Rattle snake hunting
02-07-2006, 12:33 PM
#1
Typical Buck
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2005
Location: northern colorado
Posts: 749
Rattle snake hunting
We took 2 last year during august, legally of course, and I am getting more and more nervous about it. I havent been bit yet, but I feel like the law of averages is gonna catch up with me. We take them with walking sticks and didnt wear gaiters. If I go again, I will be wearing gaiters. Any advice from experienced folk?
02-07-2006, 02:00 PM
#3
Typical Buck
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2005
Location: northern colorado
Posts: 749
RE: Rattle snake hunting
The meat is good, mild flavor. Somwhere between fish and chicken in texture. We hunt them with walking sticks, whack them behind the head, hold the head down then cut it off. Take the body home, split it up the middle clean everything else out with a fillet knife and borax the pelt. We eat ours in the form of dinner sausage.
Be careful, respect the animal. "Side effects include, swelling of limbs, shaking, unconciousness, amputation of limbs and death".
Be very careful
Be careful, respect the animal. "Side effects include, swelling of limbs, shaking, unconciousness, amputation of limbs and death".
Be very careful
02-07-2006, 05:49 PM
#4
Giant Nontypical
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: a van down by the river
Posts: 8,939
RE: Rattle snake hunting
I've hunted them for 10+ years, selling live snakes to a guy that ships them overseas (haven't sold any in a few years though). I have never worn gaiters, just leather cowboy boots. I tried gaitors once, and they were uncomfortable and hot. My boots have tops that go nearly to my knees, giving me probably enough protection if something happened. Just move very slowly and very deliberately, watching where you put your foot down each time. If you have to step over a log or rock or something, step up on the log and then step over. This will give you a little more clearance in case a snake is on the other side. The trick is to never get in a hurry. When people get in a hurry is when they start making mistakes.
And finally, if you do get bit, ignore every folk remedy you've ever heard and seek professional medical attention ASAP. Don't cut on it, don't suck at, don't use a turniquit, and don't use ice, just get to the hospital. If you have a ring, watch, or other jewelry, remove it immediately after the bite. Anything that fits tight, remove it before the swelling starts. Otherwise, you may not be able to get it off, and it may start restricting blood flow. Keep this in mind, so if something does happen, you'll be able to respond appropriately.
Rattlesnakes would much rather avoid humans if at all possible. If given the option of biting or retreat, most will choose to retreat. If you get too close to one, back away slowly. If he is coiled ready to strike, but has not, just hold still and don't try anything. With a little luck, the snake will eventually try to back away. When the snake coils, he is warning you. He is saying "I haven't bitten you yet, but I will if you get any closer."
Some snakes are naturally a little more aggressive than others. If the snake is pretty passive and doesn't make much of a fuss, I usually let it go. It's just a personal thing, but I don't see much use in getting rid of a snake that doesn't seem to be much of a threat.
And finally, if you do get bit, ignore every folk remedy you've ever heard and seek professional medical attention ASAP. Don't cut on it, don't suck at, don't use a turniquit, and don't use ice, just get to the hospital. If you have a ring, watch, or other jewelry, remove it immediately after the bite. Anything that fits tight, remove it before the swelling starts. Otherwise, you may not be able to get it off, and it may start restricting blood flow. Keep this in mind, so if something does happen, you'll be able to respond appropriately.
Rattlesnakes would much rather avoid humans if at all possible. If given the option of biting or retreat, most will choose to retreat. If you get too close to one, back away slowly. If he is coiled ready to strike, but has not, just hold still and don't try anything. With a little luck, the snake will eventually try to back away. When the snake coils, he is warning you. He is saying "I haven't bitten you yet, but I will if you get any closer."
Some snakes are naturally a little more aggressive than others. If the snake is pretty passive and doesn't make much of a fuss, I usually let it go. It's just a personal thing, but I don't see much use in getting rid of a snake that doesn't seem to be much of a threat.
02-07-2006, 07:52 PM
#5
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: chiefland Florida USA
Posts: 5,417
RE: Rattle snake hunting
North Texas pretty much said it all.
the snakebite kits are better left on the store shelf.most people do more harm to them self than the snake does.just try to stay , or keep the victim calm and get to the hospital, ASAP.in most cases you will be sick, but be OK.
it is truly a rush to catch them.pretty good eating also.
the snakebite kits are better left on the store shelf.most people do more harm to them self than the snake does.just try to stay , or keep the victim calm and get to the hospital, ASAP.in most cases you will be sick, but be OK.
it is truly a rush to catch them.pretty good eating also.
02-11-2006, 05:19 AM
#9
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: south east alabama
Posts: 1,268
RE: Rattle snake hunting
we have alot of timber rattlers in my area,not manyD. B.,guess its during breeding season, but around aug. and sept. their everywwhere, espically crossing the roads, usually kill 5 or ten a year, can't stand them,usually have guys make snake skin belts with them.YA'LL BE CAREFUL.
02-18-2006, 09:12 AM
#10
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Vancouver Washington USA
Posts: 2,913
RE: Rattle snake hunting
Thanks for the info guys. I've beencurious aboutrattle snake hunting and thought I'd give it a try this summer. They say there's quite a few in Eastern WA.Not to sure aboutkilling them with a walkingstick though, was thinking more along the lines of a 22 pistol. But heck thats alll subject to change. Any more tips? Whats the best time of day mid afternoon?