Re: How dangerous is it to trap in southern waterways
[Re: Grandpa Trapper]
#8083723
02/22/24 05:09 PM
02/22/24 05:09 PM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 16,611 Goldsboro, North Carolina
Paul Dobbins
"Trapperman custodian"
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"Trapperman custodian"
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 16,611
Goldsboro, North Carolina
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I did it for thirty years, and never got bit. I recall one large dam in a new site that I started walking on. I noticed movement, and there was a cottonmouth. I shot it, and then there was movement everywhere. That first day I shot 17 and the second day I shot 11 of them on that dam. The last time I worked that site many years later, I didn't see a single one. They just added another challenge factor to trapping amongst them. After a while I developed a snake sense and a keen vision for them. Although a green military sandbag laying in the weeds would alert me too, because the weave was similar to the skin of a cottonmouth. I used my tater rake to pick up everything. i didn't reach for anything with my hands. I didn't fear them, I was just careful.
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Re: How dangerous is it to trap in southern waterways
[Re: Grandpa Trapper]
#8083742
02/22/24 05:46 PM
02/22/24 05:46 PM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 23,896 Wisconsin
The Beav
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 23,896
Wisconsin
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When I went south I was told to never stick my hands anywhere Un till I first checked things out. I trapped In the south for 15 years during the months of Jan and Feb and I might have seen 2 or 3 cotton mouths. It was still a bit cold for them to be out.
The forum Know It All according to Muskrat
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Re: How dangerous is it to trap in southern waterways
[Re: Grandpa Trapper]
#8083808
02/22/24 07:20 PM
02/22/24 07:20 PM
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 12,660 South Ga - Almost Florida
Swamp Wolf
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 12,660
South Ga - Almost Florida
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I've had so many encounters that there is not enough bandwidth on Tman to post them all. Would lock up the internet.
Thank God For Your Blessings! Never Half-Arse Anything!
Resource Protection Service
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Re: How dangerous is it to trap in southern waterways
[Re: Jtrapper]
#8083809
02/22/24 07:21 PM
02/22/24 07:21 PM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,057 Otsego, MI 66
K-zoo
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,057
Otsego, MI 66
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You Southern boys can keep those nasty things down there. We don't want them up here!
Member NTA, MTPCA, FTA, NRA, MUCC 2 Cor. 5:17
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Re: How dangerous is it to trap in southern waterways
[Re: Grandpa Trapper]
#8083820
02/22/24 07:31 PM
02/22/24 07:31 PM
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Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 6,634 MB
Jurassic Park
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 6,634
MB
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I’ll take poison ivy over snakes any day!
Cold as ice!
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Re: How dangerous is it to trap in southern waterways
[Re: Jurassic Park]
#8083829
02/22/24 07:43 PM
02/22/24 07:43 PM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,152 Lufkin, Tx.
Lufkin Trapper
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,152
Lufkin, Tx.
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I’ll take poison ivy over snakes any day! Well, we have that, too. The most dangerous thing is the ice. The 1/8 to1/4 inches of ice is not quite enough to support you vechile and barely enough to support yourself. Many times I have broken through and ended up in ankle deep ice water.
Billy Member # 16.
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Re: How dangerous is it to trap in southern waterways
[Re: gregh]
#8083852
02/22/24 08:28 PM
02/22/24 08:28 PM
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J Staton
Unregistered
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J Staton
Unregistered
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I have been wading in a stock pond giging frogs in April and May and have had them swim out after me and they were not wanting to play. They are not easy to gig when they coming at you. Wish I I had a video of it afterwords but it was not funny at the time. If there ain't snakes there ain't frogs. lol.
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Re: How dangerous is it to trap in southern waterways
[Re: Grandpa Trapper]
#8083856
02/22/24 08:43 PM
02/22/24 08:43 PM
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Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 347 South central Minnesota.
Old pup
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 347
South central Minnesota.
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If you think about it, most of our outdoor activities have the potential for danger. We are usually alone. Could have a major medical emergency or injury. If it's not snakes or hornets it could be bears, falling through ice or frostbite. I've never been lost but there have been a couple times when somebody moved a river or railroad tracks and didn't tell me. We all may have to deal with animal rights activists.
ergo, bibamus.
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Re: How dangerous is it to trap in southern waterways
[Re: spjones]
#8083861
02/22/24 08:50 PM
02/22/24 08:50 PM
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Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 3,593 Kentucky
ky_coyote_hunter
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 3,593
Kentucky
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A friend I sometimes trap beaver with was bit twice by cottonmouths, both bites within a 2 week time frame.
