Definition, Legality, and Ethics of Field Herping

BWSmith · #1 (**permalink**) 05-18-2006, 01:38 PM

In the most basic sense, Field Herping is simply looking for herpetofauna outdoors. But turning over logs in your yard is generally not really considered herping. Much of the time, herpers drive great distances to get to the prime habitat of target species or an area with a concentrated population of reptiles and amphibians.

For the average herper, there are three main methods for field herping. The most obvious, of course, is just walking near creeks, swamps, or other suitable habitat looking for herps. Logs or rocks are often lifted as herps like to lay under them. This can become very arduous as the results may vary and there are usually very few snakes (the most common target) found per day except in prime areas. The second method is affectionately referred to as "Flipping Tin". And it is pretty much what it sounds like. Herpers will drive around and find fallen buildings, sheds, piles of roofing tin, plywood, car hoods, refrigerators, debris, just about anything flat on the ground. Snakes and other herps are drawn to these items. They are carefully lifted to see what resides under. Each piece is then put back the way it was found. This retains the integrity of the site and gives you and the snakes someplace to come back to. The final method is called "Road Cruising". During the morning, dusk, and at night, herpers drive down back roads looking for snakes that are crossing the road. This may sound like an exercise in futility just driving around on the off chance that a snake is crossing the road, but it is remarkably effective. It is not uncommon, during favorable conditions, for road cruising to out perform all other methods of herping.

Now so far, I have just talked about FINDING herps, not what happens once they are found. Many state laws govern the contact that people can have with wildlife. In Georgia, for example, all native nonvenomous species of snakes are protected and are illegal to take, possess, breed, or sell. Some states have a set number of native species that can be taken. Sometimes a special license may be required for collection. It is important to know and obey the laws relating to wild herpetofauna. There is a word for unlawfully taking wildlife ........ POACHING.

There are some commercial collectors that go herping for the specific purpose of finding animals to sell. Of course, one would be hard pressed to offset the cost of the gasoline used to find them. Luckily, commercial collectors make up a small percentage of field herpers. It is important to remember that just as you enjoy seeing these animals in the wild, future generations would like to see them as well. Consider a few things before removing a herp from the wild:

Are you keeping it just because you are proud you caught it?
It is understandable to want to show off your "prize". But this really is not a good reason to remove a wild animal from its natural environment. You WILL find more. If this is your only reason for wanting to keep it, then let it go. Besides, photographs eat less and live longer.

Do you have the enclosure space available?
Just as with acquiring any animal, the enclosure should be prepared before the animal arrives. At the very least, a cage should be available. Animals should not be removed if there is no place to put them. Do not make the animal suffer because of your lack of planning.

Is it LEGAL for you to take it?
This is pretty self explanatory. To you, it may just be a Cornsnake. But to regulatory and law enforcement agencies, it may be a protected species and you could be subject to legal repercussions. Stay legal!

Is it an animal that would have otherwise bought?
This is an important one. If you saw this animal at a herp show or pet shop, would you have bought it? If not, then you do not really want the animal. Let it go!

Is it a species that does well in captivity?
There are some species that simply do not do well in captivity and should never be taken. One example would be the Queen Snake. While it is an interesting little snake, do you have the means to supply it with a steady stream of freshly molted crayfish for its whole life? Probably not. Remember that many snakes DO NOT eat rodents. Before removing anything, you should already know its dietary requirements and this should be considered when deciding to bag it or release it.

Most herpers come home from field herping with many photos, but rarely a snake. If you truly love and respect these animals, then they should not be removed from the wild simply because they were found. herping is a wonderful opportunity to see these creatures in their natural habitat and get some incredible photo opportunities. The wild is not just a place for "Free Herps", it is where herps live free. Besides, it always a rare treat to find the same herp twice months or even years apart. It is a proud feeling to know that the animal that you let go on its way is thriving.

It is important to use ethical judgment to balance your enjoyment, the welfare of the animal, and the overall health of the habitat.

amercnwmn · #2 (**permalink**) 05-18-2006, 01:49 PM

My pet peeve is going out to flip tin or otherwise search under rocks, only to find they have been flipped, and not replaced! Whats worse is when you find the dead animals littering nearby, so you KNOW the person before you sought the animal out to kill it.

CharlieJ · #3 (**permalink**) 05-18-2006, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BWSmith

The wild is not just a place for "Free Herps", it is where herps live free.

The above statement sums it up quite nicely! Herping is LOTS of fun -- but should not be used to acquire "free herps".

