You’re asking, “What does slippery and slimy have to do with Bowhunting?”  The answer is “SNAKES”.  Bow hunters find themselves walking to stands before daylight, crawling around looking for blood trails, arrows and lost game and walking back to camp after dark.  Chances are you will at some time in your hunting adventures, meet one of these creatures.

Because of societal conditioning, most people have an exaggerated fear of snakes.  Growing up in the swamps of southeastern Louisiana, I found myself exploring the woods behind my grandfather’s home, usually catching several snakes in their native habitat.  I never learned to fear snakes but I do respect them.  Here I go again, first with the skunk thing and now snakes.  I know what you’re thinking-that boy is nuts!

As a second grader at Sixth Ward Jr. High School in Pearl River, La., we were allowed to bring something interesting to class for Show and Tell.  Not knowing any better and not telling my parents, I climbed on the bus one morning with a metal minnow bucket full of water moccasin.  When it came my turn in class to “show”, my teacher almost had a heart attack.  My bucket, my pet and me were all promptly escorted to the principal’s office.  My parents were contacted and the snake went for a ride.

Water Moccasin

Throughout my life I have kept snakes as pets.  All three of my kids have handled snakes and have no fear of them.  I have been bitten numerous times by non-poisonous snakes and hope I never have to deal with a poisonous bite.  What I would like to do is share with you pictures of the most common snakes dealt with in the Texas/Louisiana area and what to do if you get bitten.

All poisonous snakes in the US are pit vipers, except for the coral snake.  Pit vipers have a hole on each side of their nose that senses heat.  Rattlesnakes, Copperheads and Water Moccasins are all pit vipers.   Regardless whether they are poisonous or not, snakes fear humans.  If you encounter a snake, his only desire is to get out of your sight.  He is more afraid of you than you are of him.  Snakes bite as a last defense.  All non-poisonous snakes will act like a poisonous snake to scare you from messing with them.  Rat snakes will rattle their tails in the grass or dead leaves to sound like a rattler.  Water snakes can flatten out their heads to resemble the diamond shape of a moccasin.  If you come up on a snake, back away slowly and you should be OK.  Here’s what the three poisonous snakes look like.

            Diamondback Rattlesnake                                Copperhead

The Water Moccasin is pictured two paragraphs above.  Below are non-poisonous snakes that are commonly mistaken for poisonous snakes.

            Texas Rat Snake                                              Water Snake

These two snakes have been falsely accused of being poisonous many times.  They are very common around Texas and can be a nuisance at times.  They are either looking for mice or in the fall, looking for somewhere warm to hibernate. 

What to do for snake bite victims. 

Keep calm. Suck or squeeze as much venom as possible directly from the wound. Venom is a protein and can be taken orally with no ill effects. (DO NOT make cuts over the snake bite). Wash the bite area with soap and water if possible. Limit movement of the bitten limb (DO NOT apply tourniquet or other restriction devices). Keep the bitten limb below the heart. Remove jewelry or constricting clothing before any swelling begins. Seek medical attention immediately. Get a tetanus shot.

What NOT to do for Snake Bite Victims

Do not make cuts over the snake bite. This often leads to more tissue trauma and damage. Do not apply a tourniquet or other constricting device. Do not apply a cold pack or ice to the snake bite. Do not apply an electrical shock to the snake bite. Do not take pain reliever or other medications unless instructed to do so by a physician. Do not drink alcoholic beverages. Do not administer antivenom in the field. Treatment for snake bites is best conducted in an appropriate medical facility.

Snake Bite Prevention

Although most snakes in Texas are not venomous, avoid handling or playing with snakes unless you have been properly trained. Keep landscape or campsite well manicured. Wear long pants and boots when in areas known to have snakes. Watch where you step and place your hands when outdoors. Do not place them in areas where snakes may be resting unless you can see it is safe.

Be Safe and happy Hunting,

Ron  

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