Turkey hunting forum for turkey hunting tips

General Discussion => General Forum => Topic started by: War Eagle on March 01, 2026, 09:54:39 AM

Title: Anyone carry a small caliber pistol for snakes?
Post by: War Eagle on March 01, 2026, 09:54:39 AM
Debating taking a pistol with some rat shot to deal with potentially ill tempered snakes. Anyone else do this?
Title: Re: Anyone carry a small caliber pistol for snakes?
Post by: Upfold99 on March 01, 2026, 10:00:14 AM
I carry a low brass bird shot for this scenario, in my vest

Sent from my SM-S936U using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Anyone carry a small caliber pistol for snakes?
Post by: Greg Massey on March 01, 2026, 10:01:57 AM
I just carry a couple of regular lead light load shells in my bag.

Most of the time I just take a wider path around the snakes.

Title: Re: Anyone carry a small caliber pistol for snakes?
Post by: Gooserbat on March 01, 2026, 10:03:46 AM
There's always a rock or stick around to whack it with. If I  have to go looking very hard for something it probably doesn't pose much of a threat so I just keep hunting and go about my business.
Title: Re: Anyone carry a small caliber pistol for snakes?
Post by: davisd9 on March 01, 2026, 10:14:31 AM
No, snakes are not anything I concern myself about when hunting.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Anyone carry a small caliber pistol for snakes?
Post by: Lcmacd 58 on March 01, 2026, 10:37:46 AM
I encounter very few venomous snakes here in Southern Illinois.  If i do I just walk around them.
Title: Re: Anyone carry a small caliber pistol for snakes?
Post by: Yoder409 on March 01, 2026, 11:06:35 AM
I'd just pick up a rock or stick.

If the situation was THAT tight or sticky, I'd not fret the cost of a turkey shell.
Title: Re: Anyone carry a small caliber pistol for snakes?
Post by: Swampmonkey on March 01, 2026, 11:14:51 AM
Just walk around it....
Title: Re: Anyone carry a small caliber pistol for snakes?
Post by: POKERFACE on March 01, 2026, 11:50:12 AM
Am I the only one who has had to defend himself against an angry copperhead ?Usually give them a pass but situation dictates... Joe
Title: Re: Anyone carry a small caliber pistol for snakes?
Post by: Ihuntoldschool on March 01, 2026, 12:28:42 PM
Quote from: POKERFACE on Today at 11:50:12 AMAm I the only one who has had to defend himself against an angry copperhead ?Usually give them a pass but situation dictates... Joe

Most likely. I prefer to go around them and haven't found them particularly ill tempered if left alone.
Title: Re: Anyone carry a small caliber pistol for snakes?
Post by: GobbleNut on March 01, 2026, 01:21:00 PM
When I get to the point where I can't outrun a snake, I will consider the next option in dealing with them. Now, granted, I am slowing down a bit, but I figure I've still got a year or two left where I can somehow manage to get away from them.

I have been within "biting distance" of many poisonous snakes over the years. We have managed to negotiate a truce every time. I see no reason to change the terms this late in the game. Admittedly, though, if one of them decided to violate our agreement in leaving each other be, I would have to reconsider.

 
Title: Re: Anyone carry a small caliber pistol for snakes?
Post by: bigwoodstom on March 01, 2026, 01:49:00 PM
Quote from: davisd9 on Today at 10:14:31 AMNo, snakes are not anything I concern myself about when hunting.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

This^^^^
Title: Re: Anyone carry a small caliber pistol for snakes?
Post by: Davyalabama on March 01, 2026, 03:27:04 PM
Nothing like a good piece of hickory.
Title: Re: Anyone carry a small caliber pistol for snakes?
Post by: cracker4112 on March 01, 2026, 05:14:07 PM
Nope.  Me and the snakes have a deal.
Title: Re: Anyone carry a small caliber pistol for snakes?
Post by: Yoder409 on March 01, 2026, 06:09:16 PM
Quote from: cracker4112 on Today at 05:14:07 PMNope.  Me and the snakes have a deal.

 ;D

Until you don't see one, once.

I'm SUPER fortunate to live where there are NO toothy snakes.  A few miles away ??   Yeah.  But, I could hunt my property in my bare feet except for rocks and thorns.

But, my "agreement" with the biters the OTHER places I hunt is this:  I am hunting turkeys.  Not looking for snakes who could ruin my day or life.  If I see you..... I will eliminate you so I don't tramp on you tomorrow when I ain't paying attention.

I realize the bitey ones "generally" wanna avoid me. But, "generally" is not good enough for me.  I know a couple guys who got bit while 100% minding their own business.  It ain't a joke.   I'm at the top of the food chain for a reason and I do what I can to STAY there.    ;)
Title: Re: Anyone carry a small caliber pistol for snakes?
Post by: Will on March 01, 2026, 07:03:00 PM
I use my feet followed up by some toilet paper.