Member - FTA
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Re: How dangerous is it to trap in southern waterways
[Re: ~ADC~]
#8083865
02/22/24 08:56 PM
02/22/24 08:56 PM
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Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 3,593 Kentucky
ky_coyote_hunter
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 3,593
Kentucky
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Between the snakes, mosquitoes, heat and banjo players, I wouldn't have much interest in being in there. I'll take the snow any day. Snakes, mosquitoes, heat, no problem!....Banjo players are okay if they're related, and we all are, Lol.
Member - FTA
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Re: How dangerous is it to trap in southern waterways
[Re: Grandpa Trapper]
#8083870
02/22/24 09:01 PM
02/22/24 09:01 PM
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 4,397 East Texas
BTLowry
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 4,397
East Texas
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Like already said, constantly watching We have cottonmouths, timber rattlers and copperheads here. Have not been bitten, YET Water snakes have a bad attitude but the will only make you hurt yourself
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Re: How dangerous is it to trap in southern waterways
[Re: ~ADC~]
#8083882
02/22/24 09:12 PM
02/22/24 09:12 PM
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 23,755 New Hampshire
Nessmuck
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 23,755
New Hampshire
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Between the snakes, mosquitoes, heat and banjo players, I wouldn't have much interest in being in there. I'll take the snow any day. If I need a tater rake to trap ...it's a Haahd NO
It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees.
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Re: How dangerous is it to trap in southern waterways
[Re: Jtrapper]
#8084095
02/23/24 12:23 AM
02/23/24 12:23 AM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,918 east central Minnesota
Maddog47
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,918
east central Minnesota
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Jtrapper is right. Just the thought of those snakes will keep from sleeping well for a few days. I'll take our deep snow and cold weather any day, you keep those rotten snakes. My skin crawls just thinking of them.
Peace is that brief glorious moment when everybody stands around reloading Thomas Jefferson
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Re: How dangerous is it to trap in southern waterways
[Re: ~ADC~]
#8084106
02/23/24 12:40 AM
02/23/24 12:40 AM
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,577 West Tennessee
doublesettrigger
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,577
West Tennessee
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Between the snakes, mosquitoes, heat and banjo players, I wouldn't have much interest in being in there. I'll take the snow any day. I'm one of them banjer pickers, at least we know how to say creek. The least used sentence in the English language is,"There goes the banjer picker in his new Mercedes".I can tell ye some cottonmouth stories that will make ye have nightmares. I was beside a beaver dam back in a swamp and a cottonmouth hit me on the back of the boot about my calf. He just about knocked my foot out from under me. I didn't know they could hit that hard. He did not penetrate the hip boot. James Lord was tearing out a beaver dam and grabbed a stick and the stick moved in his hand, it was a cottonmouth. He didn't get bit. Most cottonmouths won't come after you, even though I have had a few to charge me, unprovoked. Yes, I have. They usually just lie right there with their mouth open. I had one strike at me on Dec. 23, totally unprovoked. A rabbit hunter shot one in February right where I had just walked. I have seen them swimming under clear ice.. So to answer your question; it's not dangerous but you better watch where you stick your hands. Just stay alert and you'll be fine. Rickey
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Re: How dangerous is it to trap in southern waterways
[Re: Paul Dobbins]
#8084110
02/23/24 12:53 AM
02/23/24 12:53 AM
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 4,954 Idaho Falls, ID
Grandpa Trapper
OP
trapper
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OP
trapper
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 4,954
Idaho Falls, ID
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And there was the time when I was in a ditch nor more than four feet wide. A log had fallen into the ditch creating a perfect choke point for a snare. As I was working on getting the snare set up, the hair on the back of my neck bristled. I turned and not five feet behind me was a big old cottonmouth with it's head raised up and it's mouth wide open. A whack with the tater rake took care of it. About dirtied my drawers with that episode.
And there was the time when I was raking out a beaver dam. I happened to look down, and there was a big old cottonmouth crawling over the toe of my boot. That was another episode where my drawers were in jeopardy of being soiled. Which part of North Carolina are Cottonmouths located. I can’t picture them being in the western part.
