I've written a story on my blog, about safely hunting ground squirrels in rattlesnake country. I was going to post it here as well, but Photobucket isn't cooperating, so I'll just post the link to the story. The original of this was in response to an individuals e-mail to me, after he had his first up close and personal encounter with a rattlesnake while ground squirrel hunting, about how I hunt in snake country. He suggested that my response to him would make a good blog entry so others might learn from it, and it might keep someone from being bitten. I agreed.

Blog story here: http://varmintair.typepad.com/varmintairs_blog/

Very nice write up you got there. I'm glad we don't have large numbers of them around here. I don't like snakes.

poking in the grass with a stick? you better get some leggings if your running into rattlesnakes where you hunt.

Well let's see, I've been hunting these areas for close to 50 years without leggings, with hundreds and hundreds of rattlesnake encounters, so I don't guess I'll start wearing them now. All you have to do is be aware of your immediate surroundings and you'll be just fine. But then, what do I know.

been hunting a while myself. had 2 bird dogs bit on separate occassions both of em lived, and have had several close calls just started wearing leggings last yr.

i just didnt like your sorry advice on how to stay safe in snake country especially when you advertising it. hundreds and hundreds of rattlesnake encounters, my blue eye.

Just a quick question. Have you been hunting the areas that I've hunted here in Southern California for the past 50 years or so? No. I didn't think so. You sir don't have a clue and it shows.

Not sure where you hunt but I spent many hours shooting Ground Squirrels around the Parris area back in the 60's and shooting Jacks out in the Victorville area. Saw lot of Rattle snakes over the years, still see them while shooting in the Dakotas but never felt the need to wear leggins or snake boots. Just be aware of your suroundings.