GA herp tips?

Byron · #1 (**permalink**) 07-07-2010, 02:22 AM

any tips on spotting/finding snakes? I search our training area 2-3 times a week and havent spotted a dern thing this year. Last year I spotted a ratsnake and some sort of black snake (couldn't get close enough to get a good visual on it).

Walking the woodline is about a mile circumference and pretty much open other than a few buildings.

I've looked in/on/around everything I can move and haven't seen any sign of anything other than deer. I've looked first thing in the mornings, mid mornings and as late as noon. Any advice? any way to "bait" them?

I'm not wanting to add anything to my collection, I'd just like to see some of the local wildlife w/o having to go to the zoo.

mongoose5971 · #2 (**permalink**) 07-07-2010, 02:37 AM

Plant large flat items such as sheet metal or plywood? Look around sunset, right after rain, and near roadways. Find a water source if you can. I feel the same frustration when herping in the woods, I really only find stuff on roads. And make sure to bring the camera along

Byron · #3 (**permalink**) 07-07-2010, 02:55 AM

sunset???? Ummm...its not that important for me to go back to work to check. lol

Only about 200' of road, but its outside of our training area and heavily traveled during the day.

A water source is doable, so is the plywood. Hopefully, I'll get lucky.

thanks.

morti · #4 (**permalink**) 07-07-2010, 03:32 AM

Herping is a lot like fishing... 10% of the real-estate contains 90% of the herps. If you are in an area that they simply don't exist in, you won't find them.

I recommend finding a knowledgeable local and learning where they live.

Byron · #5 (**permalink**) 07-07-2010, 04:22 AM

there are random snake spottings 6-8 times a year w/o trying (everyone I work with is afraid of snakes)....it just seems that everyone except me finds them and I'm outside more often than everyone else.

HERPHAPPY · #6 (**permalink**) 07-07-2010, 04:28 AM

Well it's hot now right? I know in the CA desert it helps to go out right after a rain! Even tho you get alot more rain there, it's too hot during the day I suspect...?

HERPHAPPY · #7 (**permalink**) 07-07-2010, 04:30 AM

And sun-up should be the coolest time....? those are my guesses anyway, good luck!

Byron · #8 (**permalink**) 07-07-2010, 04:30 AM

oh yeah, its too hot during the day for sure. I usually start my search around 6:30am. If its much later than that, I'm using it as an excuse to get out of the office and dont really expect to find anything.

HERPHAPPY · #9 (**permalink**) 07-07-2010, 04:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grnxnam

oh yeah, its too hot during the day for sure. I usually start my search around 6:30am. If its much later than that, I'm using it as an excuse to get out of the office and dont really expect to find anything.

I hear ya!

Byron · #10 (**permalink**) 07-07-2010, 04:44 AM

This is my success.... this one and and about 50 of its friends visit me every night.

HERPHAPPY · #11 (**permalink**) 07-07-2010, 05:04 AM

Oh he's cool! I totally enjoy finding frogs & toads here too!
I even made some 'accommodations' for one, at the start of summer...he kept hanging around, so now he's burrowed under his 'condo', lol.... At least they eat up the bugs & slugs in the yard! (that's more than my dogs do, hee hee)

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