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Re: How dangerous is it to trap in southern waterways
[Re: Grandpa Trapper]
#8084122
02/23/24 02:04 AM
02/23/24 02:04 AM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 16,611 Goldsboro, North Carolina
Paul Dobbins
"Trapperman custodian"
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"Trapperman custodian"
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 16,611
Goldsboro, North Carolina
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And there was the time when I was in a ditch nor more than four feet wide. A log had fallen into the ditch creating a perfect choke point for a snare. As I was working on getting the snare set up, the hair on the back of my neck bristled. I turned and not five feet behind me was a big old cottonmouth with it's head raised up and it's mouth wide open. A whack with the tater rake took care of it. About dirtied my drawers with that episode.
And there was the time when I was raking out a beaver dam. I happened to look down, and there was a big old cottonmouth crawling over the toe of my boot. That was another episode where my drawers were in jeopardy of being soiled. Which part of North Carolina are Cottonmouths located. I can’t picture them being in the western part. I worked the northeast part of NC. I worked the counties of Pitt, Martin, Beaufort, Washington, Bertie, Hertford, Gates, Chowan, Tyrell, Hyde, Perquimans and Northampton. Bertie was the worse for cottonmouths.
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Re: How dangerous is it to trap in southern waterways
[Re: Grandpa Trapper]
#8084124
02/23/24 02:43 AM
02/23/24 02:43 AM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,886 Alabama/ SE Wisconsin
shanemoss
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,886
Alabama/ SE Wisconsin
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I been stomping around these alabama swamps 50 years. Trapping, coon hunting, camping, hiking, duck hunting, you name it. I been bit twice....once was a 6' gator I was trying to poach as a dumb - teenager (sorry swampwolf) and the other was a cotton mouth in a corn field. Lol. The gator I had by the tail, the snake was in a bundle of corn stalks I threw on my shoulder at least 1/2 a mile from any water.....dry summer. I used to catch cottonmouths for several years and a guy from Georgia would come by and milk them.
Had a friend come down from Indiana to pig hunt and we did it wading creeks through the palmetto flats. He was terrified! Lol. I'm in shorts, he's in waders with some kind of hard plastic wrap around snake guards in 100° heat. Never forget the sound of that plastic and palmetto leaves. He eventually shot a couple snakes and backed a hickory bow with them. Turned out beautiful. My advice is use common sense but my experience says use common sense. Lol. When I first started going north, I was shocked at the locals nonchalant attitude with wolves and bears. Now I'm right at home in mn or al. Take precautions if you like, but don't let it ruin your experience.
When you earnestly believe you can compensate for a lack of skill by doubling your efforts, there's no end to what you can't do.
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Re: How dangerous is it to trap in southern waterways
[Re: Old pup]
#8084246
02/23/24 09:13 AM
02/23/24 09:13 AM
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Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 701 Ontario
Saskfly
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 701
Ontario
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If you think about it, most of our outdoor activities have the potential for danger. We are usually alone. Could have a major medical emergency or injury. If it's not snakes or hornets it could be bears, falling through ice or frostbite. I've never been lost but there have been a couple times when somebody moved a river or railroad tracks and didn't tell me. We all may have to deal with animal rights activists. I thought I was the only one that had rivers and landmarks move on me. So how bad is the venom from cotton mouths? What's the treatment, recovery time and any lasting affects? Worked with some boys from the Australian air force and we got talking about the different animals. They where convinced there was a bear around every tree because that's all they saw about Canada on TV. I was convinced there was a snake/spider in every hidey hole in Australia because that's what I saw on TV. Still take dealing with a mad bull moose(had more trouble with them over the years then bears) over snakes......at least you can see the bull moose coming.
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Re: How dangerous is it to trap in southern waterways
[Re: Grandpa Trapper]
#8084322
02/23/24 10:16 AM
02/23/24 10:16 AM
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 12,660 South Ga - Almost Florida
Swamp Wolf
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 12,660
South Ga - Almost Florida
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Saskfly, Treatment may involve antivenin (with a positive snake ID) and likely a short hospital stay. Some folks have allergic reactions to the antivenin. Also, some people may be affected more by the venom than others. Venom is strong protein...so strong that your body rejects it...hence it is "poisonous." Folks with weak circulatory & immune systems are more likely to suffer serious effects from a cottonmouth bite. Cottonmouth venom is considered mostly hemotoxic (affect the blood, bloodstream, and other parts of the circulatory system....and potentially nervous system damage.
Thank God For Your Blessings! Never Half-Arse Anything!
