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Something is really bugging me
NTD:
Kilted,
While I ABSOLUTELY agree with you that we should not wantonly kill rattlesnakes, or any snake for that matter, I do disagree with you on quite a few of your statements in general. In truth relocating a rattlesnake is almost as good as killing it. Relocation programs are truly a moot point that just make people feel better, not the snake. A Friend of mine Hugh McCrystal recently published a paper on the effects of relocation in the book "Biology of Rattlesnakes". He discusses the impact of just touching the snake, let alone moving it at all. Since you are a zoologist you may find this manual an interesting and enlightening read.
In my opinion if the snake was killed, consumed and it's parts utilized it actually was better off that way with a quick death than the resultant death from relocation.
Just my opinion from one snake lover to another.
Also in reference to the regs here in AZ. No seasons, although I'd like for that to happen to protect gravid females, but we do have restricted methods of take and a yearly bag limit of 2-4 depending on species.
kiltedcelt:
--- Quote from: NTD on May 11, 2010, 12:08:46 am ---Kilted,
While I ABSOULTELY agree with you that we should not wantonly kill rattlesnakes, or any snake for that matter, I do disagree with you on quite a few of your statements in general. In truth relocating a rattlesnake is almost as good as killing it. Relocation programs are truly a moot point that just make people feel better, not the snake. A Friend of mine Hugh McCrystal recently published a paper on the effects of relocation in the book "Biology of Rattlesnakes". He discusses the impact of just touching the snake, let alone moving it at all. Since you are a zoologist you may find this manual an interesting and enlightening read.
-One of my friends, Rob Carmichael wrote a chapter for that book. I agree that relocation, as in from say the trail to some area miles away is a very bad idea. However, in the instance of a snake on a heavily traveled trail, simply using a hook or the end of a bow to coax that snake off the trail, thus "relocating" it is certainly better than just electing to kill that snake.
In my opinion if the snake was killed, consumed and it's parts utilized it actually was better off that way with a quick death than the resultant death from relocation.
-I still think simply relocating the snake a couple dozen feet away from where it would have been sitting is preferable to killing it outright. I'm sure such a short distance of translocation is not what is meant the results of the study touched upon in the book you mention. I'll have to see if one of the guys I work with has a copy the book. I'd be curious to read the chapter that deals with translocation.
Just my opinion from one snake lover to another.
Also in reference to the regs here in AZ. No seasons, although I'd like for that to happen to protect gravid females, but we do have restricted methods of take and a yearly bag limit of 2-4 depending on species.
--- End quote ---
Tsalagi:
Great post, KiltedCelt. I agree with you 100%. A lot of folks don't realize just how much the rattlesnakes keep the rodent population down. And here in Hanta Virus Land, that's a very valuable service.
I never understood the mentality behind rattlesnake roundups. And I don't really want to, either.
Justin Snyder:
Im with Nate on relocation. I leave it where it is or kill it. If there are kids in the area, a rattle snake is dead, end of story.
Mudd:
The only skins I will apply to any of my bows these days are limbsations or skinz. I doubt either of these ever saw dirt before..lol
God bless,Mudd
PS Thanks for speaking out on behalf of good stewardship of the resources God gave us dominion over.
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