RE: [Leica] Shooting Rattlesnakes in the Wild

[chucko@siteconnect.com (Chuck Albertson)]

It's probably a good thing I didn't have a Leica, or any other camera, when
I was a Boy Scout growing up in Arizona. The standard drill when you
encountered a rattler was to stand still and wait for it to move on; if I'd
had a camera, I might have been tempted to move in closer for a shot...

I agree with everything Joe says, except that I was always told to kill the
snake, if possible, if you were bitten. Not out of any particular sense of
vengenace (though who could deny it?), but to help the medics select the
right antivenin. There are all kinds of diamondback rattlesnakes, some more
potent than others (the Mojave diamondback, I recall, was bad news even if
it hit you outside a hospital emergency room), and identifying which species
bit you can be a problem. Forget the handgun. You really have to nail them
in the head, and trying to shoot a pissed-off rattlesnake is beyond the
capabilities of most shooters. You're better off clubbing it with a heavy
stick, or a large rock.

Chuck Albertson
Seattle, Wash.

> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us
> [mailto:owner-leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us]On Behalf Of Joe
> Codispoti
> Sent: Sunday, February 20, 2000 9:31 PM
> To: leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us
> Subject: Re: [Leica] Shooting Rattlesnakes in the Wild
>
>
> Bill,
>
> The rattle snakes such as the Western Diamondback  Sidewinder, and
> variations of these have an undeserved bad reputation.  They are dangerous
> when startled, cornered, or stepped upon, otherwise they would prefer to
> avoid confrontation and will run away readily when disturbed.
>
> I have photographed single solitary specimens but was never in the company
> of many snakes at one place. Only in the midst of a group there might be
> real danger.
> Leather boots with high tops are essential, otherwise there is no need for
> special equipment. Look where you are stepping. A close focusing zoom (or
> with a close-up diopter) is adequate. Flash to balance the contrast is a
> good touch.
> A gun will do no good. Even if you have been bitten, why kill the snake?
> Snakes perform a very useful function in the wild, they keep the vermin
> population in check  I think that a shield would hamper movement.
>
> In most cases rattlers are passive, the photographer can work with no fear
> of attack. Common sense will prevent disasters. However, passive
> snakes are
> not very interesting, so it is necessary to stimulate them by
> invading their
> safety zone which is usually close to within their striking
> distance. Once
> the snake is aroused, it will rear its head, the tail rises also to shake
> the rattles and action shooting becomes interesting. A good trick
> is to use
> a fishing pole with a bright rag at the end to wave in order to
> confuse it.
> An assistant here (one with steady nerves) is helpful. Early in
> the morning
> rattlers can be found on roads where they coil to absorb the heat retained
> by the asphalt.
> Once in South Carolina, while walking in the woods around
> Charleston, I came
> upon a snake that was still cold from the night chill. I
> immobilized it with
> a forked stick,  pick it by the neck and  wished that I could have had an
> assistant to take photos of the animal writhing and coiling around my arm.
>
> On the west coast look in rocky areas, around and under fallen trees for
> your subjects. A good place to photograph them in total safety is
> at a well
> designed zoo where snakes and other animals live in habitats that resemble
> their natural environment. By careful framing, the terrarium can seem like
> the Wild West.
>
> Joseph
>
>
>
>
> From: "Bill" <m6rf@yahoo.com>
>
> >
> > I have heard various things about how to shoot rattlesnakes, but I am
> > looking for someone who has some actual experience in doing it.
> >
> > For lenses I have heard that you want to use a minium of a 100mm or a
> > fast 80-200 or similar zoom.  I understand that a good flash can also
> > be helpful.
> >
> > Self protection.  Here I have heard a number of things.  One guy said
> > you cut a piece of 1/4 inch plywood 2 1/2 feet wide and 3 feet high,
> > put some type of handles on the back side, and paint it dark green.
> >
> > Second, I have heard that you get a set of shin guards like baseball
> > catchers wear, and spry paint then bright hunter orange.
> >
> > Third I have heard that you can use pieces of stove pipe that can be
> > purchased at any hardware store.  You put the pipe around your legs
> > and put a couple of rubber bands over them to keep the pipe snug.
> >
> > Fourth, I have heard that you always carry a 38 cal or 357 cal pistol
> > loaded with scatter shot in the event you have a problem.
> >
> > Fifty, always know the location of the nearest hospital that has
> > anti-venom serum, and don't rely on the police or paramedics to know
> > where one is.
> >
> > Sixth, keep a cooler in the car with ice water and towels in it, so
> > you can wrap the bitten area with the cold towels.
> >
> > Seventh, pray a lot.
> >
> > Does anyone on the group have real life experice with fun projects
> > like this?
> >
> > Regards,
> >
> > Bill
> >
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>