captain awesome
Member
It was trying to get in the boat, but did not succeed. Would have been easy to shoot it without harming the boat though. It was a Rather large snake.
Why kill snakes?
- Thread starter TarDevil
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It was trying to get in the boat, but did not succeed. Would have been easy to shoot it without harming the boat though. It was a Rather large snake.
USAF_Vet
Member
and do you claim you can draw, aim and shoot faster than a striking snake? I'd like to see that, maybe get you a spot on Stan Lee's Superhumans.
In all seriousness, snake defense is a bit silly. I've encountered many snakes in my lifetime and never really thought about killing any of them. They mean me no harm, and a bit of education goes a long way for young ones. I remember a time when my brother picked up a cotton mouth by the tail with no protection other than some gardening gloves. He wasn't bitten, but it was pretty dumb too. He had gotten over confident after doing the same thing to a rat snake in the yard.
Snake rounds are, for most people, a gimmick that will go unused for the most part.
Ole Humpback
Member
I wouldn't want to bet on that. Most snake species are fully capable of striking something that is a third of their body length away. Some of the more aggressive species like copperheads & rattlesnakes in particular are capable of striking out to two-thirds of their body length away. So next time you walk up on that 4' long copperhead, bear in mind that if you're close enough to see it, its probably close enough to bite you.
As an aside, non-venomous snakes don't really bother me too much. I could even see myself having a Ball Python as a pet. But I've had really bad experiences with venomous ones, and in particular a cane-break rattlesnake when I was 5. My dad took care of that one with a gun. Thing was 5' long.
The strange part is, I've always had the misfortune of running over black snakes with the lawn-mower. A 72" cutting deck doesn't leave much of the snake left after that experience.
rocky branch
Member
A dead copperhead or rattler in your yard is one less in your yard.
I generally leave Mr No Shoulders alone, but trepassers are shot on sight.
We used to catch big blacksnakes and others and toss 'em in the corncrib to control rodents.
I generally leave Mr No Shoulders alone, but trepassers are shot on sight.
We used to catch big blacksnakes and others and toss 'em in the corncrib to control rodents.
armoredman
Member
I live in the desert, and I love my son, wife and dogs. A venomous snake in the yard is a valid target. I have no further use for one. King snakes and other non poisonous snakes are fine outside the yard - my yard, I determine who visits.
I have also eaten rattlesnake, yummy.
I have also eaten rattlesnake, yummy.
Dazen
Member
I bought one to use during bird hunting here in a West Texas and I'm proud to say it has and will continue to kill rattle snakes and cottonmouths. If you feel the need to have an elevated lvl of danger by letting poisonous snakes take hold on your property then so be it. You need to come tell these Cottonmouths down here that they are not playing buy the rules cause they are one hell of a aggressive snake.
Sam1911
Moderator Emeritus
Just a note to raise the level of discourse:
When applied to animals, "poisonous" generally means it will make you sick or dead if you eat it. "Venomous" means it can inject a toxin into you.
I'm not sure if there ARE any poisonous snakes ...
When applied to animals, "poisonous" generally means it will make you sick or dead if you eat it. "Venomous" means it can inject a toxin into you.
I'm not sure if there ARE any poisonous snakes ...
Superlite27
Member
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While I lament the needless killing of any living thing for the sole purpose of making it dead, I have a very nice dog that often roams the yard as I work outside.
I once noticed her frolicking and playing with what I first thought was a mole, or mouse as I often see her digging them out of various places around my property.
Imagine my dismay as I noticed that what my good companion was playing with was not, in fact, a mouse, but a copperhead.
"HOLY CRAP! SPIT IT OUT! SPIT IT OUT!"
I will not blindly kill a snake for being a snake. Unfortunately, my dog is unable to discriminate, therefore, I often carry a Vaquero with shotshells for the sole purpose of ending copperheads before they end my dog which may encounter them in the future.
I once noticed her frolicking and playing with what I first thought was a mole, or mouse as I often see her digging them out of various places around my property.
Imagine my dismay as I noticed that what my good companion was playing with was not, in fact, a mouse, but a copperhead.
"HOLY CRAP! SPIT IT OUT! SPIT IT OUT!"
I will not blindly kill a snake for being a snake. Unfortunately, my dog is unable to discriminate, therefore, I often carry a Vaquero with shotshells for the sole purpose of ending copperheads before they end my dog which may encounter them in the future.
Cosmoline
Member
I'm not so sure about this. I remember being chased by some in Louisiana. And there are sidewinders known for very nasty tempers. Of course I've also seen huge rattlers in the Cascades so mellow you could practically pet them. I remember using a board to get one out of the road so I wouldn't run him over. He looked at me with a "hey dude" expression and just ambled off. That was just outside of Eugene, though, and he probably was high from eating stoned mice. I would NOT do that with his cousins from hotter areas. Or on the other side of the mountains for that matter.
