Breaking the Rules for a Rattlesnake
A tale from the SNS Archives
47 years of experience has SNS Outfitter's memory bank full of stories. It's high time we share a few tailgate tales from the collection as we go. Please enjoy this memory from our Outfitter, Sy Gilliland:
Hunting Pronghorn Antelope takes place primarily in prairie grass & sagebrush habitat. Wyoming is home to the largest remaining intact antelope habitat. Millions of acres of sagebrush habitat are key to why Wyoming is home to the majority of North America's Antelope populations. I have countless recollections from my years hunting pronghorn antelope on the Wyoming grasslands. This particular memory had me create a new "rule" if you will, with my hunting client at the time.
Antelope country is also home to many native species. Critters such as red fox, swift fox, badgers, prairie dogs, sage grouse, many species of songbirds and raptors all require intact, natural habitat in order to thrive. Of course, good antelope country is also home to a not so friendly animal; the prairie rattlesnake.
The prairie rattler is not a big snake and most will be 12-18 inches long. Some snakes will be bigger, however. I have seen them over 3 feet long, but those are exceedingly rare. Rattlesnakes can be found in heavy sagebrush, rock ledges and of course, feasting on prairie dog town inhabitants. Prairie rattlers are not an aggressive snake and most often they move away without you even knowing they were in the area. It is always an excellent idea to be aware and alert as you hunt Wyoming antelope in snake habitat. Rattlesnakes will most often let you know you are close, by sounding off with their signature tail rattle.
Many years ago, I was guiding a client on a Trophy Antelope Hunt in central Wyoming. We were on the final couple hundred yards of the stalk and I told the hunter to be quiet and no talking so we did not alert the herd of feeding antelope. We crawled to the edge of a butte we used to conceal our approach and decided the buck just was not big enough to take. As we walked back to the truck the hunter asked me,
"Did you feel that?" I asked him, "Did I feel what?" "The rattlesnake that struck your boot." He replied.
Apparently, a rattle snake lunged at my boot biting just the pant leg and leather while on the stalk. I had no idea it had happened. I asked him, "Why in the hell didn't you tell me I had been struck?" His reply was, "You told me not to talk." My response, "Okay, new rule; If a rattlesnake strikes your hunting guide, it's ok to talk and let him know." We had a laugh and I was relieved none of the rattlers poisonous venom had penetrated my leather boot.
The stories and memories that come from hunting experiences are an important part of the total experience. The various animals and birds you will see during a Wyoming antelope hunt are part of the adventure. Embrace it and enjoy the wildlife viewing opportunities you will experience during your hunt, but please do be sure to wear the right boots!.
Tales from the SNS Outfitter Archives are told by Outfitter, Sy Gilliland. To learn more about SNS Outfitter & Guides many hunting opportunities in Montana & Wyoming check out the website at www.huntwyo.com or give us a call at 1-307-266-4229
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