tool for rattlesnakes?

[shameless98]

I've been using a shovel or whatever I have around me when I find the occasional rattler. Over the past week though i've seen 4 snakes (all rattlers) some of which were in difficult to reach places. Wondering what your guys go to tool is for taking them out? I was thinking of getting a high-powered pellet gun or some tongs to use in conjunction with a shovel. Can't use a gun on my property unfortunately.

 

[knarfeng]

I've been using a shovel or whatever I have around me when I find the occasional rattler. Over the past week though i've seen 4 snakes (all rattlers) some of which were in difficult to reach places. Wondering what your guys go to tool is for taking them out? I was thinking of getting a high-powered pellet gun or some tongs to use in conjunction with a shovel. Can't use a gun on my property unfortunately.

If the situation is such that you must kill it, then I'd recommend something like this.

Forged Dandelion Weeder | Ames

Forged Dandelion Weeder

www.ames.com

You want something long enough to keep you out of the snake's reach. They get peeved when you try to kill them and will attempt to defend themselves. They can strike out about half their body length. This weeding tool has a 43" handle. It is sharp enough to cut off the snake's head. Personal experience.

 

[killgar]

You gotta do what you gotta do, but I can't help but think that rattlesnakes eat rodents, which are a problem unto themselves. Fewer rattlesnakes means more rodents.

In the rural areas of San Diego there are businesses that specialize in removing rattlesnakes alive and relocating them to unpopulated areas. Perhaps you could look into that option where you live.

Of course if you believe that a snake poses an imminent threat to family or pets, then like I said, you gotta do what you gotta do. Im not one to tell another man what to do. I just thought I'd mention another possible non-lethal option.

 

[gotgoat]

scare them off, they don't care for you either

 

[studio]

1 or 2 inch pvc pipe, about 6ft. Thread some line/rope through it creating a loop.

Slip that over their heads, pull and you are good to go. Get fancy and make a constrictor or slipknot on the end that will tighten as you pull.

This set up is mostly for catch and kill. If you end up killing them probably worth tanning the hides and such.

 

[hhmoore]

If you're talking about live removal, tongs and hooks.
View attachment 1586027View attachment 1586028
If they're close to 5ft (maybe less with easterns), I prefer 2 hooks...but, I don't recommend that without some experience.
(FWIW, I hate working snakes with tongs - they're a decent option; but I always felt there was an increased risk of injury)

 

[TheChunk91]

If you can’t relocate them and they’re in a location that endangers people and pets I would definitely favor something that shoots. It’s just way safer. There’s plenty of pellet guns with the power to take one out with a clean shot.

 

[Horsewright]

In cowboy vernacular any "snubby" revolver is referred to as a "snake gun".

We have had snakes bite cattle and horses. It can very dangerous for a horse because they usually get bit out of curiosity and are sniffing the snake. So then their nose swells up and they can't breathe. Had a neighbor lose a really good bull (bout a $7500 bull) to snakebite. Didn't kill him but he was never right again, he didn't recover.

We often retire our older cow horses out to the ranch. So there is that concern. Once a cowhorse always a cowhorse. Standing guard over this little calf while his mom gets a drink:

This one tried to bite me. A buddy saw it before I did and shoved me out of range. CCI shotshells in a snubby revolver are very effective medicine.

He was literally living in our squeeze chute right next to wear we were weaning a bunch of heifers. No relocating:

 

[Crag the Brewer]

In cowboy vernacular any "snubby" revolver is referred to as a "snake gun".

We have had snakes bite cattle and horses. It can very dangerous for a horse because they usually get bit out of curiosity and are sniffing the snake. So then their nose swells up and they can't breathe. Had a neighbor lose a really good bull (bout a $7500 bull) to snakebite. Didn't kill him but he was never right again, he didn't recover.

We often retire our older cow horses out to the ranch. So there is that concern. Once a cowhorse always a cowhorse. Standing guard over this little calf while his mom gets a drink:

This one tried to bite me. A buddy saw it before I did and shoved me out of range. CCI shotshells in a snubby revolver are very effective medicine.

He was literally living in our squeeze chute right next to wear we were weaning a bunch of heifers. No relocating:

with all the cookout pics I've seen of your crew.....
I hope he was Good Eatn'

 

[Horsewright]

with all the cookout pics I've seen of your crew.....
I hope he was Good Eatn'

Naw we followed another old wives tale and hung him over the fence. Suppose to keep other snakes away. Quien sabe? I’ve had rattler before. Tastes like fishy chicken.

