YARD HOPPER GOOSE HUNT 6
Contributors to this thread:Small Game
From: Paul@thefort
04-Jan-24
Thursday, January 4, 7 am Arrived at the goose field early to set up the decoys at the far end of the field. Placed 15 Big Foot decoys all together but 6 feet apart.. Sun rise at 7:25 Light wind from the NE, Temp 23 degrees
From: Paul@thefort
04-Jan-24
Heard 2-4 geese in the first hour. 8:30, if geese are around, they should be flying but slow, slow. None within striking distance. The big lake across the Hwy is iced over, the pond on this property has been frozen for the past week or so. Actually many of the lakes and ponds are iced over. There is a water canal near by that has running water all year long and I know the geese will seek it out this time of year but food is also on their minds.
From: Paul@thefort
04-Jan-24
I try to keep Teal quiet as he knows there is a goose out there.
I try to keep Teal quiet as he knows there is a goose out there.
First goose of the New Year 2024. Six geese for the season so far.
First goose of the New Year 2024. Six geese for the season so far.
Wow, slow, slow, where are the geese this morning. 8:50, Wait, I hear one nearby, I call and this single drops in at 15 yards looking for its lost mate.
From: Paul@thefort
04-Jan-24
I send another arrow at the closest one. Good Hit!
I send another arrow at the closest one. Good Hit!
the remaining flock wanders away leaving their mate behind.
the remaining flock wanders away leaving their mate behind.
II let Teal watch the geese for 10 minutes and soon after, they take flight.
II let Teal watch the geese for 10 minutes and soon after, they take flight.
Usually I wait until 9 am and then go home but decided to stay another half hour. 9:10 more geese and they see the decoys and just drop in. At least 15 local Yard Hoppers, half drop in the decoys and the other half, to my far right.
From: Paul@thefort
04-Jan-24
Ok, he is getting the hang of it.
Ok, he is getting the hang of it.
with a LOT of coaxing and trial and error, he gets the goose back. Not pretty but ok.
with a LOT of coaxing and trial and error, he gets the goose back. Not pretty but ok.
Ok, 9:30 and time for Teal to do some goose retrieving, I line him up, "Dead Bird" Teal, off he goes.
From: BOWNBIRDHNTR
04-Jan-24
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
From: Paul@thefort
04-Jan-24
From: hawkeye in PA
04-Jan-24
Great start to the New Year! Congratulations to you and Teal!
From: Supernaut
04-Jan-24
Another great hunt Paul and Teal, thanks for taking us along and congratulations!
From: Mpdh
04-Jan-24
Every day when I open up Bowsite I hope Paul will have a new hunt to read about.
This stuff is just great!
From: Iowa_Archer
04-Jan-24
Great job, love these hunts. In fact, I love them so much that I intend to build a pond on some land, for a house, that I will likely be living in at this time next year. I plan to construct my own "yard hopper" ambush site...so I can be like Paul! Great stuff, thanks for posting.
From: Boreal
04-Jan-24
That's awesome Paul! Teal is really coming along.
From: Chief 419
04-Jan-24
It’s good to see Teal coming along. He’s learning every hunt. Great looking dog.
From: hdaman
04-Jan-24
Congrats and happy new year!
From: Paul@thefort
04-Jan-24
Hey Dad, how about one more treat for the second goose?
Hey Dad, how about one more treat for the second goose?
From: deerhunter72
04-Jan-24
I let out a laugh of satisfaction looking at the pic of him with the goose in his mouth! I think he has the jist of it down just right. Great job both of you and some well earned treats;)
From: goelk
04-Jan-24
How do you teach Teal to pick up a bird with a arrow in him? Thanks for sharing!
From: drycreek
04-Jan-24
Another hunt in the ledger Paul. Teal is coming along fine looks like. Really enjoy the hunts and the pictures !
From: Paul@thefort
04-Jan-24
Goelk, "How do you teach Teal to pick up a bird with a arrow in him (it)?"
I do not teach him to do so. I make sure the goose does not have an arrow in it and if so, I go out and take the arrow out, reposition the goose and then send him. If I see the arrow has been a pass through, I can send him then. Over 100 geese killed with arrow and no issues. Thanks for the question. Paul
From: t-roy
04-Jan-24
Great start to the year, Paul! Teal is coming right along.
From: Vonfoust
05-Jan-24
This is awesome. Love these threads every year. Teal is coming along nicely.
From: ND String Puller
05-Jan-24
Way to go Paul ! Your threads never disappoint!
From: Paul@thefort
06-Jan-24
Kelly, it has been an interesting season so far. I never expected to have killed 7 geese at this time. Usually the hunt is better more into Jan, and Feb. But with the lakes and ponds frozen over, I do expect the number of geese, even the locals to decline. But then, all I need in one to land within bow range. Maybe next Sunday or Monday morning. Thanks for following along. Paul
From: Insheart
06-Jan-24
Back home after an extended stay with new great-grand-son and family.
Getting caught up on the BS threads. Nice to see Teal getting more experience due to your archery prowess.
Fun thread, as always.
From: Goelk
06-Jan-24
Thanks Paul for sharing
From: buckeye
06-Jan-24
I love it! You are having a ball with the new pup. Looks like he's in good hands. With over a 100 geese to pass over your plate, what's your go to recipes? And also, what have you cooked with them that you would never do again?
From: Paul@thefort
06-Jan-24
Dan, mostly jerky from the goose breasts. I grind up the meat to burger, treat like beef, and make long pencil thick sticks ( with a special tool) and place in dehydrator. We like goose burger, same grind as above but add add 10% thick cut hickory smoked bacon per 3/4 - one pound of ground and slow cook with butter. Never do again? Baked goose but slow cooking in a crock pot has possibilities to be ok. As suggested, Goose Pastrami, I will try.
From: Altitude Sickness
07-Jan-24
https://forums.bowsite.com/tf/picsmobile/00small51194780.JPG
I love this picture
From: Altitude Sickness
07-Jan-24
Sorry this picture
From: buckeye
07-Jan-24
Thanks Paul, I tried cooking one goose years ago. It was a failure.
