YARD HOPPER HUNT 11 last
Small Game
February 7, 2025. I just figured that I have witnessed 30,660 sunrises and they never get old. A lot of them has been the morning of the hunt be it, elk, deer, ducks, moose, geese, fishing, etc. A new day and a new opportunity to keep moving forward. Most often one's goal for the day may not be met but there is always a tomorrow and as we all know, the sun will rise again breathing life to our planet and ourselves.
Like yesterday, I set up the decoys near the other blind behind the house, to give the geese a different view.
At 8:05 three different flocks of geese flew right over within shot gun range but continued on for greener pastures.
We waited an another hour with no action. Both Teal and I were getting bored so I figured Teal might like some action, so I threw out the goose dummy for him to fetch.
The end to Yard Hopper goose hunt 14. I am sure there will be a 15 but have no idea what to expect as this season and even last season was slow with less local yard hopper geese. Maybe if we plant rye/clover that will attract the geese. Time will tell. Thanks for following along for the past 14 years. Archery hunting geese? Who would have thought? Paul and Teal, the Chase the Wonder Dog.
Well, that's hunting. Always enjoy your threads, Paul. But best of luck with that hip surgery. Do your therapy which we know you will and you'll be back in the Flattops come September.
Always love your Yard Hopper threads Paul, thanks for sharing them. You are lucky to have had such great companions in Chase and Teal.
Good luck with the hip sir and stay safe. -Jim
Beautiful closing picture! Thanks for sharing each hunt. Not sure you can beat getting to spend time outside with both a dog and a bow! Will be thinking of you Monday. Jeff
Turkey is just around the corner, good luck with your surgery.
Yea, Elk hunting in the Flat Tops. Will draw for sure and I have 5.5 month to heal from the hip surgery.
I also have a Nebraska turkey tag so I hope I will be ok. I am targeting the week before the shot gun season on April 12. Might be pushing it but I can also hunt in May.
So to recap the Yard Hopper season, I had three shots. One the second day I hunted when a flock landed 36 yards away. First miss of the season. Second shot was a single goose that landed 20 yards but behind a decoy and then walked straight away. I got breast feather. The Following day, a pair of geese landed and I took the shot at 32 yards, Clipped the one goose but they both flew away. Blood on the arrow. Later that day I see the goose on the pond 1/3 mile up the road but was able to fly some. I would bet a fox or coyote had dinner of it. So some action but not like years past. Eleven day, 3 hour hunt = 33 hours. Worth every minute and only a mile from my house.
Well, that’s hunting for you, just never know how it will go. Sure do appreciate your dedication to sharing these hunts with us, it has been a real joy over the years. Teal is a very good looking lab and a fine companion I’m sure. Best of luck with your hip surgery next week, you’ll be in my prayers for a speedy recovery.
That's hunting. Good way to end it with Teal getting to retrieve the goose dummy. Maybe next year will be better.
Thanks for sharing Paul Good luck on your hip
Thanks all for your support and well wishes. The problem is that we are out living our parts. Monday morning at 9 am, under the knife, hammer, drill, then replacement parts and a few Zipper stitches, stay over night. Will be doing back flips the next day. Well almost. :)
Some days you’re the hammer and some days you’re the nail.Thanks for taking us along enjoyed the following along Lewis
A tough hopper year for sure, Paul. Weather and moisture conditions sure didn't play nicely for you. I was anxious to see how easily Teal handled the geese compared to last year.
It is great that the new owner is a guy that "gets it" and allowed you to continue hunting the property. There definitely are more hoppers for your freezer in the future.
Best wishes for a very successful surgery!
Tough year for yard hoppers Paul, but you and Teal definitely put out the effort! As always, thanks for sharing!
Best of luck with your surgery and a quick recovery!!!
Always enjoy the "ride" Paul, thanks for including us and hoping all goes well with your surgery.
Paul I enjoy all of your outdoor adventures no matter what your hunting, and we all know that we don't always come home with the prize. Wishing the best for you on your hip surgery and up coming hunts. I know you will keep us posted. Good Luck, Kurt
Man, tough year for the Yard Hoppers. Better to have hunted and not killed than to not have hunted! Bet you get them next year.
—Jim
Paul thanks for taking us along and best of luck with the hip replacement and p/t
Cheers Paul to another great year. I look forward to this every year.
Thanks for the recap Paul! We’ll all be thinking of you tomorrow morning. I’m betting the Bionic Bowhunter will be back better than ever!
Paul, I always enjoy your posts.
God's speed for a quick recovery.
All my best for a quick, uncomplicated recovery. Good news is that you have the Attitude part dialed!
You and Teal sure got out a lot this season.
Heal well and smart on the ole hip Paul.
Good luck, Robb
Teal is a great looking dog. You’ll get ‘em next year.
Thinking of you this morning. Praying for a smooth and speedy recovery. I'm betting you and Teal are playing fetch tomorrow....but don't over do it!
Thanks for always sharing and best of luck with your recovery.
