Field Herping Tips

[BWSmith]

This is for those of you who have never been or are new to field hunting for reptiles. Naturally, I am going to focus on finding snakes. (And if any of you find an albino Pygmy rattler before me, I will be ticked! [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_wink.gif[/img] )

The two best ways to find snakes: Road Cruising and Flipping Tin.

First, get the h*ll away from civilization! A few houses are not too bad, but is should not be a road that is too heavily travelled.

Road Cruising: This is basically driving really slow down backroads looking for snakes crossing the roads. This is how we find most snakes. For each species the timing is a little different. But, the best times are in the morning from just before dawn till about 10:30am and in the evening from dusk till about 11pm or so. It is also the best time in moderate temps for your area and right after a rain. Trust me, you will stop a lot for sticks and ripples in dirt roads [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_lol.gif[/img] Make no mistake, there are snakes crawiling all day and all night. These are just what I have found from my own experience.

Flipping Tin: That is where a lot of snakes are found. Go down those same backroads and look for fallen barns, houses, etc. Virtually anything on the ground that is flat may have a snake under it. We once found a pile of tin. Every layer we pulled off had a copperhead under it! [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_eek.gif[/img] Happy Days! [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img] Plywood, Tin Rooves, about anything flat. Just be sure to use a snake hook to lift the debris. You don't want to stick your hands under a peice of tin with a Diamondback under it! [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_eek.gif[/img]

These are for where I live, in the South. I am sure that it is different in the desert, like TX or AZ. But I have a feeling that Road Cruising is universal.

Now if you are in the woods, the rules change a bit. Flip everything you can find to flip (rocks, logs, etc). I also practice "Stripping" on occasion. This is stripping the bark off dead trees looking for species such as Scarlet Snakes, Scarlet Kings, and Coral Snakes. This is not often condoned, because you are, in fact, destoying that bit of habitat. The few times that I actually do this is for herpetological surveys for Department of Natural Resources or another circumstance where I feel it is warrented.

Just be sure to put back anything you move, it is a peice of habitat. And even if there was not a snake under there this time, there may be one under it next time. [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

I know this is a little brief, but hey, its late [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_wink.gif[/img]

Good luck, and happy herping!
[addsig]

[StaticKaos]

Thanks for that BW.. Herping has really been on my idea so thats a good thing to learn about.. I have 1 major question though.. Everysince i was told their was so many ven's around my area it kinda got me worried about herpin,lol.. What safety precautions can i take to avoid getting myself bitten??? Thanks
[addsig]

	Venomous Reptile A term commonly used to refer to a venomous reptile. Most commonly used in reference to venomous snakes.

[Ed_r]

One thing to add, Check with your local DNR if your considering Collecting anything. In some states if you collect anything withought a licence you could be finned big time. I Also wouldnt advise collecting unless you have a really good quarentine area.

On that note: BW What types of containers do you bring with when your looking to collect vipers. I know not only a bag cuz they can easily bite through it.

Proper Equipment would include Snake boots, or heavy leather boots, snake hook(good quality) and tongs. minimum.
_________________
Reptiles are like Pokemon... Gotta catch em all!!!

[BWSmith]

Static, first of all, you must be able to identify your local venomous species. Precautions: If you don't have experience with venomous, don't muck with them. If you are comfortable with a hook, you can see which way on the road they are heading and move them off the road sot hey don't get run over.

As far as containers. I generally have either a bag stick, tupperware (I use the term loosely), or both. A BAg Stick is basically a snakehook with a triangular head large enough for a bag to fit around. You place the snake bag (pillowcase) on the bag stick (mine is custom and they all attach different). Place the bag stick in front of the snake and tap him on the tail with a hook. He will "generally" run into the bag since it is the nearest cover on the road. Otherwise I would hook him into a tupperware (with airholes, of course and very secure). Usually, if I am anticipating venomous, I bring both and will put the bagged snake into the tupperware for added protection for everyone.

If you put a viper in a bag only, there arte very specific protocols to follow. I will address those later in another post (probably on the ven forum). But always grab well ABOVE the knot!

Ed, you brought up an excellent point............. laws.

Here, you are not allowed to collect, posses or harrass ANY native nonvenomous snake. But you can collect, posess or harrass native venomous species (go figure!). I highly recommend "A Field Guide to Reptiles and the Law" by Levell. It outlines all herp laws for every state and is well worth the money. You can take a shortcut if you are only interested in venomous laws by visiting Mardi's page at www.CoastalReptiles.com and clicking on the "Laws" link. If nothing else, it gives you the contact info for most states DNR or F&G. KNOW THE LAWS! Thank you for mentioning that Ed.
[addsig]

	Venomous Reptile A term commonly used to refer to a venomous reptile. Most commonly used in reference to venomous snakes.

[StaticKaos]

Okay.. I checked out that link, most of the ven's around here are protected and you need permits to catch. Haha.. Like i really want 1 of them things anywase! haha..

BW: Do you think a pygmy rattler would be good as a first ven snake? Im not planning on getting 1 now, but the thought crosses my mind everytime i see 1 of the lil buggers avaible.. Im sure you've worked with them, what is your opinion?
[addsig]

[Ed_r]

<TABLE BORDER=0 ALIGN=CENTER WIDTH=85%><TR><TD><font class="pn-sub">Quote:</font><HR></TD></TR><TR><TD><FONT class="pn-sub"><BLOCKQUOTE>If some is GOING to keep hots, you cannot stop them. But there are soem things to consider when getting a first hot (aside from the obvious danger). Let's see how the Pygmies rate

Antivenin Available: Pygmy envenomation can be treated with either Wyeth Crotalidae Polyvalent or Crofab. These are common throughout the U.S.

Potency of Venom: Pygmies are generally nonlethal. However, they cause a great deal of tissue damage.

Husbandry: Once they are on pinkies or fuzzies and established, the generally make good captives. Housing requirements are minimal (aside from secure).

Aggressiveness: Fairly nippy, will not hesitate to bite if threatened. Generally skittish, thus may not sit on a hook very well.

Now personally, I like aggressive venomous. It is better (IMO) to have a snake you know will strike so that you never get complacent about it. But from the information above, an adult or subadult and established Pyg may be an option. I would never recommend a neonate. They are too hard to get establishe and require a lot of hands on work.
</BLOCKQUOTE></FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD><HR></TD></TR></TABLE>

This was on the other post on Pygmies
[addsig]

[Boaguy]

tobad where i live in fl its so highly developes there is only
spots of wilderness but close to houses and roads
but the snakes are crawling around anyway [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

When we first first got down here my mom dropped me off at my best friends house while she went to sign a lease
and we were bouncing on his trampelean and we found a coachwhip in like 10 minutes.. i was sure supprised lol
[addsig]

[BWSmith]

The actual Post is in the venomous forum at http://www.redtailboa.net/modules.ph...ic=8273&amp;12

It has pics of my new little babies [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]
[addsig]

[Ed_r]

I still say i have to get down there so i can try to talk you out of one of them little nippers [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]
[addsig]