Actually, they're pretty bad in the summer and early fall. I've had several close-up encounters with rattlers during bow season in september and almost stepped on a giant moccasin during turkey season. I usually leave them be, take a cell phone picture and show friends and other hunters. I do find that is the best way to keep other hunters out of my favorite areas - tell lots of snake stories!
We have found a few lethargic snakes during bird season but we've had worse close calls with angry raccoons, nutria, a wounded opossum and, baited leg-hold traps and even a couple foxes in said traps (trapping is almost too alive and well in the south). I fear a cornered bobcat about as much as anything.
|