I also doubt it was a copperhead, heck I have never seen one in a tree. In regards to a snake bothering me.... heck I like catching them, I have even caught a timber rattler before, I have never caught a copperhead though, they are to ornery to mess with, however I will admit that if the situation were right I would sure try and catch one.

Huntma its just a snake, whats the big deal?