Rattlesnake Hunting

**StonewallRabbitry** · May 19th, 2018, 08:57 AM

I am getting a rattlesnake permit for this season, does anyone know of any public land that has a good population of rattlesnake? Any tips or advice on hunting them would also be appreciated.

**str8shooter** · May 19th, 2018, 09:15 AM

Originally Posted by StonewallRabbitry

... Any tips or advice on hunting them would also be appreciated.

Don't get bitten.

**Pilot321** · May 19th, 2018, 09:21 AM

Wear high, thick leather boots. You can come up on them without knowing in tall grass, and brush. A buddy of mine had a vacation home/hunting property in Clinton County, and we'd see a lot of them in the summer. Some were very big.

**ExFlyinguy** · May 19th, 2018, 11:08 AM

FWIW- According to the application:

http://www.fishandboat.com/Transact/...e_venomous.pdf

Permittee may only take, kill or possess timber rattlesnakes at least 42 inches in length, which have 21
or more subcaudal scales (see below instructions for determining the length and subcaudal count)

I've watched as folks capture the snakes and put them in a clear tube so measurements and scales can be counted. You just can't kill a snake that you find and hope it meets the minimum requirements.

That dissuaded me from ever going snake hunting.

**StonewallRabbitry** · May 19th, 2018, 11:22 AM

Originally Posted by ExFlyinguy

FWIW- According to the application:

http://www.fishandboat.com/Transact/...e_venomous.pdf

I've watched as folks capture the snakes and put them in a clear tube so measurements and scales can be counted. You just can't kill a snake that you find and hope it meets the minimum requirements.

That dissuaded me from ever going snake hunting.

Yes they have to be over 42 inches and you count the scales to determin the sex, only males can be taken.

**MARINE DIVISION TWO** · May 19th, 2018, 12:19 PM

And when you BEND over to grab the snake by its rattle be sure that no Alabama Black Snakes are around !

**cephas** · May 19th, 2018, 12:45 PM

Used to be a few rattlesnake roundups in the north central part of the state in June. Cross Fork and Sinnemahoning are a couple I've been to as a spectator years ago. Don't even know if they still do it. The hunters were very open and seemed to enjoy talking about their craft. May be others around the state.