Do Hops Go Bad if Package Opened

I recieved some hops that seem to be less than fresh, when I opened the sub package that they were packaged in I noitced that the little package of hops was opened, and some had spilled out inside the bag they were sealed in. I put them back in their little package rolled them up and taped it shut for now. The second package of hops that was in there was sealed but when I gave it a squeeze from the outside they seemed hard in there. Im not positive but I think most hop pellets I recieved to date were spungy feeling from the outside of the package. So I guess the question is are these hops still viable for brewing, or should I call the company that shipped to me and request replacement hops? I would hate to have paid money for a sub par product.:rockin:

They aren't spoiled or anything like that but they do loose their potency and fresh taste over time. Opening just speeds that up.

I agree with the above 2. To clarify, some hops lose their acids faster than others. You can look here for that information: http://www.freshops.com/hops/usda-named-hop-variety-descriptions
(find your hop and look for storage stability)

At any rate, you should always stick your hops in the freezer to slow down their degredation.

I seal mine in a foodsaver (vaccuum sealed bags). Here's some of the Sept 2012 harvest

Thanks for all your replies, I will likely just go buy some fresh hops from my LHBS to boost what I recieved in the mail, and will likely also call ABS, and have them send me some replacements for the open package. Maybe I was imagining they would be spongy, but never really gave them a squeeze outside the package, so when I found a few pellets and noticed they were firm I just assumed they were dried out or stale.