Resource Protection Service
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Re: How dangerous is it to trap in southern waterways
[Re: Saskfly]
#8084349
02/23/24 10:49 AM
02/23/24 10:49 AM
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 25,736 Georgia
warrior
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 25,736
Georgia
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If you think about it, most of our outdoor activities have the potential for danger. We are usually alone. Could have a major medical emergency or injury. If it's not snakes or hornets it could be bears, falling through ice or frostbite. I've never been lost but there have been a couple times when somebody moved a river or railroad tracks and didn't tell me. We all may have to deal with animal rights activists. I thought I was the only one that had rivers and landmarks move on me. So how bad is the venom from cotton mouths? What's the treatment, recovery time and any lasting affects? Worked with some boys from the Australian air force and we got talking about the different animals. They where convinced there was a bear around every tree because that's all they saw about Canada on TV. I was convinced there was a snake/spider in every hidey hole in Australia because that's what I saw on TV. Still take dealing with a mad bull moose(had more trouble with them over the years then bears) over snakes......at least you can see the bull moose coming. Of the six hots in Georgia ranked in order. Eastern Coral, most dangerous venom neurotoxic. Least dangerous as far as bites. Very shy snake and uncommonly found. Actual bites very rare and usually a result of handling one. Toss up Eastern Diamondback/Timber. Diamondback for amount of venom delivered. Timber for sheer toxicity. Our Georgia Timbers have the most virulent venom found in the species containing both hemo and neuro toxic components. Northern and western timbers while still dangerous have less virulent venom. I'll give this one to the Timber as it is found statewide vs the Diamondback which is restricted to the lower third of the state and declining in numbers. Pygmy goes here based on toxicity but dosage is low based on size. Bites uncommon as while they are nominally found statewide populations are scattered being locally common in some locations to rare or absent in others. Moccasin aka Cottonmouth slightly more toxic than it's cousin the Copperhead and capable of delivering a larger dose. Not present in the north Georgia mountains only found south of Atlanta and up the Coosa River drainage. Copperhead least virulent of all our hots but most commonly encountered and most common envenomation as it is found statewide and does well in urban environments unlike Timbers that are extirpated from areas of urban development. Deaths are exceedingly rare from Copperheads and require minimal treatment compared to others. Still medically significant and treatment should be sought. Treatment for any bite is seek immediate treatment. Do not cut, suck or tourniquet go straight to the ER. Protocol now is observation and antivenom and supportive treatment if so indicated. Diamondback and Timber will require antivenom. There is a concern of potential reaction to antivenom hence the observation and treat as needed vs pushing antivenom as first response for all bites. Dry bites do occur as well. Crofab antivenom is formulated to be effective for all five pit vipers. Coral requires it's own antivenom. Antivenom does not have to be stored at the local ER as modern rapid response can get it flown in as needed from central storage. Recovery varies based on severity as does long term effect. As pit viper venom is hemotoxic and basically acts as a predigestive process the longer term effects mostly stem from necrotic and tissue damage around the site of the bite to systemic damage to tissues. The bigger and more toxic Diamondback and Timber being more likely to incur more damage.
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Re: How dangerous is it to trap in southern waterways
[Re: Grandpa Trapper]
#8084398
02/23/24 12:17 PM
02/23/24 12:17 PM
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 548 NE Mississippi
GRP
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 548
NE Mississippi
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Great post, good info warrior. Always keep an eye out when trapping. Even when we have freezing weather, a couple days in the 60s, you may see some moving. A November to February trapping season avoids most snake activity, and works around busier farm times. I don't warm weather beaver trap unless it's a serious problem.
For by grace are you saved by faith, and not of yourselves, it is the gift of God.
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Re: How dangerous is it to trap in southern waterways
[Re: GRP]
#8084428
02/23/24 01:35 PM
02/23/24 01:35 PM
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,577 West Tennessee
doublesettrigger
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,577
West Tennessee
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I don't warm weather beaver trap unless it's a serious problem. You ain't just whistling Dixie. Rickey
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Re: How dangerous is it to trap in southern waterways
[Re: Grandpa Trapper]
#8084431
02/23/24 01:58 PM
02/23/24 01:58 PM
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Joined: May 2018
Posts: 11,080 SW Georgia
Wanna Be
trapper
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trapper
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 11,080
SW Georgia
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Easiest way to avoid them, don’t look for them. Cottonmouths are probably our most common venomous snake where I hunt/trap/fish. Only been struck once and it hit the boot. Wasn’t the snakes fault really, I stepped on him in some high grass. Really wasn’t the place I expected a cottonmouth either. I see most on land vs water. If anyone says they chase you or come after you, then they encountered one of our water snakes and NOT a cottonmouth. Unless you step on them or try to grab one, they pretty much will just show you their namesake and let you back on off.
