Saw the first rattlesnake of the year at the farm today.

[warhammer]

I had cleared some brush and trimmed a tree last weekend to allow access to the spot I need to sink a line post for the fence I am building.
Today I pulled the tractor up to the spot and got off to drop the auger in just the right place to drop the post. Out of the corner of my eye I saw some movement and turned to see a nice size rattler come out of what looked like a hog or varmint hole several feet away going top speed in the opposite direction. As much as I really, really dislike snakes I was ok with that.
I was not ok with the even bigger rattler that came out of the hole 30 seconds later that immediately coiled up and started rattling. I got back on the tractor, the snake went back in the hole and after I finished the post hole I decided it was a good time for tractor maintenance back in the barn.
Anyone have a good method for securely carrying a firearm on a tractor? Pistol or shotgun.

Warhammer

 

[bc realtor]

Better yet watch some of those Steve Irwin "crock shows". Them snakes eat the vermin that used to live in the holes.

 

[Tororider]

When I was just at my ffl's place he had a pamphlet for a derringer snake gun. It was small and compact and used shot rather than bullets. Should be very easy to carry. I have seen people strap holsters the their tractors if using shoulder holster or hip holster isn't comfortable for you. Good luck.

 

[mikim]

aren't you glad you saw it? it's one of those things that you don't want to see one ....unless it's there .... I have my Justin snake boots and a Judge that I load with 410 snake shot. Need to get a holster for it though.

 

[Thomas]

Dang,I would have done the three slap shuffle than trail of dust.

Taller tractor tires less chance of snake bite.

 

[polo1665]

I had cleared some brush and trimmed a tree last weekend to allow access to the spot I need to sink a line post for the fence I am building.
Today I pulled the tractor up to the spot and got off to drop the auger in just the right place to drop the post. Out of the corner of my eye I saw some movement and turned to see a nice size rattler come out of what looked like a hog or varmint hole several feet away going top speed in the opposite direction. As much as I really, really dislike snakes I was ok with that.
I was not ok with the even bigger rattler that came out of the hole 30 seconds later that immediately coiled up and started rattling. I got back on the tractor, the snake went back in the hole and after I finished the post hole I decided it was a good time for tractor maintenance back in the barn.
Anyone have a good method for securely carrying a firearm on a tractor? Pistol or shotgun.

Warhammer

This gun would seem right up your alley.
Bond Arms Texas Defender Derringer - Bond Arms by Big Sky Guns LLC

 

[Tororider]

This gun would seem right up your alley.
Bond Arms Texas Defender Derringer - Bond Arms by Big Sky Guns LLC

I think that was the gun that I saw the brochure for. I think they taurus judge would be a good weapon as well. With that gun you could alternate .410 shot and then a round, so it would be a dual purpose protection piece. In case you ran into varmin of the four or two legged type.

 

[kthompson]

About 1982 we were in Central Texas during July I think. Was taking a ton of pictures of old barns and bridge. My sister who was hosting us worked with the Government with some agency who work with Farmers and Ranchers. I went to step off an unpaved road and she quickly yelled not to. OK why not, you are near a stream getting ready to step into brush, OK. RATTLERS will be all over the brush she said. Sure can take good pictures from the middle of a road. We have rattlers here but your sure seem louder when they rattle. Drier rattles?

One of the best defenses I have ever had against snakes was a Golden Retriever. Had it not been for him the rattler at the bottom or my MIL steps could have easy gotten one of the family. He would bark crazy at snakes if alive and the moment they were dead, stop. Figured he could smell their breath.

 

[warhammer]

I am originally from Southern California and the rattlers here definitely sound different than they do there.
When I first got the farm the barn had been closed, unused and left with a collection of old junk lying all about. There was a rattler that was living in a corner under some junk that hunted the barn mice I guess. When I was starting to clean up I heard him before I saw him and didn't know what the noise was. I did know enough to back away and a few seconds later saw him.

Warhammer

About 1982 we were in Central Texas during July I think. Was taking a ton of pictures of old barns and bridge. My sister who was hosting us worked with the Government with some agency who work with Farmers and Ranchers. I went to step off an unpaved road and she quickly yelled not to. OK why not, you are near a stream getting ready to step into brush, OK. RATTLERS will be all over the brush she said. Sure can take good pictures from the middle of a road. We have rattlers here but your sure seem louder when they rattle. Drier rattles?

One of the best defenses I have ever had against snakes was a Golden Retriever. Had it not been for him the rattler at the bottom or my MIL steps could have easy gotten one of the family. He would bark crazy at snakes if alive and the moment they were dead, stop. Figured he could smell their breath.

 

[scott_vt]

aren't you glad you saw it? it's one of those things that you don't want to see one ....unless it's there .... I have my Justin snake boots and a Judge that I load with 410 snake shot. Need to get a holster for it though.

Good Mornin Guys,
OK I have to ask you guys down south a dumb question ! When you are out on your property and you know you are in rattler country, do you guys wear high boots to your knees, and is that enough protection from a large snake ? Or is there something else that you can do to prevent being bitten ? I realize that you probablly have a certain awareness level if your in an area that is known for heavy snake traffic !

Thanks,