I went hog hunting this morning and I scored on a sow and pretty good boar early. Around 10am I got into my climbing stand to set for a couple of hours. While I was setting there in my stand a squirrel was raising cane out in front of me. It was about 7 foot off the ground and barking like crazy and flicking its tail at something on the ground. I was watching it with my bino's but could not see what it was barking at. Finally, I saw what it was. A pretty good sized rattler was easing its head up the tree. This show went on for nearly an hour and the snake was about 3 ft up the tree. It never got the squirrel, it finally ran back up the tree and I lost it. I watched the snake and it eased back down the tree and crawled off. I got down and left going the other way. I have never seen a snake do anything like that.
I'm glad we don't have to worry about rattlers in Michigan. I know we have them, but very sparse - I've never seen one her. Can you shoot them with a bow? That would put you in a small company of hunters.
cool story, check this rattler out, I am pretty sure it was killed near albany Ga. not texas. its a eastern diamondback. Anyway check out the size http://www.archerytalk.com/vb/showthread.php?t=1438744
Rattlers do not always rattle, except in the movies. I have walked up on them many times bird hunting and unless me or one of the dogs got extremely close they would not rattle. I stepped out of my truck one morning and nearly set my foot on one and it never rattled nor did it strike at me. I would have been tagged for sure but it backed up and crawled off. We have a very large rock formation on our lease, looks like someone just wanted a hill in that spot, everything around this is flat as a fritter. This whole formation is covered in crevices and they are full of rattle snakes most of the time. If you want to hear them buzz ride a 4 wheeler or a diesel truck up on it and it sounds like the whole rock is buzzing. We very rarely kill them unless they try to take up residence around the farm houses, buildings or dog pens. The rattle tails keep the kangaroo rat population down. If you knock down the population of the rattlers the rats will get out of control and then you will have an infestation of fleas. At least, that has been my observation. They aren't so bad to have around if you always remember they might be there. I wear snake boots and/or chaps most of the time. If it is above 55deg. they will be moving around.
I do believe if i came across a snake of that size i would either shoot it or have to go home and change my pants.