There’s been several times walking to the deer stand I’ll look down and see that “cotton” mouth opened up. If you’re close enough you hear their tail vibrating as well. I’ve heard that and started looking to find the snake. Even at night while thermal hunting, that white open mouth stands out.
Not sure what’s happened to all our Diamondbacks, but I’ve yet to see one on the property I hunt/trap/fish/work. Only seen a couple Timber Rattlers in 6-7yrs. Only see a few Copperheads as well. About the only benefit to having hogs roam through is the snakes they eat. I can’t speak for the rest of the State or country, but if you encounter snakes in a swamp you’re hog hunting, there ain’t any hogs.
I think Gators are more curious than anything else…except during nesting season. Mommas get real mad real quick. I’ve waded swamps to get to gobbling birds and had gators follow, but never get aggressive. Now encountering one on land is a little different, guess they feel vulnerable and will quickly let you know they mean business and you don’t want to find out, lol.
I wear snake boots almost year round, so I really don’t pay anything much attention. The only time I might get a little nervous about water is when my upper body is level with the creek bank. I’d think getting bit in the face or upper body would be worse than the lower extremities, but I’m not a medic, so who knows.
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Re: How dangerous is it to trap in southern waterways
[Re: Grandpa Trapper]
#8084443
02/23/24 02:10 PM
02/23/24 02:10 PM
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 12,660 South Ga - Almost Florida
Swamp Wolf
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 12,660
South Ga - Almost Florida
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As with anything else ....the more you put yourself in a potentially dangerous situation the odds start increasing against you.
Beaver trapping December thru February in the deep South = you'll likely not even see/encounter one.
Beaver trapping March thru November in the deep South = you'll likely see several....up close.
Thank God For Your Blessings! Never Half-Arse Anything!
Resource Protection Service
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Re: How dangerous is it to trap in southern waterways
[Re: Grandpa Trapper]
#8084498
02/23/24 03:46 PM
02/23/24 03:46 PM
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 45,617 james bay frontierOnt.
Boco
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 45,617
james bay frontierOnt.
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I checked the list of people killed by cottonmouth snakes Only possible one in 2015 and actual cause of death was undetermined because the Guy was full of opioids. Getting killed by a gator is much more likely than by a cottonmouth snake,but still pretty low compared to a lot of other things like driving.
Forget that fear of gravity-get a little savagery in your life.
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Re: How dangerous is it to trap in southern waterways
[Re: Boco]
#8084516
02/23/24 04:32 PM
02/23/24 04:32 PM
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 12,660 South Ga - Almost Florida
Swamp Wolf
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 12,660
South Ga - Almost Florida
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I checked the list of people killed by cottonmouth snakes Only possible one in 2015 and actual cause of death was undetermined because the Guy was full of opioids. Getting killed by a gator is much more likely than by a cottonmouth snake,but still pretty low compared to a lot of other things like driving. Death from the bite is not my primary worry. It's the medical bills that will follow. Yes..I have health insurance, but that deductible and co-pay would probably be $10,000 or more...out of my pocket...
Thank God For Your Blessings! Never Half-Arse Anything!
Resource Protection Service
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Re: How dangerous is it to trap in southern waterways
[Re: Jurassic Park]
#8084517
02/23/24 04:33 PM
02/23/24 04:33 PM
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Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 8,613 Henderson, N.Y. Jefferson Co.
walleyed
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 8,613
Henderson, N.Y. Jefferson Co.
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I’ll take poison ivy over snakes any day! Said the paranoid, girly boy trapper who is: " Afraid to Wade" !!! w
"Provisional/Interim" member of NYS Trappers Association Jefferson Co. Fur Harvesters
I Support Non-Resident Trapping
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Re: How dangerous is it to trap in southern waterways
[Re: Grandpa Trapper]
#8084532
02/23/24 05:24 PM
02/23/24 05:24 PM
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Joined: Feb 2023
Posts: 203 South Louisiana
Trappeur Gunny
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Feb 2023
Posts: 203
South Louisiana
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that have cottonmouths in them. Or do you even go into the water to trap. I just sat down with a drink after checking traps all day and I read the above statement. I spit my drink all over the screen, Seriously? Maybe because I live in a swamp and a commercial alligator hunter I really don’t worry about a congo (Cajun French for cottonmouth). It’s just a snake. Just like I don’t really worry about alligators. Heck today I probably saw over 30 cocodrille ranging from three up to 10 feet. There were all sorts of snakes sunning today. I trap in and around bears. I have wild hogs to deal with. It’s part of trapping down here. If anyone down here is scared of getting in the water they ain’t going to get much done. When the mink, otters, beavers and nutria are out in force I might run up to 200 traps a day and most of them I have to either wade or work out of pirogue. Right now I’m gearing up for crawfish and anyone who has ever set crawfish traps with tell you, you ain’t seen snakes till you run crawfish traps. But again, if you are afraid of a congo you ain’t making no money on crawfish. I have not been bitten by a congo but when I was about 13 I got bit by a cane break rattlesnake while setting traps. My fault as I didn’t look before I reached in on a nutria trail to set a B&L 1 ½ long spring. It was not pleasant. Even my wife laughed at this. She said, "How would we get anything done around here?"
