snake protection ???

[1911d]

I'm retired and am lucky enough to be able to spend the winter in sw Az rather than nw Wi.
i,m planning on spending a lot of that time md & prospecting in the desert...
In Wi we don't have much for critters than kill you, but Az has a lot of different critters that can....
i was wondering what i should be on the lookout for and what i should have to be on the safe side, snake legins?
thanks for your time
george

[mtpockets]

Well a Pair of these Rattler Headphones will always come in Handy...

Just keep in mind that slithering reptiles aren't your only worry in Az.

You have Mtn Lions to deal with to.. and I have seen several out in Az.But from a distance.



I would carry a firearm with me "Depending on the location"
DetectorPro Rattler Headphone

[EPC Guy]

Ditto on what MT Pockets said...a firearm is good (unless you're breaking the law by carrying it in certain areas). Just keeping your eyes open and knowing the critters in your area (and their habits) will help immensely. For example - you know not to place your hands on a warm flat rock until you're sure a rattler isn't sunbathing on it...if you're camping overnight..shake out your boots before puting them back on...that sort of thing. I would also recommend that you TELL someone where you're going before you leave (and when you expect to be back)- and to carry a cell phone with you.

Most critters are as wary of you as you are of them...respect them, and you'll be fine!

[bigjohn]

357 first 2 rounds shot shell backed up w/ hydrashok.

[BayouBillsBasement]

In the winter most snakes are hibernating and not a problem unless there is an extended warming period. Also, many reptiles and amphibians are protected in the state of Arizona and you can be fined for killing or possessing them. One must have a fishing license to kill or collect in the state. There really isn't any need for killing them unless it is to identify one thats bitten someone as some of the antivenins are species specific. If you're in snake country it's best to wear some sort of snake leggings and not to put your hands in any place you can't see. Even this can be problematic as snakes do blend in to their environment quite well ( I almost picked up a coiled up Western Diamondback that was in a log pile) he never rattled and I didn't see it until I was about a foot away from it. I used a long stick to move him out of the way and carried on. Just killing them because its a snake shows a bit of arrogance and a lot of ignorance. Its just not necessary.

[1911d]

i didn't want to kill anything , just want to be aware of what to look out for to avoid getting myself killed or worse..
thanks for the info

[bigjohn]

shows a bit of arrogance and a lot of ignorance. Its just not necessary

oh ya well when i moved in out here the place was snake infested. i shot 48 the first year. ya 48. so i must be real ignorant. oh btw i dont like snakes

[MinelabMan]

Originally Posted by bigjohn

357 first 2 rounds shot shell backed up w/ hydrashok.

Hey BigJohn, If you don't hit 'em with that shot, try to line up those hydrashoks with your next dig, your hole and more will be dug, can't guarantee what the find will look like though

I agree with BayouBill to the point of not killing them needlessy, I think if you're out in the wild and you see a snake, I say let it be. But if your home or regular routes are infested with them I say get rid of them , not worth risking yourself, family or pets!

[creekrat]

out for the snakes,a stick will be ok,to put him out of you way.i used to catch them (copperheads and rattle snakes) for church up the road would buy them for church service..yea,wva is only state that you handle snakes in church hum..........but now that big cat is another problem. o yea rattle snake is goood.creek

[Orthosophy]

If you see a mountain lion its because you surprised it. Very rarely are the caught out in the open. As for the gun, they make one called the "snake charmer" that is a short barreled .410 shotgun. It doesn't even pretend by having a sight, it's "point and click". I think thats mostly for ranches when you're afraid of the snake killing livestock/hands. If I had to pack, It would be a .357 or .44 magnum revolver loaded with alternating full house loads and actual snake/birdshot. I'm sure a good auto would work out there but I'd still rather have the revolver. I'd be really hesitant to shoot at a cougar.