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RogueLeader
Member
The Mojave Green rattlesnake out here in the Mojave Desert is a very aggressive snake. It will give chase, even without any perceived provocation. They will hold their ground and will not move away. I have encountered this snake on a few occasions, such as getting out of my vehicle, only to find I've stopped next to one and only saw it when I opened the car door. They won't budge and you either have to move the car, or shoot it.
chas08
Member
I kill them all without discrimination because I detest them, and I don't want to accidently hurt myself, should one catch me by surprise at close quarters. It may not be politically correct, or even legal in some states, but around my house, they are all endangered species.
Water mocs seem to have different temperaments. Some will get out of Dodge, some will stand their ground. And at my uncle's I've seen a few that appeared to come for me. There didn't seem to be any two ways about it. At any rate, I didn't wait long enough to find out their intentions in the last two cases. I didn't figure they were wanting to make friends.
CoRoMo
Member
I keep trying to think of George Mallory's answer, when asked why he would want to climb Everest.
Amazing how the nature of snakes can change from one state to another.
Reminds me of the first time I went fishing in Canada. The locals looked at my tube baits and asked, "What are those for?"
"Smallmouth bass."
"Don't think they'll work up here."
"A smallmouth is a smallmouth."
"Yes, but this is Canada... I don't think they'll do much good here."
I not only caught the most and the largest, I was the ONLY person who caught any smallmouth that weekend... all but one on tube baits.
A horse is a horse, a fish is a fish, and snakes are snakes.
Reminds me of the first time I went fishing in Canada. The locals looked at my tube baits and asked, "What are those for?"
"Smallmouth bass."
"Don't think they'll work up here."
"A smallmouth is a smallmouth."
"Yes, but this is Canada... I don't think they'll do much good here."
I not only caught the most and the largest, I was the ONLY person who caught any smallmouth that weekend... all but one on tube baits.
A horse is a horse, a fish is a fish, and snakes are snakes.
DammitBoy
Member
Rattlesnakes are tasty.
Alsoplustoo - if you want to eradicate any and all snakes on your property, get a couple of siamese cats.
Growing up, I had two siamese who were voracious snake hunters. They would bring home cottonmouths everyday and play 'cat n mouse' with them until they got bored, then the evil felines would kill them.
Alsoplustoo - if you want to eradicate any and all snakes on your property, get a couple of siamese cats.
Growing up, I had two siamese who were voracious snake hunters. They would bring home cottonmouths everyday and play 'cat n mouse' with them until they got bored, then the evil felines would kill them.
Mitch from LA
Member
You have opened a giant can of worms with two very opinionated sides.
I happen to take the "don't kill the snakes side".
Sadly, you will not convince most of those on the "kill the snakes side" on this board that they should change their ways. They will cite anecdotal evidence of the "many aggressive snakes that actively attack humans." You will refute it. An agreement will never be reached.
Thankfully most snake populations are healthy enough that these individuals are not seriously damaging them. With many rattlesnakes however, populations have taken a serious hit due to "snake-rodeos" and indiscriminate killing. This is sad, but snakes have the unfortunate lot in life of being despised and misunderstood.
I happen to take the "don't kill the snakes side".
Sadly, you will not convince most of those on the "kill the snakes side" on this board that they should change their ways. They will cite anecdotal evidence of the "many aggressive snakes that actively attack humans." You will refute it. An agreement will never be reached.
Thankfully most snake populations are healthy enough that these individuals are not seriously damaging them. With many rattlesnakes however, populations have taken a serious hit due to "snake-rodeos" and indiscriminate killing. This is sad, but snakes have the unfortunate lot in life of being despised and misunderstood.
1911Tuner
Moderator Emeritus
I'm in agreement on this point. I go out of my way to avoid snakes, and don't kill them unless given no choice..which means that I have only killed one...and that one was badly injured after I ran him over in my pickup truck. I've actually encountered less than a half-dozen venomous snakes in the wild, and have let them all go in peace.
Not everybody feels that way, however...and if they spot them, will actively seek them out for the purpose of killing them...simply for being there.
I once discovered a sizeable Copperhead on my property, and worked for the better part of a morning to capture him for release at a place that made me feel less nervous about him. Note that taking a snake more than about a mile from where you find him is pretty much a death sentence unless he manages to find his way back
They're fascinating animals, and they have a right to be here as well as a purpose. Remove them from your property alive if you can. There are various nature centers that would love to have them, and in some places, will actually send a handler to capture yours. Kill them if there's no other option.
Just my 2% of a buck. YMMV
Not everybody feels that way, however...and if they spot them, will actively seek them out for the purpose of killing them...simply for being there.
I once discovered a sizeable Copperhead on my property, and worked for the better part of a morning to capture him for release at a place that made me feel less nervous about him. Note that taking a snake more than about a mile from where you find him is pretty much a death sentence unless he manages to find his way back
They're fascinating animals, and they have a right to be here as well as a purpose. Remove them from your property alive if you can. There are various nature centers that would love to have them, and in some places, will actually send a handler to capture yours. Kill them if there's no other option.
