Wyoming Early Goose

[TheDudeAbides]

Day 1 of the Wyoming early goose season was a bust.

I had a pretty good spot and was pleased not to see any cars there, but when I approached to the river to set up I was greeted by a herd of thundering moo-moo's.



The plan was to set up on the island with 6 big foots and 6 floaters, then lay down in a pocket covered by a burlap sack.

The plan was halted due to the herd of at least 75 chilling on the islands.

I got up on top of the hills and started to glass at different areas.

Didn't see much, so I went fishing. Only one little beautiful brown trout almost as big as the fly I was chucking.

A couple bigger trout tried to bite and missed the streamer, but all in all it was a good day.

The geese evaded me on this day, but I'll be back at it.

Just an FYI, because the both post offices are sold out in the area. You can buy duck stamps online and they will mail them to you.

https://www.fws.gov/birds/get-involved/duck-stamp/e-stamp.php

Remember to get your HIP number for WY (State specific) also.

https://wgfd.wyo.gov/HIPS/frmMenu.aspx

 

[duckhunt]

Better luck next time.

 

[TheDudeAbides]

Better luck next time.

That was a good omen.

I can't get the photo to load on the phone, but I filled my crane tag after missing many geese in a different area.

I think it is a pretty cool story.

I was out and about scouting in a t shirt and shorts , then stumbled upon an a group of cranes in a small piece of public about a quarter mile from the road. I backed out to set up in the morning because it appeared to be their refuge during the middle of the day. On the way back to the truck, I heard them take off. I went to scour another area and said it would be worth a shot this evening. The geese were flying everywhere and at low altitude. A few flew over and I missed 9 times. I only brought 12 3" #2 shells and the other shells in my pocket we're number 4's. I thought there was no way in this small piece of public, I would shoot more than 12. The 4's were for bunnies/doves if I was successful.

After the geese settled down the cranes got up and a flock of 50 was working my way and when three flew over I let off a bang and one dropped from the sky like a bomb from an airplane. It was surreal, I didn't actually believe what I just saw. The first crane I have ever shot just tattooed the ground.

I stopped hunting and enjoyed the moment. The first of a species is always a humbling moment even if you get it on the first hunt.

Now, it is time to figure out which recipe(s) I want to try.

 

[duckhunt]

Good deal. We cant shoot cranes in Iowa.

 

[JLDemo]

That's awesome! I went out yesterday near Chugwater and saw plenty of birds, just nothing within range and all on private ground. On another note, the dove were thick! I looked on Google maps for an hour to try and find a water source they would be flying into only to find one little stock tank that's full of algae. Good luck and glad you filled that crane tag! One of these years I might get a tag...

 

[TheDudeAbides]

That's awesome! I went out yesterday near Chugwater and saw plenty of birds, just nothing within range and all on private ground. On another note, the dove were thick! I looked on Google maps for an hour to try and find a water source they would be flying into only to find one little stock tank that's full of algae. Good luck and glad you filled that crane tag! One of these years I might get a tag...

Yeah, I had an issue where I was at with the private land. I'm sure I could have got access via work connections, but I wanted to try and bring them down on public land.

I got into some doves too. It was good to get the puppy out on some birds. The only thing I hate about doves is it was 2 boxes of shells for 5 birds and ten chicken nuggets. I did shot a big ole cottontail too to supplement the meat supply. Got them on marinade and should cook them up shortly.