RioBravoReptiles · #4 (**permalink**) 05-18-2006, 03:15 PM

Excellent topic and very good coverage of the most of the pertinant points..
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Let us consider this also. Reptiles and amphibians in nature are an abundant and renewable resource. They only require space, a relatively stable environment and protection from overexploitation. These are all things which are provided (many times at great public expense) to wildlife populations such as deer, turkey, migratory waterfowl and very many other types of wildlife. We are allowed to kill these animals for sport or food and limits and regulations are set in place to insure the continuation of the resource. Increasingly, reptile and amphibian populations are not managed, but are protected. Protected from whom? Responsible people interested in herps are rarely the problem, instead it is the people in the field for other purposes (work, hunting, etc.) that kill snakes and other herps. They have no knowledge of or interest in the legality of killing a native reptile in Georgia, as an example.
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I don't sell wild-collected snakes of any kind, native or imports and the last thing I would want to see is a land-rush of people going out into the field and taking herps! In my opinion the sale and resale of most wild-collected herps should be abolished. But I remember looking for animals when I was younger and I'd bring some of that stuff home. This is a real learning experience even if it doesn't always work out. It would be a shame if all future generations' hands-on experiences with herps were limited to a Petco or a herp-show.
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Prohibition is not management, it is a philosophical weapon. This applies to the taking of common herps as much as to regulations banning the keeping of some exotics or others. For all the right reasons you cautioned against the un-needed taking of herps from the wild and I agree with you... But we should not be so judgemental as to think we can decide for others when they can take a herp for a pet.
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That's my opinion.
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Gus.

BWSmith · #5 (**permalink**) 05-18-2006, 03:33 PM

This is very true. That is why I was specific in regards to reasoning. When I go into the field, I generally have something specific in mind. The last trip, I was looking for a large Cottonmouth for my programs. The first one was only 2' so I let it go. The second was just what I was looking for, a nice 42" female. She came home with me. The rats, corn, waters, garter, etc were all photographed let free.

habitat destruction is definitely the most pressing problem. But overcollection is a contributing factor. Just as anything relating to herps, acting responsibly is paramount.

RioBravoReptiles · #6 (**permalink**) 05-18-2006, 03:42 PM

I'm happy a seemingly responsible and reasonable person such as yourself is giving programs! (I assume you're giving programs, not charging).. In either case let me only venture this further explanation.. If you and I think it's ok for you to take an adult female Cottonmouth out of a population for your purposes we would be hypocrites to tell others they can't take one just because we don't agree with what they are going to do with it..
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That's my point.
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Gus.

amercnwmn · #7 (**permalink**) 05-18-2006, 03:44 PM

Just a couple of weeks ago in the Ark. Democrat Gazette Classifieds there was a guy that posted a WANTED ad offering to pay top dollar for native snakes. Turns out, he was a member of www.snakesofarkansas.com a local herp society site.

In Arkansas selling, trading etc of natives is a no-no. Apparently he didnt check his legalities in advance. Several members of the AHS contacted him thru the ad phone number and informed him. He made a public apology and claimed his intentions were to breed and repopulate or something equally as retarded.
The 2 WC reptiles I have are to be relocated on a friend's property where they are welcome. They were gathered from areas where they would have soon met their end. My husband wants to keep the rat snake, but I told him, if he wants one THAT bad, we can buy one. My ethics on keeping rat snakes are fairly lenient, however..one day they will be just like the other endangered species thanks to "progress". I want my kids to be able to go out and enjoy herping and seeing animals where they belong.

BWSmith · #8 (**permalink**) 05-18-2006, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RioBravoReptiles

I'm happy a seemingly responsible and reasonable person such as yourself is giving programs! (I assume you're giving programs, not charging).. In either case let me only venture this further explanation.. If you and I think it's ok for you to take an adult female Cottonmouth out of a population for your purposes we would be hypocrites to tell others they can't take one just because we don't agree with what they are going to do with it..
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That's my point.
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Gus.

I do not say NOT to remove herps, just to be responsible about it and take a few things into consideration before doing so.

RioBravoReptiles · #9 (**permalink**) 05-18-2006, 05:15 PM

One more thing. Back to your Herping "Definition".. I think you are right on about most everybody's idea of herping. "Go find as many types of reptiles and amphibians as possible". To a very large extent that type of specific knowledge (turn right by the three-legged donkey, go over the fence by the big burr-oak, not the post-oak, pick up that old Studabaker hood and you'll find it) is what passes for herp-know-how among so called herpers today.
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I'd like to add something here.. I was very fortunate in my younger days to spend some time in the field with some very knowledgeable (even famous) field-workers. It happened I could share with them some of that kind of specific info on where a few rare endemics could be observed. Let me tell you that as much as those gentlemen appreciated my help they showed me by example that I knew jack-doodle about herps and herping. The natural history of our herpetofauna, where and how they live, the way they use different aspects of their habitat, the plants and animals they share their homes with THAT IS THE GOLD, buddy. And it's real working knowledge. You can carry that kind of info with you to new places and find animals even if you don't have the directions to a certain trash dump ,or board-line. It helps with your husbandry too. Most importantly it will give new depths to your respect for the animals.
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I still go out with people looking for stuff, in a lot of places! These guys jump out of the truck and vault over fences and gates to get to 'the best tin pile' or whatever. Inevitably at the end of the day they're bragging they saw 10 of this and 6 of that and I guess that's great. But between you and me many of them don't know 'jack-doodle' about herps or herping.
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Gus/Rio Bravo Reptiles.

louise · #10 (**permalink**) 05-18-2006, 05:24 PM

Quote:

The wild is not just a place for "Free Herps", it is where herps live free.

i want that in my signature!!!!