Last edited by Trappeur Gunny; 02/23/24 06:58 PM.
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Re: How dangerous is it to trap in southern waterways
[Re: Grandpa Trapper]
#8084540
02/23/24 05:40 PM
02/23/24 05:40 PM
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Joined: Jan 2024
Posts: 43 East Texas
SLEDD
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Jan 2024
Posts: 43
East Texas
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If you are trapping for fur, you should be trapping Nov to end of Feb. For the most part they are dormant then although on warm days they like to come out to sun themselves. Just watch where you step and put your hands. Don't get in a hurry, Today the alligators were out in the back.
Anything the governments gives you they must first take away from someone else.
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Re: How dangerous is it to trap in southern waterways
[Re: Wanna Be]
#8084709
02/23/24 08:50 PM
02/23/24 08:50 PM
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,577 West Tennessee
doublesettrigger
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,577
West Tennessee
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If anyone says they chase you or come after you, then they encountered one of our water snakes and NOT a cottonmouth.
That is not entirely correct. I absolutely know the difference between water snakes and cottonmouths. Yes, I most certainly have had a few cottonmouths come after me striking the air. Rickey
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Re: How dangerous is it to trap in southern waterways
[Re: Boco]
#8084763
02/23/24 09:44 PM
02/23/24 09:44 PM
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Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 1,002 Missouri
Osagan
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 1,002
Missouri
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I checked the list of people killed by cottonmouth snakes Only possible one in 2015 and actual cause of death was undetermined because the Guy was full of opioids. Yep. That happened about 10 miles upriver from me on The James River. A place called Deleware Town. Guy was wading in the river and got tagged in both legs. Hobbled up out of the river and had his girl friend drive him home, where, he laid down to rest and then woke up the next morning dead. Didn't make it through the night. They say he had such a toxic mix of alcohol, hydrocodone and opioids in him they couldn't pinpoint what species of snake bit him. But they suspect it was a cottonmouth. The story was that he didn't go to the emergency room because he didn't have insurance but the local chatter was that he knew he would be drug tested and of course he was on parole. I've fished that river for over 50 years and not had any serious problems. Just use common sense. On hot summer nights mouths sometimes like to craw up in willows hanging out over the river. Had one get in the boat with me one night when I was running limb lines. It ended good though. '
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Re: How dangerous is it to trap in southern waterways
[Re: Pipeliner90]
#8085100
02/24/24 10:46 AM
02/24/24 10:46 AM
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 25,736 Georgia
warrior
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 25,736
Georgia
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Depends how far south you go really. Cottonmouths are around most of the south but down towards Warrior’s way you have to be wary of them swamp lizards. Snakes are one thing but a hungry 13ft gator is a whole different ballgame. I'm north by a few miles of gator country and actually on the very edge of moccasin. Beaver work north of me is moccasin free, to the west or south I gotta keep my eyes peeled. The occasional gator pops up here wandering up but I really got to get down to Macon to start seeing them.
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Re: How dangerous is it to trap in southern waterways
[Re: Grandpa Trapper]
#8086045
02/25/24 04:22 PM
02/25/24 04:22 PM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 16,784 West Virginia,age 49
cathryn
bvr-takr-upr
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bvr-takr-upr
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 16,784
West Virginia,age 49
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Jerry has never seen an aligator in MS in all the time hes trapped in Mississippi and he's trapped Louisiana also. I think the guy in Louisiana told.him aligators don't move until.the water temp reaches 70.
He saw one.snake this year..it was a regular water snake.
Ya.gotta trap as soon you can after deer and duck season go out to avoid them. .
IF IDIOTS GREW ON TREES THIS PLACE WOULD BE AN ORCHARD !
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