Are non-poisonous snakes on your hunting menu?

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My Grandfather "kept" or tolerated a large blacksnake in his barn, I was warned I'd better not harm it as it would take care of any rodents there. Many times I'd be playing in the loft, raise my head and stare into the eyes of that snake. He would lay on the roof beams or coil behind hay bales. It would startle you when you first saw it but you soon became accustomed to having it around.

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We have several species of snakes around here and the only poisonous ones are Copperheads. I don't kill any of them including the Copperheads unless they come into the garage. Now Molly, our West Highland White Terrier, does not tolerate any of them in her yard and has no problem dispatching them from her territory. And it's a trip to see.

CDT

that is one good dog you got. not many will actually kill a snake. mine will only bark like crazy.

 I have two Mini-Dachshunds that will kill any snake ( always the common garden snake ) they see. They don't bark..they attack. Every Spring I find what's left of the snakes in the back yard or on the deck. They've even brought 'em in the house to their cage at night. Maybe they were gonna mount the heads on the cage wall like trophies...:>). As far as I know, we've never had a copperhead in the yard. Years ago, there used to be a large undeveloped area across the street that was a haven for copperheads. It was not uncommon for a neighbor to step outside only to find a copperhead sunning on their backstep. A few of the snakes tried crossing the street but none made it that I was aware of.

[aack73]

Larry those Dachshunds can be fierce. they were meant for a hole mine only acts fierce though. she is a great alarm however. had a few jacks that were on it.

[grizzlyadams]

had daschshunds growing up.... it's not an act....they are fearless.gotta restrain them from things that can hurt them...cuz they dont care!

[grizzlyadams]

was typing at same time as aack. wienerdogs are fearless!

[Nikoman]

I give snakes a pass unless they're venomous.
I had to kill a rattlesnake in my neighbors yard for her because she has 2 young children.

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was typing at same time as aack. wienerdogs are fearless!

had daschshunds growing up.... it's not an act....they are fearless.gotta restrain them from things that can hurt them...cuz they dont care!

Larry those Dachshunds can be fierce. they were meant for a hole mine only acts fierce though. she is a great alarm however. had a few jacks that were on it.

   They can be tough. alright. They were originally bred for hunting animals that lived in dens or holes.....badgers and such. They can be as loveable as any other dog, tho. It's been many years since we've been WITHOUT at least one Dachshund or two. They are "people" dogs...need attention. We had, at one time..4 minis. I called 'em  the thundering herd. The oldest was Gus, the godfather. He taught 'em all he knew to get attention. We just have two now...they allow us to live here with 'em.      :>)

[aack73]

I give snakes a pass unless they're venomous.
I had to kill a rattlesnake in my neighbors yard for her because she has 2 young children.

 

good for you. rattlesnake would be lethal if not treated quickly. at least the copperheads generally aren't lethal. there are rattle snakes around this area but we never see any. get our share of copperheads though.

[aack73]

hey Larry maybe start a post of your furry little brigade. show us some pics.

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hey Larry maybe start a post of your furry little brigade. show us some pics.

  I'd LOVE to be able to post pictures! I've tried, but no dice. I have a camera that would do the job but I can't figure how to get the photos on-site. I've had all kinds of advice and demonstrations on how-to and nothin' works. I even ask the geek that put my new computer together to show me and he couldn't do it either. By the way.....Before I'm taken to task about that "geek" title...it was what HE told me to call him.....:>)

[aack73]

lol yea bet he's been called worse lol

[oldpink]

I'm 100% with both Richard and Ed on this one.
There are very few venomous snakes in my area, and even those I leave alone, unless they were to encroach onto areas of my property where they could pose a threat, which has never happened and probably never will.
As a kid, I used to catch entire five gallon buckets full of Garter snakes from our barn lot and show off with them before releasing them where I caught them.
As mentioned above, they do a great job of controlling insects and rodents.

[Atchman2]

Some states you can't kill snakes at all (legally).  I don't mess with them.  If I had a poisonous one in my yard proper, it would get a blast of bird shot though  

[Bobbo]

Snakes in their area are safe. Snakes in MY area are history.

[ShakySarge]

Some states you can't kill snakes at all (legally).  I don't mess with them.  If I had a poisonous one in my yard proper, it would get a blast of bird shot though

You are absolutely correct! In many states almost all snakes, to include the venomous ones are protected. Be sure to check your local and state protected species list! But don't worry, most states allow the killing of a venomous snake if it endangers livestock, pets and humans! The best practice, regardless of your stance on snakes is to think about the pros and cons of your actions and then decide the moral and legal solution!!!

[Mebits]

They get a pass from me and always have. Even poisonous ones get a pass if I think it's reasonably safe to.


M

[Air Rifle Hunter]

 I let all of the beneficial non-poisonous snakes have a free pass at all times. Poisonous snakes are fine as long as they stay away from me, my family or my pets. If I'm out hunting and find a rattle snake I will try to shoot it, but that is because I'm going to skin it and eat it.

[yoshi800]

There's a famous hotel in Death Valley, CA called the Furnace Creek Resort.  They usually have farm-raised rattlesnake on the menu in the restaurant.  Haven't tried it yet.

[Nikoman]

I've never had rattlesnake before. Always wanted to try.
What does it taste like?
....and don't say like chicken!

[ShakySarge]

It tastes like, well, rattlesnake!!! Very tender and juicy if prepared properly! As long as the juice isn't the venom!!!! I would put the taste between frog legs, squirrel and rabbit.