JuliusSqueezer · #11 (**permalink**) 05-18-2006, 05:31 PM

Great discussion! Dang it...between this thread and my new John White inspired stump ripper...I want to go flip some freaking tin!

amercnwmn · #12 (**permalink**) 05-18-2006, 05:51 PM

Me too!

BWSmith · #13 (**permalink**) 05-18-2006, 06:58 PM

Your absolutely right. "Herping" is such a broad term with many connotations, methods, and motivations. For 99% of people, particularly they people that frequent sites such as this, my description of herping is accurate. However, as you stated, there is so much more to it. Herpetofauna is not a stagnant or isolated portion of the ecosystem. Rather it is closely integrated to all things. Knowledge of Ecology, population ecology, biology, forestry, horticulture, entomology, and dozens of other disciplines enhances the appreciation for herps in the wild.

I think that many field herpers notice trends in environmental conditions without even knowing it or making the connection that it reflects a broader view of the habitat. If there are alot of toads around, hognose snakes are likely in the area. If there is a large anthill next to a piece of tin, then the chances of finding a snake under it are greatly reduced. Sand roads just before and at daybreak are the best conditions to find a Coral Snake. Mud Snakes, Mole Kingsnakes, and other fossorial species are more active after a heavy rain. Conversely, Pygmy Rattlesnakes are more scarce directly after even a light rain. Near Gopher Tortoise burrows are the best place to find Eastern Indigos. A large kingsnake often indicates that no other snakes will be found in the immediate area. Long Leaf Pine stands are prime habitat for Eastern Diamondbacks. The presence of Cotton Rats is a good indicator that snakes frequent the area. The presence of Box Turtles indicates that the area does not regularly flood or get saturated. Many wetlands being low or dry indicates that the animals will likely be more concentrated into the areas that still have ample water. All of these minor observations combine to form a more clear picture of the ecosystem and how each system within it integrates and influences another.

For many of us, there is much more to herping than just finding snakes. It is an educational and often awe inspiring endeavor. There is no place on earth so beautiful and full of life as a South Georgia Swamp.

hopefully all that made sense, it is just off the top of my head.

JuliusSqueezer · #14 (**permalink**) 05-18-2006, 07:01 PM

I just do it because I think it's fun to pick ticks off of me at the end of the day.

BWSmith · #15 (**permalink**) 05-18-2006, 07:02 PM

You just go for the ribs.

amercnwmn · #16 (**permalink**) 05-18-2006, 07:31 PM

I have a question about some information Ive received from local herpers regarding the presence of Cedar.
According to them, it could indicate a lower population or even absense of venomous species in that general area.
I havent been able to find any other claims to support that, and was curious where that tidbit of info came from or if anyone else heard it.. I didnt want to create a whole thread about it, but its been gnawing in the back of my mind. Since we are on the subject of herping and environmental factors, etc.

BWSmith · #17 (**permalink**) 05-18-2006, 07:35 PM

Cedar would not deter only venomous species. I am not aware of Cedar being a snake deterrent at all. While the oils can be harmful, the trees generally do not shed shavings

Granted, there are not many cedars in the areas i herp, rather it is full of Cypress.

amercnwmn · #18 (**permalink**) 05-18-2006, 07:42 PM

We have TONS of cedar and cypress.. Just curious, I had heard that through a few people, but I didnt think other than being in a tank it would make a difference. I have a few places in mind to herp this weekend. I want to find a copperhead or cottonmouth to take some pics. Although I wouldnt turn down any other reptile that decided to be photogenic.

JuliusSqueezer · #19 (**permalink**) 05-18-2006, 08:10 PM

The cedar thing is entirely false. I've had some pretty good success herping in cedar thickets though it is a really good way to get ticks.

My grandparents had a cow pasture that had cedar all along the fences. I spent a great deal of my childhood plucking ratsnakes off of the fences and from around the cedar trees. Like BW said, it's the shavings when you grind them up that emit the oil, not the trees.

amercnwmn · #20 (**permalink**) 05-18-2006, 08:42 PM

Thanks for clarifying, Ill be waging war and debunking some theories then...Ive already started war with some of the people claiming I feed F/T...whats wrong with this world!?!

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