Dispatching Rattlers + Other Venomous Snakes
NOTE: There are 7 types of Rattle Snakes in California alone, with 3 subspecies making a total of 10 types of Rattlers in California. All of them have spotted and striped pattern and all have rattles. Young Rattle Snakes do not yet have their rattles and adults are able to break them off, so please do not assume a snake that looks like a Rattler but lacks the rattle is NOT a rattle snake. When hunting / exploring the wilderness of California, become familiar with our predators.
This is the third trip so far of the deer season and the second California Rattler we’ve come across while not in the field. There are a couple of reasons we’re catching them so close around the cabin lately, but most obvious is the explosion in population of their food source. That is one thing as a hunter or even just an individual who decides to live pretty off the beaten path - you can catch issues with certain creatures you want to avoid early on by taking note of the type of animals you are seeing in higher frequency. For example, we’ve noticed an explosion of ground squirl + tree rats in the area which we knew would bring in the snakes - (you can pretty much do this with any predator bob cat- mnt lion etc). While we’re out hunting in the field, we don’t disturb them - we are very aware of the fact that we are in their territory and are guests in it however, should we encounter them within the radius of our cabin they are dispatched for the safety of our family + animals.
Nothing is wasted of course. As a homesteader, I’ve noticed you almost become allergic to waste. You see the amount of energy it takes to plant, to grow and to hunt and since snake is 100% edible and is comparable in texture I would say to Cod - it’s eaten.
If you are having an issue with snake in your area, as a few of my followers have messaged and expressed concern about - here is a way to take care of that problem + add some meat into the fridge.
When you’re out, you should always be carrying a side piece for safety (pistol or riffle. we used a little .22 to dispatch this snake). Depending on what your predator is in your area or what your concerned about, is going to determine the type of ammunition you're going to be loaded with.
With a pistol, you can purchase ammunition called snake shot which is almost like mini shot gun ammo designed specifically for what it’s named for.
Last resort if you have a shovel, you can just quickly sever the head.
Now this next part is EXREMELY IMPORTANT
After shooting (or shoveling) the head (aim for the head. Its instant and humane)
DO NOT TOUCH THE HEAD WITH YOUR HANDS
A Rattle Snake is a reptile and their nervous systems are designed to just keep on living, well after death. The head can still bite you after being severed, and the heart will keep pumping + body will keep moving for up to an hour! The video above was filmed while the snake was headless.
Dig a hole in the earth and using sticks push the head into the hole and burry it. This ensures absolute safety of all in the area including animals that they won’t accidently step on or near it and receive a bite. Don’t be alarmed, but the body of the snake will continue to try and bite you, even while headless. It will be one of the most interesting experiences you’ll have in your life (don’t worry, it can’t hurt you with it’s neck hole).
If you’d like a separate article / video on how to skin + process the snake for meat, leave me a comment down below
xoxo
