Snakes

[pilgrim]

Went to retrieve a quail out of the brush this afternoon & dam near steped on a rattlesnake.

Granted, I was at lower elevations around 4300'. Man I thought those darn things had gone

underground by now. Anyone know when they do hibernate?

[coueschaser3]

Depends on weather. I've picked em up in Dec and Jan. If its relatively warm some will be out. Don't see many below 65 degrees though.

[MangeyJoe]

I only seen a few rattlers in my days but thats good Question, I thought all snakes hibernated depending on seasons, not temperature. Is there a season that you can't kill rattlers in AZ?

[200"mulie]

hunting deer in 31 5500 feet didn't see or hear one and this area was prime for snakes. lows between 40-45 and highs between 60-68 all three days

[newalleye]

There's a study going on where I work here in NM, and they're still finding about 5% to be active, and quite a few more inactive outside of their winter dens. Like has been mentioned...intense sunlight or temps above 65 degrees might bring them out but they're more concerned with getting warm than anything else. It's safe to assume you'll have very few encounters between the end of October and the beginning of March.

[azbow]

Seen one in December on a sheep hunt 2 yrs ago and he buzzed us! Have also seen a couple in January during archery Javelina hunts and it was freezing at night. Never forget to watch for them in AZ!

[Codywhi]

killed on yesterday...

[36A Feen]

killed this one today 64 degrees

[joeybari]

I hate those things

Kill them all

After my dog got bit I have a real hatred for them.

 

 

 

[coyotekid]

my bro and I killed one on Ceder Flat in 6A on saturday. we were at about 6000ft it was about 45*F and cold windy. So YEAH THEY ARE STILL OUT! I get lax and stop looking for them when its not hot out but I just got re-educated. this lil guy was about a foot long with one bead of a rattle that he shook but it made NO noise. Good thing we spotted him first.

Be safe out there and keep your eyes open. Watch out for those puppies too.

 

[Benbrown]

Haven't seen any big ones in the last couple of weeks, but did see one around a foot long trying to get warm on the road on Monday (Nov.1). We've had several nights in the 30s now (33 this morning) and I think that we've seen the last of them at this elevation (4,400 ft).

[bradne]

Not a rattler, but I saw a garter snake in Unit 1 last week at about 8,000 feet. It was probably about 55 or 60 degrees and he was on the rocks sunning himself. He took off when we came through, which I appreciated since I was cold and wanted to sun myself on the same rock.

[Coach]

I hate those things

Kill them all

After my dog got bit I have a real hatred for them.

 

 

I love 'em. Never quite understood the fear and hatred of rattlesnakes. I've come across plenty in years of hunting AZ and NM, but they've always been nice enough to tell me they are there. Now copperheads and cottonmouths in Oklahoma, that's a whole different animal.

 

I've only had to kill one rattler in recent years, but it decided to take up shop under my office. With kids and dogs around, and knowing it could easily escape, I had to kill it. But generally, if they'll give me a couple feet warning, I'll let them go on their way.

 

To each their own.

 

 

[AZP&Y]

I ran into a Mohave in March on my 18.6 mile solo trip of a section on the Az trail. North of superior. The most aggressive rattlesnake I've ever seen. Made the wicked move towards me as I was sitting along a small flowing creek enjoying the morning. A few rocks whipped at Nolan Ryan speed and he moved off. I was over 5 miles from the nearest road.

 

Vigilance is everything in Arizona's snake country...

 

Western D backs just seem more non-confrontational...

 

 

 

AzP&Y

[Coach]

Everything I've heard about Mojave's is that they are way more agressive and way more territorial. I've only been close to one, just outside of Tucson and it was every bit as agressive as what I've heard. The blacktails and diamondbacks here seem very subdued and reclusiive in comparison.