Re: Ever shot a rattler?

deloid wrote:

> A rattler will not chase you.

I beg to differ. While MOST species of rattler will tend to retreat,
there ARE some aggressive ones. The Pacific timber rattler is one I've
seen act aggressively. Both my brother and I used to run into rattlers
frequently while backpacking and generally a well placed rock would get
one to give up his spot in the sun on the trail. But my brother tells of
one that first wouldn't move, then chased them down the trail a few
yards after they'd popped it several times with rocks. I'm sure someone
will point out the snake could have been confused, being "stoned" and
all, but to me that's semantics: if the snake is coming at me, I'm not
gonna ask its intentions. It's chasing in my book!

> They must be coiled to be able to lunge at you so if

I'll respectfully submit that's urban legend. I've seem 'em attempt a
strike from almost a completely extended position. Their "aim" and
"range" perhaps aren't as good when not coiled, but IMO only a foolish
person would wait for one to coil before thinking it can strike.

To the OP: a Ruger Mk II loaded with Wally World Federal HPs goes with
me in areas that are likely to be snake infested and I'm not already
carrying a shotgun (mainly fishing trips in a coupla particular areas.)
It's provided the "ingredients" for several "recipe tests," though a
shotgun instills much more confidence! I've never tried "snake shot"
loads. (And for the snake lovers among us, no, I don't intentionally go
looking for 'em to shoot, but if they try to eat me first, I leave the
morality lectures out of my decision what to do next.)

Rick
.

Relevant Pages

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