Field Herping: Post your tips of the trade and experiences here

[*Don't Mind Me*]

Originally Posted by BarelyBreathing

Not really tips or tricks, but I figured you might appreciate this. It's Nero's field herping back pack. He has a first aid kit, bags and deli cups, camera accessories, snake hook, and his treats and poop bags. He knows never to chase or bite a reptile. In fact, on the contrary. He's been conditioned to lay down whenever we spot something.

That's pretty neat , wondering how you taught him that

[BarelyBreathing]

Originally Posted by *Don't Mind Me*

That's pretty neat , wondering how you taught him that

It's just conditioning (repeating the same behavior over and over). Introduce reptile, tell dog to lay down and stay. Reward dog. Take away reptile, give "okay" command. Over and over and over. After a few times, the introduction of the reptile becomes the lay down command. No need to say it anymore. Now you have a dog that you can take field herping safely both for the reptile and the dog), and can even alert you to a reptile before you see it.

[youngster]

That's awesome BB!

[alessia55]

Nero has a job!!

[BigTimer]

Wow that is very cool Barelybreathing, what an awesome idea!

[BarelyBreathing]

Thanks. In case anybody's interested, the back packs are made by Ruff Wear. He wears his back pack ever time he leaves the house (he has different things packed each time). It is still in GREAT shape (despite being a bit muddy). It's well worth the money. It gives him a sense of duty.

[red ink]

Herping

Field guide on what reps are native to the area...

Research the identified species in the area... habit's, likely habitat choice, diurnal or nocturnal species etc etc

BB's tips

Finally the number one rule of herping should be... we only take pics of the animal not the animals themselves

Oh... leave the environment as you found it if you turn over logs and rocks put them back in the same place and position.

[BarelyBreathing]

Originally Posted by red ink

Finally the number one rule of herping should be... we only take pics of the animal not the animals themselves

Oh... leave the environment as you found it if you turn over logs and rocks put them back in the same place and position.

Yes! This can't be stressed enough.

[Lankyrob]

Take only pictures...... leave only footprints (one of my favourite quotes ever)

[*Don't Mind Me*]

Originally Posted by Lankyrob

Take only pictures...... leave only footprints (one of my favourite quotes ever)

That's one of my favorite quotes as well! I never take the animals home, rarely do I ever try to touch them; but i am guilty of sometimes leaving logs and rocks overturned

[Lankyrob]

Originally Posted by *Don't Mind Me*

That's one of my favorite quotes as well! I never take the animals home, rarely do I ever try to touch them; but i am guilty of sometimes leaving logs and rocks overturned

That isnt as bad as rermoving animals from their habitat imo, large animals and the weather will alos move those types of itmes around so you arent disturbing things TOO much.

[BarelyBreathing]

I will NEVER remove an animal from its natural habitat. This being said, though, hubby volunteers removing rattle snakes from places like schools, back yards with children, etc. I sometimes come along. We always return the snake to the wild, often times in better areas than where they were found.

[Lankyrob]

Originally Posted by BarelyBreathing

I will NEVER remove an animal from its natural habitat. This being said, though, hubby volunteers removing rattle snakes from places like schools, back yards with children, etc. I sometimes come along. We always return the snake to the wild, often times in better areas than where they were found.

This is a much different situation to taking an animals from the wild, chances are if they werent relocated someone would kill them so relocating is a much better idea

[BarelyBreathing]

Exactly. (extra characters because my post is too short)