be the last day of the warm temperatures as a cold front will be pushing through tonight. So I will take advantage of the warmth.
From: Paul@thefort
29-Dec-17
Left early to attend a funeral service. NO geese hardly at all. ZERO.
From: Z Barebow
29-Dec-17
Paul- What weather app do you use? It seems to have the info I am looking for. It also has better weather than my app. Keep at it!
From: Paul@thefort
29-Dec-17
today, geese in town on a lot of the street corners.
today, geese in town on a lot of the street corners.
and then a few thousand in these fields in town
and then a few thousand in these fields in town
and on adjacent ponds
and on adjacent ponds
hard to tell when and if some of these geese will pay me a visit farther north.
hard to tell when and if some of these geese will pay me a visit farther north.
Brian, I lived in Watertown SD in the early 1970s and remember those freezing temps. If the cold came too early in the season, all of the ponds, rivers, lakes would freeze over and the ducks and geese would just past on by to warmer areas south.
From: Paul@thefort
30-Dec-17
i moved the tent blind to where the brush blind had been. I can see better and the geese can see the decoys better also. I will leave Chase home this morning. No use for two to suffer in the cold.
i moved the tent blind to where the brush blind had been. I can see better and the geese can see the decoys better also. I will leave Chase home this morning. No use for two to suffer in the cold.
Baby its cold out side. Not sure why I am going this morning. Cold, lack of local yard hoppers. Nearby lakes frozen over. Many geese south of here but not here this year. We had a lot of warm dry weather and then a very cold snap. Froze up the lake across the highway and the nearby yards and fields were brown without much green grass for goose feed. Last year and the years before, much better. Nine degrees this morning, a big drop in temperature from the high yesterday of 65 degrees.
From: Habitat for Wildlife
30-Dec-17
Paul, You are one tough and dedicated man!
From: Paul@thefort
30-Dec-17
goose hunt 6, in the blind by 7:30. Chase stayed home this morning. Lots of clothes on and out of any wind in the blind. Not too bad.
goose hunt 6, in the blind by 7:30. Chase stayed home this morning. Lots of clothes on and out of any wind in the blind. Not too bad.
Actually quite a few geese flying this morning compared to hardly any yesterday A pleasant surprise.
Actually quite a few geese flying this morning compared to hardly any yesterday A pleasant surprise.
From: Paul@thefort
30-Dec-17
later these three actually were back stroking and about ready to set in but were dragged away by the rest of the flock. Tomorrow is another day.
later these three actually were back stroking and about ready to set in but were dragged away by the rest of the flock. Tomorrow is another day.
I was able to turn two low flying flocks towards the field. The first came right over but then continued on to greener pastures.
From: Habitat for Wildlife
30-Dec-17
Go get warmed up and spend time with Chase.
From: Swampy
01-Jan-18
I agree ,Paul is one tough old coot .
From: Paul@thefort
01-Jan-18
"TOUGH"? Well just an old softy.
From: Paul@thefort
03-Jan-18
see part 3