Just my 2% of a buck. YMMV
scythefwd
Member
Sam, I guess that depends on what part you eat
Seriously, venomous snakes die in my area. I love my animals and my daughter (who is not old enough to be cautious, and is close enough to the ground to be curious about what is under the deck). Black snakes I take pictures of. Copperheads die. I have chickens, and small dogs, and a very small daughter. If the snake is outside the fence, it's fine by me.
I've only killed 3 in seven years. All were young enough to have green tips on their tails and all were corned by my dogs and feeling fiesty.
Seriously, venomous snakes die in my area. I love my animals and my daughter (who is not old enough to be cautious, and is close enough to the ground to be curious about what is under the deck). Black snakes I take pictures of. Copperheads die. I have chickens, and small dogs, and a very small daughter. If the snake is outside the fence, it's fine by me.
I've only killed 3 in seven years. All were young enough to have green tips on their tails and all were corned by my dogs and feeling fiesty.
Strykervet
member
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"So... why promote these weapons as "snake defense" weapons?"
Because they are useless for anything else.
Why kill a snake? Well, if they are in your backyard and you have kids, it might be a good idea to take one of them out in order to teach the kids. An old guy in our neighborhood did that to teach us since we played in the mountains all day unsupervised (those were the days...). Did he need a Taurus Judge? Nah, if I remember right, he used a coke bottle.
On the other hand, if you live near a nesting/breeding area, you could have a problem that firearms can't solve. If not, they are very beneficial, and only superficial people and children shoot animals in the wild that they can't eat or otherwise use. They evolved here for a reason. If the reason were not sufficient, they would be extinct. For instance, we left snakes alone when I was a kid, we lived in the brush next to a mountain, and we almost never saw a rodent --even though it was a prime spot for them. Fast foward to the city, and we never saw a snake, but finding a rodent was no problem.
For those in the know, look at the differential equations in predator-prey systems. That alone can prove the necessity of snakes. Poisonous or not.
So leave the snakes alone, unless you are hungry or need to teach children up close (sometimes a museum or zoo doesn't do it... That Copperhead from my childhood is burned into my memory though...) It is far more important that the child be able to identify the snake that just bit him or her and know prudent first aid, than it is for the parent to sanitize the world for the child.
And forget about the Taurus Judge if you are older than 12. You can get a decent used pistol and maybe even a shotgun to boot for the price. Save enough for the five dollar snake bite kit though, and carry it everytime you go in the brush.
I think I need to go now... I have a new idea. I am going to invent and market a new firearm specifically made to dispatch poisonous spiders...
Because they are useless for anything else.
Why kill a snake? Well, if they are in your backyard and you have kids, it might be a good idea to take one of them out in order to teach the kids. An old guy in our neighborhood did that to teach us since we played in the mountains all day unsupervised (those were the days...). Did he need a Taurus Judge? Nah, if I remember right, he used a coke bottle.
On the other hand, if you live near a nesting/breeding area, you could have a problem that firearms can't solve. If not, they are very beneficial, and only superficial people and children shoot animals in the wild that they can't eat or otherwise use. They evolved here for a reason. If the reason were not sufficient, they would be extinct. For instance, we left snakes alone when I was a kid, we lived in the brush next to a mountain, and we almost never saw a rodent --even though it was a prime spot for them. Fast foward to the city, and we never saw a snake, but finding a rodent was no problem.
For those in the know, look at the differential equations in predator-prey systems. That alone can prove the necessity of snakes. Poisonous or not.
So leave the snakes alone, unless you are hungry or need to teach children up close (sometimes a museum or zoo doesn't do it... That Copperhead from my childhood is burned into my memory though...) It is far more important that the child be able to identify the snake that just bit him or her and know prudent first aid, than it is for the parent to sanitize the world for the child.
And forget about the Taurus Judge if you are older than 12. You can get a decent used pistol and maybe even a shotgun to boot for the price. Save enough for the five dollar snake bite kit though, and carry it everytime you go in the brush.
I think I need to go now... I have a new idea. I am going to invent and market a new firearm specifically made to dispatch poisonous spiders...
Back when I was a teenager I was driving down an old country road when I came up on an old woman who was killing a snake with a gardening hoe. I pulled up along side and spoke out my window and said to the old woman; thats a king snake,you should'nt kill a king snake.Than she simply replied; son I don't care what his first name is, if his last names snake he's dead. Made me laugh I really could'nt argue with that ole country gal logic so I moved on down the road.
captain awesome
Member
17 cal rim fire shells that shoot copper dust with a little 3 inch bbl, and five shot cylinder. No home should be with out one! My wife would buy that one.
By the way, not all of us snake shooters kill on site, my condition is if its in my yard(not likely to happen) or acting aggressively to me or someone I am with. If its a problem, it goes, if not, then I leave it be.
Strykervet
member
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Roger that.
And I'll start work converting the S&W 317 into a copper powder spewing spider killer tonight.
And I'll start work converting the S&W 317 into a copper powder spewing spider killer tonight.
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