Snakes out?

Labradinger

Labradinger

Well-known member
Goin to central SD where there are rattlesnakes. Never hunted where snakes are before. The high for Sunday shows 62 and sunny. Is anything above ground this year or will they make an appearance with ir being that warm?
 
Depends on what you mean by 'central'. If you are just East of the MO river, should have few problems. I hear they are more prevalent near and West of the river, but I steer clear so no firsthand knowledge. Never seen one in 15 years (East river) during pheasant season. Having said that, steer clear of any prairie dog towns if you are near any of that - snakes like those areas.
 
Nighttime lows are 20s and 30s. I am curious if someone who lives in the area can comment on whether they would already be staying in their dens now, with those lows?
 
Last week, when highs were in the upper 40s and it was sunny, I saw one dead rattler on a road. Surprised the heck out of me since lows were in the 20s, but I guess the sun still packs enough of a punch for snakes to be active midday.
 
A buddy’s dog got bit in this area about 2-3 weeks ago, but it was considerably warmer both day and night. I wasnt sure if the recent colder temps, especially at night, kept them under ground for the rest if the year
 
I'm not an expert, but would say it's still a possibility with the warmer weather. Odds have probably dropped significantly. What I learned here and other research. Avoid p-dog town, cattle grates, and broken rock areas. Stuff that looks kinda like the badlands.
 
West River - rattlers but no worries unless high is near 70. They may not rattle is the issue. East River - no worries.
 
Labradinger said:
Goin to central SD where there are rattlesnakes. Never hunted where snakes are before. The high for Sunday shows 62 and sunny. Is anything above ground this year or will they make an appearance with ir being that warm?
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Just did 3 days and 25 miles on foot on Pierre grasslands not a snake in sight.. never crossed my mind. The sharpies were biting!
 
Bob Peters said:
broken rock areas
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Rocky areas warm up in the afternoon sun and reptiles such as snakes are seeking these areas out for that specific reason.

As others have stated, with lows in the 30's, they will be in their dens but if its still reaching 60 degrees and the sun it out, there could be one basking in it.

I'd also be prepared for veterinary assistance should you encounter one and a venemous bite occurs. Contingency plans are a good thing.
 
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