My only problem is when I suddenly notice them from a close range. Be Well, Rustyzipper.
Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy. Its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery. Winston Churchill.
"Rattle snakes and coyotes rarely get a pass when we cross paths"
This is a common sentiment in Texas and many other Western states. If a person grows up in a city and does not hunt or fish, he /she may say "oh, do not hurt the little snake", but if the opposite, all poisonous snakes are just problems waiting to happen. Ditto for scorpions and a few other of God's less popular creatures!
Too many campfire tales to tell now, but those that have "been there done that" know of what I speak.
CRS, NRA Benefactor Life Member, Whittington Center, TSRA, DWWC, DRSS Android Reloading Ballistics App at http://www.xplat.net/
"Rattle snakes and coyotes rarely get a pass when we cross paths"
This is a common sentiment in Texas and many other Western states. If a person grows up in a city and does not hunt or fish, he /she may say "oh, do not hurt the little snake", but if the opposite, all poisonous snakes are just problems waiting to happen. Ditto for scorpions and a few other of God's less popular creatures!
Too many campfire tales to tell now, but those that have "been there done that" know of what I speak.
I grew up beating through the swamps of south and central Florida. Cottonmouth Water Moccasins, Rattlers and Coral Snakes have been always abundant let alone a host of non-venomous snakes. I've killed my share for various reasons but not just cause they were there.
I'm just comfortable with them, they don't bother me, I don't bother them. It's not like they head out to hunt you down just to bite ya... If that was the case we'd have all been bitten a lot by now.
I could careless if the next guy wants to kill every snake he see's, I just don't. I had a dog that would kill one on occasion, it's pretty cool to watch a dog that knows how the deal with a snake. Smart dogs seem to naturally know which end is the sharp one, they'll just grab them by the tail and sling them around slapping their heads on the ground til they are dead.
I just cleared a couple of adjoining acres of land that has been thick with brush for years. The clearing project has coincided with a few of the hottest days so far this year. It's water front land so there is a lot of rodents and rabbits and such that's been calling that place home for a long time. Between the Snakes and Owls and even the Bob Cats that hang out, everything seems to stay in check population wise, a nifty little ecosystem.
I've seen them around over the years, they like to slither out into perimeters of my yard on cooler days to cop some sun and warm up, there are a couple of black snakes that live under the house, they like the concrete porches on the house. They do their job, I just let um be...
With the land clearing and the heat, these buggers are active as hell right now, I've seen about 10 over the last couple days, only one, the Pygmy Rattler, that was venomous. Now they are moving on, looking for new digs, they'll find their way.
"Rattle snakes and coyotes rarely get a pass when we cross paths"
This is a common sentiment in Texas and many other Western states. If a person grows up in a city and does not hunt or fish, he /she may say "oh, do not hurt the little snake", but if the opposite, all poisonous snakes are just problems waiting to happen. Ditto for scorpions and a few other of God's less popular creatures!
Too many campfire tales to tell now, but those that have "been there done that" know of what I speak.
I grew up beating through the swamps of south and central Florida. Cottonmouth Water Moccasins, Rattlers and Coral Snakes have been always abundant let alone a host of non-venomous snakes. I've killed my share for various reasons but not just cause they were there.
I'm just comfortable with them, they don't bother me, I don't bother them. It's not like they head out to hunt you down just to bite ya... If that was the case we'd have all been bitten a lot by now.
I could careless if the next guy wants to kill every snake he see's, I just don't. I had a dog that would kill one on occasion, it's pretty cool to watch a dog that knows how the deal with a snake. Smart dogs seem to naturally know which end is the sharp one, they'll just grab them by the tail and sling them around slapping their heads on the ground til they are dead.
I just cleared a couple of adjoining acres of land that has been thick with brush for years. The clearing project has coincided with a few of the hottest days so far this year. It's water front land so there is a lot of rodents and rabbits and such that's been calling that place home for a long time. Between the Snakes and Owls and even the Bob Cats that hang out, everything seems to stay in check population wise, a nifty little ecosystem.
I've seen them around over the years, they like to slither out into perimeters of my yard on cooler days to cop some sun and warm up, there are a couple of black snakes that live under the house, they like the concrete porches on the house. They do their job, I just let um be...
With the land clearing and the heat, these buggers are active as hell right now, I've seen about 10 over the last couple days, only one, the Pygmy Rattler, that was venomous. Now they are moving on, looking for new digs, they'll find their way.
Seems you're a like minded individual. Most snakes get a pass around any place I've lived, if they're not a danger to the wife or dogs. The non-venomous always live, the rattlers not always. Sometimes they become dinner.
Jeff, you may want to watch using that "ecosystem" word around these parts. It might get some folks upset.
The desert is a true treasure for him who seeks refuge from men and the evil of men. In it is contentment In it is death and all you seek (Quoted from "The Bleeding of the Stone" Ibrahim Al-Koni)
I called the conservation officer and he came by, said if they are in the yard they be mine. The big issue is people who catch them for pets or to sell to the holy rollers.
Killed this copperhead last night when I took the dogs out.
Bailey jumped back as soon as she saw it. Good dog, Bailey!
Both dogs are snake trained. It's just good to know they still pay heed.
As a side note, I carried it to the fish pond this morning, and threw it in. It floated for about 15 seconds, and then Wham! It was gone.
Pretty good size snake for a fish. But there's some pretty big fish in my pond.
What revolver is that?
Ruger Wrangler. .22lr.
Got it at Academy for $199.
Got it for a dedicated snake shot gun. Keep it loaded w/ CCI shotshells and just inside the door of the shop in case quick access is needed. (It's needed several times a year here. Don't know how many copperheads I've killed here, but it's a bunch.)
Killed this copperhead last night when I took the dogs out.
Bailey jumped back as soon as she saw it. Good dog, Bailey!
Both dogs are snake trained. It's just good to know they still pay heed.
As a side note, I carried it to the fish pond this morning, and threw it in. It floated for about 15 seconds, and then Wham! It was gone.
Pretty good size snake for a fish. But there's some pretty big fish in my pond.
What revolver is that?
Ruger Wrangler. .22lr.
Got it at Academy for $199.
Got it for a dedicated snake shot gun. Keep it loaded w/ CCI shotshells and just inside the door of the shop in case quick access is needed. (It's needed several times a year here. Don't know how many copperheads I've killed here, but it's a bunch.)
That's what I thought that was! Nice lil revolver. I have to get one of them.
Dead snake = good snake. Got mrs. Robin back this year again. Wife and daughter begged me to stop wiping out her nest. The babies are just sooooo cute. She is on her 2nd clutch this year. Just a matter of time, nights getting warmer. Take the dogs out for a whizz and one will be over my head on the porch once again.... ad nasuem for past 2 mrs robin years.... Machete and co2 pistol ready to go.
Wont bother with an ID attempt this year . Let all the herpitologist on here ID the dead POS for me.