Field Herping for Hot Experience?

[swiftskater1]

Hey guys, So i have been trying to get some hot experience lately (Just looking at my options) And ive talked to some people and they said the best thing is to probably go field herping and practice hooking wild CopperHeads and such. Does that sound like a good idea? Its really hard only being 17 and trying to get hot experience. Because im "young"


Thanks for your input, Chris.

[Gungirl]

I would say your best bet would be to get a mentor...

[stephanbakir]

I would say your best bet would be to get a mentor...
Learning on venomous snakes is a terrible idea... Aron S just posted an amazing life lesson from another forum, I'd advise reading it.

[bo2as]

I would say your best bet would be to get a mentor...

I would also have to agree with getting a mentor,, if u are really sure about wanting to deal with hots.. better safe than sorry..

[swiftskater1]

Okay guys, thanks for the advice. Now just to find someone to mentor a 17 year old :/

[redsided]

Doesn't sound easy, I'll admit.

[alessia55]

Because you are underage, it's my best guess that you won't easily find a mentor. Despite how mature you may be, there is a liability issue if anything happens to you, particularly because of your age. Are your parents on board with you getting near hots? Because if you do find a mentor, they might require one of your parents be present at all trainings until you're 18. Jus something to keep im mind :)

[swiftskater1]

Alessia55, yes my parents are on board. They know the passion and respect I have for these animals. They also realize I have a great amount of common sense. I will be doing some searching around for a mentor. Hopefully someone can take me under there wing!

[SSSSnakes]

In my state I have to have to be licensed to have and handle my HOTs. The license does not permit me to allow anyone who does not also have a license or has their own license to physically touch any of my venomous snakes. In order to be put on my license my assistant must be 18 years old.

[swiftskater1]

What state is that in? The only thing you need in Texas is a permit. Which you can pick up at a walmart for $25.

[SSSSnakes]

What state is that in? The only thing you need in Texas is a permit. Which you can pick up at a walmart for $25.
New York You have to have a license from the Department of Environmental Conservatiion

[Gungirl]

Learning on venomous snakes is a terrible idea...


I agree and yes I read the other post but if he still wants to learn about them and handle them then a mentor is the only way I see him being able to have half a chance at it..