 

[Lesknife]

Everyone must be bringing them out here live thinking they’re doing something good. This year the rattlers have been a big problem. There’s been plenty around and no shortage in our area. So far one cow has died from a bite and we caught a calf soon enough he survived a bite. My son has had two close calls once at work hauling hay the little bugger was in a hay bale and one in his front yard at 10:30 pm almost stepped on it right by the dogs. I’ve seen several on the roads and in the pipe yard.
Our neighbor had one in their kitchen that their 3 year old found saying the dishwasher was buzzing! Another one had a bathroom visitor offering help as a laxitive.
over the years we’ve had several dogs, horses and cows bit and the vet bills are not cheap and we’ve lost two horses from rattlesnake bite. Fortunately none of my family or friends have been bit only close strikes. They say they won’t bother you unless you bother them but I’ll have to disagree. Besides we have a plenty rat snakes and bull snakes to take care of the rodents.

 

[oldmanwilly]

I would never advocate doing something illegal, but look into .22 LR colibri rounds. It's a .22 with a light bullet loaded into a case without a powder charge - the bullet fires only on the strength of the primer. In my experience it is roughly as effective as a pellet gun at close range and quieter than my childhood cap-gun when fired from a revolver (even quieter in an auto). Might give you the reach you want without alarming the neighbors.

Or, for that matter, you could try a pellet gun.

Edit: the colibri rounds are not illegal, I assumed the OP wasn't able to shoot on his property due to local ordinance or restrictions.

 

[kvaughn]

My old timey relatives in Texas kept a good sharp hoe handy. Always worked well for me.

 

[Hickory n steel]

If you do choose an airgun, don't get a cheap $99-$150 " 1200 fps " break barrel springer.
They are just not worth the trouble.

I would recommend a Crosman 2240 co2 pistol.
I like multi stroke pneumatics more, but if I was dealing with a rattlesnake I'd want a faster follow up shot in case I missed.

The standard version should be just fine but an upgraded version with a steel breech will be a major improvement,you'll just need to get a rear sight or red dot in that case.

 

[Sid Post]

Take away the food source and the snakes will leave. Mom didn't understand why there were so many Bull snakes in the barn in front of 4 acres of Blackberry bushes she let grow wild (couldn't walk through them).

Killed the bull snakes and the rat problem in the barn became legendary and the house a hundred yards away developed a real bad problem, mainly with mice, as well.

People may not like snakes but, they are there for a reason. If you have multiple snakes, you have a real rodent problem whether you see them or not.

I kill venomous snakes because I can't choose which cow, dog, guest, child, etc. gets bit and whether they live or suffer life-long complications. My experience with constrictors is that they will generally flee if you give them a chance as they can't eat you and realize you are a threat to their survival! If you do get struck by a constrictor, I strongly suggest you talk to your doctor about a "broad spectrum" antibiotic.

 

[Lesknife]

I’ve always had good results with the CCI 22LR shot shells out to 10 feet or so with a tight pattern and I also load my own shot shells in 41 rem mag. They’ll reach out around 15 with a good pattern.

 

[sodak]

Naw we followed another old wives tale and hung him over the fence. Suppose to keep other snakes away. Quien sabe? I’ve had rattler before. Tastes like fishy chicken.

Yup. I've ate the one rattler I killed and he tasted like crap.

Take away the food source and the snakes will leave. Mom didn't understand why there were so many Bull snakes in the barn in front of 4 acres of Blackberry bushes she let grow wild (couldn't walk through them).

Killed the bull snakes and the rat problem in the barn became legendary and the house a hundred yards away developed a real bad problem, mainly with mice, as well.

People may not like snakes but, they are there for a reason. If you have multiple snakes, you have a real rodent problem whether you see them or not.

I kill venomous snakes because I can't choose which cow, dog, guest, child, etc. gets bit and whether they live or suffer life-long complications. My experience with constrictors is that they will generally flee if you give them a chance as they can't eat you and realize you are a threat to their survival! If you do get struck by a constrictor, I strongly suggest you talk to your doctor about a "broad spectrum" antibiotic.

We had a vole problem in our back yard. One year a 5' bull snake came visiting. Haven't seen a vole since then. I see a snake, I leave him alone. They are very welcome in my yard.

 

[Sid Post]

Yup. I've ate the one rattler I killed and he tasted like crap.

No offense intended ... Snakes and other reptiles, in general, can taste delicious or like crap depending on the cook. Most people in the USA don't know how to prepare a tasty reptile (according to CONUS palettes in general). Turtles are the only thing close that seems to have a following in the USA.

Heck, even horse and goat are a tough thing to swallow in the USA! Calf fries (or the sheep version) can be delicious or simply nasty depending on the cook as well. An iguana can be pretty metallic tasting which is a no-go for most Americans. Someday I'll try a Guinea Pig if I ever make it to South America.

 

[sodak]

None taken, I'm a lousy cook! You're probably right.

 

[oldmanwilly]

Maybe one of these will work:

Falci Billhook--Brush Slasher

www.baryonyxknife.com

As for the meat, I like to marinate in Italian dressing then grill until tender. A common option is to boil the snake in broth until tender, peel off the meat, mix with breadcrumbs/spices/egg/etc and form into little cakes or fritters to fry (like a scary crab cake). Of course everything tastes good when tossed in seasoned cornmeal, deep fried and doused with hot sauce.