Wednesday, February 19, 2014

WyoBraska Waterfowl Recap 2013-2014


Mallards and Canada Geese
February 17th marked the end of the 2013-2014 waterfowl season. Words cannot adequately express my gratitude to my clients for their support of and interest in WyoBraska Waterfowl.  I am truly blessed to have developed strong business and personal relationships with them over the past fifteen years.  Yes, we started hunting the North Platte Valley fifteen years ago.

The quality of our hunting continues to improve. I never like to post harvest numbers because I feel providing a memorable hunting experience is much more than the number of birds you kill.  Appreciating the majesty of  a sky filled with flocks of mallards and Canadas, the sunrises and sunsets, marveling at the enthusiasm of well-trained retrievers and hunting in magnificent locations is the essence of being a true waterfowl sportsman.
  
While 2012-2013 was a record year for WyoBraska Waterfowl, the 2013-2014 season has established a new benchmark. This was the third season in a row with record harvest numbers.  Our hunters harvested 22% more mallards this year than last year’s record number. Our Canada goose harvest was also a record with a 12% increase over last year’s record total.

Ultimately Mother Nature has the most control over the three most important variables: waterfowl numbers, the migration and the weather. My commitment to you is to strive to provide memorable hunting experiences year after year. I will continue to manage my properties wisely to ensure they are not over pressured. I promise we will continue to use only top quality decoys and equipment. I am always looking for other properties, but only if they can offer the same quality hunting you have come to expect from WyoBraska Waterfowl.

2014 Snow Geese

We have added another excellent location to our offerings in Fairbury. I am in Fairbury now getting blinds and decoys ready for our first hunters the end of next week. We are using ice eaters on our ponds to create open water for the geese. We have seen a few flocks of scout geese the last couple of days. These flocks are made up of older adult birds who push the envelope in a drive to reach the nesting grounds in the Arctic. They are the ultimate frequent flyer.

The retriever squad for this spring is Molly and Tommie.  They are coming off a stellar mallard and goose season.. Me be a proud Papa! Dani and AZ have earned well deserved retirement from the snow geese.

Tom Harpstreith Memorial Youth Hunt

The 4th annual youth hunt was  held on January 26th.  We hosted 48 young hunters to a day in the field. The hunt was a huge success with lots of prizes for the kids. The goose calling contest featured our first "mouth caller". No call, just his voice and he was very good. The best part? The mouth caller was Tom's oldest grandson, Owen, 9 years old. The hunt had drawing for two shotguns and guess who won a gun? Owen! You think Tom had a hand in that? No doubt in my mind.

To all my waterfowl friends - Go North and Prosper.