Re: Ever shot a rattler?

Daniel Fishman wrote: 
I've lived in Arizona for 8 years but only last night had my first encounter
with a rattler. It was good and riled up from being hassled by my cat. I
heard the rattles and it was really loud. When I went outside to investigate
what I thought might be a broken hose bib, the 4+ foot serpent charged
towards me. I retreated into my workshop and the cat soon followed. The
snake sat coiled by the door and stopped rattling after about two minutes.
Just about had a heart attack.

I have an H&R 9 shot .22 revolver loaded with shot shells ready in case the
snake gives me a chance to dispatch it.  My question is - at what range will
the gun be effective and how many shots should do the trick? Any other
advice is welcome.

Thanks

Dan in New River 

I can tell you this, don't mess with the head for a while after you
shoot it. Snake nerves are primative and can keep the muscles working
long after the snake is dead. It's entirely possible for it to 'bite'
for maybe a couple of hours and it can definitely inject poison.
I once killed a rattler with a shovel, completely removing the head, and
tossed it the back of my car. 2 hours later, it crawled about 3' across
the trunk. It can't strike of course, but if you're messing with the
head, it's possible for the jaws to close on a finger and inject poison.

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