dana@ccwf.cc.utexas.edu (Daniel Schneider) (06/20/91)
I've noticed several postings recently in rec.guns about different ways to deal with rattlsnakes. Really people, it isn't necessary to shoot rattlers. Given the opportunity, a rattler will avoid contact with people. The only time people get bitten is when they surprise the snake, or corner it and harrass it. If a snake is blocking your path, you can scare it away with a few nudges with a stick (a long stick), or tossing a few pebbles at it. Unless you have taste for rattlesnake meat, I see no reason to kill them. Gun owners have a bad enough public image already -- we don't need people hiking the backcountry shooting at every little creature that inconveniences them. Believe me, the rattlesnake wants nothing to do with you -- if you give it a way out, it will take it. Dan dana@ccwf.cc.utexas.edu