while upland bird hunting? if any?

Very seldom anymore, because after 2005 when we killed 52 on the first three weeks of bird season, I don't let my dogs on the ground in west Texas if it's over 50 & sunny.

i never have found one while upland hunting.

Not often, but we did see a one yesterday in the water.

Friend of mine shot one a couple years ago while dove hunting in Seymour.

I killed one this summer when I was moving cows. Got off the horse and skinned it. It turned into a pretty sweet hat band.

Never seen one past September, though. I'm sure those SOB's are out there. I kill every one I see. Even, though, I don't see them while hunting I still take the dogs to a snake avoidance clinic every year. Some people use the rattlesnake venom vaccines. I haven't done that yet, but it seems like a good idea.

If you're worried about a snake biting you, then I'd say just get some comfy snake boots and set your worries aside.

We hunt as much as almost anyone from the start of dove through the end of quail season. I have never seen one. My buddy has seen only one. They are out there until it's cold at night (it was 34 Saturday morning NW of Abilene) but we have never had a problem.

Never seen one but know they are there. but like you BirdDog3TC
I now own snake shaps and get the dogs their shots. Have until last year waited for colder weather. But sooner or later your going to run into one, might as well be ready....

I agree with BirDog 3TC. Its a great ideal to wear a good pair of snake boots. I wear them year around every time I go out. And this notion that they are not out when cold it not necessary true. I ran into a juvenile Copperhead in mid 20's weather 2 years ago in Denton County, and it had been cold all week. I was also out hunting in Turkey Texas several years ago and saw Rattlers while snow was on the ground. They were on the East side of a rocky hill trying to get some sun. I would agree that when its cold, you will be hard pressed to get bit though, but they are still out some.

Twice in 2 years. August of '07 while training, I had my male Britt hit on the lip with 1 fang. he seemed healed and well and had been out training again and 2 weeks later he laid down and died watching me mow the yard.

Opening day of quail season '08, hunting the Chaparral WMA. My big EP had found 9 coveys that morning. We went back out that evening and after moving 3 more coveys, he ran over a huge rattler that hit him just under his back strap hitting a lung and my vet said probably his liver. He died in my lap in the back seat of my truck. That snake was 5 1/2 ' long and his fangs were over 2" apart and his head as big as my fist, and I have big hands. He had been vaccinated, the Britt hadnt.

We went to the Chap this past Saturday and I dont mind saying, snakes were heavy on my mind and I walked around some thick green grassy areas because I couldnt see the ground and I was wearing snake boots

2005 was the worst yr. ever for snakes on our lease. It was the only time I ever had an encounter while out in the field with the dogs. Walked up behind our big pointer who had a covey set under a mesquite, covey flushed just as I heard a rattler buzzing b/n me and the dog. Took a cpl shots at the birds and my last shot took the head off the rattler. Also Booby B, had a trip lined up to hunt a ranch about 5 mi. south of cotulla just off the nueches river. Went on a spring turkey hunt down there in march of that yr to look the place over with a vet. friend of mine. Have never seen more or bigger snakes anywhere or anytime in my life. Asked the ranch foreman about the snakes in the winter and he told me that they kill big snakes every month of the yr. down there. Went on to tell me about a teenage girl that got bit above her snake guards during the previous season. Talked to my vet friend about the snake vaccine for dogs, he said if one of those big arse snakes hits a dog thats been running and hot, nothing would save him. Canceled my trip and thought how lucky I had been back when I was younger and made trips to the area on 70 degree feb days.

2005 was also our worst year. Myself and my father both shot rattlers we were one step away from stepping on in one weekend. We also saw a LOT of field mice that year....every year since we've been lucky enough to avoid any. I hope the day never comes when one of the dogs gets bit. We both wear snake boots and chaps.

Bobby B,
Really sorry to hear your stories but thanks for the posts. Most of us don't realize that even when we are careful, even if we vaccinate, bad things can easily happen.

I only saw 2 covies in 08/09 season but i went in Jan. I think opening day it was hot as hell if I remember correctly. Where is the nearest vet around there? Been there a couple of times and hope to go back.

We saw and killed 2 rattlesnakes 2 years ago in Kent County in the first week of December. The temperature was about 65 degrees. We were lucky because the dogs had run right by them. I have been told that rattleshakes are lethargic below 65F. Don't know if it's true.

It was in the high 40s that morning and upper 70s that afternoon.

Nearest vets are in Uvalde and Kingsville. About 90 miles to Uvalde and 110 to Kingsville

dam thats far! what are the dates for Chap this year? doesn't look like the TPWD has their site updated.