Snakes

N

Nasty-G

Active member
Going to do some prairie grouse hunting in the grasslands around Pierre in mid October. Should I add nasty snakes to my worry box ? Thanks. :(:confused::(
 
I'm hunting south and slightly west of Pierre (Jones County) Oct. 24th and was curious about snakes. This is my first time in the area this early in the season.

Perhaps others can wade in on this important topic...
 
As a general rule east of the river does not have snakes, west of the river does. I have seen rattlesnakes on the east side of the river but it is relativley rare.
 
I have them on my land in Lyman and Tripp Counties. Generally, where there is old unbroken grassland or a prairie dog town within a couple miles and of course the draws is where I see the most. I usually let them live unless someone with me wants the rattles. It is always a thrill when you come on one or some as sometimes in the fall there are more than one as they are near their denning areas. I like the thrill as it reminds me of when I've hunted Africa. Though, maybe not near as dangerous.
 
good man nasty-g going the public land DIY rote for your prairie grouse hunt!!!

i was out near a huge prairie dog colony in SD this past spring it was warm so the snakes were out at least 2 100 degree + days while out there & i never seen a snake i had my dogs also... maybe they poisoned the prairie dogs & hurt the snake population???

i did see more prairie grouse then pheasants wear i was at you should have a great hunt early season bring plenty of water!!!

maybe the more experienced veterans who have encountered rattlers on a prairie grouse or pheasant hunt can tell us wear to avoid like the un-broken prairie grasslands tip ETC. i didnt see any snakes out in SD fingers crossed...
 
Doesn't surprise me you didn't see a snake when it was 100 degrees. Snakes despite popular beliefs don't tolerate direct temperatures like that and would at those temperatures be in their holes or in some shade trying to cool down. Plus, when a snake is warmer he is much more active on responding to stimuli, usually would hear you coming and most likely respond by going deeper into cover. BUT there is chance if he can't get away he might be more likely to strike you sinking those fangs deep into you or your dog.

When it is cooler like in the fall especially if you are near areas that have good habitat for denning the snake may be more likely just laying there not as responsive to get away and if you or your dog make a mistake and step on him or near him you may feel the wrath of S.D. Prairie Rattler.

When I worked for a Herpetologist many years ago when we caught rattlers I always thought that between the Western Diamond Back and the Prairie Rattler the Prairie Rattler was much more HOT HEADED and likely to strike with all things being equal.
 
Wow...I really didn't need to see this thread. The biggest worry I have here in Ohio when running my dog is ticks. When I go to PA or Michigan I have to worry about porkies. I don't have a problem with the snakes but now I'm debating on which areas I want to hunt.
 
We've always hunted west of the river and I've never had any problems with snakes hunting in October. They are still out that time of the year but the ones we've ran across seemed pretty docile and un motivated to strike. Un broken prairie, old abandoned farmsteads and corrals were the places we would see rattlers most frequently. We snake break all of our dogs and it can be a great way to know when they are still out by reading the dogs. As a rule of thumb if I see more than one rattlesnake in the same spot I'm hunting I pack the dogs up and hunt elsewhere.
 
He can correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe Onpoint posted some photos of a couple (large) rattle snakes he killed on the east side of the river last fall.
 
good thing i was hunting during them hot stretches then i avoided the snakes that was great!!!

man i seen prairie dogs run threw camp had a old corral or 3 near by & tons of old buildings & places for snakes to live i was real lucky!!!

i will try to stay east river & away from prairie dog towns if i hunt SD pheasants or prairie grouse any time soon!!!
 
I assume the snakes are dened up by early November? I had an rattler incounter in Bakersfield Calif when I was a young kid back in the late 60s while on a camping/ Jack rabbit hunt. I have never forgotten that ordeal and have no desire to be around those things again.
 
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