Catching a rattler with your hands....

[Chew]

I've done some crazy stuff in my life and have the aches, pains, and scars to prove it. The next thing on my list is to catch a rattlesnake with my bare hands. I'm not sure how I get these ideas in my head and become obsessed with them. My wife does not know about my quest...and if she did she would just shoot me in the head with her Sig 9mm and I wouldn't get the chance to try my luck with the rattler.

My huntin' buddy Rick (Coup de Grace) is quite the snake whisperer and has caught several big ones by hand. I planned on having him with me but he has wussed out because he thinks my wife will kill him if he participates in this adventure (he's probably right).

So....how many guys on here have picked up a live rattler and held on for dear life. I'm guessing the hardest part is getting over the initial shock/panic of the snake's strength and resisting the urge to let go of the snake and trying to throw it (very dangerous).

Any of you snake charmers have any tips? I'm not interested in killing them. I killed the first one I ever saw and still feel bad about it since he was trying to get away from me.

So....if anyone has any advice on how to check this off of my bucket list....bring it on!

[flywise]

Done that a couple times also once with a coral snake out side of Marble falls. All before I had kids. Not sure I'd have the beans to do it again

[Breezy]

done it twice! Man what a rush

[slayer]

Caught one rattler, one copperhead will never do it again. Scared to death.

[flyby]

You mean no "tools"? Used to do it alot when I was younger, usually used a forked stick or snake hook. The important part is getting it right at the base of the skull. Grabbed one a little far back once and it whipped it's head around and a fang popped out about 1/4" from my thumb. Doesn't matter how hard you squeeze at that point, it doesn't get any further away.

They're not really that "strong", the important part is having a good grip when you pick it up because of the writhing and jerking. Before you lift it make sure you have a grip with the other hand about a foot or so back from the head so you can control it.

[kfd82]

Might want to move this item to the end of your bucket list......just sayin'

[Chew]

might want to move this item to the end of your bucket list......just sayin'

:d:d:d:d:d:d:d:d:d:d:d:d:d:d:d:d:d:d

[flywise]

Finally read the rest of your post. I have not killed one in many years. I like playing with them a little then letting them go on there way. Advice? not sure I have any. I would let them calm down a bit before I tried it.

Good luck, and remember this, if it don't hurt you or scare the hell out of you it ain't much fun

[DrenalinJunkie]

Haven't done it with a rattler YET but this method works great on every snake I have ever handled....

First is the distraction...... keeping the business end's attention on something else as best you can.

Second is don't hesitate...... if you get a good shot, take it and take it quick!
Third is the grip........ Like mentioned above, get em right behind the head/jaw.
Fourth is the follow up......... get ahold of that SOB with your other hand! If not, it very well may wiggle it's way into a biteing position before you know whats going on.


LIke I said I haven't done this with rattlers YET but it has been very effective on every snake I have handled up to and includeing an 11.5 ft Bermise Python with a seriouse temper!


Be sure and get it on video!

[drs]

ive done it many times its not that bad its all in your head

[Artos]

You have had plenty of excitement recently amigo...let this one go.

[Landrover]

Way too much testerone Chew!!! I guess in your line of work you need adventure. Have fun with that one!

[bloodbought]

You are crazy. I would kill that thing in a second, and then start looking around for his momma, daddy and brothers to kill also. No thanks.

But, if you're still gonna do it. I hope you don't get hurt. Hopefully you'll squeeze that thing so hard and pop his head off.

[NBK75]

2 things.... #1 get sig P220. #2 snake bites really really hurt, so make sure you have all your ducks-in-row just incase you do get bit, the best thing you can do is mark the bite with a marker and stay calm. I speak from experience.

[Johnny Dangerr]

Have you lost your mind sir. Lets call it a 50/50 chance you will not get bit.
What will be next? Jump in the shark tank at Sea World?

Please do not hurt yourself.

I am on a quest to catch a turkey with my bare hands. Have gotten real close twice. They do not put you in the hospital.