Rattle snakes arent an issue here in VA. last muzzleloader season I was sitting on the ground at the base of a birch tree before the sun came up. I was moving some leaves so I wouldnt make any noise and had a copperhead snap at the back of my hand. I had gloves on and the SOB snagged a fang in my glove.

Needless to say I went back up in my tree stand!