i too live in west georgia, specifically southwest. the other day while i was scouting i walked up on a nice 4 foot long diamond back rattler. it was not fun. i didnt even realize what it was till it was only a few inches away from my foot. i thought one of the tractors slipped a belt or something so i did not pay too much attention to it. luckily, i think it had just finished shedding so its eyes were still a little hazy. thank god it couldnt figure out what i was so it just sniffed at me. i have never been so afraid in my life. i am now going to always wear snake-bite proof boots as im sure the next time i run into that guy it wont work out in my favor.
raim