...Herping?

SnakeHunter_51 · 02-07-09, 10:42 AM

Herping is relatively new to me, so I was wondering, what exactly do you need to herp? The only thing I know is that you need boots and a snake hook. Any tips?

Chu'Wuti · 02-09-09, 03:23 PM

Depends upon where you live. If you live in a part of the country where venomous snakes live, take a buddy, a cell phone (which may not work), and a brand-new, top quality snake-bite kit. Wear heavy denims or canvas pants & boots that go above your ankles. Be ready to get bit, even by nonvenomous species, so also take a first aid kit. Actually, you should never go field herping alone, just in case you turn your ankle on a rock or something. You never know when a partner is going to be necessary. An old caving rule is 4 go--one to stay behind with an injured buddy, 2 to hike out for help. Seems like a good idea for field herping, too. You can't always depend on your cell phone out in rural areas.

Take a field guide appropriate for the area you're hunting in. Read it AHEAD of time. Know the snakes as well as possible AHEAD of time.

Know your state's laws about catching and keeping WC animals of every species in which you are interested AHEAD of time. Know which ones you must leave alone.

Don't grab a snake by the tail if you can't see its head--it'll come around and bite you, and if it's venomous, it's bad news for you. Even with the snake bite kit.

Be gentle with the animals you catch. Don't put them in a container and leave them out in the sun. The container will magnify the sun's rays--even in winter--and can bake the animal.

Are you planning to catch, observe, and release? That's the best. But if you're planning to keep any animals for any length of time beyond the day you catch them,

1) be sure your laws allow you to do so;
2) have enough temporary enclosures that you don't put more than one animal in any one enclosure (pillowcases work for snakes--all you have to do is tie them shut carefully & tightly)
3) have appropriate permanent enclosures--1 per animal--with appropriate substrate & conditions ready AHEAD of time
4) remember that WC herps eat live prey & won't take F/T prey (may be trainable, may not be)
5) when you're ready to release them back into the wild, ensure they've eaten recently and release in spring or early fall, not during the winter or during the hottest part of the summer

That's all I can think of for now off the top of my head; if I think of anything else, I'll post again.

Enjoy!